Independent Writing task 2 An excellent precept for writers: have a clear idea of all the phrases and expressions you need, and you will find them
Contents • • • • • • •
Introduction Outline map The essay Brainstorming A good essay Limit your focus The body: the paragraph
• • • • • • • •
Conclusion Winning formula Tense transitions Proof reading Plan Caution Finally Example
Introduction • The topics for independent writing task are based on common experience of people in general and students in particular • There is no need for specialized knowledge • You can agree, disagree or be neutral • Time -30mins • Word limit- about 300
Outline Map • Make an outline map of the ideas to be included in the essay • With the out line you are ready to write • The points are – Organized ,cohesive – Coherent ,clear • You are never in loss of words and ideas • Don’t waste time perfecting your outline
The Essay • • • • • •
Must respond directly to the question Take a clear position Be well organized Have proper examples Have sentence variety Have correct sentence structure
Be Involved
Brainstorm • Brainstorm—think up ideas—that will support your thesis. • Use one sheet of paper to list 3 to 5 reasons, examples, or details that support your main idea. • Do it for a few minutes to get the best points.
To Brainstorm • • • • •
Write non-stop for two to three minutes. Keep your hand moving to get your ideas out. Write down as many ideas as you can. Don’t edit Write whatever comes to mind. Pick the strongest ideas for your essay.
Your Notes • Don’t worry about grammar or structure on the scratch paper, it will not be graded • use native language if you choose • Just be sure to use standard English in your essay.
A Good Essay has • A strong introduction, example: Some people prefer living in the country. Others prefer the crowds and energy of the city. For me, the noise, lights, and movement of the city are more comforting than a quiet, dark, and still night in the country. – or • Restate in your own words the statement or situation in the prompt
Another Strong Introduction • Include thesis and a summary of the evidence (supporting details) you will present: Today, the Internet allows us to access information in an instant. This technology has improved our lives by making it easier to research topics that interest us, find and buy products we need, and exchange information with others. • Note: Introduction outlines the 3 main parts the essay’s body: how the Internet makes it easier to – (1) research topics, – (2) Find & buy products – (3) exchange information.
Impose Conditions • Some questions give you only two choices for your response, but that does not mean you are limited to a simple “yes” or “no” answer. • You can impose some conditions in your answer
Example • A prompt may ask you: “Do you agree or disagree that all students should wear school uniforms instead of whatever clothing they desire?” “Students should not have to wear school uniforms, but there should be restrictions about what kind of clothing students can wear.”
Limit your Focus • For example, • If a question asks you to describe some of the qualities you value in a friend, quickly • Choose two or three characteristics for your essay • You do not have enough time or space to discuss more.
The Body: Supporting Paragraphs • Avoid introducing several ideas within one paragraph • Treat each paragraph as a mini-essay with its own thesis (a topic sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph) and supporting details (examples) • List at least one detail or example for each main • supporting idea.
Only Appropriate Examples Make Sense
Length of a Paragraph • Keep each paragraph about 3–4 sentences long. • If you write fewer, you will most likely not develop your idea sufficiently. • BALANCE is the key
Conclusion -Sums Up Your Argument • • • •
Avoid introducing new topics or ideas here But show that you have covered your topic fully Restate your thesis in different words Make readers feel that they have learned something meaningful from your argument
Winning Formula: Order Of Importance • By increasing importance (least important Idea → most important idea). • By decreasing importance (most important idea → least important idea).
Either Arrangement Is Appropriate • • • • •
However, if you develop your essay by increasing importance, you present your least important idea first and save you strongest idea for last, making a greater impact in your conclusion.
Keep Your Verb Tense Consistent • Switching tense within a sentence can change its meaning. • Generally, a sentence or paragraph that begins in the present tense should continue in the present tense.
Transitions • • • • • • •
Use transitions, Key words and phrases like more important Similarly first, second for example and in particular can help guide your reader through your essay.
The Last Step: Proof Reading • Because you have only about five minutes to proofread you don't have time to revise or rewrite your piece. • Organizing your argument & providing adequate support must happen before you write, when you are outlining your essay.
The Goal Of Proofreading • Is to give your essay a final “polish” by checking your – Spelling, – Correcting grammatical errors – If needed, changing word order or word choice.
Plan • You have just half an hour to write a top-rated essay. • Should you plunge right in or take time to plan your essay first? • Even though time is limited, your chances of doing well increase • if you organize your thoughts before you write.
Caution • Stick to your assigned topic. You cannot choose your own topic. • If you write about a different topic, you will receive a score of “0.” • Read questions carefully. If a prompt asks you to discuss only one characteristic, limit yourself to one. • If you write about three characteristics, you will receive a lower score.
Time • Keep track of your time—try to finish writing your essay by the time the clock counts down to 4 or 5 minutes remaining. • Use the remaining time to check your work and make final changes. • At the end of 30 minutes, your essay will automatically be saved.
Finally… • There is no maximum word limit—you may write as much as you wish in the time allotted. • Although you may still receive a top score if you write fewer than 300 words • however shorter responses typically do not demonstrate the development of ideas needed to earn a score of 5.
Independent Writing Question • Some people prefer to settle down and start a family in a rural area. Other people prefer the convenience of the big city. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Sample Essay: Does this scenario sound familiar to you? A young couple meets and falls in love in the city. Later they get married and decide to move to a rural area. They plan to start a family. This may have been the case years ago, but today more couples are choosing to settle down in the city. In my opinion a city has more to offer a new family than a rural area. These things include jobs, institutions, and support systems. There are more work opportunities for young couples in a city than in a rural area. Unemployment is much lower in urban centers. One reason for this is that many jobs in rural areas are seasonal. It is more common for large companies to be based in the city. Even though the cost of living is higher in the city than it is in a rural area, people who work in the city tend to have much higher salaries. Furthermore, financial stress is a leading cause of divorce and leads to the break up of families. The city offers important institutions such as the best hospitals and schools that rural areas don't always have. For instance, people who get sick or have babies in rural areas often have to travel to the city for medical attention. This can lead to bills and transportation problems. While their parents have to commute to work, kids sometimes have to travel a long way on a bus to school. All of the travel takes away from family time. In addition, kids who grow up in rural areas are less likely to go to post secondary schools. Most have to go to the city to get a good education. It is more likely that a young couple will have the support of friends and family in the city than in a rural area. When a young couple moves away from this support system, they often feel isolated. On the other hand, small communities are usually close and friendly. It doesn't take long to meet new friends in a small town. People look out for each other and the crime rate is much lower. Even still, you can never replace your best friends and relatives. Consequently, birthdays and holidays feel lonely without grandparents and childhood friends to join in the celebration. Living in the city is a new trend for young families. This is partly because people are starting families later. I have already established my career and home in the city. My friends and family and all of the things I need are here. When I meet my future spouse I hope he agrees to settle down in the city.
Essay Checklist • • • • • • • • • • •
Do I have an interesting introductory sentence? Do I have a thesis? Does my introduction state the topics that I plan to cover? Does each paragraph have a topic sentence? Do I use examples and reasons to support my points? Is my spelling and punctuation correct? Do I use simple grammatical structure that I am comfortable with? Do I use transitional phrases? Have I covered both sides of an issue fairly? Did I prove my thesis? Does my conclusion end with an interesting thought or idea?
Its Time To Workout
End of Presentation