Class Awards Writing Writing STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST REQUIREMENT Write an essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes A successful essay should consist of ● an introduction paragraph in which you clea.
Writing STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST REQUIREMENT: Write an essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes A successful essay should consist of: ● an introduction paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed ● a main body, in which you clearly state in separate paragraphs and exemplify or justify ● a closing paragraph summarizing the main points of the essay, in which you restate your opinion, and/or give a balanced consideration of the topic STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST REQUIREMENT: Write an essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes You should: - use formal, impersonal style - use topic sentence to introduce the subject of each paragraph - give reasons and examples following the topic sentences - use linking words/ phrases - make references to other sources - answer the question, not the topic You should NOT: - use short form, informal language - use very emotional language STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST CRITERIA OF EVALUATION - Task fulfillment: + requirements + tone + position - Organization: + coherence and cohesion + paragraphing + conclusion - Vocabulary - Grammar STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST Types of essays For and against /Advantages – Disadvantages =>Discuss both sides Express an opinion (Agree or Disagree) => Discuss the side you agree with Causes – solutions => Discuss causes and solutions STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST Here is a four paragraph structure that can be used * Introduction: - Introduction topic - Thesis statement * Main body 1: - Topic sentence - Arguments with support * Main body 2: - Topic sentence - Arguments with support * Conclusion - Summarise the essay - Give an opinion or future statement STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST ANALYZING THE QUESTION Essay topics may be expressed in various ways, but there are basically three types of essay that a student must prepare for Remember, the type of essay they give you will dictate the style of your organization and the vocabulary you use FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY Key questions words in a ‘for and against’ essay: ● Discuss the advantages and disadvantages ● Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion ● Discuss both views/ sides of the argument ● Discuss both views/ sides of the argument and then give your own opinion ● You should write a similar amount for each view ● If the question also asks for your opinion, you don't need an extra paragraph Just make it clear (in the introduction and/or conclusion) which of the two views you agree with OPINION ESSAY Key questions words in an opinion essay: ● What is your opinion about this? ● What you believe? ● To what extend you agree or disagree? (not only answer your side but also express how much you agree) ● Do you agree or disagree with the statement? ● Ask for your view, not the views of other people, and you don't have to give both sides of the argument ● Just make your opinion clear in the introduction, then explain it in the rest of the essay PROBLEMS – SOLUTIONS – EFFECTS ESSAY Key questions words in a ‘problem-solution’ essay: ● ● ● ● ● problems/ causes solutions/ measures cause – effects/ impacts Simply write a paragraph explaining the problem(s) and a paragraph explaining the solution(s) Some questions ask about 'causes' or 'effects' Causes would be in place of the 'problem' paragraph and effects would replace the “solution” paragraph PRACTICE TESTS Topic 1: An increasing number of people are now using the Internet to meet new people and socialize Some people think this has brought people closer together while others think people are becoming more isolated Discuss both views and give your opinion Topic 1: An increasing number of people are now using the Internet to meet new people and socialize Some people think this has brought people closer together while others think people are becoming more isolated Discuss both views and give your opinion THESIS STATEMENT: 1/ If the task asks for your opinion, use phrases such as: I partially agree with X, but Y must be considered also Or In my view, it is important to examine the advantages and disadvantages/ both sides of this issue before arriving at/ coming to a conclusion 2/ If the task directs you to discuss advantages and disadvantages, but does not ask for your opinion, use impersonal phrases such as: It cannot be denied that X, but Y is also true Topic 1: An increasing number of people are now using the Internet to meet new people and socialize Some people think this has brought people closer together while others think people are becoming more isolated Discuss both views and give your opinion Meet new people: make new contacts Socialize: contact and spend time together in a friendly way Isolated: without much contact with others in person; lead to social isolation; E.g Nowadays, many people think that the Internet plays an important role in helping them to make new contacts around the world while others claim that the misuse of the Internet may lead to social isolation I partially agree with the importance of the Internet for people’s close connections, but its drawbacks must be considered also (2 sentences) Topic 1: An increasing number of people are now using the Internet to meet new people and socialize Some people think this has brought people closer together while others think people are becoming more isolated Discuss both views and give your opinion 1/ Topic sentence: People find it much easier to get connected with others around the globe over the Internet without wasting a lot of time For example, family members and friends who are away from one another can have a virtual meeting at any time using mobile applications such as Zalo, Zoom, or WhatsApp Moreover, thanks to the “Find around here” feature on Zalo, people can find and make new friends with ease In brief, social media sites together with the Internet have become more and more advanced that can help people socialize more easily and frequently 2/ Topic sentence: However, the drawbacks that the Internet has brought to people’s connections are undeniable People can contact together at any time they want, so they become lazy to see one another in person Since the Internet helps people to see their friends and relatives every day, it is not important to have family reunions on some special occasions such as birthdays or family anniversaries, and all these things can be organized with the participation of those people through virtual meetings Consequently, this may result in feeling alone and missing their close ones Topic 1: An increasing number of people are now using the Internet to meet new people and socialize Some people think this has brought people closer together while others think people are becoming more isolated Discuss both views and give your opinion In conclusion, although the Internet could help people to find more friends and communicate with one another easily, it also allows them to experience the feeling of loneliness and sadness In my opinion, people’s awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet should be increased so that they can use it properly and effectively Topic 2: The role of education is to prepare children for the modern world Schools should cut art and music out of the curriculum so that children can focus on useful subjects such as information technology To what extent you agree or disagree? Topic 2: The role of education is to prepare children for the modern world Schools should cut art and music out of the curriculum so that children can focus on useful subjects such as information technology To what extent you agree or disagree? II/ body paragraphs Step 1: Paraphrase the question Think of the ideas for both sides Decide the structure of your essay Step 2: Write your essay I/ Intro paragraph: 2-3 sentences + The first sentences: paraphrase the question + The last sentence: thesis statement I/ First paragraph: one side (5-6 sentences) - Topic sentence (1 sentence) + Reasons + Examples + Information/Facts + Cause & Effects statements II/ Second paragraph: the other side (5-6 sentences) - Topic sentence (1 sentence) + Reasons + Examples + Information/Facts + Cause & Effects statements III/ Conclusion: (2-3 sentences) - Remind the readers of what the issue under discussion is - State your opinion Topic 2: The role of education is to prepare children for the modern world Schools should cut art and music out of the curriculum so that children can focus on useful subjects such as information technology To what extent you agree or disagree? THESIS STATEMENT: 1/ If you have a strong viewpoint, use phrases such as: In my view/ To my mind/ I think, X is true because A and B Or I strongly agree/disagree that X is true because A and B 2/ If you only agree partially, use phrases such as: I partially agree with X, but Y must be considered also Or In my view, it is important to examine the advantages and disadvantages/ both sides of this issue before arriving at/coming to a conclusion Topic 2: The role of education is to prepare children for the modern world Schools should cut art and music out of the curriculum so that children can focus on useful subjects such as information technology To what extent you agree or disagree? Think of synonyms for the words in the question or different ways to rewrite the question Prepare children for = equip children with Cut out of = remove from Curriculum = training program Focus on = pay attention to Introduction It is advisable that education should focus on equipping students with knowledge and essential skills in the 21st century Therefore, music and art should be removed from the training program so that students can pay attention to other productive subjects such as information technology In my view, it is important to examine both sides of this issue before arriving at a conclusion Topic 2: The role of education is to prepare children for the modern world Schools should cut art and music out of the curriculum so that children can focus on useful subjects such as information technology To what extent you agree or disagree? 1/ Topic sentence: We are living in the visual age in which technology is considered to be one of the top priorities in education in order to prepare learners for a better future For example, when recruiting new employees, companies always seek individuals with some prior knowledge of technology Moreover, being good at computer skills is no longer regarded as an advantage, but proficiency in computers is the key requirement Therefore, omitting other subjects from the training course could extend the training time for technology courses In brief, students should be equipped with information technology skills that are necessary in helping them deal with this challenging world 2/ Topic sentence: However, we cannot deny the importance of art and music for fostering/developing people’s creativity and demands In this modern world, students are studying under pressure, so spending about one hour learning art or music after listening to lectures on technology may help refresh their mind and help them focus better Moreover, many students are not interested in learning computers, but music and art If they receive training in these subjects, it will be beneficial for them to build their career in these fields Hence, it is necessary to keep music and art as regular school subjects Topic 2: The role of education is to prepare children for the modern world Schools should cut art and music out of the curriculum so that children can focus on useful subjects such as information technology To what extent you agree or disagree? Conclusion In summary/ To sum up/ In conclusion, there must be a reason why art and music have been being taught at schools for a very long time In my opinion, schools can shorten the training periods for art and music and extend the teaching time for other subjects such as information technology Topic 3: In some cities and towns all over the world, the high volume of traffic is a problem What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem? II/ body paragraphs I/ First paragraph: causes-effects(5-6 sentences) Step 1: Paraphrase the question Think of the ideas causes and solutions Decide the structure of your essay - Topic sentence (1 sentence) Step 2: Write your essay II/ Second paragraph: solutions (5-6 sentences) I/ Intro paragraph: 2-3 sentences + The first sentences: paraphrase the question (introduce the problem) + The last sentence: a thesis statement (introduce the effects and the solutions) + identify and explain 2-3 problems by stating what the problems are, their causes and the effects - Topic sentence (1 sentence) + Suggest 2-3 solutions that address the problems outlined in the 1st paragraph (clearly state who should something, what should be done, and what the intended effect/purpose of this action is III/ Conclusion: (2-3 sentences) - Remind the readers of what the issue under discussion is and of solutions presented Make a prediction Topic 3: In some cities and towns all over the world, the high volume of traffic is a problem What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem? Introduction: - It is undeniable that… - It is true that Body paragraphs: 1/ Para 1: - Obviously, … - Two of the main contributors for… - There are two major contributors for… 2/ Para 2: - To tackle these problems,… - To ease these increasing worries, … - To mitigate these problems, … Conclusion: - In conclusion,… - To conclude, … - In summary,… - To sum up,… Topic 3: In some cities and towns all over the world, the high volume of traffic is a problem What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem? Traffic: traffic jam/congestion Problem = issue Cities and towns = urban areas All over the world = around the globe = worldwide Introduction: It is true that traffic congestion/jam has become a serious issue in the urban areas around the globe This phenomenon has made devasting impacts on people’s lives, and governments should take actions to address this issue 1/ Paragraph Two of the main contributors for traffic congestion are population growths and the increase of commuters Firstly, population density in some cities such as Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, etc is very high and keeps increasing and it means there are more cars in those megacities According to statistics, the population of HCMC was about 8.4 million people in 2019, and the number increased to over 8.6 million in 2020 In addition, many people from nearby areas commute to work in some big cities every day, this could create traffic-related problems The reason is that people find it very difficult to get a well-paid job in the rural areas or some poor provinces Topic 3: In some cities and towns all over the world, the high volume of traffic is a problem What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem? 2/ Paragraph To mitigate these problems, there are several actions that governments should take immediately Firstly, governments should control population growth in a balanced manner For example, all citizens must follow the family planning policy which allows a family to have from one to two children If the policy is followed well, this could help control the population growth effectively Furthermore, governments should encourage the city citizens to use public transportation instead of their own vehicles and this could help cut down a huge number of means of transport in rush hours Finally, economic development projects should be conducted in suburban areas By doing this, traffic problems can be reduced because people not have to commute to work Conclusion In conclusion, population increase and a lack of jobs in the suburbs are the two main reasons for traffic chaos Therefore, the governments should take steps to tackle these problems I believe that traffic chaos will be controlled if every one follows the government’s guidance ... Summarise the essay - Give an opinion or future statement STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST ANALYZING THE QUESTION Essay topics may be expressed in various ways, but there are basically three types of essay. .. summarizing the main points of the essay, in which you restate your opinion, and/or give a balanced consideration of the topic STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST REQUIREMENT: Write an essay of at least 250 words...STRUCTURE OF WRITING TEST REQUIREMENT: Write an essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes A successful essay should consist of: ● an introduction paragraph