Better+writing

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Be sure to check out the following websites to get more great writing tips for this kind of essay: https://storyteller204.wikispaces.com/
 * Websites**
 * @http://www.ielts.org/
 * @http://www.writefix.com/argument/essaylist.htm
 * @http://www.uefap.com/writing/writfram.htm
 * @http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/index.html

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Academic writing []

Essay Writing Checklist











•Keep your sentence length under control. •Use simple words instead of complex words and ending up conveying the wrong meaning. •Avoid jargon. and slang •Use relevant wise quotes where necessary. •Be focused on the subject and avoid deviating to unrelated areas •Avoid abbreviations and acronyms. •Use topic sentences. •Link your ideas and paragraphs. •Use examples to explain difficult points.
 * Use active verbs.

Samples:([]

1.Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on your children. Do you agree or disagree?

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2.Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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LESSON PLAN 1.

In both the Academic and General Training versions of the exam, the second part of the written paper is a discussion essay. You are given an opinion, a point of view or a problem, and you have to present and justify your opinion in an organised essay. You have to write 250 words, and you should spend no longer than 40 minutes on the task. The topic could relate anything that a normal adult could be expected to discuss, for example: Let's look at an example of the type of task. = 'As English is now the world language and an essential skill in business, English language instruction should begin in kindergarten.' = = To what extent do you agree or disagree? = Present your ideas and opinions with examples where necessary. You should write 250 words First, let's analyse the question. Think about the keywords and clarify what they mean. Now, decide whether you are for the opinion (you agree that English should be taught in Kindergarten) or against the opinion (you disagree) and make notes of your ideas. Often it is a good idea to explore both sides of the argument. Also, try and think of real-life examples that prove your point Read through the following notes. Are they for or against the idea? 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 || ||   ||  ||   ||||||||  || 1, 4, 5, 8, 9 ||  ||   ||  ||   ||  || Now that you have some ideas you can plan the layout of your essay. Think about what you want the main point of each paragraph to be. With this type of question a very straightforward paragraph plan is as follows. Useful language is in italics. Explain the background of the issue
 * IELTS Writing tips: Task 2**
 * the environment
 * education
 * crime
 * poverty
 * healthcare
 * the internet.
 * Dealing with the task**
 * Step 1: Question Analysis**
 * World language** – is English the world language? If so, what gives it this status? How is it used globally? Are there any alternative global languages?
 * Essential** – Does everyone really need to speak English? Are there jobs where it is not necessary? Can all prominent people in society speak it well?
 * Kindergarten** – Is this the best time to start? What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting to learn English this early?
 * Step 2: Brainstorming**
 * 1) Other languages are more widely spoken than English
 * 2) English is regarded as the international business language
 * 3) Many multinationals use English as their corporate language
 * 4) Other languages are also used in business
 * 5) Foreign executives in China are being required to learn Chinese
 * 6) English is used in higher education, even in non-English speaking countries
 * 7) Learning English in Kindergarten could help students become bi-lingual
 * 8) Languages represent culture and should be preserved
 * 9) Young children haven’t fully mastered their first language and will be very confused
 * 10) Young children are very receptive to new language
 * Answers**
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * ^  ||   ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || Answers || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||   || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || For
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || Against
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * Step 3: Planning**
 * 1: Introduction**

In recent years; Nowadays; Over the past twenty years… Arguments in favour of introducing English tuition in kindergarten (one or two paragraphs)
 * 2: For**

Some people think; They say; It’s true that … Arguments against doing this (one or two paragraphs)
 * 3: Against**

On the other hand; Other people would argue; One example of this is … Your own personal opinion based on all the arguments
 * 4: Conclusion**

Overall; Having looked at both sides; In conclusion … The following essay is a response to the task, but the paragraphs mixed-up. Can you put them in the correct order?
 * Step 4: Writing**

(Notice the opening phrases used to link the ideas together.)
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * ^  ||   ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||   || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||   || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || A || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || **It****'****s true that** English is very important in international business, and many multinational companies use English as their corporate language. It is also very important in terms of educational opportunities, with many universities now teaching courses in English even in non-English speaking countries, not to mention the information and entertainment available from global media such as Hollywood movies and the Internet. Many people feel that teaching children English from a young age gives children the opportunity to become bi-lingual which would provide them with many advantages in the future. Pre-school children are also obviously very receptive to new language. || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || B || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || **However, the real issue is** whether children of kindergarten age are mentally ready to start learning a foreign language. It stands to reason that a child who has not mastered their mother tongue will be very confused by exposure to a second unrelated form of communication. || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || C || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || **Having looked at both sides of this issue**, it seems clear that, although English is very important, educators need to think carefully about the child’s overall development when deciding when to introduce English into the curriculum. Doing this too early could result in children being proficient in neither language, and there are also issues of cultural identity that need to be considered. || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || D || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || **Nowadays**, many people regard English as the main world language and it is certainly true that it is a very important tool for communication between people from different countries. Because of this, many kindergartens now offer English language instruction to children as young as 3, but this the really the best age to start learning a foreign language? || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || E || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || **On the other hand**, some people might argue that it is a mistake for children’s education to focus exclusively on English, particularly as there are other languages, such as Chinese and Spanish that are more widely spoken. In an increasingly multi-polar world other languages clearly have a role to play, for example this week it has been reported that all new foreign executives in China will be required to pass a Chinese proficiency exam. Others would also argue that language represents culture, and that by putting too much emphasis on one language we risk diluting other languages and cultures. || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||   || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||

2: A 3: E 4: B 5: C || ||   ||  ||   ||  ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * ^  ||   ||   |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || Answers || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] ||  || [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * |||||||| [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.britishcouncil.org/spacer.gif width="5" height="1"]] || 1: D

LESSON PLAN 2.

**Paraphrasing**
Another important point - **don't copy from the question!** You must paraphrase (put it in your own words). To do this you can use synonyms and move the order of the sentence around. Using some of the same words is acceptable, but **don't copy whole phrases**. If too much is copied, the examiner will deduct this from your word count and your essay could end up too short. You can see how the question above has been paraphrased. All the information is from the question, but it has been written in a different way and has not been copied.

Further Examples
Question: > //**Science and technology have helped the world make many advances. The Arts, such as painting, theatre and dance, to name just three examples, however, are also valuable.**// > **//What things do the Arts provide to the world that Science and Technology do not?//**
 * Example 2:**

Sample IELTS essay introduction: > //Societies have developed rapidly over time due to the many advances in science and technology. However, the arts are also very important and provide our world with many things that science and technology cannot.//

Question: > **//According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities world wide, we should be concerned about the effect this is having on social interaction.//** > **//How far do you agree with this opinion?//**
 * Example 3:**

Sample IELTS essay introduction: > //A recent study has shown that as people use the Internet more, they are spending less time with human beings. I believe that although this has increased the communication around the world in positive ways, it has also led to negative effects on the day-to-day social interaction of human beings.//

Question: > **//Unemployment has become an increasing problem in the recent past.//**
 * Example 4:**

> **//What factors contribute to an increase in unemployment and what steps can be taken to solve the problem?//**

Sample IELTS essay introduction: > //Over recent years, the level of unemployment has been increasing at an alarming rate in many countries around the world. This essay will discuss the reasons for this increase and consider what practical solutions are available.//

Question: > **//Some people think children in secondary school should study international news as part of the curriculum. Others think that this would be a waste of time as there are already too many subjects for children to concentrate on.//** > **//Discuss both views and give your own opinion.//**
 * Example 5:**

Sample IELTS essay introduction: > //While some people are of the opinion that it would be useful to include international news as a subject in the school curriculum, others believe that this is a waste of students time because they are already overloaded with subjects to study. This essay will examine both sides of the issue.//

LESSON PLAN "MINI SAGA" [] []