Make a plan
Take ten minutes to lay out your ideas. Make a pros and cons list. Here’s some things you might come up with when writing, for example, about museums and sport centres.
Structure your essay
The essence of a good essay is a clear structure.
Introduction
Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line should also grab the reader’s attention, then you should paraphrase the question. Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will make them want to read on, right?
Paragraph 1
Discuss the first option you’ve chosen. Include a good topic sentence and remember to give reasons for your answer. Describe some of the advantages, and even some of the disadvantages too. This will give a well-balanced argument.
Paragraph 2
Here’s where you introduce the second option. Again, try to present both sides of the argument and give reasons for your ideas. Gradually work towards the conclusion.
Conclusion
State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the essay and point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not introduce any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up any loose ends.
Language
This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language reflects it. You will get marked for accuracy, however, occasional errors can still be present as long as they do not impede understanding. So don’t play it too safe. This is your opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and have fun with it!
Vocabulary
In the writing paper you should use a range of vocabulary, including less common lexis. Brainstorm some vocabulary related to the topic. Take your time to think of nouns and compound nouns that you know at C1 level. Really let your vocabulary sparkle.
Synonyms
No one likes a broken record. Find synonyms for simple words. You want to use a variety of language, and try not to repeat yourself too much. Check out these different ways of saying the same thing:
advantage = benefit, positive, upside
disadvantage = downside, drawback
effect = influence, impact, result, outcome
problem = issue, challenge, difficulty, obstacle, setback, complication
important = valuable, essential, beneficial
expensive = costly, dear, high-priced, extortionate
cheap = inexpensive, affordable, economical
big = great, large, sizeable, considerable, wide, vast
small = slight, tiny, little
Grammar
Experiment with different grammatical forms. At this level you’re expected to have a good grasp on the grammar. You should use a range of simple and complex grammatical forms with control and flexibility. So challenge yourself with some of these…
Useful expressions
To make your essay flow it’s best to use some key phrases. These will link all your ideas together, and help it sound semi-formal. Take a look at the expressions below. Why not use some in your next essay?
Introduction:
It is often said that…
Many people feel that…
We live in an age when..
More and more…
Introducing & Addition:
Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
On the one hand…
In addition…
What is more…
Examples:
For example…
For instance…
As a case in point…
Contrasting:
In contrast…
On the other hand…
Alternatively…
However…
Conclusion:
All things considered…
As far as I’m concerned…
In light of the above…
What the examiners are looking for
When writing your essay, bear in mind what you’ll be marked on:
Content
Have you answered all parts of the question? Is everything relevant to the question?
Communicative Achievement
Is the style and tone appropriate? Remember it should be semi-formal and neutral.
Organisation
Does it follow a logical order? Have you used paragraphs and linking devices?
Language
Are you using a variety of grammar and vocabulary? Is it accurate?
Check
Now your masterpiece has come together. Remember to take time to check your work. Here’s the official Writing Checklist from Cambridge Assessment English. And our list of the most common mistakes:
- spelling
- subject + verb agreement
- singulars / plurals
- articles
- question formation
- variety of tenses
- dependent prepositions
Some final tips
Avoid contractions (I’m, they’re, we’re) as this is a formal writing.
Don’t use first person pronouns (I, my, our, us).
Practise under timed conditions.
Use model answers to practise fixed expressions.
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