Independent Writing task 2Independent 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

ContentsContents

• Introduction

• Outline map

• The essay

• Brainstorming

• Conclusion

• Winning formula

• Tense transitions

• Proof reading• Brainstorming

• A good essay

• Limit your focus

• The body: the

paragraph

• Proof reading

• Plan

• Caution

• Finally

• Example

IntroductionIntroduction

• 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 MapOutline 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• The points are

– Organized ,cohesive

– Coherent ,clear

• You are never in loss of words and ideas

• Don’t waste time perfecting your outline

The EssayThe Essay

• Must respond directly to the question

• Take a clear position

• Be well organized

• Have proper examples• Have proper examples

• Have sentence variety

• Have correct sentence structure

Be InvolvedBe Involved

BrainstormBrainstorm

• 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 BrainstormTo 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.• Write whatever comes to mind.

• Pick the strongest ideas for your essay.

Your NotesYour 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.• Just be sure to use standard English in your essay.

A Good Essay hasA 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 IntroductionAnother 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 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 ConditionsImpose 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

ExampleExample

• 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 FocusLimit 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• Choose two or three characteristics for your essay

• You do not have enough time or space to discuss

more.

The Body: Supporting The Body: Supporting

Paragraphs 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 SenseOnly Appropriate Examples Make Sense

Length of a ParagraphLength 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• BALANCE is the key

Conclusion Conclusion --Sums Up Your Argument 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 • Make readers feel that they have learned something

meaningful from your argument

Winning Formula: Order Of ImportanceWinning 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 Either Arrangement Is

AppropriateAppropriate

• However, if you develop your essay by

• increasing importance,

• you present your least important idea first

• and save you strongest idea for last, • and save you strongest idea for last,

• making a greater impact in your conclusion.

Keep Your Verb Tense ConsistentKeep 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.

TransitionsTransitions

• Use transitions, Key words and phrases like

• more important

• Similarly

• first, second• first, second

• for example

• and

• in particular can help guide your reader through your

essay.

The Last Step: Proof ReadingThe 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 ProofreadingThe 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.– If needed, changing word order or word choice.

PlanPlan

• 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 • Even though time is limited, your chances of doing

well increase

• if you organize your thoughts before you write.

CautionCaution

• 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.

TimeTime

• 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…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 QuestionIndependent 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: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 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?• 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 WorkoutIts Time To Workout

End of PresentationEnd of Presentation