Writing an Essay for FCE

Question from yesterday

"Although" and "even though" have a similar meaning to "despite" and "in spite of". We use all of these words to say that a thing is surprising, unusual or unexpected in relation to another thing. ... They have the same meaning. "Even though" is a little stronger than "although".

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EngelsMiddelbare schoolvwoLeerjaar 3

This lesson contains 16 slides, with text slides.

Items in this lesson

Question from yesterday

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British Council - Extra help

https://learn-english-exams.britishcouncil.org

Use your personal id. code sent via email from the British Council

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https:

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FCE Writing

Paper 1 = Essay(compulsory)
Paper 2 = Choice: Letter/email (in)formal
A report
A review
An article

A story
Time for question 1 & 2 = 1 hour 20 minutes.

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BRAINSTORMING AND ORGANISING YOUR IDEAS

You can improve your writing by brainstorming ideas and then organising them before you begin writing.

Mrs Corrigan's Tip: ALWAYS MAKE A PLAN BEFORE STARTING YOUR WRITING ASSIGNMENT

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The exam

'You have been asked to write an essay for your teacher on subjects that should be compulsory at school.'

NOTE: An essay is always written for the teacher, it should anwer the question by addressing both content points and providing a new content point of your own.

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The essay should be....

Well organised with an introduction and an appropriate conclusion and should be written in an appropriate register and tone (relatively formal and objective tone).

While it is possible to argue one point of view (agreeing or disagreeing), it is probably easier to have a balanced discussion comparing advantages and disadvantages or ideas for and against.

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How to write the essay.

Read the essay question and prompts VERY carefully. Then you will know what you have to do. (25% of the marks!!!!)
It is important to keep the focus of the question and that ALL your ideas and opinions are relevant to the question.
Support your opinions with reasons and examples.
Think of a third idea of your own.
Ideas need to be expressed in a clear and logical way.

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It is advisable to use 5 paragraphs

Introduction
Prompt 1 topic + reason(s)/example(s)
Prompt 2 topic + reason(s)/example(s)
Prompt 3 topic + reason(s)/example(s) (own idea)
Conclusion (you may include your opinion here)

Remember: 140 - 190 words

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Now you need a great introduction

It's often difficult to start writing, because you don't know what to say in the first sentence.
1st sentence is really important, it's the reader's introduction to you.
How could you get their attention?
One way to get their attention is to ask a question.

THE INTRODUCTION SHOULD BE QUITE SHORT AS OTHERWISE YOU WON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME/WORD COUNT TO DEAL WITH THE REST OF THE TASK

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Essay linking words and phrases

To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe that, I feel that/ it seems to me/ in my view/ as I see it / I think/ personally.
To show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so that
To list ideas: Firstly/secondly/ finally/ In the first place/Lastly
To contrast ideas: However/ although/ in contrast/ whereas/ but/ nethertheless / in spite of / despite.

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Essay linking words and phrases (continued)

To describe a cause: Because/ since/ as/ due to
To show a sequence: First of all/ then / after that / eventually/ in the end / finally
To add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too / furthermore / and
To conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up? in short / all in all

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clicks.aweber.com

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