Tips & tricks to keep in mind while writing an essay.
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EngelsMiddelbare schoolhavo, vwoLeerjaar 5,6
This lesson contains 21 slides, with text slides.
Items in this lesson
Essay tips & tricks
Common mistakes in essay writing
Tips & tricks to keep in mind while writing an essay.
Slide 1 - Slide
The the impotence of proofreading
Slide 2 - Slide
Word count
Count the words (exclude title + essay plan).
Write down the number of words.
Stay within the margin mentioned in the assignment.
Slide 3 - Slide
Common mistakes in essay writing
Content
no thesis statement,
unclear structure/ arguments,
new arguments in conclusion
You should be able to highlight your thesis statement and arguments in the text!
Slide 4 - Slide
Common mistakes in essay writing
Stylistic:
informal language: kids, stuff
contracted forms: don’t – do not
‘you’-constructions: If you make something illegal ->
If something is made illegal
Slide 5 - Slide
Common mistakes in essay writing
Spelling
to / too: it will be too late - others may be hurt too
go to the cinema - to be clear
of / off: switch something off – fall off
of course – plenty of time
there / their: there is much violence there (location)
they mind their own business (possessive)
Slide 6 - Slide
Common mistakes in essay writing
grammar
verb tenses (e.g. present simple vs. continuous),
word order,
incorrect references:
these treatments lets – fireworks has its problems
Slide 7 - Slide
Common mistakes in essay writing
Linking words:
But, And, So, Because
Don’t use these at the start of your sentences. Instead use cohesive devices from your reader: However, Moreover, Therefore, At last, -> Finally At first, -> First of all, / Firstly, / In the first place,
Slide 8 - Slide
Common mistakes in essay writing
Punctuation
Please remember to start your sentences with a capital letter and end them with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark.
Slide 9 - Slide
Common mistakes in essay writing
Other
number of words missing,
number of paragraphs.
Slide 10 - Slide
Good luck on your test!
Slide 11 - Slide
PEER REVIEW
Check your classmate's essay --> use a marker to highlight sentences
Slide 12 - Slide
Introduction (paragraph 1)
Does the essay have a clear introduction of the topic?
In this day and age,
It is widely believed that
With the increasing importance of
In recent years,
Slide 13 - Slide
Introduction (paragraph 1 continued)
Did the writer give their main opinion?
I firmly believe that
I am of the opinion that
I am convinced that
In my view
Slide 14 - Slide
Introduction (paragraph 1 continued)
Does that essay contain two aspects that are being discussed?
To explain the reasons for my view, I will examine the issue in terms of...and...
The topic will be explored from the perspectives of...and...
The issue will be considered from two distinct angles-...and...
Slide 15 - Slide
Discuss first aspect (paragraph 2)
Did the writer introduce the first aspect in two or three sentences?
First of all,
To begin with,
When it comes to
Did the writer provide examples?
For example,
For instance
Slide 16 - Slide
Discuss second aspect (paragraph 3)
Did the writer introduce the second aspect in two or three sentences?
It is also important to consider the issue with regard to...
Moreover, another important aspect to examine is...
Furthermore, it is crucial to consider...
In addition to this, ...is another important aspect of the issue.
Another important aspect/angle of the issue is....
Did the writer provide examples?
Slide 17 - Slide
Acknowledge an opposing opinion (paragraph 4)
Did the writer acknowledge an opposing opinion?
Did the writer say why they disagree with it?
It is true that.....however, I am of the opinion that...
While some people say...., I ....
It is a valid point that...., nevertheless, I believe...
While it is true that...I believe...
Slide 18 - Slide
Conclusion (paragraph 5)
Did the writer restate their main opinion ?
In conclusion,
To sum up,
All things considered,
All in all,
Slide 19 - Slide
Final recommendations
Study the handout: how to write an opinion essay
Use a variety of formal linking words to express opposing points
Use a variety of formal linking words to add points