2324 V6 Essay Writing: recap common mistakes + prep TW3

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Final lesson

Good to see you,

V6

Mon 18/3 - Fri 22/3

Study objectives:

• I know what to revise and prepare for my upcoming test 
  

 

This week's work:

• final practice structuring an essay
  
• revise for your test
  
• Words in Progress exc 82
  

 

 

Did you remember to check your answers to last week's exam on Examenbundel.nl?

Please email me your results + feedback

 

 of

Magister

studiewijzer

On the day of the test

Bring to class

• dictionaries
  

Provided

• printed rubrics
• essay assignments (A+B)
  

Save, layout + spelling checker

• change the name of the file into: class + your name, e.g.: V5c Abel Tasman

SAVE to your computer (usb) before continuing

• Make sure your document has the correct font (Arial 12) and line spacing (1.5)
  

• Check whether the spelling checker is on English UK/GB (see instructions Magister) + double check whether language has been changed (left bottom)
  

Tip: To select all text, use: CTRL + A

-> NB! no special rules apply to dyslexic students!!

Word count

• Select the text without your name and the title
  
• check window left bottom
• write down the number of words at the end of each paragraph AND at the end of your essay

remember to divide the number of words evenly across your paragraphs

Common mistakes in essay writing

Common mistakes in essay writing

Content  

• no thesis statement,  
  
• unclear structure/ arguments,  
  
• new arguments in conclusion 
  
• no point to ponder

You should be able to highlight your thesis statement and arguments in the text!!

Common mistakes in essay writing

Stylistic:

• informal language: kids, stuff 
  
• contracted forms: don’t –> do not  / let's -> let us
  
• ‘I’-constructions:

I think this is wrong ->   This is wrong 

• ‘you’-constructions:

If you make something illegal ->  If something is made illegal 

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) 

Common mistakes in essay writing

Grammar

• verb tenses (e.g. present simple vs. continuous),
• conditionals: if there would be a solution
• word order,
  
• incorrect or unclear references: these treatments lets 

• passives which aren't passives 
  
• amount vs. number

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, 

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. 

Linking words need special punctuation, e.g.:

Moreover, ...

This happens, for example, when people forget to...

Common mistakes in essay writing

Other

• no (original) title
  
• number of words (include a word count PER PARAGRAPH!),
  
• number of paragraphs

Planning your essay (final practice)

Think of a thesis statement and three supporting arguments for one of the following prompts (max. 5 mins). Then start writing your essay. 

• Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
• Does social media use lead to mental health problems?

 Background information about these topics can be found in the following slides

Remember to use the required grammar items. Please see rubrics form in your reader

Good luck on your test!