2324 V6 Essay Writing: recap common mistakes + prep TW3

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Final lesson

Good to see you!

Nov 7th

Study objectives:

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

 

TToday's work:

• final practice structuring an essay
  
• revise for your test

 

 

On the day of the test

Bring to class

• dictionaries
  

Provided

• essay assignments (A+B)

Be aware: Name and class on your work!

Don't forget to write a title above your written text.

Word count

• 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

How to 'fluff' your essay

1: Use more transition words and phrases

Transition words and phrases give your essay fluidity and help readers understand how one thought relates to another.

When you use transition words strategically, they help fill out an essay and make it longer without sacrificing quality. Examples of transition words to use in your essays include:

• However
  
• In addition
  
• Furthermore
  
• Additionally
  
• In conclusion

How to 'fluff' your essay

Include several examples

Providing examples throughout your essay is another great way to add fluff and engage your readers further. Depending on the subject, you can provide examples from personal experiences or historical references when writing your essays.

Aside from increasing the length of your essay, examples provide context for arguments so readers can fully understand what you’re discussing.

DO 

Be Powerful

The conclusion paragraph can be a difficult paragraph to write effectively, but as it is your last chance to convince or otherwise impress the reader, it is worth investing some time in. Take this opportunity to restate your thesis statement with confidence; if you present your argument as "obvious" then the reader might just do the same. 

Also, find synonyms for the words used in your thesis statement.

DO NOT 

 Copy the First Paragraph

Do not use the same key words in the conclusion as you did in the introduction, try not to copy whole phrases word for word. Instead, try to use this last paragraph to really show your skills as a writer by being as artful in your rephrasing as possible.

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!