V4cam1 Period 1 Writing Task 1

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 1

Welcome! Bags at the front. You need your book, notebook + pen.

Program

- Dagopening

- Learning goals

- Listening practice

- Writing CAE (C1)

(Feedback)

- Listening practice

- Reflection/Evaluation 

- Homework

Expectations

1. We come prepared to class. I've done my homework and got all the materials I need for this lesson.

2. We are respectful towards each other. Towards my fellow classmates, as well as my teacher. I help where necessary. 

3. We are focused in class. I focus on achieving the learning goals. 

Learning goals

At the end of this lesson...

- I can understand the feedback on my discursive essay (task 1) of the CAE (C1) exam. 

- I can understand what the listening tasks look like.

Dagopening

"Coca Cola Christmas ad"

What did you feel/see in the ad?

Did you realize it was an AI video and the people in it don't exist?

1. yes
2. no

Why do you think Coca Cola decided to create an AI ad?

AI is starting to become part of our lives. Why do you think people are critiquing this ad/Coca Cola?

CAE > Listening

Listening exam -> please take a look at the format to know what tasks are in the listening exam. Then we're doing some practice.

CAE Writing: what does it look like?

Format: cae writing paper contains two parts.

Timing: 1 hour 30 minutes

Parts: 2

Task: candidates are required to complete two tasks:

• a compulsory task in Part 1
• one task from a choice of three in Part 2.

A range from the following: email/letter; essay; report; review; proposal (different each time). 

Writing: Task 1 (explanation)

In the first part of the cae writing, there will be no choice of tasks.

Your essay should be organised well, including an introduction, supporting paragraphs and a compelling conclusion. The composition should capture the reader’s attention and express sophisticated ideas using a range of stylistic structures and vocabulary. You will be asked to explain which of the two points is more important and to express reasons for your viewpoint. Your essay should include a well-organised introduction, supporting paragraphs and an appropriate conclusion.

Writing: Task 1 (explanation)

Read the entire task before beginning to plan your response. 

Select two bullet points and develop your essay around them. 

You may use the opinions expressed in the task to develop your answer, but be sure to use your own words as much as possible!

Writing: Task 1

Reasons why young people commit crimes

• lack of control by parents
  
• absence of opportunities in life
  
• influence of friends

Write an essay discussing only two points > you should explain which point is more important, giving reasons in support of your answer.

Look at the handout for tips / criteria. If this was a real exam, you would get 45 minutes for one task. 

Writing: Task 1 > Structure

First, let's look at the layout/structure of a CAE essay: 

1. Introduction 

The first paragraph of an essay provides the introduction. It states what is to be discussed and why. Your main points are briefly introduced. This paragraph need not be lengthy. 

Writing: Task 1 > Structure

One of the most common mistakes made by inexperienced writers involves using too personal language writing an essay.

Everybody likes to talk about themselves, but when (for example) you’re writing about environmental issues, you should be talking about the environment and not about yourself.

The way word you is used in informal speech ‘You should have seen it!’ ‘if you know what I mean’ is not appropriate in formal writing. At best it sounds chatty and informal; at worst, disrespectful or even offensive. The word you points a finger at the reader. But the readers are not friends of yours, and you have no right to make assumptions about them.

Writing: Task 1 > Structure

2. Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, more background information is provided in greater detail. Your first, often the strongest main point is expanded upon. Bring in and refute any arguments against your point of view.

3. Paragraph 2

The second paragraph provides your second key point, lying it into the theme of your essay. Again, bring in opposing points of view and support your second key point with Information and background.

Writing: Task 1 > Structure

2. Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, more background information is provided in greater detail. Your first, often the strongest main point is expanded upon. Bring in and refute any arguments against your point of view.

3. Paragraph 2

The second paragraph provides your second key point, lying it into the theme of your essay. Again, bring in opposing points of view and support your second key point with Information and background.

Writing: Task 1 > Structure

Tips: Using linking words/phrases...

You will add more coherence to your essay if you use linking, which you can apply in two ways:

Between paragraphs:

To begin with, I would like to put forward […]

The first possible action is, to improve physical education …[…]

A second option would be.… competitive attitudes that […]

Within a paragraph:

[…] which activity is better than the others. Another reason for not financing sports […]

Writing: Task 1 > Structure

4. Conclusion

The final paragraph is used to summarise or conclude your essay. It shows how the two key points you have presented compare or relate to each other. It also clearly re-states your initial position from the introductory paragraph.

In conclusion (on the layout)

1 - Introduction 

white line

2 - Paragraph 1

white line

3 - Paragraph 2

white line

4 - Conclusion

Common mistakes to avoid!

Avoid: starting sentences with "and", "so", "but" or "because"! These are linking words used to connect sentences, not meant to be used at the start of a sentence. 

Avoid: you/your, and try to be as specific as possible! teachers, educators, students, learners. You can use 'they' occassionally when referring to your (focus)group. 

Watch out for: Their/there - Wich/which/witch - Then/than

Avoid: repetition (e.g.: in conclusion, rephrase your arguments), which makes it unnecessarily longer than it should be. 

General tips

1. Just say what you want to say: you have a limited word amount (max. 280 words!) So use them wisely. 

2. Body/Arguments: Use a linking word and immediately launch into the argument. Explain your argument, by using an example. Keep it brief. 

3. Use white lines between paragraphs. 

4. Before writing, read the instructions through to have a clear idea of what is expected. Afterwards, always check if you've answered the question after writing. 

Writing: Task 1 > Structure

4. Conclusion

The final paragraph is used to summarise or conclude your essay. It shows how the two key points you have presented compare or relate to each other. It also clearly re-states your initial position from the introductory paragraph.

Reflection/Evaluation 

At the end of this lesson...

- I can understand criteria of writing a discursive essay (task 1) of the CAE (C1) exam. 

Homework

Finish essay on paper, bring with you to class next lesson!