2324 essay writing : common mistakes / correct mistakes essay 1

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Essay writing

Study objectives:

I can 

• identify and correct mistakes commonly made in essay writing
  
• plan and write an argumentative essay
  
• use exam vocabulary in context

 

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 
  
• ‘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),
• passives!!!
• word order,
  
• incorrect references:

these treatments lets – fireworks has its problems

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. 

Common mistakes in essay writing

Other

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

Can you spot the mistake(s)?

Please rewrite the sentences.

Essay 1

Answer key