2324 V6 essay writing: common mistakes + correct mistakes essay 1 + Valentines + WiP 78 (key)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Good to see you!

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),
• 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!),
  
• number of paragraphs

Can you spot the mistake(s)?

Please rewrite the sentences.

Essay 1

Answer key

Lesson 2

Plan + start writing essay 2: single-sex schools

 

 

enjoy your holiday!

(and remember to finish + print your essay for next class)