exam preparation writing A2

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 2

Today's planning

Check homework

Watching a video

Writing 

Before you start writing ...

• Determine type of writing
• Determine goal of writing
• Know your audience, who are you writing this for? Who will read this? (young/old/gamer/soccerplayer/etc)
• Choose formal or informal language
• Write in paragraphs

Understanding different types of texts

A text can come in any form and be any kind of writing. Letters, adverts, user-guides, emails,

postcards, notes and magazine articles, blogs, forums and are all different types of text.

When reading something, it helps to know what type of text it is. It also helps to know why it has been written.

For example:

• An advert is written to persuade you to buy something.
• A user-guide is instructive and is written to tell you how to use something (such as a

video recorder or washing-machine).

• A formal (business) letter might be written to inform you about school dates.
• A personal letter might be written by a friend, describing a holiday.
  

Paragraphs

• An essay consists of multiple paragraphs.​
• A paragraph can be seen as a mini-essay (elaborates on 1 idea/point).​
• Writing a cohesive paragraph can be difficult.

What is a paragraph?

1. at least three sentences
2. the middle part of a text
3. a group of sentences with the same idea

Essay Structure

Introduction 

           

Body  

- paragraph 1 

- paragraph 2 

- paragraph 3 

 

Conclusion

What does putting your writing in paragraphs help you to do?

1. Write less
2. Write longer sentences
3. Organise what you want to say

What does a paragraph NOT help you to do?

1. Separate out your ideas
2. Make your writing clearer
3. Make your writing more funny

What do you think a topic sentence is?

1. The first sentence of a paragraph
2. A sentence that gives you the main idea of a paragraph. Often the first sentence.
3. The last sentence of a paragraph.

1. Writing a paragraph

1. Start with the topic sentence - this describes what your paragraph is about
   
2. Now write supporting sentences -use an example or an anecdote 
   
3. Analyse your argument  - give a one sentence conclusion  

How many sentences are there in a paragraph?

1. Just 1
2. At least 2
3. At least 3
4. Answers A, B and C are all possible

2. Writing an introduction

1. Start with a hook; a sentence that catches the readers interest 
   
2. Write down your thesis 
3. Tell your readers what your essay is about
   
     
   

What are linking words?

Linking words/phrases

The summary isn't very important, but in what kind of writing is it important?

Important general rules

• No contractions (can’t →cannot / don’t → do not).​
• Never start a sentence with: but/and/or.​
• When quoting use quotation marks “…quote…” 
• Point (=topic sentence) is never a rhetorical question (should be meaningful) and never starts with ‘yes/no’.​
• Use lots of linking words and phrases

Common errors

• Coulda, wanna, shoulda
• 'u' instead of you
• Using slang 

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 4

Paragraph 5

A. The place you stayed at and places you visited.

B. The trip from home to holiday place, arriving.

C. Packing for the holiday.

D. The trip home, people you met.

E. Planning and booking the holiday.

F. The last night on holiday.

G. Best and worst days

Writing in paragraphs

Now decide which points can go in the same paragraph.

A. The place you stayed at and places you visited.

B. The trip from home to holiday place, arriving.

C. Packing for the holiday.

D. The trip home, people you met.

E. Planning and booking the holiday.

F. The last night on holiday.

G. Best and worst days

Useful words to use in your essay

To say what you think

PERSONALLY - Personally, I don not think you can say that watching TV is a waste of time.

wat mij betreft

IN MY OPINION - In my opinion, as long as we monitor what we watch,  it can be an important part of our lives.

naar mijn mening

Words to add another argument

FURTHERMORE - This plant has a quiet charm and furthermore, is an easy house plant.

bovendien, verder

MOREOVER - Texting while driving is dangerous.  Moreover, it’s not allowed in our country.

bovendien

Word to give an opposing argument

HOWEVER - On the river, however, the adventurers seemed to be perfectly safe.

echter, maar

HOMEWORK next time!

You can start working on all the assignments: 

What are things you can talk about during the evaluation?

Why is a short summary necessary?

What should be in the recommendation?

What is important when you are making a point?