Writing test - The essay, punctuation & feedback

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Standaard format

• Writing argumentative essay

You can tell what to do & not to do when writing an argumentative essay

When to use a comma:

• When you list things (3 or more):

I ate an apple, a sandwich, a biscuit and cake.

• Before or after a direct quote:

My co-worker Tom said, “We really need to start improving our English.”

• When you add extra information to a sentence

My neighbor, who has been CEO of the local warehouse for 16 years, is retiring tomorrow.

• After introductory phrases

first, second, third, finally, after that, next, however, in fact, in addition, for example en on the other hand.

• When connecting two separate sentences

often used with "and/ but/ yet/ so/ or"

Rewrite the sentence. Add: however.
The weather forecast is bad. We are hoping for some sun.

Rewrite the sentence, use the same words. Start with: "When"
I lived in a small town when I was a child.

Rewrite the sentence. Add: so.
The report is due tomorrow. I plan to work on it tonight.

Rewrite the sentences into 1 sentence. Use "once".
She told us that. Everyone started cheering.

Continue writing your essay

Linkers = to "link" your paragraphs/ sentences 

P1 = introduction	35- 40 words
P2 = Arguments for (2 or 3)	+/- 90 words
P3 = arguments against (2 or 3)	+/- 90 words
P4 = conclusion (summarising statement + opinion)	30- 35 words

Quick check

Check:

• Capital letters
• Did you use 6 linkers? Mark them.
• Punctuation marks

Grab a different colour pen. Swap essays with your neighbour. Check the following things:

Argumentative essay = formal writing

DOS	DON'TS
Formal vocab: children	Slang: kids
Full forms: cannot, do not	Shortened forms: don't can't
Third person writing	Use of: I, you, we
Indirect questions	Questions
Use of linkers (at start of sentence)	but & and at start of sentence

How to write an introduction

• Background information (about the topic)
• Thesis statement
• Interesting sentence to catch attention

• No arguments
• No opinion
• No question as thesis statement

How to write a conclusion

Summarise your essay

• rephrase your thesis statement
• summarise your strongest arguments

You can voice your opinion

Close with a memorable sentence

Choose one of the topics

1. Go to Magister (today's class) and read the information that matches your topic.
2. You are allowed to write down some keywords (no sentences)
3. Time left? Try to find more information/ arguments.