V4 essay writing: template + spelling checker

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 5,6

Essay tips & tricks

• Common mistakes in essay writing
  
• Tips & tricks to keep in mind while writing an essay.

The the impotence of proofreading

Word count

• Count the words (exclude title + essay plan).
• Write down the number of words. 
  
• Stay within the margin mentioned in the assignment.

Common mistakes in essay writing

Content  

• no thesis statement,  
  
• unclear structure/ arguments,  
  
• new arguments in conclusion 
  

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

• ‘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),
• 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

• number of words missing,
  
• number of paragraphs.

Good luck on your test!

PEER REVIEW

Check your classmate's essay --> use a marker to highlight sentences

Introduction (paragraph 1)

Does the essay have a clear introduction of the topic?

• In this day and age,
• It is widely believed that
• With the increasing importance of
• In recent years,

Introduction (paragraph 1 continued)

Did the writer give their main opinion?

• I firmly believe that
• I am of the opinion that
• I am convinced that
• In my view

Introduction (paragraph 1 continued)

Does that essay contain two aspects that are being discussed?

• To explain the reasons for my view, I will examine the issue in terms of...and...
• The topic will be explored from the perspectives of...and...
• The issue will be considered from two distinct angles-...and...

Discuss first aspect (paragraph 2)

Did the writer introduce the first aspect in two or three sentences?

• First of all,
• To begin with,
• When it comes to

Did the writer provide examples?

• For example,
• For instance

Discuss second aspect (paragraph 3)

Did the writer introduce the second aspect in two or three sentences?

• It is also important to consider the issue with regard to...
• Moreover, another important aspect to examine is...
• Furthermore, it is crucial to consider...
• In addition to this, ...is another important aspect of the issue.
• Another important aspect/angle of the issue is....

Did the writer provide examples?

Acknowledge an opposing opinion (paragraph 4)

Did the writer acknowledge an opposing opinion?

Did the writer say why they disagree with it?

• It is true that.....however, I am of the opinion that...
• While some people say...., I ....
• It is a valid point that...., nevertheless, I believe...
• While it is true that...I believe...

Conclusion (paragraph 5)

Did the writer restate their main opinion ?

• In conclusion,
• To sum up,
• All things considered,
• All in all,

Final recommendations

• Study the handout: how to write an opinion essay
  
• Use a variety of formal linking words to express opposing points
• Use a variety of formal linking words to add points
• Use advanced grammar (V4 level)
• Use advanced vocabulary (V4 level)
• No slang
• No contractions
• Pay attention to correct spelling
• Use correct punctuation (capital letter/period)

Any questions?