V5 essay writing: template + spelling checker

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

V5 Today

• Test: template, rubrics
  
• Spelling checker
  
• Common mistakes in essay writing
  
• Questions?
  

On the day of the test

Ready at home:

• dictionaries
  
• printed rubrics
  

Magister:

• template
  
• essay assignments
  

Template

Document which already has the correct font (Arial 12) and line spacing (1.5).

• download the document from Magister
  
• change the name of the file into: class -  your name
  

e.g.: V5a Abel Tasman

• SAVE to your computer
  

Rubrics

Will be sent to you this Friday.

Please make sure you have a printed copy ready  at the day of the test. There will be a special version (.svk) of the assignments and rubrics for students who are entitled to extra time

This copy needs to be shown in front of the camera, so no notes etcetera!

Spelling checker 

select the text, then go to: 

• Extra
  
• Taal
  
• select 'English (Great Britain)
  
• check whether language has been changed (left bottom)

NB! no special rules apply to dyslexic students!!

Extra (optional) spelling checker assignment in  "Teams bestanden"

The the impotence of proofreading

Word count

• Select the text without your name and the title
  
• check window left bottom
• write down the number of words 

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 
  
• ‘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),
• 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,
  
• number of paragraphs,
  
• no (original) title
  

Good luck on your test!