Writing. Task 2. Essay. Tips for writing — teorija. Eksāmens angļu valodā, 12. klase.

Task 2. Essay (25 points)
You should spend about 45 minutes on this task.

Write between 200 – 250 words.

In their final year at school students face the challenge of choosing what to do next. Write an essay discussing two factors students should think about when making their choice. Give reasons and arguments to support your opinion.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR WRITING AN ESSAY

An essay is considered to be formal writing therefore – no short forms are used and try to use the appropriate vocabulary - formal language.
There is a space provided for notes. Things you have written there will not be evaluated so we recommend using the space for an outline (ordering the ideas you are going to address in each paragraph).
You have to keep in mind the limit of words required in the task.
Ensure that each point is written in a new paragraph. It will give you points for the outline.
Use linking words/phrases at the start of each paragraph. Make sure that you use linking words!
Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly links the paragraph to the rest of the essay.
Provide supporting evidence/arguments for each point you make.

STRUCTURE OF AN ESSAY

INTRODUCTION
Thesis statement/your main idea should be given in the introduction. In this statement you should reveal your two factors students face. Introduction should not be very long. Start with general information concerning these two factors students should think about when making their choice in their final year.

Paragraph 2
Choose the first factor/argument from your thesis statement and write about this topic in this paragraph. Then give your support/opinion/reasons to support your argument. Do not write general information but your personal examples and opinion/experience.

Paragraph 3
Choose the next argument and write the topic sentence for this paragraph. Give your opinion/experience/examples/reasons to support your argument. Do not write general information but your personal examples and opinion/experience.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion you summarize the main ideas. Restate your thesis and concluding remarks. You can also use the same ideas as in introduction just using different words. Conclusion usually is short – it contains a few sentences.

Introduction