Essay 1

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Writing Process 

Download the rubric  

(Teams > general > files > rubric) 

A rubric is a scoring guide used to evaluate performance. It has three parts: 1) performance criteria; 2) rating scale; and 3) descriptors. 

Content: have you covered all the points in the task input?

Communicative Achievement: have you completed the task in the appropriate style & layout? (e.g. ‘don’t’ should be ‘do not’ How well have you expressed your argument?

Organisation: have you structured your writing with paragraphs and used a variety of linking words?

Language: have you used a good range of grammar and vocabulary? Have you checked your spelling and punctuation?

The C1 assessment scales are divided into six bands from 0–5, 0=the lowest & 5 = the highest. Descriptors for each criterion are provided for Bands 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and indicate what a candidate is expected to demonstrate at each band. The Band 2 descriptor indicates a performance which contains features of Bands 1 and 3, whilst Band 4 indicates features of Bands 3 and 5. The descriptors for Band 3 and above generally indicate performance of at least C1 level, whereas Bands 1 and 2 indicate that the performance does not meet C1 level, but is, in fact, still at B2 level. Minimum score to pass 12 points.

How useful are these tips for helping people to  achieve more in their lives?  (Discussion)

1. Smile more 
2. Never use negative words such as fail or lose
3.  Use visualisation techniques to imagine yourself succeeding 

Essay dos?

Essay don'ts?

See coursebook, p. 187 

The dos and don'ts

1. Do state the problem at the beginning of your essay
   
2. Don’t express your own opinion at the beginning of your essay.
   
3. Do maintain a balanced view. Don’t be too categorical
   
4. Do use rhetorical questions to involve reader but don’t overdo it.
   
5. Do use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Don’t be too emotional
   
6. Do give your opinion in the final paragraph.
   

Coursebook, p. 44

Activity 4 & 5

(Coursebook, p. 44) 

Activity 4 

1. You should give your opinion > True 
2. You should add some more examples to support your opinion > False
3. You should briefly explain which benefit is more important > False
4. You should summarise your main point(s) > True

Activity 5 

1. To sum up, I would argue that reducing stress is of the greatest benefit.
   
2. It seems,appears to me that everyone could benefit from this type of training.
   
3. Above all, I think that positive thinking creates a better attitude.
   
4. The main point I would like to make,emphasise,stress can be summarised as …
   

Understanding the Task (coursebook, p. 162)  

1. Who is your target reader?
   
2. How many of the listed methods do you need to write about?
   
3. What else do you have to do in your essay?
   
4. Whose opinions are quoted?
   
5. What is the connection between the listed methods and the three opinions?
6. Is it necessary to refer to the three opinions?

Activity 6, p. 162

(work in pairs, 10 min)

1. Write a plan for the essay (See Coursebook, p. 14 for example)
2. Introduction: decide together what information you think should be included (e.g. say why governments should promote health and fitness among young people)
   
3. Body: choose which two actions are you going to discuss and decide on the main point for each paragraph. Think of some examples/evidence to support the main point in the each paragraph.
   
4. Conclusion: say which action is more important.
   

Share your results 

Wednesday, 25 Nov

Writing (Activity 6, Coursebook p. 162) & upload the first draft to Teams: General > Files > Essay First Draft