IELTSWriting success 2

TABL E OF CONTENTS

Map of essay writing

Types of essay

For & against

F& A planning

F& A sample paragraphs

F& A agree/disagree terminology/vocabulary

F & A formal expressions & passive voice

F & A grammatical construction

WHAT TYPE OF ESSAY? Look the the essay

titles below and identify what types of essays they are.

Modern society benefits greatly from computer technology. However, becoming more dependent on computers has it’s disadvantages. Discuss the threats of computers.

To what extent should television participate in our children’s education?

As a result of changes in the role of women in modern society, men are now the ones suffering from sexual discrimination. Do you agree?

FOR & AGAINST Introduction

State the situation presenting both sides of the argument

2nd paragraph – disagree

3rd paragraph – agree

4th paragraph - conclusion

HOW TO ARTICULATE FOR TOP MARKS Sample essay & expressions

Title & topic – introduction First sentence –main idea

Modern society benefits greatly from computer technology. However, becoming more dependent on computers has it’s disadvantages. Discuss the threats of computers.

Advantages & disadvantages of computers

Statement introducing both sides

Whilst no one can deny the benefits of computers in our modern society, there are also drawbacks to being dominated by a technologically-driven global culture.

It is open to debate whether computers are as overwhelmingly beneficial as we have been led to believe.

EXPRESSIONS TO USE IN FOR & AGAINST ESSAY

Second sentence stating both sides- but not opinion – sitting on the fence

As such, it would be fair to say that this is

indeed a controversial issue.

Therefore, opinion is divided on the subject and it is necessary to examine both sides carefully before reaching a conclusion.

Despite the controversial nature of this issue and the seemingly irreconcilable perspectives surrounding it, there is something to be said for both sides. Therefore diverse opinions must be examined in order to come to a conclusion.

SIMPLIFIED STATEMENTS There is something

to be said for both sides.

Opinion is divided on the subject

Diversity of opinions Controversial issue Whilst no one can

deny…. There are also

repercussions

BODY OF FOR & AGAINST ESSAY

Second paragraph

1) Choose a point that you disagree with.

2) State the opinion using passive voice or a generic statement, then disprove with a sharp counter-statement.

Example (A)

One major stumbling block with regard to accepting the internet as a communication and information tool is a fear of information overload.

Although there are those who fear the influence of social media on teenagers, or notice young people becoming more isolated from their peers, we must recognise that the digital generation is here to stay and we must learn to embrace the new wired intelligences, whilst maintaining a balance between virtual and every day living.

Example (B) It is believed that

technological advances and the internet have burdened global society with information overload and it’s inevitable levels of distraction.

It could be argued, however, that this common misconception stems from technophobia, digital illiteracy, failure to utilise social media and the world wide web sensibly, and a desire to maintain an outdated status quo.

PASSIVE VOICE AND IMPERSONAL PHRASES In order to maintain a

formal or neutral style when making statements it is necessary to use some useful phrases or passive voice.

You have already seen some useful phrases.

Here are examples of using passive voice……

It is believed that……

It can be argued that…..

It is considered to be….

Schools of thought differ on the subject…….

A widely held view on……holds that……

A common misconception is that….

Critics of…….tend to…….

There may be an element of …(noun) ( ignorance)

BODY OF FOR & AGAINST 2 Third paragraph Choose a point you agree

with. Clearly explain the ‘for’

position with examples that further disprove the ‘against’ position.

There is no denying that education is the key to global progress. The world wide web, educational platforms and interactive websites have largely made free autonomous learning available to those with the initiative to seek out information.

Whereas, in the past, education depended on personal wealth, today it depends on how well one can mindfully sift through content and access superior educational material.

This, in itself, is what separates the digital generation from those of us caught unawares in the frantic pace of this technological revolution. The wise see this as a sign of unprecedented progress where new literacies are being born to help us thrive in a connected world.

CONCLUSION For & again

conclusion.

1) Re-state the balanced nature of the argument

2) Write a final thought that includes your opinion.(implicitly)

Example

Admittedly, there are some dangers with regard to tools and virtual living taking over our lives. Yet, this will only happen if we resist change or fail to introduce new subjects into our school curricula that teach pupils how to focus and wisely master the rich new domain of computer enabled intelligence. In conclusion resistance to change can only prove to be ironically debilitating.

IELTS link

LINKS AND TABLES OF SIMPLE, USEFUL PHRASES

GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTION

To get very high marks and make sentence writing easier, it is advisable to try and include a number of the following constructions.

1) comparison 2) passive voice 3) conditional

4) Inversion 5) Emphasis

SAMPLE TOPICS Even though

globalisation affects the world’s economics in a very positive way, it’s negative side should not be forgotten, discuss

(for & against)

You should write at least 250 words

Some people say that the education system is the only critical factor in the development of a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

You choose

‘For & against’ or ‘for OR against’

Balanced or biased essay…it depends on how strong your opinion is

MORE SAMPLES Ecological balance is

impossible to achieve when technological progress constantly ruins our environment.

Do you agree?

Balanced or biased.