DO
|
DON´T
|
- analyse the topic
- respond to all parts of the prompt fully
- spend the first five minutes planning your essay
- in the introduction: paraphrase the task and state
the aim of your essay in a thesis statement
- divide your essay into paragraphs (min. four:
introduction, two main body paragraphs, conclusion)
- start each paragraph with a topic sentence
- provide a reason and an example for
each of your arguments
- summarise the points made in the
essay in the conclusion
- provide some food for thought (e.g. recommendations,
suggestins, wider implications) in the conclusion
- use impersonal language (e.g.
we must -
it is essential we)
- if appropriate, state your opinion in formal style (e.g.
It is my firm belief that)
- use formal vocabulary (e.g.
keep -
maintain; make sure - ensure) TIP; words that sound or look
more French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese will usually be more formal
- use passive voice to sound more formal and objective
(e.g. The film will be shown...)
- avoid repetition by using synonyms (e.g. important =
vital = essential = crucial)
- use formal linking words (e.g. despite, neverthless,
furthemore)
- use complex sentences
- proofread your work to avoid
simple mistakes
- make sure you´ve written at least 250 words
|
- DON´T use contractions (e.g.
I don´t)
- avoid being personal (e.g. I, me, my)
- DON´T use emotive language (e.g. disgusting, fabulous)
- DON´T use only personal examples
- DON´T use colloquial expressions (e.g. I had great time)
- avoid simple vocabulary (e.g. say, think, bad)
and basic linking words (e.g. and, but, also)
- DON´T repeat the same vocabulary throughout your essay
- DON´T write simple sentences (e.g. Everyone thinks it´s
true. I disagree.)
- DON´T use overgeneralisations (e.g. everyone, always,
never, all)
- DON´T copy the task in your introduction
- DON´T forget to answer ALL parts of the
task
- DON´T write less than 250 words
- DON´T forget to summarise and conclude your
essay in the last paragraph
- DON´T use examples or arguments unrelated to the topic
|
compiled by Marek Kiczkowiak
