Writing tasks

By 2nd nov a story/article on the topic chosen from the media (first handed in in paper for Spanish correction) should be posted on the common-shared blog indicating title and author. With an extension of 200/300 words, it should cover and contain the essential information on a relevant piece of news or a cultural topic which you might consider of interest. Remember to use as many linking words as possible and organise contents according to the structure required.

Step 1: Read the question

Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is – opinion, compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas, but if you are not sure about which type of essay it is, don’t worry too much about the type.

Step 2: Underline key words

Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later on It will also help you to avoid repeating words and show that you understand the question.

Step 3: Get Ideas

Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give both sides (for and against – one paragraph each) and then to give your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay.

Step 4: Decide Layout

You should decide on a layout. The easiest is 3773. That means four paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) one side (7 sentences), the other side (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 12 words each, that is 240 words. Perfect!

Step 5: Write!

After you have written your plan, write your essay. Follow the steps in this website for writing the introduction, body, and conclusion. Check for fragments, run-ons and comma splices.