1. Plan your composition by writing a few outlines.

It is recommended to
use a T-list in order to write the main idea and supporting details.
2. Make sure you understand the subject and write exactly whats
required.
3. Write 4 paragraphs not more than 120-140 words. Remember!
The more you write the more mistakes you make!
4. Leave margins of 2 cm on each side of the page for my remarks.
5. Clear handwriting! Write in ink only black or blue. If you type, leave
double space between the lines.
6. Your sentences must be short and clear; not longer than one and a
half lines. Use sentence connectors to connect sentences and
paragraphs.
7. Start each sentence with a CAPITAL LETTER and end it with a full
stop (.)
8. Leave an empty line between paragraphs.
9. Pay attention to grammar. Decide in advance what time frame you
want to use (past or present) so you wont confuse tenses.
10. Make sure your ideas are clear to you and your readers.
11. Structure of your composition:
a. First paragraph introduction of the topic you are going to write
about.
b. Body or the text (2 paragraphs in the middle) should contain
explanations, details, examples or descriptions related to your
subject.
c. Last paragraph summary or conclusion of your composition.
12. Each paragraph should have a key sentence at the beginning. It
should tell the reader what the paragraph is about.
13. After you finish writing, read your composition again in
order to make sure that what you wrote is clear and to
correct your mistakes. Check your dictionary for spelling.
Each paragraph in an opinion essay should contain:

This1:model
Paragraph can help
Introduction. Get theyou write youParagraph 2: State the first main point (topic
reader's
attention. Introduce your main idea and sentence). State the supporting detail(s), such
controlling statement. The reader should know as, explanations, examples, arguments or facts
from the beginning what you are going to to support your argument.
discuss.

Paragraph 3: State the second main point Paragraph 4: Conclusion. Restate your main
(topic sentence). State the supporting idea. Restate your main points. Leave the
detail(s). Make sure that your arguments are reader with a good impression. That is, your
related to the main idea you introduced to reader should feel that you have presented your
your reader in the beginning. ideas clearly and grammatically.
 This model can help you with your own essay of opinion.

Many people claim that__________________________________. In my opinion,

the opposite is true for a few reasons.

First, ________________________________________________________________
For example, ______________________________________________________.
As a result, ____________________________________________.

Second, _____________________________________________________________.
That is, _____________________________________________________________.
Therefore, __________________________________________________.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that ____________________________________

_______________________________.

Each paragraph in a for and against essay should contain:

Paragraph 1: Introduction state the Paragraph 2: Arguments for write a list

issue you are going to discuss. of points to support the statement in the
question

Paragraph 3: Arguments against Paragraph 4: Conclusion write a

write the points which oppose the summary and present your opinions.
statement. Take a stand only at the end!

This model can help you write your own for and against
essay!

______________ is a controversial issue. Some people say ____________________,

while others claim that ________________________________________.

On the one hand, ____________________________________________________.

For instance, ______________________________________________ Therefore,
_____________________________________________________.

On the other hand, _____________________________________________. So

________________________________________. In addition,
__________________________________________________.

In conclusion, ______________ has both advantages and disadvantages. Yet I firmly

believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
 THE FOLLOWING PHRASES WILL HELP YOU BEGIN YOUR PARAGRAPHS:

Opening Middle Closing

Paragraphs Paragraphs Paragraphs
is a phenomenon which First, its essential to In short, the above issue
demands our attention. in remember that raises strong feelings
my opinion, . aboutSo I feel that
is a serious problem To begin with, its worth All things considered, I
which concerns mentioning that strongly believe that.
There are some factors A further argument To sum up, as I have
which must be taken into against / in favor of mentioned above, I am
account is.. totally convinced that
Lately, we have become Opponents / Proponents To conclude, it is necessary
increasingly aware of of take a different view to remember that / It is
about essential / It is vital
Many people believe that On the one hand, . In conclusion, bearing this
In my opinion, the in mind, I unequivocally
opposite is true for a few On the other hand, .. believe that
reasons.
In my point of view / Another point that should All in all, the advantages
Personally / In my be taken into outweigh the
opinion consideration is.. disadvantagesTherefore,
I'm quite certain that ..
is a controversial issue. Another point in favor / Finally, after considering
Some people claim. while against is. the pros and cons I think
others believe that
When discussing One commonly heard
the issue of I objection to this argument
firmly believe that is
In this essay, I'll
point out
arguments which
support my
opinion.

USEFUL CONNECTORS FOR WRITING

PURPOSE EXAMPLES

To add points on the same And, in addition to, moreover, besides, furthermore,
topic also, too

To describe similarity Similarly, likewise, in the same way

To express contrast But, however, nevertheless, yet, still, although, even

if, even though, in spite of, despite
To introduce opposing points On the one hand on the other hand, in contrast,
contrary to, it can also be argued that, there are
people who say that

To describe cause or reason Because (of), since, due to, for this reason, that is
why, one/another reason for is

To describe a result So, therefore, consequently, thus, as a result (of),

To state a purpose in order to, so that, so as to

To make general statements In general, generally, on the whole

To give examples For example, for instance, such as, like, particularly,
in particular, especially, specifically

To describe reality In fact, as a matter of fact, actually

To express personal opinions In my opinion, I (strongly / firmly) believe/ think/ feel

(that)

To list points To begin with, in the first place, first of all, first/
firstly, secondly, thirdly, after that, then, next, finally

To conclude In conclusion, to sum up, in short, all in all, all things

considered,

To show time When, while, before, after, until, as soon as, by the
time

To show sequence First, at first, in the beginning, next, then, later,

earlier, meanwhile, after that afterwards, at last,
finally, eventually, in the end

To rephrase In other words, that is, namely, that is to say

How Your Writing is Marked Explanation

Content and Organization - * Express yourself clearly. Make sure you answer the
8 points question as required.
* Write relevant and well organized information
include main ideas and examples.
Vocabulary 8 points * Use rich and varied vocabulary dont repeat
yourself! Use appropriate register you dont write to
your friend, so dont use slang or inappropriate words.
Language Use 16 points * Use basic and advanced language structures correctly
(conditionals, perfect tenses, passive, reported speech,
connectors, prepositions, modals, etc.)
Mechanics 8 points * Good spelling.
* Capital letters at the beginning of a sentence.
* Correct punctuation - , : ?.
* Clear paragraphing it is clear where a paragraph
begins and where it ends. Short and clear sentences
dont write run-ons!