PIRMĀ SEMESTRA NOSLĒGUMA TESTI
EXAM IN ENGLISH 2016
WRITING 2
You should spend about 45 minutes on this task.
Write between 200 – 250 words.
Some people say that parents should limit the time their children spend on electronic devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.). Do you agree with this view? Write an essay stating your opinion and giving at least two reasons to support it.
Remember you have to write between 200 – 250 words.
 
 
 
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR WRITING AN ESSAY:
  1. An essay is considered to be formal writing therefore – no short forms are used and try to use the appropriate vocabulary - formal language.
  2. There is a space provided for notes. Things you have written there will not be evaluated so we recommend using the space for an outline (ordering the ideas you are going to address in each paragraph).
  3. You have to keep in mind the limit of words required in the task.
  4. You should mention the specific terms like „spent time, electronic devices, computers, smartphones, tablets etc.” so it would be clear you understood the theme.
  5. Ensure that each point is written in a new paragraph. It will give you points for the outline.
  6. Use linking words/phrases at the start of each paragraph.
  7. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly links the paragraph to the rest of the essay.
  8. Provide supporting evidence/arguments for each point you make.
 
STRUCTURE OF AN ESSAY
INTRODUCTION
 
Thesis statement/your main idea should be given in the introduction. In this statement you should reveal your arguments without support. There should be at least 2 arguments for (based on the task – at least 2), one against or other way round. Introduction should not be very long. Start with general information concerning time spent on electronic devices and thesis statement can be the last sentence of your introduction.
 
Paragraph 2
Choose the first argument from your thesis statement and write about this topic in this paragraph. Then give your support/opinion/reasons to support your argument. Do not write general information but your personal examples and opinion/experience.
 
Paragraph 3
Choose the next argument and write the topic sentence for this paragraph. Give your opinion/experience/examples/reasons to support your argument. Do not write general information.
 
Paragraph 4
Choose the next argument and write the topic sentence for this paragraph. Give your opinion/experience/examples/reasons to support your argument. Do not write general information.
 
CONCLUSION
In conclusion you summarize the main ideas. Restate your thesis and concluding remarks. You can also use the same ideas as in introduction just using different words. Conclusion usually is short – it contains a few sentences.
 
 
 
Make sure that you use linking words!
 
Introduction
It is hotly debated...
Many people today say that..
 
Adding ideas
In addition
Moreover
Furthermore
Also/ Too
 
Explaining why
For this reason
As a result
Therefore
This is due to
 
Expressing contrast
On the one hand
On the other hand
However
Although/ Though
While
 
Explaining someone else’s opinion
According to
It is said that
Some people say that
Many people feel
 
Giving examples
For instance
For example
Such as
 
In conclusion
I agree that
In my opinion
I am in favour of
On the whole
Overall
To sum up
In conclusion
It seems to me that..
Finally, it is important to remember..