STRATEGIES FOR WRITING

Session 1: STRATEGIES FOR WRITING
General strategies for writing:
Study the question carefully, and answer the question exactly as it is asked. Take some time at the beginning of the test to be sure that you understand exactly what the question is asking. Consider some of the ways to address the question. Jot down a few of these ideas
Organize your response very clearly with an outline. Use the ideas that you have jotted down and organize them into a logical progression. You should think of having an introduction, body paragraphs that develop the introduction, and a conclusion to end your essay. Use transitions to help the reader understand the organization of ideas.
Whenever you make any general statement, be sure to support that statement. You can use examples, reasons, facts, or similar details to support any general statement.
Stick to vocabulary and sentence structures that you know to be correct. You are more likely to make grammartical mistakes if you write long, complex sentences. Keep the sentences and vocabulary in your essay simple and precise. This is not the time to try out new words or structures.
Budget your time so that you will be able to complete and correct your essay. Finish writing you essay a few minutes early so that you have time to proof what you wrote. You should spend the last three to five minutes checking your essay for errors.

WRITING ESSAY
Before writing.
Skill I: DECODE THE TOPIC. The first and most important step when writing an essay is to decode the topic to determine what the intended outline is.
Essay topic: Some people prefer large weddings with lots of people, while others prefer small weddings with only very close friends and family. Discuss the advantages of each type of wedding. Then indicate which you prefer and why.
What is the essay topic about? What is the intended outline?
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Exercise: For each of the following writing topics, indicate the type of information that you will include in each paragraph of your response.
1. What type of novel do you enjoy reading most? Use reasons and examples to support your response.
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2. Some students prefer to study alone, while other students prefer to study with others. Discuss the advantages of each type of studying . Then indicate which you prefer and why.
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3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Patience is the most important characteristic in a boss. Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.
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4. Some people work better during the day, while other people work better at night. Which kind of person are you, and why?
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5. Some people live for today, while other people live for the future. Which type of person are you? Use reasons and examples to support your response.
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6. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The knowledge of history is absolutely essential. Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.
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Session 2.
Skill II: DEVELOP SUPPORTING IDEAS.
Essay topic: Why is it important to you to learn English? Support your response with reasons and examples.
As you read this topic, you should quickly determine that the overall organization of your response should be an introduction, supporting paragraphs about your reasons for learning English, and a conclusion. You should take a few minutes before you begin writing to develop your ideas.



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Exercise Some people believe that a mother should not work. Others argue against this. Consider the problems that a working mother faces. Do you believe a mother should work? Support your opinion.
Nowadays it is common for mothers to work outside the home. Whether a woman should stay at home or join the work force is debated by many people. Some argue that the family, especially small children, maybe neglected. The fact is, however, that many women need to work because of economic reasons or want to work to maintain a career. I believe that every mother has the right to work, and the decision to work should be one that a woman makes on her own. But first she should carefully consider the many problems that affect mothers who work.
The major problems a working mother faces concern her children. She must either find a reliable person who will be loving toward the children or a good day-care center where the children can go. If a children gets sick the mother must make special arrangements for the child to be cared for at home or she must stay home from work. While at work the mother may worry about her children. She may wonder if they are safe if they are learning the values she wants them to have, and if her absence is hurting them emotionally. She may also regret not being able to take them to after school-activities or participate in family activities with them.
Even though a mother is frequently forced into working for economic reasons, she soon discovers that there are added expenses. Her