Planning in exam/essay/projects

Task one: Analysing the question

1.            Underline the key words in the question.

     

a)    How many sentences are there in the question?

b)    What does the term ‘Discuss this statement ‘mean?

b)    What does the does the use of ‘it is often better’ imply?

Keeping animals in zoos has been popular for many centuries.  It is often better to keep some wild animals in zoos otherwise they would become extinct.

Discuss this statement.

2.         Should you always agree with the statement?

3.         What is the hidden question in the task?

4.         What is the essay asking you to do?

Task two: Deciding on an organisational pattern

The layout of the essay question will sometimes indicate the organisational pattern of the essay.  Look at key words and the order of the sentences (1-4) again

1.         How many paragraphs would you write?

2.         What idea(s) would you discuss in each paragraph?

Task three:       Brainstorming and planning

Spend 10 minutes writing a rough plan. When you have finished discuss your plan with another student

Task four

Write an introduction, paragraph leaders and conclusion based on your plan

Task five

Write the first paragraph of your essay using your plan

Planning structure in essays

Source book 5a reference

Slaght, J. (2012) Diet and Sustainability key to feeding the world: A food security report in Slaght, J. and Pallant. A. (eds) Reading and Writing; English for Academic Study Source Book (28-29) , Reading: Garnet Education

Assignment checklist

Thesis statement

Modals (conditional....if....could/would)

Present perfect

Passive voice

Paragraph structure (leader/concluding sentence)

Argument (1 para for, 2 para against, 3 para for or against)

subheadings

abstract 

references

Reference source text 5c

Godfray, H.C.J., Beddington, J.R., Crute, I.R., Haddad, L., Lawrence, D., Muir, J.F., et al. (2010). The challenge of feeding 9 billion people. Science, 327(5967), 812-818.

Argumentation

A         Read the following paragraph and decide what the writer’s main argument is.

1.            Tick ( P)  the appropriate statement

a)      The writer is in favour of solar energy.

b)     The writer is against the use of solar energy.

c)     The writer does not give an opinion.

It is true that solar energy, like many alternative energy sources may be expensive to access.  According to Petra (2009), solar panels can cost £20,000 or more a year and may be one of the biggest reasons that people may not use solar panels in their homes.  However, solar electric systems will save money and help the environment.  A solar thermal water heating system will pay for itself in three years or less because it can reduce monthly hot water heating bills between 50-100% (Energy wise, 2009).  Solar energy costs will almost certainly decline as the market continues to grow, making it even more affordable for everyone.

2.    Underline the opposing viewpoint.

3.    Circle the rebuttal.

4. Complete the picture on the board

B          Read the following paragraph.  What is the writer’s main argument? 

1.         Tick ( P) the appropriate statement

a)    The writer is in favour of extended families

b)    The writer is against extended families

c)     The writer does not give an opinion.

There are some arguments against extended families. Those who oppose the concept of extended families point out that this type of family structure may reduce the independence of younger family members who may feel they have to carry out the wishes of their elders.   However, young people often need the guidance and advice of older members even though they may not value it at the time.  In fact, the experience they gain from living in extended families far outweighs the drawbacks. Research carried out by the National Family Centre UK (2012) has shown that younger family members  are more emotionally secure and have more positive feelings about older people and the process of aging as a result of living in an extended family. They also have an enriched understanding of the world because of what grandparents have taught them about other times and ways of living. Grandparents can also care for younger children and this would dramatically reduce the costs of childcare.

2.       Underline the opposing viewpoint.

3.       Circle the rebuttal.

 4. Complete the picture on the board