ESSAY WRITING TASK 2 WORKSHOP EPT PREPARATION REVISION

ESSAY WRITING TASK 2 WORKSHOP EPT PREPARATION / REVISION CELPAD International Islamic University Malaysia 1

• EPT examination : 3 hours ØReading 4 passages with 40 questions each v 1 hour 30 minutes ØWriting B – Essay v 1 hour ØWriting A – Data Analysis v 30 minutes 2

ESSAY WRITING 1) Time suggested/allocated : 60 minutes 2) Number of words : 250 words 3) Paragraph : 4 1 - Introductory paragraphs 2 - Body Paragraph 1 3 - Body Paragraph 2 4 - Concluding Paragraph 3

ESSAY WRITING ALLOCATION OF TIME : 1 HOUR 60 MINUTES ÷ 6 STEPS OR 10 MINUTES for EACH STEP 1 : MIND MAP / OUTLINE (to write the Thesis Statement) STEP 2 : INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH STEP 3 : BODY PARAGRAPH 1 STEP 4 : BODY PARAGRAPH 2 STEP 5 : CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH STEP 6 : EDITING AND REVISING 4

Step 1 : MIND MAP / OUTLINE 1. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH 1. 1 HOOK ATTENTION GETTER : FUNNEL OR GENERAL TO SPECIFIC / RHETORIC QUESTION / ANECDOTE / STARTLING FACT / DEFINITION / DIALOGUE / QUOTATION 1. 2 BRIDGE 1 OR 2 SENTENCES TO LINK HOOK TO THESIS STATEMENT 1. 3 THESIS STATEMENT STAND, EMPHASIS, FOCUS AND MAIN IDEA 1 & MAIN IDEA 2 5

Step 1 : MIND MAP / OUTLINE 2. BODY PARAGRAPH 1 2. 1 TOPIC SENTENCE 1 2. 1. 1 SUPPORTING DETAIL 1 & EXAMPLE FOR SD 1 2. 1. 2 SUPPORTING DETAIL 2 & EXAMPLE FOR SD 2 2. 2 CONCLUDING SENTENCE 1 6

Step 1 : MIND MAP / OUTLINE 3. BODY PARAGRAPH 2 3. 1 TOPIC SENTENCE 2 3. 1. 1 SUPPORTING DETAIL 1 & EXAMPLE FOR SD 1 3. 1. 2 SUPPORTING DETAIL 2 & EXAMPLE FOR SD 2 3. 2 CONCLUDING SENTENCE 2 7

Step 1 : MIND MAP / OUTLINE 4. CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH 4. 1 CONCLUDING STATEMENT 4. 2 SUMMARY OF SELECTED POINTS / IDEAS 4. 3 RECOMMENDATION / PREDICTION 8

QUESTION? ? What is the question? Which part is the question? How to answer the question? 9

Sample Question You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Achieving advancement in technology equates to modernity. However, this comes with a steep price for urbanites to pay as they have to face many prevalent problems like gridlock and family disintegration. Therefore, working from home provides the only solution to these current problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? You should write a report of about 250 words. 10

Sample Question You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Achieving advancement in technology equates to modernity. However, this comes with a steep price for urbanites to pay as they have to face many prevalent problems like gridlock and family disintegration. Therefore, working from home provides the only solution to these current problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? You should write a report of about 250 words. 11

To Understand the Question Work from home = the only solution to current problems Issues? � Today – many problems but 1 solution (work from home) � Problems: a) traffic congestion b) crimes – robbery / kidnapping c) social problems – drug abuse / juvenile delinquency � AGREE OR DISAGREE OR BOTH? 12

Answering the Question � Agree! � Why? How? �How working from home IS the ONLY / BEST solution to many problems? 13

Answering the Question � Disagree! � Why? How? �How working from home IS NOT the only/best solution to many problems? 14

Answering the Question � Agree and Disagree! � Why? How? �Work from home and OTHER solutions 15

Mind Map : Agree Quality time for family Ensure safety of family > prevent crimes from happening – always there to protect family Ensure the harmony of family > Reduce / prevent problems of juvenile delinquency Fulfilling work condition Can focus on work : no distraction > Reduce / prevent white collar crime : bribery Produce quality work performance >Work condition is suitable to family / individual lifestyle > improve quality of life 16

Mind Map : Disagree Disadvantage of work from home : Lack social contact Freedom : stray from the right path > adultery / drugs Boredom > pornography Advantage of other solution : financial aids by government Lessen the financial burden > Reduce / prevent crime Lessen pressure of life : living in harmony 17

Mind Map : Both (A) Quality time for family Ensure safety of family > prevent crimes from happening – always there to protect family Ensure the harmony of family > Reduce / prevent problems of juvenile delinquency Disadvantage of work from home : Lack social contact Freedom : stray from the right path > adultery / drugs Boredom > pornography 18

Mind Map : Both (B) Fulfilling work condition Can focus on work : no distraction > Reduce / prevent white collar crime : bribery Produce quality work performance >Work condition is suitable to family / individual lifestyle > improve quality of life Advantage of other solution : financial aids by government Lessen the financial burden > Reduce / prevent crime Lessen pressure of life : living in harmony 19

Ready to Write? INTRODUCTION 3 -5 sentences only. Essay begins with introductory paragraph. Give attention to Thesis Statement (Ths St)! 20

Thesis Statement 1 sentence (the longest!) The last sentence of Intro Para Consists of : q Stand – agree / disagree / both q Emphasis – to what extent q Focus - question q 2 Main Ideas (1 for each Body Paragraph) q Passive Voice 21

Thesis Statement : Agree It is firmly agreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems because of the quality of family time and fulfilling working condition. 22

Thesis Statement : Agree It is firmly agreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems because of the quality of family time and fulfilling working condition. 23

Thesis Statement : Disagree It is totally disagreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems due to the disadvantages of working from home and the advantages of government financial aids. 24

Thesis Statement : Disagree It is totally disagreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems due to the disadvantages of working from home and the advantages of government financial aids. 25

Thesis Statement : Both (A 1) It is both agreed and disagreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems due to the quality of family life besides the advantages of government financial aids. 26

Thesis Statement : Both (A 1) It is both agreed and disagreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems due to the quality of family life besides the advantages of government financial aids. 27

Thesis Statement : Both (A 2) It is both agreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems due to the quality of family life even though it is disagreed on because of the advantages of government financial aids. 28

Thesis Statement : Both (A 2) It is agreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems due to the quality of family life even though it is also disagreed on because of the advantages of government financial aids. 29

Thesis Statement : Both (B 1) It is both agreed and disagreed that many problems can be solved when parents work from home because they can focus on important matters besides because lack of social contact respectively. 30

Thesis Statement : Both (B 1) It is both agreed and disagreed that many problems can be solved when parents work from home because they can focus on important matters besides because lack of social contact. 31

Thesis Statement : Both (B 2) It is agreed that many problems can be solved when parents work from home because they can focus on important matters even though it is also disagreed on because lack of social contact. 32

Thesis Statement : Both (B 2) It is agreed that many problems can be solved when parents work from home because they can focus on important matters even though it is also disagreed on because lack of social contact. 33

1. INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH 1. 1 HOOK ATTENTION GETTER : FUNNEL OR GENERAL TO SPECIFIC / RHETORIC QUESTION / ANECDOTE / STARTLING FACT / DEFINITION / DIALOGUE / QUOTATION 1. 2 BRIDGE 1 OR 2 SENTENCES TO LINK HOOK TO THESIS STATEMENT 1. 3 THESIS STATEMENT STAND, EMPHASIS, FOCUS AND MAIN IDEA 1 & MAIN IDEA 2 34

ESSAY : INTRODUCTION As defined by the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, work is a job or a task which a person does to earn money and home is a house where people live in usually with the family. So, work from home can be defined as earning money by doing tasks or jobs in a house where family resides. There are many advantages to this type of employment and this can be the best solution to many problems. Therefore, it is undoubtedly agreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems because it can help in fulfilling quality family time as well as fulfilling working conditions. 35

ESSAY : INTRODUCTION Is working from home the only solution to all the problems of today? Working from home can be a solution to some problems but not for all. When people work from home, they can spend more time with their family and this creates a harmonious and loving family unit, thus preventing crimes from being committed. Therefore, it is totally agreed that working from home is not the only nor the best solution to current setbacks due to the disadvantages of working from home and the advantages of government financial aids as another solution. 36

ESSAY : INTRODUCTION By 2010, almost 75% of the companies in developed countries have adopted ‘work from home’ type of employment. This way of working was unheard of before the new millennium. However, this has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is agreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems due to the quality of family life even though it is also disagreed because of the advantages provided by government financial aids. 37

ESSAY : INTRODUCTION “Work from home is the best way to be employed”, said Maria Daud, the chairperson of an NGO for single mothers. This way of working was unheard of before the new millennium. However, this has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is both agreed and disagreed that many problems can be solved when parents work from home because they can focus on important matters besides because lack of social contact. 38

Ready to Write? BODY PARAGRAPHS 6 sentences only. Start with Topic Sentence (TS). Paraphrase Topic Sentence (TS) to make Concluding Sentence (CS)! 39

ESSAY : BODY PARAGRAPHS To begin with, when parents work from home, they can ensure a safe and family life. Working from home, parents will be able to monitor their children’s activities and therefore can prevent the children from being involved in negative activities such as vandalism. For illustration, when parents are constantly at home, they can ensure the activities in and out of the home which their children are occupied with, will always be the positive ones. Not only that, when the parents are around, their children’s welfare will be taken care of. To explain, the parents can guide their children from befriending bad friends who can influence the children to become juvenile delinquents. In short, the peacefulness and the harmony of a family can be ensured when people work from home. 40

Ready to Write? CONCLUSION 3 -5 sentences only. Start with a Concluding Sentence (CS). Paraphrase the Topic Sentence (TS) to make Concluding Sentence (CS). Summarise / highlight important points. DON’T write any new points / ideas. 41

4. CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH 4. 1 CONCLUDING STATEMENT STAND, EMPHASIS, FOCUS 4. 2 SUMMARY OFMAIN IDEA 1 & MAIN IDEA 2 42

ESSAY : CONCLUSION All in all, because of the plus points of working from home and the strength of monetary help from the country, it can be both agreed and disagreed that working from home is not the ultimate way out of modern worries. After all, the priority is to ensure happiness among the citizens because with that, city folks have no basis to commit crime. 43

Paraphrasing: Intro / Concl Thesis Statement Therefore, it is undoubtedly agreed that working from home is the only solution to many modern problems because it can help in fulfilling quality family time as well as fulfilling working conditions. Concluding Statement All in all, because of the plus points of working from home which are fulfilling quality family time as well as fulfilling working conditions, it can be firmly agreed that working from home is the ultimate way out of the modern worries. 44

Paraphrasing: Body Paragraph Topic Sentence To begin with, when parents work from home, they can ensure the safety of and the harmony within their family. Concluding Sentence In short / In brief / To sum up, the peacefulness and the harmony within a family can be ensured when people work from home. 45

Revising and Editing �Revising is finding & correcting problems with content; changing the ideas in your writing to make them clearer, stronger, and more convincing. �Editing is finding and correcting problems with grammar, style, word choice & usage, and punctuation. 46

Revising This steps allows us to focus on the fluency of our paper. It is important to revise any errors we see or encounter while reading and take out any unnecessary words. This is your chance to add or take out any unnecessary parts, make sure it is easy to follow and comprehend, ask yourself is it written at the best level, and to make sure no words are repetitive. 47

Revising helps to improve your writing Ask these questions – Have I used the best ideas or words? Am I showing others that I know what I am writing about? Have I used the best examples or words to describe my ideas or thoughts? 48

Revising Look for: Unity Does everything refer back to main point? Does each topic sentence refer to thesis? Does each sentence in each BP refer back to the topic sentence? 49

Revising Look for: Coherence Are all points connected to form a whole? Are transitions used to move from one idea to the next? 50

Revising Look for: Details and support Does each BP contain at least two examples? Is each example followed by at least one supporting detail? 51

Revising – To do list Take a break from your draft before attempting to revise. Read your draft quietly and listen to your words. Put yourself into the examiner’s shoes. Look for consistent problem areas. Get feedback from peers. Get help from a tutor. 52

Editing Keep an Error Log to help you identify your problem areas and improve your writing. When editing, review your paper for one type of error at a time; don’t try to read through looking for everything at once. Editing is much like revising in the sense that you are making changes in structure, punctuation, and word choice. 53

Editing Ask these questions – Have I used complete sentences? Are there any run-ons? Are my language conventions correct? What about Spelling, Capitalization and Punctuation and Grammar? Have I used editing marks to make corrections? 54

Revising and Editing Practice makes perfect! Revise and Edit your work and get the feedback from your friends and Tutor. 55

EPT BANDING / GRADING 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Overall Band 6 Address all parts of the task – some may be more fully covered than others. Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Uses cohesive devises effectively. Uses adequate range of vocabulary. Attempts to use uncommon words. Errors do not impede communication. Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Overall Band 7 Address all parts of the task. Present a clear position throughout the response Present, extent and support main ideas. Uses a range of cohesive devises appropriately. Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision. Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation. Uses a variety of complex structures. 56

Themes / Topics for EPT General topic – based on recent issues Can be answered by all Kulliyyahs Opinion-based Popular themes include: Education, Leisure activities, Sports, Technology, Communication, Growth / Development, Work place, Business, Employment, Environment, Globalization 57

Thank You and Wassalam. 58