Writing Skills Writing a comment Writing a comment

Writing Skills Writing a comment

Writing a comment You will most often be asked to write argumentative comments where you present a number of arguments for or against a certain opinion. Always follow these steps: 1. Analyse the topic. Make sure you know what the limitations of the topic are. 2. Decide what your opinion about the topic is. 3. Find out arguments to support your opinion and those against your opinion (if the topic requires you to present both sides). 4. Structure your ideas. You only need to write down a few words, but the structure needs to be in your mind! See the example!

Writing a comment Example Topic: Everyone should be forced to wear pink. Do you agree? My opinion: I don’t agree at all! • Introduction: Some people say that pink is the only colour to wear. • Argument for the opinion: Pink is the most popular colour for clothes anyway. • Example supporting the argument: Little girls as well as fashion designers from all over the world prefer pink.

Writing a comment • Arguments against the opinion: However, freedom of choice is a very important value in our society. • Example supporting this argument: We have fought long and hard for the right to vote and for equal opportunities. • Conclusion stating your opinion: Consequently, I am convinced it is ridiculous to give up our freedom for a compulsory dress code.

Writing a comment • 5. Write the comment. Use connectors to link your sentences in the most logical way. • 6. Read your comment again and correct any mistakes you find. It is often easier to spot the mistakes when you “read the text out loud in your head”.

Expressing your opinion • Giving an opinion: I believe/feel/think that …, In my opinion …, I would like to put forward the view that …, Generally speaking, I would say…, → I would like to put forward the view that pink is a colour that suits all complexions. → I strongly believe that pink is the only colour that appeals to both young people and adults.

Expressing your opinion AGREEING BEING UNDECIDED DISAGREEING I agree with the argument that … / with the view that… I am undecided about … I do not agree with the suggestion/view/opinion that … I would support the argument that … On the one hand … on the I cannot support the view that other hand … I also think … It will not make any difference whether …or … happens. I am in agreement with the author. I am in two minds about … It is clearly untrue that … … Some may say ……. I, however, would like to propose a different idea.

Linking ideas When giving your opinion it is important that connect your sentences in a logical way. Here are some words you can use as connectors: • Organisation: firstly, secondly, thirdly, then, another point is, finally, last but not least → All people should wear pink. Firstly, it is a colour that suits most people. Secondly, it makes people smile. …

Linking ideas • Addition: in addition, moreover, also, too, besides, as well as → All people should wear pink. Firstly, it is a colour that suits most people. Moreover, it makes people smile. → All people should wear pink. As well as suiting most people, it also makes them smile. • Cause and Effect: because of, due to, as a result of, therefore, so → As a result of wearing pink people smile a lot. → People wear a lot of pink, so they smile a lot.

Linking ideas • Contrast: however, although, whereas, on the one hand – on the other hand, while, on the plus side – on the negative side. → While/although many people like pink, there are some who prefer other colours. → Many people like pink, however there are some who prefer other colours. → While there are many good things about wearing pink, there is also a downside.

Linking ideas • Conclusion: as a consequence, all in all, consequently, to sum up, to conclude → As has been shown pink is the best colour on earth. Consequently, everyone should wear pink clothes. → To sum up I would like to advise everyone to wear pink more often! Source: www. kolleg. kubiss. de/cms/Faecher/Englisch/How_to_s/How_to_write_a_comment. pdf

Exercise • 1. Comment on the following: “English is fast becoming a truly global language and what that means nobody can predict with confidence” a. Follow steps 1 – 6 above (find connectors that link the outline of your comment together); b. Discuss the results with a partner and/or the class. GOOD WORK!!!