Grammar

• Are grammar and usage correct?
• Are there any shifts in tenses/person/number?
• Are there any grammar mistakes that interfere with the meaning?

*Incorrect grammar, spelling and word usage count against you if these errors lead to lack of clarity.

Organization & strategy

• Is there an effective introduction? (i.e. Does the opening paragraph restate the general topic question? Does it have a controlling idea?)
• Does each paragraph focus on one main point? (i.e. Does it have a clear topic sentence? Do the topic sentences support the controlling idea?)
• Is there logical coherence between different parts of the essay?
• Are the paragraphs logically arranges?
• Is there an effective concluding paragraph? (i.e. Does the concluding paragraph give a) an opinion, preference, prediction or solution b) reasons?)
• Does the essay answer all parts of the question?

Useful Phrases for Writing an Essay

To list points: one major advantage/disadvantage of, a further advantage, one point of view in favor of/ against, in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least, etc.

First, first of all, in the first place, to begin/start with, secondly, thirdly, finally

To add more points to the same topic: What is more, furthermore, also, in addition to, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that, etc.

There is another side to the issue/question/argument or…

To introduce examples: for example. For instance, such as, like, n particular, particularly, especially,

This is (clearly) illustrated/shown by the fact that…

One /A clear/Striking/ typical example of (this)…

The fact that… shows/ illustrates that…

To emphasize a point:

clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed

To express reality:

In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, on the whole, by and large, in most cases

To make partially correct statements:

To a certain extent/degree, to some extent degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point.

To explain/clarify a point:

In other words, that is to say, this/which means that

To list advantages:

One another/a further/an additional (major) advantage of… is…

The main/greatest/first advantage of… is…

To list disadvantages:

One another/a further/an additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of… is…

The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage/drawback of… is…

Another negative aspect of… is…

To introduce points/arguments for or against:

One (very convincing) point/argument in favor of…/against…

A further common criticism of…/ it could be argued that…

often claimed/suggested

It is widely argued/maintained that…

generally felt/believed/held

To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that, one can argue that, etc.

Although, though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/inspired of (the fact that), regardless of the fact that

Opponents of… argue/believe/claim that…

The fact that… contradicts the belief/idea that…

While it is true to say that…, in fact…

While/although…, it cannot be denied that…

Useful Expressions: Problems & Solutions

Serious attempts to halt/prevent/solve…must be made…

By (+ing)…, we/governments/etc., can ensure that/prevent …

The…/situation could be improved if…/It would be a good idea if…

Useful expressions and linking words/phrases

Conclusion expressing balanced considerations/opinion indirectly

All things considered, the obvious conclusion to be drawn is that…/

There is no absolute answer to the question of…,

In the light of this evidence, it is clear/obvious/etc that…

Conclusion expressing opinion directly

Taking everything into account, I therefore conclude/feel/believe (that)…

For the above-mentioned reasons, therefore, I (firmly) believe that…

Useful Expressions for giving opinions:

To my mind/To my way of thinking…

It is my (firm) belief/opinion/view/conviction (that)…

In my opinion/view…

I (firmly) believe…

I am (not) convinced that…

I (do not) agree that/with…

It strikes me that…

My opinion is that…

I (definitely) fee/think that…

I am inclined to believe that…

It seems/appears to me…

As far as I am concerned…

LINK PHRASES FOR THE ESSAY

Introduction:

• It is often maintained…
• It is widely (generally) believed, claimed…
• It is a fact that…
• Many experts claim, believe, suggest…

Main body:

• To start with…
• On the one hand (on the other hand)…
• What is more…
• Another (a further) point (aspect)/ negative aspect of…is…
• It cuts both ways…
• In the first place…
• In most cases…
• This is illustrated by the fact…
• To some extent…
• On the whole/generally…
• There is some truth in this assumption…
• This assumption could be argued…
• It’s a vivid illustration of something…

Date: 2015-01-02; view: 781