Setup of this SE Writing Task and the SE Writing
This SE Writing Task
This SE Writing Preparation Task is set up very simply:
- You read and/or listen to curated articles about the topic.
- You answer questions about them (that you ask yourself using one of the 9 selected strategies, like this one: click me)
- Sometimes: you can do exercises based on them, like discussions with a classmate.
- Sometimes: there will be class activities about them, like debates or a Kahoot!
- You study vocabulary related to the topic, which is based on the texts, which you select yourself. Add these to your word file, that you create yourself. Your teacher may discuss vocabulary to add in class as well.
- Optional: you can choose to write practice essays based on a sub-topic and a thesis statements that you create yourself.” In the SE Writing exam, you are given a thesis statement that you must translate into English and defend in your essay.
How does this help you prepare for the SE Writing? The numbered items below correspond with the numbered items above.
- You become aware of existing views from other thinkers/writers/speakers and/or (the absence of) a consensus. Moreover, you acquire related vocabulary and terminology. You may also automatically, or consciously, start to form a logical reasoning structure about the topic that will make it easier for you to write about this topic on the SE Writing.
- The questions from the selected strategies help you ‘digest’ the article, guiding you through it, as well as focus your attention on some of the relevant aspects of the article or podcast / YouTube video, etc.
- Exercises like: explain how you feel about what you’ve read about the topic to a classmate, helps you form your opinion and understand the topic better. This will make it easier to write your essay on the SE Writing.
- These serve the same goal as point 3. The Kahoot! may help you train vocabulary required to write essays about this topic.
- Studying the vocabulary serves the same goal as point 3.
- You may actually come up with an essay thesis statement that we might ask you to base your essay on. If this happens, you will have already accidentally practiced your essay for the SE Writing. If not, at least you have already given the topic sufficient thought!
SE Writing setup
This is one of two potential topics for your writing SE. On the SE Writing, you get a thesis statement related to the final topic, written in Dutch, that you have to translate to English and defend in the argumentative essay.
5H Writing [potential] topic 1-2 Tasks:
- Learning About Topics: These tasks focus on this year’s topics, such as:
- Social media companies responsibility fake news
- Universal basic income
- Skills Development: They help you practice reading, listening, learning new words, and understanding different opinions.
- Preparation for SE Writing: By learning about these topics, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to write about them in your exams.
Worksheet II (Structure of an Essay)
Worksheet: Making an Essay Outline
Choose one of the following topics:
- Universal Basic Income
- Whose Responsibility Is the Handling of Fake News?
Thesis Statements
- Universal Basic Income:
“Everyone should receive a basic amount of money from the government, no matter what.” - Handling of Fake News:
“It is the government’s job to make sure fake news is controlled.”
Outline Structure
Introduction:
- Eye-Catcher: Start with something that grabs the reader’s attention.
- Example: A surprising fact, a short story, something happening right now, or a piece of history related to your topic.
- Introduction of the Subject: Explain what your text will be about in simple terms.
- Example: “Universal Basic Income means that everyone gets a set amount of money from the government each month.”
- Linking Sentence: Connect your introduction to your thesis statement.
- Example: “This idea is being talked about more and more around the world.”
- Thesis Statement: Clearly state your opinion.
- Use one of the provided thesis statements.
Body Paragraphs:
Argument 1:
- Foundation 1: Present your first argument supporting your statement.
- Argument 2: Provide another reason or piece of evidence.
- Foundation 2: Explain this evidence further.
Counter-Argument:
- Introduce the Counter-Argument: Begin with a contrast word (but, however, yet).
- Explain the Counter-Argument: Present a reason or example against your thesis.
- Refutation: Use a new argument to show why your original statement is still stronger.
- Round Off: Summarize the counter-argument and refutation.
Conclusion:
- Linking Word: Start with a word or phrase to show you are concluding (all in all, in conclusion, so).
- Summary: Briefly restate your main arguments.
- Restatement of Thesis: Repeat your thesis in different words.
- Recommendation/Expectation/Encouragement: Suggest what should happen next or inspire the reader.
- Final Sentence: End with another eye-catching statement.
Tips for Writing:
- Use linking words to connect ideas (first, next, on the other hand).
- Make sure each paragraph flows logically to the next.
- Include references or examples to support your points.
Let’s Grow!
Learning English Formatively
Welcome.
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