American exams are many and various.There is,for example,the TOEFL exam,desired lower scores in which(and sometimes scores in some of its components) are used by American universities to decide whether to admit foreign undergraduate or postgraduate students.There are also exams such as GMAT,GRE,TWE ,to name but a few,which are more specific to particular areas of study-GMAT is ,for instance,a must if you are applying for a postgraduate course in economics.There are even exams for prospective postgraduate students in law,medicine,etc.
Among the components of all those tests there is naturally the Writing task.Although at first sight it may look daunting,it is indeed one of the easiest to approach for a well prepared candidate.
One must always keep in mind the basics.And the basic factor in all American exams is time.You have a limited amount of time(usually 30 minutes) to write an essay to cover an A4 page-about 350 words really.Consequently,planning how you will allocate this time is crucial.
Make sure you avoid to write a plan.This will only waste your valuable time.Instead,in the first 5 minutes read the topics and choose which one to write about.Once again,steer clear of choosing the most challenging one.Either you will be tempted to write too much-remember the LIMITED time!!-or your resources will be insufficient.Choose the EASIEST one ang get on with it.
5 more minutes of thinking what you will write about and your paragraphing are necessary.Remember,make sure you have an introduction where you shortly talk about what you are going to talk about ,two or three at the most paragraphs in which you expand on your views and then a conclusion to remind your readers what you have talked about.
Then start writing.The introduction over,keep in mind that whatever statement you make in your paragraphs you must follow it with a reason for saying so and,ideally,an example.Many people worry about those examples and just stop writing.And here goes: your examples need be clear and concise.What is unnecessary for them to be is sophisticated.Keep in mind that they ask you to write based on your reading or YOUR EXPERIENCE! And this is the key.They expect you to have little reading experience and,as for life experience,to have that of the home.If then you write ,as your example :’For instance, my grandmother did so and so when she was ….’,it is a perfectly valid example and feel absolutely free to use it.It may seem simplistic but keep in mind that your aim is to PASS.Leave stimulating discussion for the campus!
The writing should take you about 10 minutes to cover your page.STOP there.Remember the time!!
Now is the time to reread your essay.Resist the temptation to cross out whole sections while doing this.It would be of very little effect .You may,of course,correct a couple of spelling mistakes or a grammar slip but that should be all.
As far as your language or vocabulary goes,keep it simple and safe.Use a posh word that you are unsure about ,or a complex sentence for that matter, and you’ve done wrong.Simple,clear,safe and within the time constraints should be your KEY words
Always remember that a well prepared and confident candidate is the most likely to do well.
Keep in mind that comments,questions and requests are welcome
George
Among the components of all those tests there is naturally the Writing task.Although at first sight it may look daunting,it is indeed one of the easiest to approach for a well prepared candidate.
One must always keep in mind the basics.And the basic factor in all American exams is time.You have a limited amount of time(usually 30 minutes) to write an essay to cover an A4 page-about 350 words really.Consequently,planning how you will allocate this time is crucial.
Make sure you avoid to write a plan.This will only waste your valuable time.Instead,in the first 5 minutes read the topics and choose which one to write about.Once again,steer clear of choosing the most challenging one.Either you will be tempted to write too much-remember the LIMITED time!!-or your resources will be insufficient.Choose the EASIEST one ang get on with it.
5 more minutes of thinking what you will write about and your paragraphing are necessary.Remember,make sure you have an introduction where you shortly talk about what you are going to talk about ,two or three at the most paragraphs in which you expand on your views and then a conclusion to remind your readers what you have talked about.
Then start writing.The introduction over,keep in mind that whatever statement you make in your paragraphs you must follow it with a reason for saying so and,ideally,an example.Many people worry about those examples and just stop writing.And here goes: your examples need be clear and concise.What is unnecessary for them to be is sophisticated.Keep in mind that they ask you to write based on your reading or YOUR EXPERIENCE! And this is the key.They expect you to have little reading experience and,as for life experience,to have that of the home.If then you write ,as your example :’For instance, my grandmother did so and so when she was ….’,it is a perfectly valid example and feel absolutely free to use it.It may seem simplistic but keep in mind that your aim is to PASS.Leave stimulating discussion for the campus!
The writing should take you about 10 minutes to cover your page.STOP there.Remember the time!!
Now is the time to reread your essay.Resist the temptation to cross out whole sections while doing this.It would be of very little effect .You may,of course,correct a couple of spelling mistakes or a grammar slip but that should be all.
As far as your language or vocabulary goes,keep it simple and safe.Use a posh word that you are unsure about ,or a complex sentence for that matter, and you’ve done wrong.Simple,clear,safe and within the time constraints should be your KEY words
Always remember that a well prepared and confident candidate is the most likely to do well.
Keep in mind that comments,questions and requests are welcome
George
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ΑπάντησηΔιαγραφήWriting is considered the most daunting task by most test takers, especially those sitting for an american exam. The time limit is, indeed, the most challeniging part. Candidates should not only be well prepared but also know how to allocate their time. I believe your plan is exactly what they need-simple steps to follow. If they feel safe with the way they handle the time,then they'll be more confident to go on with expanding their views on the topic.Here I have to mention that the majority of my students prefer the english exams(cambridge,pte,edi etc)because they can use fixed expressions-beginnings/endings-standard linking words.This helps them to reach the word limit. On the contrary, in american tests formulaic expressions aren't to be used.so candidates are at a loss trying to make up ideas since some of them don't have the experience or aren't aware of the subject because of their early age. I'll definetely use your plan and advice with my students in an attempt to convince them that such writing tasks aren't as difficult as they may seem.
ΑπάντησηΔιαγραφήYou've managed to make it seem like a piece of cake George!
...and I have to admit that writing is sometimes nightmare even for us, the teachers.
Thanks a lot!