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In the CAE exam, you may be asked to write an essay. An essay is a piece of formal writing which discusses a particular
topic. There are three main types of essays:
For-and-against essays present the points in favour of a topic as well as the points against it. Each point is supported by
justifications, examples and/or reasons. This essay type usually ends with a well-balanced consideration of the points
discussed. The writers opinion may be stated in the conclusion.
Opinion essays present the writers opinion on a specific topic, clearly stated and supported by reasons and/or
examples. The opposing viewpoints can also be included before the closing paragraph, together with an argument that
shows it is an unconvincing viewpoint. In this essay type, the writers opinion is given in both the introduction and the
conclusion.
Essays providing solutions to problems state a certain problem and provide several possible solutions and their
expected consequences or results. The writers opinion is usually stated in ther conclusion.
Points to consider
A well-written essay should consist of well-developed paragraphs which clearly indicate each point that is made.
Each main body paragraph should start with a topic sentence, i.e. a sentence which summarises the main idea of the
paragraph. This is followed by supporting sentences which justify what has been presented in the topic sentence.
As essays are mainly formal in style, formal expressions, formal linkers, impersonal tone, and passive structures need
to be used. e.g. Wealth and affluence have often been considered necessary in the acquisition of personal happiness. However,
much can be said about the acquisition of self-satisfaction through non-material means.
Avoid using contractions and other short forms (He's), personal language (I know for certain) and everyday colloquial
expressions and slang (once in a blue moon, what it boils down to).
To attract the reader's attention, an essay can begin with a quote. e.g. 'The healthiest competition occurs when average people
win by putting in above average effort.' (Colin Powell)
Before starting your essay, ideas that relate to the topic need to be brainstormed. Then, group your ideas, eliminating any
ones that may be irrelevant, and put them in a logical order.
for-and-against
Paragraph 1:
introduce the
topic
opinion
Paragraph 1:
introduce the
topic & clearly
state your
opinion
solutions to
problems
Paragraph 1:
state problem &
its probable
cause(s)
Paragraph 2 & 3:
arguments in favour & justifications/
examples; arguments against &
justifications/examples
Paragraph 2 4:
1st viewpoint & reasons/examples; 2nd
viewpoint & reasons/examples; opposing
viewpoint & reasons/ examples
Paragraph 2 4*:
suggestions & expected results/
consequences
Paragraph 4:
well-balanced
summary of topic
Paragraph 5:
well-balanced
summary of topic;
restate opinion
Paragraph 5:
summarise your
opinion
239
Writing: Essays
1
3
1
Sheila McKechnie
Scottish trade unionist and housing campaigner
Dr Diane Fossey
American zoologist
Now read these quotations. What topic does each refer to? Discuss in pairs. Justify your answers.
Vicki Robin
4
240
Writing: Essays
Model Analysis
4
To introduce a conclusion: In
conclusion, To conclude/sum up, All in
all, All things considered, Taking
everything into account/consideration,
... etc.
MODEL A
The great humanitarian, Mother Theresa, once said, 'If you can't
feed a hundred people, then just feed one.' This is a wise saying,
but there are so many on the planet without food, so many on the
brink of starvation. What's the solution? Should food supplies be
provided for them? To my mind, there are more effective
alternatives available to help these people.
1) In the first place, it is very nearly impossible to know if food aid
will ever reach the world's hungry. It is, unfortunately, often the
case that food donations are stolen by corrupt officials who sell it
for profit. 2) Moreover, on many occasions the very people who
are to benefit from food drops die trying to get their share of the
food.
3) Secondly, it would be far more beneficial if the starving of the
world were to receive education and training so they could grow
their own food, or make a living in some other way, 4) for
example, by working on a co-operative farm. In this way, they
could afford to buy food for themselves.
5) On the other hand, opponents of this view say there is no time
for education or training, that the need of the hungry is
immediate. They say there will be many deaths if their nutritional
needs are not met. What they do not understand, however, is that
providing handouts is a very temporary solution something more
permanent is required.
6) To conclude, it appears to me that the hungry and suffering
would be far better off in the long run if they were educated so
they could produce their own food. Being provided the means to
do this is the only solution to this epidemic social issue.
MODEL B
As a woman called Mother Theresa said, 'If you can't feed a
hundred people, then just feed one.' But what has this got to do
with the starving people. I'm sure there are way better ways to do
something for them. If we give them food supplies or aid, they'll
probably never get it because some bad people will take it and sell
it so they can get rich or whatever. And lots of time the people
who want the food die when they try to get what's theirs.
I think it's better if the hungry people go to school and learn
something, like how to help themselves by growing stuff. Or, I
guess someone could teach them things so they could work in
some kind of job. But some people don't think this is a good idea
because there's no time and everyone is hungry now and a lot of
people are going to die. But, you know what, if you give someone
some food they just eat it and there's nothing left. I think you
have to teach them to grow their own food.
It's way better to teach hungry people things and not just give
them food just like that. I think we've got to find a way to teach
them things like grow their own food.
241
Writing: Essays
end with an objective statement. e.g. It is a commonlyheld belief that GM foods are the only viable solution to the
problem of world hunger.
6
1
Match the introductions to the conclusions. Which techniques (a-i) from the theory box are used in each?
Introductions
Can you recall the last time you did something for the
good of the planet? To my mind, the solution to the
Earth's dilemma can only be found if efforts are made
both individually and collectively. As Marshall McLuhan
stated, 'There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We
are all crew.'
Conclusions
A All things considered, I feel that GM crops could
provide a small percentage of what makes up our
daily diet, with more natural foods providing the
rest. As Jeremy Rifkin stated, 'Many of the
genetically modified foods will be safe, I'm sure. Will
most of them be safe? Nobody knows.'
2
It has been stated that the time is fast approaching
when we will no longer rely on traditional foods to
satisfy our nutritional needs as GM alternatives will
become the norm. Is it the best idea, however, to rely on
man-made food products to keep us alive?
3
Have you ever stopped to think what the results might
be if all fossil-fuel burning vehicles were banned? While
this would undoubtedly be a good thing in many ways,
there could be some possible irreversible drawbacks.
4
Envision if you will, taking your young grandchild to the
zoo to see the last living animal on the planet. While this
may be an exaggerated scenario, the day will come
when many of the Earth's many diverse and wonderful
species will have vanished. What can we do about this?
7
242
What techniques has the writer of Model A on p. 241 used to start/end his/her essay? Write your own introduction
and conclusion using a different technique.
Writing: Essays
For-and-Against Essays
8
10
Read the rubric, then read the two models. Which model is more
appropriate?
You have had a class discussion about the proposed building of a
chemical plant outside your town. Your teacher has now asked you
to write an essay describing the advantages and disadvantages of
having a factory near your town.
Write your essay (220-260 words).
1
2
3
4
FOR
Arguments
1
2
3
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
1
2
3
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
Justifications
Read the model and complete the paragraph plan. Are any of your
arguments included in the model?
AGAINST
Arguments
Introduction
Paragraph 1
1
2
3
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
1
2
3
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
Main Body
Paragraph 2
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
Justifications
11
12
Main Body
Paragraph 3
.........................
.........................
.........................
.........................
13
Conclusion
Paragraph 4
.........................
.........................
.........................
243
Writing: Essays
14
15
TOPIC SENTENCES
ntages to
hand, there are some disadva
subjects in
teaching strictly academic
most
The
2)
school.
secondary
that
is
all,
important drawback/All in
s
ject
l in sub
some students do not do wel
, 3) but/for
such as history or science
academicless
instance do well in
le,/As a
mp
orientated lessons. 4) For exa
excel in
result there are students who
nal skills.
classes that teach vocatio
o is that
Als
ge/
5) Another disadvanta
ely on
plet
an education based com
be the best
academic subjects may not
d to ready
kind of education require
ld.
wor
real
someone for life in the
There is no doubt that modern technology has made our lives easier.
16
Arguments
1
Studying abroad
broadens your
horizons and makes
you a more
enlightened individual.
Some students who
go to another
country to study feel
alone and isolated.
Taking part in an
exchange programme
allows you to
immerse yourself in a
new culture and
language.
The cost of
participating in an
exchange programme
can be quite high.
Justifications
You will better understand the
traditions of the culture and you
will pick up the language far
faster than if you were studying
the language at an institute in
your own country.
b Many of the organisations that
arrange these programmes ask
for a fee and, of course, the cost
of plane tickets, food and
accommodation all need to be
figured in as well.
c You will see that many nations
make up the world. You will also
become more aware of the fact
that people are people wherever
you may go.
d For many of them, it will be their
first time away from home, their
family and their friends.
a
17
244
Now write an introduction and a conclusion for the essay. Use any
of the techniques presented on p. 242. Compare with a partner.
Writing: Essays
Opinion Essays
18
20
Read the rubric, underline the key words, and answer the
questions.
Viewpoints
19
Reasons
Read the model and complete the paragraph plan. Is the writer in
favour or against the topic? What linking words/phrases have been
used to: introduce arguments? list points? introduce results?
21
Introduction
Paragraph 1
.........................
.........................
.........................
Main Body
Paragraph 2
.........................
.........................
Main Body
Paragraph 3
.........................
.........................
.........................
Main Body
Paragraph 4
.........................
.........................
.........................
4
5
Conclusion
Paragraph 5
.........................
.........................
government/pay
for
all
medical
treatment and prescriptions people
would be healthier and live longer lives
In my opinion, governments should pay for
all medical treatment and prescriptions. By
doing this, people would be healthier and live
longer lives.
authorities/ban possession of all firearms
fewer accidental deaths from gunshot
wounds
people/take part in neighbourhood
watch programmes communities
would be safer for all residents
schools/provide free nutritious lunch to
all students promote healthier diet
government/provide retraining
programmes for people out of work
reduce unemployment
people/volunteer for environmental
projects cleaner neighbourhoods,
towns, cities
245
Writing: Essays
22
Opposing viewpoints
24
Use the linkers in the table and the ideas below to write an
opposing viewpoint.
On the other hand ... Alternatively ... It can be argued that ...
However ... Some people argue ...
1
2
3
4
2
3
25
1
2
3
4
246
Viewpoints
1
a. Read the rubric. Then read the viewpoints and match them to
the reasons. Which do you agree with? Which do you disagree
with?
'All teenagers should be made to do household chores to earn their
pocket money.' Do you agree with this statement?
Write an essay for your teacher expressing your opinion (220260 words).
23
Children must do
something for the money
they are given.
Doing chores around the
house can help make a
child more responsible
and mature.
Doing chores as part of a
family unit can provide
an opportunity for
communication between
family members.
Children should not
receive money for doing
chores.
Children could better
spend their time on their
studies as opposed to
doing chores around the
house.
Reasons
A
b. Now write your essay (220-260 words). Use ideas from Ex. 25a.
Writing: Essays
28
Read the rubric, underline the key words, and answer the
questions.
Possible
solution(s)
1
2
3
4
27
Result(s)/
Consequence(s)
Introduction
Paragraph 1
.........................
.........................
.........................
Main Body
Paragraph 2
.........................
.........................
.........................
Main Body
Paragraph 3
.........................
.........................
.........................
29
247
Writing: Essays
30
31
Read the rubrics and underline the key words. What does each one
ask you to write about? What style will you use? What paragraph
plan will you follow for each? Write a topic sentence for each main
body paragraph. Then, write an introduction and conclusion for
each rubric. Compare with a partner.
1
You and your English class have been discussing the benefits of
taking a gap year after graduation. Now your teacher has asked
you to write an essay outlining the advantages and
disadvantages of taking a gap year.
Write your essay (220-260 words).
'All students should have a part-time job.' Do you agree with this
statement?
Write an essay for your teacher expressing your opinion
(220-260 words).
Suggestions
1
2
3
charge a small
membership fee
form athletic teams for
basketball, volleyball, etc
hold weekend events such
as talent contests, art
competitions, etc
form a youth club
government
32
Choose two rubrics and write your essays. Before you give your
essays to your teacher, check the following:
Results
give young people the
opportunity to take part in a
sport they enjoy
b teach young people about civic
responsibilities and politics
c provide money for outings,
parties and dances
d get youth involved in organising
and taking part in things on a
regular basis
a
1-c
248
Organisation
Language