In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
To get the most out of these sample essays and letters, please read "What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?" before reading this blog entry.
The following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of banning smoking in public places. The sample has been modeled on the University of Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE) Task 1 question of the Writing section available on page 86 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1).
The aim of the task is for candidates to write a letter to The City Times newspaper to express their opinion on the National Medical Association's (NMA) proposal to ban smoking in all public places. The information the rubric gives candidates is that:
- non-smokers who live with smokers face great dangers to their health (for example, serious respiratory problems)
- children whose parents smoke are at a higher risk of suffering from asthma, bronchitis and frequent colds
- the public places the NMA proposes to ban smoking in includes parks and beaches
Candidates have been instructed to begin their letter with the words "Dear Editor".
If you haven't already done so, read this post B2 Writing: The Basics
Dear Editor,
Having
read your article in The City Times, as a 15-year-old student I would
like to express my opinion on the issue of banning smoking in all public
places. It is my firm belief that passing a law such as this one would be
beneficial for all.
To
begin with, prohibiting smoking in all public places would mean that everyone’s
health would be protected. It is well known that smoking causes cancer and even
though smokers state that it is their right to do what they want to themselves,
they are being inconsiderate towards others. They must realize that through
passive smoking, everyone around them is at risk and that they are the ones who
are putting them at risk.
In
addition to this, banning smoking in all areas except private homes offers a
financial advantage. Smokers would be forced to smoke less so buying fewer
packets of cigarettes means less expenses. The government would also economize
as having fewer patients suffering from tobacco-related diseases entails fewer
hospital bills.
All
things considered, although many citizens will undoubtedly see this ban as a
threat to their rights, the government of a country needs to look after the
welfare of its citizens. Health counts above all else in life, therefore
protecting people’s health should be a priority.
Yours
faithfully,
Marie
Somerset
For more sample letters or essays, click on the image below.
