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
The topic of this essay is to discuss what the responsibilities of parenting are. If you are not taking an exam but need to discuss this topic, then read on and note down what you deem useful. If you intend to use this essay as part of an assignment, remember to paraphrase so as not to plagiarize.
The topic is similar to what candidates expect in any other C2-level examination in that examiners want to see a well-organized, coherent and cohesive discussion of the issue with arguments and examples written in approximately half an hour. Whether or not you agree with the viewpoint expressed, remember that what yields a higher score is the way a subject is argued, so if you see that you come up with more ideas for the side of the argument you disagree with during the brainstorming phase, it doesn't matter -- simply go ahead and plead that side of the argument.
For those who'd like to read more sample essays and useful essay-writing posts, click on the image below.
The following is a sample essay based on the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) writing section. The question can be found on page 72 of the ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union (date of publication 2012, now no longer in circulation).
What do you think is involved in being a good parent in terms of helping your children to develop social skills and preparing them to take an active role in an ever-changing society? Give examples of parents’ responsibilities at home and their involvement in their children’s education.
Being a parent in today's turbulent
society presupposes both a hefty measure of patience and wisdom on the part of
the parents. Steering their children through the maze of life and teaching them
the skills they will need in order to survive is an endeavor in itself, which
is all the more reason why parents' involvement in the home and in their
children's education is of the utmost importance. The responsibilities a couple
has in these two areas are varied and for proper parenting to take place,
parents must pay special attention to certain tasks.
Firstly, being a good parent
entails considerable effort at home. Parents who either stay at home during the
day or return home after work have an equal responsibility in making sure that
they spend as much time as possible with their children. It is true that many
parents do not have the energy or time to fend for their offspring after a
tiring day's work, but they have to realize that it is their responsibility to
show their children that they will go that extra mile for them even though they
are exhausted. The result of this can only be a positive one, as children learn
the value of family, self-sacrifice and love from a parent who spends quality
time with his or her children after a grueling day at the office. A second
responsibility a parent has at home is discipline. Most parents today ignore
this determining factor in a child's development. Without discipline, children
will never be able to brace themselves for the difficult job market ahead or
learn to overcome difficulties solely relying on their own abilities. Parents
must lay ground rules for every aspect of home life, be it table manners to how
children are expected to discuss issues with their parents. Teaching children
that rules exist in the microcosm of a house prepares youngsters for the more
intricate conventions of social life.
Secondly, parents should be very
involved in their children's education and their responsibilities lie in two
stages. The first of these is during a child's first steps in school. Parents
must not only highlight the importance of a good education by encouraging their
children and supporting them even when they make mistakes, but also must help teach
them proper study habits. Helping their children with their homework gives
children confidence and makes them realize that it is important, otherwise so
much attention would not be necessary. Eventually, children grow up and it is
during this next stage that parents must again step in to do what they are
responsible for, and that is undergraduate studies. It may seem base to
relegate parenthood to a financial level, but unfortunately where education is
concerned, if a child is to have a fighting chance of survival in a cut-throat
society, proper credentials are a must. Parents should decide cautiously as to
what their child could study and where their talents would best be molded.
Choosing a field of studies or university that is far beyond the capabilities
of their child would ultimately lead to an early dropout and subsequent
unemployment.
It is therefore evident that
parents have a difficult job of raising their children. The qualities they need
to become successful parents require care both at home and in their children's
education. Parents who want to see their children grow up to lead satisfying
lives should spend time with their children for both work and play, carefully
plan out their education and lay down the rules so that children may understand
if not appreciate social etiquette and conventions. Only in this way can they
become actively involved in society.
Word count: approx. 600 words
Looking for useful vocabulary for the Speaking and Writing sections of ESL exams? Click on the image below.
Don't know where to start with essays? Read the first post in my essay-writing series by following the link (click on the image below).
