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 following letter is an example of how examination candidates could tackle the subject of recommending one of their peers. 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 182 of the Hellenic American Union's ECCE Practice Examinations book (Book 1).
Task 1 of the rubric asks candidates to write a recommendation letter. If you haven't already done so, read this post B2 Writing: The Basics to see what these letters are and how they can be organized.
Based on an announcement that appeared in Greenpark High School's newsletter, the Board Members of the school are looking for a student to represent both school and country at the International Student's Fair which will take place in Paris next month.
The student, who will act as ambassador for the country, will be staying in Paris for 3 days and in that time will make a presentation of the country's culture and values at the fair as well as meet other students from around the world.
Candidates are asked to write a letter to the Board to nominate a student, explaining the reasons behind this choice (particularly why this person is right for this post and how they could present your country's culture to other students).
The letter should begin with "Dear School Board".
Dear School Board,
Having
read the announcement in Greenpark High School’s newsletter concerning the nomination of a
representative for the International Student’s Fair in Paris, I would like to express my opinion about who that person should be. I
firmly believe that the most suitable student for the task is Henry Pappas, a
classmate of mine.
I
have known Henry ever since we started school ten years ago and am certain that
his abilities make him ideal to talk about our country’s culture and traditions
next month. The reason for this is because he is active in a number of clubs,
such as the local folk dance troupe and the drama and arts clubs, all of which
have taught him confidence and information he could present at the fair. He is
also a member of the debate and film clubs and therefore has experience in
talking in front of an audience and making videos and presentations.
Henry
also has personal qualities that make him suited for this task. He is an outstanding
student who helps his fellow classmates when they need it, making him
especially popular among his peers. This natural openness and charisma means he
will make many friends at the Paris Fair as well as a favorable impression on
all those who attend.
In
conclusion, Henry Pappas is intelligent, sociable and a good orator. Due to
these reasons, I strongly recommend him and believe that he would prepare an
excellent video of Greece which would include some of its traditions and brief interviews of his
classmates to give students of different countries an idea of what young people
here are like.
Yours
faithfully,
Jack
Papadopoulos
For more sample letters or essays, click on the image below.
