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
What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog?
Remember: such topics can also be used to start class discussions, so teachers might also want to read on to get ideas about a class activity they could set up to improve students' oral skills.
This particular question has been taken from an ECCE textbook which means that the rubric contains an introductory situation and then the question itself. The length of the sample letter that follows is approximately what examiners would expect to be completed in half an hour's time.
Note: When you write a letter or essay, you don't have to agree entirely with the arguments you put forward. Write what is easier to defend with explanations or examples.
Here's the rubric:
Exchange Student Mentors Needed
Mentors are needed to befriend the
foreign exchange students who are coming to our city this year. Last year’s
students felt overwhelmed and found it hard to make friends. Mentors will be
required to help exchange students get settled in when they arrive. Please
send letters recommending someone to Mrs. Ellis in the main office.
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Write a letter to Mrs. Ellis
recommending someone fit to be an exchange student mentor. Give reasons for
your recommendation. Begin your letter, “Dear Mrs. Ellis.”
Sample Letter
Dear Mrs. Ellis,
Having seen your
ad asking for exchange student mentors, I believe I have someone in mind who
would be perfect for this post. I suggest you carefully consider my cousin Jack
Davidson because he has what, in my view, you are looking for in a mentor.
The first
reason I think you should consider Jack is due to the fact that he is very good
with people his age. He is sociable and popular at school which means he has
people skills that will come in handy when dealing with any problems the
exchange students may be facing. His open, honest and friendly personality
always makes people want to be around him and ask for advice when they need it.
Another reason
why I find he is ideal for this task is because he knows his way around the
city, and I don’t just mean in terms of location. Jack has been active in a
number of things in the past five years, which means that he has been a member
of many athletic and artistic clubs. For instance, he is on the local amateur
football team, a member of the film fan club, takes art lessons during the week
and attends photography workshops once a month. Through the activities he has
done, he has toured the city to take pictures, been to museums and movie
theaters to see works of art and films, and enjoys free access to all the
city’s major stadiums. Because of this, he can show exchange students around
and organize afternoon outings with them to help them become acquainted with
the city. He will undoubtedly invite some of his friends along so exchange
students will be able to make new friends, and that is the main objective, is
it not?
In short,
John Davidson is the ideal person to help the exchange students settle in smoothly
and quickly. His outgoing nature and active lifestyle will be a great help to
them.
Yours sincerely,
Justin Davidson
For more sample letters or essays, click on the image below.
