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
First take a look at how to use the sample essays and letters that appear on this blog by reading the following post:
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:
Time to Wear a Uniform
Uniforms
make life simple. And due to today’s children having enough concerns, without
having to worry about whether they look as good as their friends, we have
decided to introduce a uniform at our school. The teachers at Billow High
believe uniforms will solve this problem. We would like to hear your views on
this issue. Please address your letters to the Principal, Mrs. Jenkins.
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What is your opinion on
school uniforms? Write a letter to Mrs. Jenkins to voice your point of view on
the issue. Give reasons to support your opinions. Begin your letter, “Dear Mrs.
Jenkins.”
Sample Letter
Dear Mr. Jenkins,
Having
read your announcement in our school magazine, as a 15-year-old student I would
like to express my opinion on the matter of school uniforms. In my view, Billow
High should have students wear uniforms.
The first reason why uniforms are a
good idea is because they give students a sense of unity. Students who come
from well-to-do families cannot flaunt how much allowance they receive every
month as they show up in class wearing the latest expensive brand of jeans sold
in the trendiest store in town. Everyone in the class is equal and feels a part
of a team if uniforms become mandatory. The conversation of students will also
not revolve around outfits, but other subjects related to school.
Though many would be quick to point
out that enforcing uniforms is harsh due to the fact that it does not let them
express themselves freely, they are mistaken. Students should learn to express
themselves in other ways – something which I strongly believe is a vital part
of education and growing up in general – through, for instance, creative
writing or music, presentations done in school or art class. Besides, school is
not a fashion runway and students are not designers who need publicity.
All in all, school takes up just half
of the day, therefore wearing a uniform will not prevent students from
expressing themselves through the clothes they wear during the remainder of the
day and at the weekend. If the uniforms chosen are attractive, why should there
be any opposition to your proposal?
Yours
sincerely,
Jessica Daly
Useful B2-level exam posts can be found here:
For more sample letters or essays, click on the image below.