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
This is a sample short story based on a typical B2-level English exam (e.g. First for Schools or the former FCE exam, ESB or LRN) which requires candidates to write a narrative of approximately 200 words. It is, naturally, appropriate for creative writing assignments as well -- especially early October, with Halloween right round the corner -- that should give students and teachers alike the opportunity to get ideas. Ideally, it should be used to show students and ESL / EFL exam candidates what is expected of them when they encounter this type of question, even though it is rather lengthier than required. As you read, note the various elements a short story should have: dialogue, use of adjectives and adverbs to create atmosphere, use of the senses, organization of paragraphs, conflicts that heighten the action, narrator, and the like. For further information, read my post Writing Stories: Where to Start . It should help you tackle a story f...