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 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 32 of the old ECPE Book 1 Practice Examinations textbook published by the Hellenic American Union (date of publication 2012, now no longer in circulation). If you haven't already done so, before you read this sample essay please read What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog? This is the topic: Which of the following technological developments do you feel is of most benefit to society today: telephone, television or the internet? Compare, giving reasons for your choice. Here's the essay (roughly 450 words): It is an undeniable fact that the advances made in the field of technology in the last one hundred and fifty years or so have exceeded our expectations. Hardly anyone could be expected to imagi...