Transcript Slide 1

WRITING
by Ruth Wolff
7/18/2015
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Writing, 2 parts, 1 hr 30 mins, 25 points
Part 1: Transactional e-mail based on reading
120 – 150 words, 8 questions, 8 points
Part 2: Factual report, based on graphic
materials, 200-250 words, 17 points
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What is expected of you at level B2?
• Write clear, detailed and logically structured texts
related to field of interest.
• Develop arguments using emphasis and supporting
information.
• Write letters on academic specialty expressing facts
and opinions, and using an appropriate tone.
• Write in a legible handwriting.
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Business Correspondence
Formal writing: We begin a letter with “Dear Sir/Madam,”
and we end it with “Yours faithfully,”.
Less formal: We begin it with “Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms +
name,” and we end it with “Yours sincerely,”.
Informal: We can begin it with “Dear John,” and we end it
with “Best regards,” or “Best wishes,”.
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What are the examiners checking for?
Grammar
Structure – simple or more complex
Accuracy – spelling, verb tenses, etc.
Vocabulary
Range – variety and some idiomatic use
Precision – correct choice of word and its form
(adverb, adjective, noun)
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Organisation
• Paragraphs: Use paragraphs to set off main
ideas.
• Sentences: Not too long- a sentence longer
than 1 ½ lines is usually too long.
• Cohesion and unity: Linking words are like
signposts leading the reader through the
text development and guiding him/her
through the flow of logic.
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Content
• Task completion: All questions, including points
in questions, should be answered. Answers are
relevant, not off-topic.
• Length: Penalty points given if text too short. All
text reviewed, so the longer the text the greater
the chance for mistakes.
• Subject development: All ideas are given
supporting sentences and a conclusion.
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Style
• Appropriacy: text demonstrates correct
tone throughout the writing.
• Variation: there is variation in structure and
vocabulary.
• Effect on reader: Look through the eyes of
the reader. Are you bringing your points
across the way you want?
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• Do not use short forms in formal writing
(isn’t, doesn’t, sth)
• Use either American or British English
but be consistent throughout text.
• Choose correct prefixes for meaning
(match – mismatch, legal – illegal,
comfortable – uncomfortable).
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LINKING WORDS
Indicating time
first
meanwhile
later
afterwards
finally
soon
at this point
before that
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Clarify
in other words
for instance
in particular
namely
more precisely
I mean
to illustrate
in fact
Setting conditions
however
in that case
instead
nevertheless
despite this
yet
on the other hand
besides
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MOCK WRITING EXAM
Why do you think these great stone statues were
erected on Easter Island around 1200 AD? Describe
the technical hardships that had to be overcome.
Write 50 – 100 words.
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