房挺

What you should do

1. Practice writing timed essays of 250 words before the exam so you are confident and not rushed. When you have completed a piece of writing, you can take it to an ELC instructor in the CILL for feedback on grammar, structure and cohesion (but remember, instructors cannot proof read scripts).
2. Spend a couple of minutes planning the structure of your essay before you start to write. 250 words is around 5 short paragraphs. The first of these should introduce the topic or pose the problem. The next 3 should develop relevant points or arguments, or give your own opinion, with support. The conclusion should summarise the points and restate your view or main argument.
3. Individual paragraphs generally have a 'topic sentence' stating the main point. This is often the first sentence. The rest of the paragraph supports this and the final sentence should lead into the next paragraph or prepare for the next topic sentence.
4. Cohesion is important: this is the way your writing 'hangs together'. Use linking words and phrases, relative clauses, transition and ordering phrases which emphasise the relationship between sentences, paragraphs and ideas. (For practice in 'cause and effect' phrases, click on the CILL link below).
5. The basic layout for a 'for and against' type of essay could be:
   
   

   First paragraph	introduction
   Second paragraph	arguments for
   Third paragraph	arguments against
   Fourth paragraph	your own opinion, with reasons
   Fifth paragraph	conclusion

   
   
6. Examiners are looking for a range of grammatical structure and vocabulary, so let them see what you are capable of. Use interesting and varied vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures including more complex ones.