2018-12-06 TOEFL: ind writing

Greg Malivuk
[email protected]
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk - notes from all classes
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Homework: finish the reading handout from yesterday
Passage 4
24 A
25 C
26 C
27 A
28 B
29 C
30 A
31 D
32 B - The connections are between satellite terminals and the central terminal, and trams and buses usually make that same connection.
33 C
34 D
Passage 5
35 C
36 D
37 B
38 B
39 A
40 C
41 D
42 C
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Writing Section: fourth and final section of the test, two tasks
1 integrated: 3 minutes to read a passage, listen to a lecture on the same topic, 20 minutes to write about the points from the lecture and how they relate to the points from the reading passage
2 independent: read a choice-question prompt, 30 minutes to state and support your opinion
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Independent Writing: “Typically, an effective response will have a minimum of 300 words.”
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There are two types of choice questions
- agree/disagree: “Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? _____ Use reasons and examples to support your response.”
- some people/other people: “Some people think…. Others prefer…. Which do you think is better? Use reasons and examples to support your response.”
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The basic academic essay in US schools has 5 paragraphs:
1 Introduction: background and a “hook” to get interest, summary of the options you’re choosing between, your choice (thesis statement), and a lead-in
2-4 Body: (each one should) state a reason, example(s) to show the reason is true, give details/examples to show that the reason really does support your thesis
5 Conclusion: restate your thesis and summarize your reasons, give the reader a takeaway from your response, such as a recommendation or prediction for the future
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“Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.”
- Brainstorm possible reasons for both sides. What examples could you use to support those reasons?
- Choose a position and reasons that you know you’ll be able to support.
- Briefly outline your essay, putting your reasons and examples in order.
- Write your response
	1 Write your thesis statement and a basic lead-in (“I have three reasons for this opinion.”)
	2 Take 5 minutes to write each of 3 (or 7.5 minutes for two) body paragraphs
	3 Write the first sentence of your conclusion
	4 Finish any incomplete ideas in your body paragraphs
	5 Add background and a better lead-in (“I prefer this because of ___, ___, and ___ )to your intro
	6 Add a takeaway to your conclusion (prediction or recommendation)
	7 Correct mistakes
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Content and organization are more important than grammar and vocabulary (though of course grammar and vocabulary are also important, especially to the extent that they’re easy to understand)
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agree/disagree: “Email has made people better writers.”
- Be careful that you don’t just write about the benefits of email. All of your reasons need to be related to the quality of people’s writing.
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BREAK
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Writing practice. Email your responses to me when you’re done.
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Look at the sample responses. What’s good and bad about each one?