DIRECT WRITING 1. Understand the Topic: - Read the prompt or question carefully to understand the topic you'll be writing about. - Identify the main theme or idea and any specific instructions provided. 2. Brainstorm Ideas: - Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas related to the topic. - Consider different angles, perspectives, or examples you can explore in your composition. - Write down key points or ideas that come to mind. 3. Outline Your Composition: - Create an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your composition. - Start with an introduction that introduces the topic and previews the main points you'll be discussing. - Divide the body of your composition into paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on a different aspect or supporting point. - Use bullet points or short phrases to outline the main ideas and supporting details for each paragraph. - End with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. 4. Develop Your Ideas: - Expand on each point in your outline, providing detailed explanations, examples, or evidence to support your arguments. - Use descriptive language and vivid imagery to engage the reader and bring your ideas to life. - Ensure that each paragraph flows logically from one to the next, maintaining coherence and cohesion throughout your composition. 5. Revise and Edit: - Review your composition carefully, paying attention to clarity, coherence, and conciseness. - Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, and correct any mistakes you find. - Consider the overall structure and organization of your composition, making revisions as needed to improve flow and coherence. - Ask yourself if your composition effectively addresses the topic and if your arguments are well-supported and persuasive. 6. Finalize Your Work: - Make any final revisions or edits to polish your composition and ensure it meets the requirements of the task. - Double-check formatting requirements, such as word count or citation style, if applicable. - Read through your composition one last time to ensure it is clear, coherent, and wellwritten. - Submit your work with confidence, knowing that you've put in the effort to produce a thoughtful and well-crafted piece of writing. By following these steps and planning your work effectively, you can improve your composition and article writing skills and achieve success in your exams. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback from teachers or peers to continue honing your writing abilities. 2020 PAST QUESTION Imagine you are a pupil in a school which does not have a school council. Write a speech to be given in a school assembly, giving your views on whether or not students should participate in decisions made about the school. In your speech you should: • evaluate the views given in both texts about student participation • give your own views, based on what you have read, about whether a school council would benefit students and teachers. Base your speech on what you have read in both texts, but be careful to use your own words. Address both of the bullet points. Begin your speech: ‘Thank you for coming to listen to me today …’. Write about 250 to 350 word ANSWER ONE Thank you all for gathering here today. I want to talk to you about something important – the role of students in decision-making at our school. You see, there's a transformation happening in schools across the country, and it's all about empowering students like us to have a say in how our school is run. I recently came across a guide for teachers on setting up school councils, and it got me thinking. The guide highlights the incredible benefits of involving students in decision-making. It's not just about giving us a token voice; it's about recognizing that when students are actively involved in shaping their school experience, amazing things can happen. Think about it – who knows better about what goes on in our school than us, the students? We're the ones living and breathing school life every day. So why shouldn't we have a say in decisions that affect us directly? When students are given the opportunity to participate in decision-making, it's not just a boxticking exercise. It's about empowering us with a sense of ownership and responsibility for our school community. It's about fostering communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills that will serve us well beyond the classroom. And the benefits don't stop there. Schools that embrace student participation often see improvements in behavior, attendance, and academic results. When students feel valued and respected, they're more motivated to succeed. But perhaps most importantly, student participation gives us a chance to make a real difference – to shape the policies and initiatives that will shape our school's future. We have fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a genuine desire to make our school the best it can be. So let's not underestimate the power of student voice. Let's work together to create a school where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Thank you. ANSWER 2 Thank you for joining me today, I want to address a topic that's been on my mind lately – the role of students in decisionmaking at our school. You see, there's been a lot of talk about giving students a say in how things are run around here, but I have some reservations about that. While it's important to listen to students' concerns and ideas, we have to remember that our teachers and school administrators are the ones with the experience and expertise to make informed decisions about our education. They've dedicated their careers to guiding us and ensuring we receive the best possible education. Now, I'm not saying that students shouldn't have a voice at all. We should absolutely feel comfortable expressing our thoughts and concerns to our teachers and school leaders. But when it comes to making decisions that impact the entire school community, we have to trust in the wisdom and experience of our educators. I've seen firsthand how student councils can become more of a distraction than a benefit. Instead of focusing on our studies and extracurricular activities, we're spending valuable time and energy debating issues that are better left to the adults. And let's not forget about the financial aspect. Our parents are paying a lot of money for us to attend this school, and they expect us to receive a top-notch education. We can't afford to waste time and resources on initiatives that may not be practical or beneficial in the long run. So while it's important to listen to students' voices, we also need to trust in the expertise of our teachers and administrators. Let's focus on our studies and leave the decision-making to those who know best. Thank you. 2021 PAST QUESTION Write a magazine article for young people about modern friendship. In your article you should • evaluate the ideas about friendship given in both texts • explain, based on what you have read, to what extent you think social media affects friendship. Base your article on what you have read in both texts, but be careful to use your own words. Address both of the bullet points. Write about 250 to 350 words. TYPE A ANSWER In today's digital age, the concept of friendship has evolved significantly. With the rise of social media platforms and online communities, the boundaries of friendship have expanded beyond physical proximity. Text A argues that online friendships are just as valid and meaningful as traditional offline friendships. The author highlights the positive impact of social media in fostering connections and combating loneliness. They emphasize that technology has enabled individuals to form deep and authentic relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, regardless of geographical distance. Additionally, the author acknowledges the role of online platforms in providing support and companionship to marginalized groups, such as introverts or individuals with disabilities. Contrastingly, Text B presents a more nuanced perspective on modern friendship. It discusses Robin Dunbar's research on the limitations of human social networks, suggesting that despite the accessibility of online connections, individuals still maintain a relatively stable circle of close friends. The text argues that while social media allows us to keep track of a larger number of acquaintances, it may hinder the development of meaningful, face-to-face relationships. Unlike shared experiences in real life, online interactions lack the depth and intimacy required for genuine connections. The convenience of social media may lead to superficial relationships, diverting attention away from nurturing deeper bonds with close friends. When considering the impact of social media on friendship, it's essential to recognize both the benefits and limitations. While online platforms offer opportunities for connection and community-building, they cannot fully replicate the richness of in-person interactions. Ultimately, the quality of friendships depends on the time, effort, and shared experiences invested in cultivating meaningful connections, whether online or offline. As young people navigating the complexities of modern friendship, it's crucial to strike a balance between digital connections and real-life interactions to foster genuine and fulfilling relationships. TYPE B ANSWER In the realm of modern friendship, social media plays a pivotal role in reshaping how we connect and interact with others. Text A celebrates the power of online friendships, arguing that they are equally valuable and authentic as traditional offline relationships. The author highlights the accessibility and inclusivity of social media platforms, enabling individuals to form bonds with like-minded people across geographical barriers. Moreover, online communities offer a sense of belonging and support, particularly for marginalized groups who may face challenges in offline social settings. However, Text B offers a cautionary perspective on the limitations of social media-driven friendships. Drawing from anthropologist Robin Dunbar's research, the text suggests that despite the vast networks facilitated by social media, individuals still maintain a relatively small circle of close relationships. While digital platforms allow for easy connection and communication, they may lack the depth and intimacy of face-to-face interactions. The constant scrolling and superficial engagement on social media can detract from meaningful connections, leading to a sense of loneliness and isolation despite a large online following. From another angle, it's important to consider the impact of social media on mental health and well-being. While online friendships can provide companionship and support, they also present risks such as cyberbullying, comparison culture, and addiction. Excessive use of social media may exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, especially among young people who are more susceptible to peer influence. In conclusion, the rise of social media has undoubtedly revolutionized how we form and maintain friendships. While digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for connection and community-building, it's essential to approach online interactions mindfully and strike a balance between virtual and real-life relationships. By prioritizing quality over quantity and fostering genuine connections both online and offline, we can navigate the complexities of modern friendship in a healthy and fulfilling manner.
