IGCSE WRITING EXERCISES 6-7
PROCESS
Writing a quality introduction is the key to writing an answer that will score well. This is the pattern I suggest:
TOPIC
“A local newspaper is inviting young people to write an article about the use of mobile/cell phones and their advantages (1) and disadvantages.” (2)
INTRO PATTERN
EXAMPLE
These days, wherever you look, you see young people chatting, surfing and gaming on their mobile phones. Mobile phones provide many advantages in young peoples' daily lives, but if they are not used wisely they can have significant disadvantages. Mobile phones enable young people to be connected to friends, family and the internet at all times. On the other hand, the same phones can distract young people from school work and reduce valuable sleep time.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Every idea or argument must be supported by an example/supporting details ( see IGCSE Content Rubric)
There are many important advantages in the ownership of a mobile phone. (IDEA) Perhaps the most valuable advantage is the way mobiles connect young people and their families. (EXAMPLE) Many young people are involved in sports after school and quite often games and practices finish at odd times. With a mobile phone, young people can contact parents when games finish and arrange a convenient pick-up time.
YOUR TURN
PROCESS
- Analyze the topic by underling the key words- there are usually 1-2 words that are the keys to understanding the topic and also note if there are two parts to the content you need to write about.
- Plan using a simple star diagram to brainstorm and decide the order of the ideas you will include- at least one e.g. to support each idea or argument.
- Write your answer in paragraphs with a beginning, body paragraphs and conclusion
- Proof read your answer for obvious errors
Writing a quality introduction is the key to writing an answer that will score well. This is the pattern I suggest:
TOPIC
“A local newspaper is inviting young people to write an article about the use of mobile/cell phones and their advantages (1) and disadvantages.” (2)
INTRO PATTERN
- 1st sentence – interesting sentence to capture interest
- 2nd sentence- that clearly links to the topic by using the key words
- 3rd sentence- introduces the main ideas or arguments
EXAMPLE
These days, wherever you look, you see young people chatting, surfing and gaming on their mobile phones. Mobile phones provide many advantages in young peoples' daily lives, but if they are not used wisely they can have significant disadvantages. Mobile phones enable young people to be connected to friends, family and the internet at all times. On the other hand, the same phones can distract young people from school work and reduce valuable sleep time.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Every idea or argument must be supported by an example/supporting details ( see IGCSE Content Rubric)
There are many important advantages in the ownership of a mobile phone. (IDEA) Perhaps the most valuable advantage is the way mobiles connect young people and their families. (EXAMPLE) Many young people are involved in sports after school and quite often games and practices finish at odd times. With a mobile phone, young people can contact parents when games finish and arrange a convenient pick-up time.
YOUR TURN
- Now write a quality second paragraph about disadvantages. Clue look at the last sentence of the introduction.
- Also, write the concluding paragraph. Clue; you need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages and then state your opinion.
- Finally write a full answer to the Exercise 7 question about keeping animals in zoos that is on the next page. You can take a balanced approach, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, or simply present your views for one side of the argument.