TOEFL iBT Independent Writing 1
It is essential
that before you start writing your essay you must plan it. If you do
not do this, you will lose focus and your essay will start to drift.
You must decide
1) Your thesis statement
2) The general ideas that support your thesis statement
3) The specific details that support your general ideas
If we think back to the 'Which do you prefer, tea or coffee?' sample
essay:
the thesis statement was
I prefer tea
the general ideas were
healthier, tastier, cheaper
the specific ideas were
1) ancient belief,
2) prevent cancer, 3) reduce stress, 4) less calories
1) mild and smooth,
2) not bitter, 3) subtle
1) bottle, 2) loose
leaves, 3) teabags
One way to quickly make a plan is to draw a simple concept map. Here is
a concept map made for the 'Which do you
prefer, tea or coffee?' sample essay.
Notice how
the concept map is hierarchical, that means it is composed of layers.
At the top thesis statement, then one level down the general ideas,
then finally at the bottom the specific details that support the
general ideas.
Always
make a plan before writing your essay.
Task
1: Look back at sample essay 1. Try to recreate the writer's plan for
this essay using a concept map.
Task 1: Look back at sample essay 2. Try to recreate the writer's plan
for this essay using a concept map.
Task
1: Look back at sample essay 3. Try to recreate the writer's plan for
this essay using a concept map.
Always
make a plan before writing your essay.