#2 (permalink) Tue May 31, 2011 18:45 pm Outline! |
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Generally you need an introduction, 3 or 5 body paragraphs and a conclusion.
The introduction restates the question using different vocabulary and/or sentence structure. The introduction also includes your thesis statement…the most important sentence in your essay. The body of your essay is also the “heart” of your essay. It will include your main ideas and details and examples to support those ideas. Each new idea should be a new paragraph. Typically, a TOEFL essay will have 3 – 5 body paragraphs. The conclusion will be your final paragraph. It will summarize all the main ideas in your essay and it may also include your opinion.
There are a number of different types of essay and you can't tell in advance which one you will be asked to writ, so it is a good idea to get to know the requirements for each type of essay.
1. Choose a point of view and support that view. Example: Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
This type of question asks you to look at only ONE side of the issue…the side you agree with. DON’T write about both sides. You tell which side you agree with and support your ideas with details and examples.
2. Describe something. Example: If you could invent something NEW, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed?
In answering this type of question, you MUST be creative. It asks you to describe something NEW, something that does not exist. You must describe it in detail AND tell why it is necessary.
3. Compare two points of view and tell which one you agree with. Example: Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?
In this type of question, you must write about BOTH sides of this issue and then tell which side you agree with. You may NOT say that you agree with both sides. You MUST make a choice. First, give support, details and examples of both sides of the issue. Then, tell which side you agree with and why.
4. Agree or disagree with something. Example: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ONLY people who earn a lot of money are successful. Do you agree or disagree with this definition of success? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
In this type of question, you MUST agree or disagree. You cannot be unsure or indecisive. After you have said whether you agree or disagree, you must give convincing reasons and examples for your choice.
5. Explain why something is true. Example: People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Give specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
In this question, you should use lots of examples. (For this question, you would use examples of gifts one might receive and tell why those gifts are memorable). Do not write in the first person, “I.” Write in more general terms.
6. Support an idea or plan. Example: It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. _________________ Cheers m' dears! |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 20463 Location: UK, born and bred
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#3 (permalink) Wed Jun 01, 2011 11:49 am Thanks.:) |
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Nice Question asked and Answered much better. People here are discussing more of a essay topic, but this is nice one. I've always wished for this type of forum. All the visitors of this forum, please share your views on the outline of the essay and add value to this discussion.
Thanks, Abhishek. |
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Abhiy I'm new here and I like it ;-)

Joined: 24 May 2011 Posts: 23
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