What makes an effective essay

< What makes an effective essay

for the IBT TOEFL Writing Section? >

10^thGrade, International Field : V4

Group No.2 / Members:이 종 명,노 혜 성,이 지 훈,서 보 경

Writer of this paper: 이 종 명

 

 

 

 

 

“English is only a tool”. True. The contents that you deliver using that “tool” are what matter in the current society. However, you must be proficient in handling that tool in order to effectively persuade people with your contents. This paper deals with five major points that can enhance your performance particularly on the IBT TOEFL Writing Section. Whereas these points may not be the only answer, they will be a great guideline for those who are not familiar with writing TOEFL essays.

1. Relevancy

1-1) The topic you have chosen for your essay should have a very close connection with the given question.

1-2) The arguments and examples you have selected in order to support your assertion should be relevant both to your topic and the given question.

1-3) The tone and vocabulary should not be opposing to the overall atmosphere of your essay.

2. Flow

2-1) The sentence structures that you applied to each sentence should not be repetitive; they should vary in forms (still should be grammatically correct).

2-2) The length of sentences in your essay should be diverse.

-There are some writers who tend to write only long sentences. This works as a great difficulty for readers when they comprehend your essay. Try breaking one long sentence into two short ones. If possible, cross out unimportant/repetitive points in your sentences. This will make your sentences shorter, therefore easier to understand.

2-3) If applying 2-1) and 2-2) to your writing style, your essay will have a “rhythm”. It is difficult to particularly point out where this rhythm is in your writing. However, this draws attention from readers, allowing them to focus on your essay.

2-4) Adequate usage of transitions will help you make the essay “flow”.

3. Argument elaboration

3-1) Your logic should not have obvious holes. You must explain “why” in parts that are familiar with you, but might not with other people. Especially in parts that contain complex logic or difficult concepts, you should clarify them as much as possible.

3-2) Including examples that support your points is strongly recommended. Examples make readers interested and allow the essay to become more persuasive.

3-3) Using personal examples is also desirable. Personal experiences differ from general ones. They make your essay seem more sincere. However, you must maintain an objective stance when using personal examples.

3-4) Extensive background research is rather an obligation. This makes your arguments much more persuasive. Additionally, your essay can seem more sophisticated, thus giving readers a positive impression. It also increases relevancy to the topic, by the way.

3-5) Your arguments must be objective and based on facts; so are the supporting details and examples. Subjective statements hinder the essay from gaining credibility and persuasiveness.

4. Structure

4-1) Your introduction should be arresting. Personal experiences, recent news, famous quotes are all available. It always does not hurt to have an attractive introduction.

4-2) Your introduction should directly mention what the essay is about. Shortly introducing your arguments is also recommended. It should not be floating somewhere over the rainbow, dealing with abstract and general matters.

4-3) Whether if you write two or three body paragraphs does not matter. But two is recommended, since you can explain each point more deeply.

4-4) Summarizing your main idea and arguments at the conclusion will help readers to organize and fully understand your points.

5. Usage of vocabulary

5-1) You must choose words and phrases that are familiar with you. Do not use big words on purpose. If so, readers will face great difficulty in understanding your original intention. Plus, inadequate vocabulary usage lowers the essay’s quality. It makes it seem like you have looked up a thesaurus to fabricate your essay.

5-2) Use rights words in the right place. Even though you may be familiar with some words, they might be used in slightly different situations as opposed to what you thought.

5-3) Try not to use same words over and over again. Proper use of synonyms enriches your essay.