Layout
Introduction
Introduce the essay. Begin with either some personal information or some general social or historical of historical background related to the topic.
Every year, thousands of students take important exams which can decide their future.
Arguments 'for' the title
List one or two arguments that agree with the title and give examples if you can.
On the one hand, exams seem fair. The questions are the same for all students. Also…
Arguments 'against' the title
Now list arguments that disagree with the title and give
examples if you can.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks with exams. Despite some students…
Your conclusion
Summarise the arguments very briefly and then give your personal opinion.
To sum up, exams are not the ideal way of testing students ... In my opinion, the best system would be…
Useful Vocabulary
Subjects: traditional subjects: foreign language, geography, history, information technology, literature, maths, science; alternative subjects: cooking, do-it-yourself, driving lessons, self-defence; after-school activities: chess club, choir, drama club, photography club
School holidays: free time, school trips, summer job, work experience
Discipline: code of conduct, monitors, punishments, rules, vandalism, warnings
Linking
To list ideas (addition):
Students also need more time to study.
Furthermore/In addition /Moreover, students need more time
to study.
Students need more time to study, too.
To contrast ideas:
On the one hand, students are prepared for university. On the other hand, students are not prepared for work.
Students are prepared for university but they are not prepared for work.
Students are prepared for university. However, they are not prepared for work.
To give examples:
Exams are important - for example, university exams.
Exams, such as university exams, are important.
Conclusion
Tо sum up, exams are not the ideal way of testing.
In my opinion, a student's work during the term should count.
Checking
Introduction: Does this get the interest of the reader?
Layout: Have you organised paragraphs according to the plan?
Linking: Have you included linking words?
Punctuation: Check your writing for capital letters, commas and full stops.