Writing Section

Independent and Integrated Tasks

Writing Section – 04-2018

 Independent Essay
What is an essay?
An essay is a piece of writing in which we may narrate, describe, explain, compare/contrast
or argue about a specific topic.

How should the essay be organized?

An essay consists of three main sections: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. To
write a good essay, you must organize your thought before you write. First, of course, you
must have some thoughts. You must have an opinion about a subject. Your opinion about a
subject is your thesis.
Concept maps will help you organize the topic. Use a concept map to make notes. One type
of concept map is the web concept map. Look at the example:
Topic: The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one
change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use
reasons and details to support your answer.
Task: Explanation
Thesis: Medical advances are the most important change.
Concept Map:

Medical advances are

the most important
change.
Thesis

Surgical
Vaccines Access to techniques
Supporting
ideas health care

More
Examples Smallpox Local clinics efficient
Polio Specialty Less time in
hospitals hospitals

The Introduction
The introduction is the most important section of our essay since it states the main idea. Within the
introductory paragraph, we should include only one thesis statement and supporting sentences.

The Supporting and Concluding Sentences

Each paragraph in your essay will have a topic sentence, several supporting sentences and a
concluding sentence. The supporting sentences always refer to the topic sentence. They provide
more information about it. This information may be extracted from different sources: a personal
experience or anecdote, a specific example, facts or statistics, history, newspapers and magazines,
etc. An important detail is that there will be as many supporting paragraphs in the body of the essay as
focus ideas there are in the introductory paragraph.

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 The Thesis Statement

In order to write a good essay, you must dearly state your thesis. Every essay must have a thesis.
The thesis is the main idea of your essay. A thesis statement focuses the direction of the topic
and helps the reader understand what you want to say. It tells the reader what your topic is.

Look at these example topics to see how different thesis statements can come from the same
topic.

Essay Topic
You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students.
Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you
rather choose your own roommate? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

Thesis statement A
Since I do not get along well with many people, I prefer to choose my own roommate.

From this statement, we can presume that the writer will discuss why s/he has difficulty having
friendly relationships with people.

Thesis statement B
In the past, I've often been pleasantly surprised by chance encounters; therefore, I would rather
the university make my choice of a roommate.

From this statement, we can presume the writer will discuss why past encounters with strangers
have been pleasant.

A thesis statement must be on the topic. Pay close attention to what the topic asks you to do.

Essay Topic
Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space
(for example, traveling to the moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think
governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions
do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Thesis statement A
The moon is a better place to explore because it is nearer than other planets.

This thesis statement is NOT a good thesis statement for this topic. It takes two of the words
from the topic and writes about exploration possibilities. The topic, though, is how best to spend
limited resources: on space exploration or on needs on Earth. This thesis statement is off topic.

Thesis statement B
While there is still hunger, Poverty, and illiteracy on Earth, our resources should be focused
here not in outer space.

From this statement, we can presume the writer will discuss why hunger, poverty, and illiteracy
on Earth are more worthy of attention than space exploration

Thesis statement C
The psychological and scientific benefits of space exploration far outweigh chronic earthly
problems.

From this statement, we can presume the writer will discuss in detail the psychological and
scientific benefits that we receive from space exploration.

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Writing Section - 04-2018
 INDEPENDENT ESSAY OUTLINE

Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
 Sentence one: A "hook." This is an interesting sentence that describes the topic of the essay
without stating your main point. Example: "Children have an incredible number of interests, so
there are many possible gifts to give them."
 Sentence two: Your main point. Example: "In my opinion, the very best gift to give to a child is..."
 Sentence three: A transitional sentence. Example: "I feel this way for two reasons, which I will
explore in this essay."
 Sentence Four: "First...." (quickly summarize your first reason, optional)
 Sentence Five: "Second...." (quickly summarize your second reason, optional)

Omit sentence four and five if you are running out of time. It is perfectly okay to write just a three-
sentence introduction!

Paragraph 2 (Body)
 A topic sentence that introduces your reason. Example: "To begin with..."
 One or two sentences that give general information about this reason
 A transitional sentence that introduces your personal example: "My own experience is a
compelling example of this."
 Four or five sentences that talk about an example from your life.

Paragraph 3 (Body)
 A topic sentence that introduces your second reason. Example: "Secondly..."
 One or two sentences that give general information about this reason
 A transition. Example: "My own personal history is proof of this"
 Four or five sentences that talk about this example

Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
 In conclusion, I believe that... MAIN POINT."
 "This is because REASON ONE, and REASON TWO."

Writing Section - 04-2018

 SAMPLE INDEPENDENT ESSAYS
CHOOSE A SIDE

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed
communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
opinion.

Some people believe that television has destroyed communication among friends and
family. I think this is an exaggeration. In my opinion, whether or not television hurts
communication depends on what type of program is being viewed. More importantly, it
depends on the type of viewer.
There are empty programs and educational programs. Empty programs do not
challenge people. They have just enough storyline to keep them from switching channels.
There are also passive and active viewers. A passive viewer will just watch television without
thinking about what he or she is seeing. The combination of an empty program and a passive
viewer makes communication unlikely. Passive viewers just continue to watch, actually
enjoying the fact that they don't have to think. They won't break away to talk about
programming with friends and family. Even with better programming, passive viewers still
won't think or communicate much. They'll probably even prefer the empty programs because
the better programming is too much work. On the other hand, active viewers
watching educational programming always want to share what they see with friends and
family. "Educational" doesn't necessarily mean documentaries on PBS. They could be dramas
with realistic relationships or action shows with clever plotlines. When active viewers watch
programs, they have ideas and talk about them with others. Good programming inspires them
to change their thinking and their lives. Unlike passive viewers, they don't want to watch
more and more without thinking.
Television may destroy communication among passive viewers. Those viewers probably don't
want to communicate with friends and family much anyway. For active viewers who already
enjoy communicating, television is actually helpful!

COMPARE TWO OPTIONS

A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either
• to go on a vacation

• to buy a car.
Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend's two choices and explain which
one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your
choice.

Trying to decide how to use your money is always tough. Should you use your money
to buy a car or go on a vacation? Both afford lasting pleasure, but of a very different kind.
From a vacation you get the pleasure of doing wonderful things and of totally relaxing and
enjoying yourself. The memories you bring home with you can give you that same pleasure
again every time you think of them.
A car also gives you pleasure, every time you drive it. There's the pleasure of not
having to depend on public transportation. You can go places off the beaten track, where

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public transportation doesn't go. There is also the pleasure of being independent. You are
able to go anywhere your car can take you, without depending on others.

A vacation gives you the opportunity to learn new things and meet new and
interesting people. However, it's only for a short period of time. A car gives you the same
opportunities on a smaller level, but on a more regular basis. With a car, you can go
someplace new every weekend. You can also join a car pool. That way you can share travel
expenses with the new people you meet.

Some people might say that spending your money on a vacation instead of on a car is
being impractical. But nothing is as satisfying as a really good vacation. It's mentally and
physically healthy. It gives you a chance to get away from all that is familiar to you and see
the world from a new perspective. It lets you do nothing but play, the way you did when you
were a child. Being able to play, even for a short period of time, is absolutely necessary for
everyone's mental health. I would choose the vacation, because we all deserve to indulge
ourselves sometimes.

DESCRIBE OR EXPLAIN

Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do think people visit
museums? Use specific reasons and examples.

People love to visit museums when traveling to new places. I think this is because
museums tell them a lot about the culture of those places. Museums are also fun. It's almost
impossible to get bored in a museum. Every museum will have at least one thing of interest to
somebody.
When visiting someplace new, you can find out about the culture of that place in many
ways. You can go to a movie or a place of worship or a nightclub. Another option is to sit in
the park and listen to the people around you. The easiest way to learn about a place's culture,
though, is by visiting its museums. Museums will show you the history of the place you're
visiting.
They'll show you what art the locals think is important. If there aren't any museums, that tells
you something, too.
Museums are fun. Even if you're not interested in art or history, there is always
something to get your attention. Many museums now have what they call "hands-on"
exhibits. These were originally designed to keep children occupied while their parents were
looking at exhibits. However, museums have found that adults enjoy hands-on opportunities
just as much as children. These exhibits have activities like pushing a button to hear more
about what you're looking at, creating your own work of art, or trying on clothes like those on
the models in the museum.
People also enjoy visiting museums about unusual subjects. For instance, in my
hometown there's a museum devoted to the potato. This museum has art made out of
potatoes. It also tells all about the history of the potato, and sells potato mementos like key
chains and potato dolls. People enjoy visiting this museum because it's different. It's not
something they'd find in their hometown and the museum's curators enjoy talking about the
Great Potato.
Museums are popular because they are about us. They reflect our creations, our
values, and our dreams. No matter who you are or what you like, somewhere there is a
museum that will amaze and interest you.

Writing Section - 04-2018

 The Integrated Task
In all the integrated tasks, you will read a short passage and then listen to a talk on the same subject.
You should take notes while you read and while you listen. You will then be asked to write about the
difference between what you read and what you heard. Although what you hear and what you read
will be about the same topic, the information on each will differ. In other words, what you hear will
contradict (or sometimes support) what you read. You will not give your opinion. While you write,
you can look at your notes and at the reading passage.

INTEGRATED ESSAY OUTLINE

OPTION 2

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 Integrated Essay Template
Paragraph One (Introduction):

 The reading and the lecture are both about ________, which is _________.
 The author of the reading believes that ______________________. (Main idea)
 The lecturer challenges/casts doubt on/opposes the claims made in the article by arguing
that…/providing evidence of…/stating that.../questioning the validity of…
 He/She thinks that _______________. (Main idea)

Paragraph Two (Body)

 First of all, the author points out that __________________. (point 1)

 It is mentioned that _________________. (supporting detail)
 This point is challenged by the lecturer./By contrast, the professor believes that…
 She says _________________. (counter-point 1)
 Furthermore, she argues _____________________. (supporting detail)

Paragraph Three (Body)

 Secondly, the author contends that ______________.

 The article notes ______________.
 The lecturer rebuts this argument.
 She suggests ________________.
 She elaborates on this by mentioning that _____________.

Paragraph Four (Body)

 Finally, the author states that _____________.

 The article establishes that _____________.
 The lecturer, on the other hand, posits that _____________.
 She puts forth the idea that _______________________.

Paragraph Five (Optional Conclusion)

 In conclusion, the lecturer concludes that ______________.

 The professor effectively challenges the claims made in the article by __________.

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 SAMPLE ESSAY
Read the following passage and the lecture which follows. In an actual test, you would have 3 minutes to
read the passage. Then, answer the question. In the test, you would have 20 minutes to plan and write your
response. Typically, an effective response will be 150 to 225 words. Test takers with disabilities may
request additional time to read the passage and write the response.

READING PASSAGE

Critics say that current voting systems used in the United States are inefficient and
often lead to the inaccurate counting of votes. Miscounts can be especially damaging if an
election is closely contested. Those critics would like the traditional systems to be replaced
with far more efficient and trustworthy computerized voting systems.
In traditional voting, one major source of inaccuracy is that people accidentally vote for
the wrong candidate. Voters usually have to find the name of their candidate on a large sheet
of paper containing many names—the ballot—and make a small mark next to that name.
People with poor eyesight can easily mark the wrong name. The computerized voting
machines have an easy-to-use touch-screen technology: to cast a vote, a voter needs only to
touch the candidate’s name on the screen to record a vote for that candidate; voters can even
have the computer magnify the name for easier viewing.
Another major problem with old voting systems is that they rely heavily on people to
count the votes. Officials must often count up the votes one by one, going through every ballot
and recording the vote. Since they have to deal with thousands of ballots, it is almost
inevitable that they will make mistakes. If an error is detected, a long and expensive recount
has to take place. In contrast, computerized systems remove the possibility of human error,
since all the vote counting is done quickly and automatically by the computers.
Finally, some people say it is too risky to implement complicated voting technology
nationwide. But without giving it a thought, governments and individuals alike trust other
complex computer technology every day to be perfectly accurate in banking transactions as
well as in the communication of highly sensitive information.

LECTURE TRANSCRIPT

(Narrator) Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.

(Female professor) While traditional voting systems have some problems, it’s doubtful that
computerized voting will make the situation any better. Computerized voting may seem easy for
people who are used to computers. But what about people who aren’t? People who can’t afford
computers, people who don’t use them on a regular basis—these people will have trouble using
computerized voting machines. These voters can easily cast the wrong vote or be discouraged from
voting altogether because of fear of technology. Furthermore, it’s true that humans make mistakes
when they count up ballots by hand. But are we sure that computers will do a better job? After all,
computers are programmed by humans, so “human error” can show up in mistakes in their
programs. And the errors caused by these defective programs may be far more serious. The worst a
human official can do is miss a few ballots. But an error in a computer program can result in
thousands of votes being miscounted or even permanently removed from the record. And in many
voting systems, there is no physical record of the votes, so a computer recount in the case of a
suspected error is impossible! As for our trust of computer technology for banking and
communications, remember one thing: these systems are used daily and they are used heavily. They
didn’t work flawlessly when they were first introduced. They had to be improved on and improved on
until they got as reliable as they are today. But voting happens only once every two years nationally
in the United States and not much more than twice a year in many local areas. This is hardly
sufficient for us to develop confidence that computerized voting can be fully trusted.

Writing Section - 04-2018

Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how
they oppose specific points made in the reading passage.

SAMPLE RESPONSE - SCORE OF 5

The author of the reading passage discusses the advantages of implementing a computerized
voting system. On the other hand, the lecturer explains why such electronic voting system can
not replace the traditional voting system. According to the lecturer, there are several drawbacks
to such implementation.

First of all, the professor states that not everyoen one can use computers correctly. Some people
do not have access to computers, some people are not used of computers, and some people are
even scared of this new technology. If the voters do not know how to use a computer, how do
you expect them to finish the voting process through computers? This directly refutes the reading
passage which states that computerized voting is easier by just touchingthe screen.

Secondly, the lecturer argues that computers may make mistakes as the people do. As computers
are programmed by the human beings, thus erros are inevitable in the computer system.
Problems caused by computer voting systems may be more serious than those caused by people.
A larger number of votes might be miss counted or even removed from the system. Furthermore,
it would take more energy to recount the votes. Again this contradicts what is stated in the
reading which states that only people will make mistakes in counting.

Thirdly, computerized voting system is not reliable because it has not reached a stable status.
People trust computers to conduct banking transactions because the computerized banking
system is being used daily and frecuently and has been stable. How ever, the voting does not
happen as often as banking thus the computerized voting system has not been proved to be
totally reliable.

At last, not everyone can use a computer properly, computer cause mistakes and computerized voting
system is not reliable are the main reasons the professor mentions why computerized voting system can
not replace the traditional voting system.

Score explanation

This response is well organized, selects the important information from all three points made in the lecture,
and explains its relationship to the claims made in the reading passage about the advantages of
computerized voting over traditional voting methods.
First, it counters the argument that computerized voting is more user-friendly and prevents distortion of the
vote by saying that many voters find computers unfamiliar and some voters may end up not voting at all.
Second, it challenges the argument that computerized voting will result in fewer miscounts by pointing out
that programming errors may result in large-scale miscounts and that some errors may result in the loss of
voting records.
Third, it rejects the comparison of computerized voting with computerized banking by pointing out that the
reliability of computerized banking (“reached a stable status”) has been achieved though frequent use,
which does not apply to voting. There are occasional minor language errors: for example, “people not used
of computers”; “miss counted”; “computer cause mistakes”; and the poor syntax of the last sentence (“All in
all . . . ”). Some spelling errors are obviously typos: “everyoen.” The errors, however, are not at all frequent
and do not result in unclear or inaccurate representation of the content. The conclusion is somewhat
unclear.

Writing Section - 04-2018