WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY

Name: Teacher:

Take a look at the following example task:

Building a new museum would boost tourism in the area and benefit the whole community. Do you
agree?

Over recent years, tourism has become more important to the local economy. As the area
attracts more tourists, it is only natural that local officials should be thinking about ways of promoting
the region further. It has been claimed that the creation of a new museum would boost visitor
numbers. However, I believe that such a plan would not have as positive an impact as other possible
options.
One argument in favor of a big new museum is that it would put the region on the map and
draw in visitors, who would then spend money on accommodation, transportation, and food. In
addition to this, it would create jobs—initially in construction, and then within the building. Finally,
museums are often seen as being good for the wider community as they help educate people.
On the other hand, a museum would be expensive. It might be better to spend that money on
other areas of the local community. Local schools and hospitals could be improved greatly if a similar
sum of money were made available, and this would benefit a wider range of people. Moreover, it is
worth asking how many local people would actually visit a new museum. There is already a small
museum in town and it is almost always empty.
In conclusion, while a new museum might bring limited benefits and lead to the creation of
some jobs, other choices are preferable. Investment in vital facilities may not bring more tourists, but
would create a more skilled, healthier, and happier society.

Put the words in bold in the correct columns. Then, add 3 more to each category:

Giving your own Structuring and Adding ideas Contrasting two Showing
opinion / sequencing your ideas / examples relevance
statements ideas
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY

Read the text and answer the following questions:

1. Does the writer agree with the statement in the essay title? Why?

2. Which expression does the writer use to reinforce the importance of the subject?

3. What phrase is used to introduce an opposing point of view?

4. Which expression does the writer use to signal a disagreement?

The following sentences are examples of ways to give weak arguments. Using the words in the box,
complete the first gap. Then, write your personal answers to contrast the ideas.

BELIEVED - CLAIMED - COMMON - SEEN - SOMETIMES - SUPPOSEDLY

1. It is _______________________ said that art is a mirror of society. In fact, _________________

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Creativity _______________________ belongs to the world of the arts. In reality, though,
______________________________________________________________________________
3. It is widely _______________________ that music can help to connect young people from
different backgrounds. However, ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. It is often _______________________ that comedy works best when it’s cruel. However,
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY

5. Museums are sometimes _______________________ as being of no interest to young people.

However, ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. One _______________________ argument against more focus on the arts in schools is that
they do not make students more employable. In
reality,_____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Now, it’s time to write! In your English class, you have discussed the impact of new technologies in
our cultural lives. Using some of the expressions from the box Useful Language and the hints
presented in the box (Writing Strategy), write a for and against essay on the following topic: (140-190
words)

“New technologies have had a very negative effect on our cultural lives.”

1. The aim of an essay introduction is to hook the reader into the text. One way to do this is to
rephrase the task question. Think of a way to paraphrase it. Remember that your introduction should
already state a general opinion.

2. In the second paragraph, you must give a weak argument that is against your opinion. If you were
having a conversation with someone about this topic and they disagreed with you, what is an
argument they could give that you would be able to rebuke?

3. In the third paragraph, you must convince the reader of your opinion. Remember to start the
paragraph with a word or phrase that shows you will give a contrasting idea. Develop your opinion,
keeping in mind the argument you mentioned in the second paragraph.
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY

4. Lastly, in the conclusion of your essay, you must refer to both of the arguments you mentioned and
explain why yours is the best one. Remember to use words or phrases that show you are concluding
your text, such as: finally, to sum up, in conclusion, etc.

REMEMBER THAT YOU’LL BE EVALUATED ON:

Content: if all your text is relevant to the task and answers what is being asked of you;

Communicative achievement: if the reader needs effort to understand what you wrote and if your
errors impede understanding;

Organization: if your ideas are presented in a natural flow and you use linking words (because, even
though, however, etc.);

Language: if you can use everyday vocabulary mixed with less common words and can use simple
grammar together with more complex structures.

USEFUL LANGUAGE

Showing relevance
Over recent years,... has become
increasingly important.
… is getting better and better / worse and
worse at the moment.
Over the last few years, there has been a
dramatic increase/drop in…

Introduce an opposing view

It is sometimes said that…
It is often claimed that…

Say why we disagree

… but, in fact,...
In reality, though,...
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY

However,...

WRITING STRATEGY

Opening Paragraph
When writing the opening paragraph of a for and against essay:
. show the reader you know why the subject is relevant
. give what you feel is a weak argument or point of view
. say why you disagree and give your own opinion

Write your essay(140-190 words)

1st draft
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY

2nd draft:
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY
WRITING TASK – 8TH GRADE – WRITING AN ESSAY