写作技巧 Writing Skill in Tem 4

How to Write a Good Composition in TEM4
Good afternoon, everyone.
As sophomore, how many years have you spent on learning English? For more than ten years. It is quite a long period. So, I suppose you may know English like the palm of your hand. Now, let us have a check on it. What are four basic skills in learning English? Susan? Yes, quite good. Sit down, please. They are listening, speaking, reading and writing. Listening and reading are the processes of language input, while speaking and writing are the processes of language output. After two years of taking professional courses, learners should pay more attention to initiative application of English. Test for English Major Band 4 provides a good chance for us. Today, we are going to talk about how to write a good composition in TEM4.
Usually, we are required to write a narration or an argumentation in 150 words in 35 minutes.
1) Take narration for example. The topic is The English Teacher I Admire Most. Since time is limited, the arrangement of time should be taken into consideration first. Well, Jack always got high marks in writing. Would you please share your successful experience with us? Thank you, Jack. Sit down, please. Jack divided the time into three parts. Ten minutes are spent on understanding requirements and making an outline. Twenty minutes are spent on writing a composition according to the outline. The last 5 minutes are spent on checking-up and polishing the composition. Do you agree with him? In my opinion, his arrangement is rational and scientific.
A clear outline greatly saves time. Since required words are only 150, content should come straight to the point. What are key points in this composition? You may describe his/her appearance, but one sentence is enough. More attention should be paid to:
1) Why I admire him/her?
2) What is so special about him/her?
3) What has made him/her such a wonderful teacher?
Since it is a narration, many stories can be told about him/her. The only thing you should keep in mind is to keep them in balance. Of course, the stories must be relevant to the subject.
Traditional way of writing in English emphasizes the importance of topic sentence. You may start the composition with a topic sentence and echo it with the last sentence. Topic sentences are also used in every paragraph. In this way, readers can easily get a general idea about content. Now, you are going to write a topic sentence and the last sentence in three minutes. Are you ready? Ok. Who’d like to come to the blackboard and write them down? Tony. Welcome. Thank you and go back to your seat, please. Let’s look at it. The topic sentence is S he takes us into the magical English world. It is quite a powerful topic sentence and attracts reader’s eyeball. Tony successfully convinced us that he really admires the English teacher from the bottom of his heart. Do you have interest in finding out what kind of magic power she has? Yes, we do. The last sentence is Her charisma is unbelievabl e. Tony skillfully used “charisma” and “unbelievable” to echo the word “magical”. Tony, you really did a good job!
After drawing up the outline, you may begin to write the composition. Writing should be got done without any letup. Do not take overmuch thought for making mistakes. Just finish it as quickly as possible. Are you clear about how to write a narration? Then, we are going to talk about argumentation.
2) Argumentation is a sort of style setting forth author’s point of view by means of logical demonstration and illation. Like eight-part essays, argumentation usually can be divided into three parts: point of view, talking points and demonstration. Namely, it is a process of bringing forward a problem—analyzing the problem—solving the problem, which can be denoted in a simple expression:
Beginning—brings forward a problem and point of view (what?) Middle—analyze the problem and demonstrate the point of view (why?)
Ending—solve the problem and make a conclusion (how?)
For example, the topic is Internet.
1. Advantages of the Internet;
2. Disadvantages of the Internet;
3. My preference.
Model essay: Internet
Internet has become an essential and powerful influence on our everyday lives. With the rapid development of high technologies and economy, people will get more and more benefits from the use of Internet. There is no denying that Internet is a wonderful source, from which we can retrieve valuable information. What’s more, people can purchase their favorite goods through the Internet instead of going shopping in chaotic streets.
However, if used improperly, Internet can put us at risks. Internet use appears to cause a decline in psychological wellbeing. Its addictive power has increased children and youngsters’ time spent in front of the computer screens at the expense of other healthier physical activities, which increases the chance of getting overweight and shortsighted.
A coin has two sides. We must realize its harmful potentials while making use of it to achieve a better and more meaningful life. (145 words)
Principles of Writing:
1. Organize your thoughts before writing: brainstorm, make an outline, etc.
2. Write clearly. Be concise. Avoid wordiness.
3. Use good grammar and write complete sentences.
4. Write simple sentences. Avoid a fancy style.
5. Avoid slang, cliche and informal words.
6. Avoid use of the first person (i.e. I/me/my) unless necessary to specific piece.
7. Writing naturally. Read it aloud. Does it sound natural? Does it flow?
8. Move logically from one idea to the next. Don't skip steps.
Writing is a comprehensive test, including 30% of tricks and 70% of groundwork. Groundwork:
1. Break away from the bondage of vocabulary and exercises
Spending a majority of time on reciting vocabulary and doing a mass of exercises deviates from natural rules of learning languages. Linguistry can only be acquired on the basis of understanding, which is achieved through reading in context.
2. Read a lot and strengthen sense of language
Extensive reading may speed up reading and enlarge vocabulary, exerting a subtle influence on writing in English. For instance, verbs which can be matched with the word “experiment” are found throu gh reading, like make, carry out, conduct, and etc. You may take them down. Such accumulation plays an important role in English writing.
3. Think in English
Chinese are used to thinking in Chinese when learning English. They always translate English into Chinese when listening and reading, while translate Chinese in to English when speaking and writing. Thinking in English is a process based on the whole mastery and spontaneous application of certain English linguistry and it avoids the occurrence of Chinglish.
Of course, skills without practice only engage in idle theorizing. Repeated practice helps to improve writing quality. Just like the proverb says, “Practice makes perfect”.
Homework: Fast Food
Fast food is becoming more popular in China, especially among children and teenagers. It represents the fast pace of modern society.
There are several reasons for its popularity. First, it is very convenient and saves a lot of time. The trends of modern society seem to all point to one ultimate goal ——
saving time, and fast food well serves this purpose. Second, its popularity is also attributed to the clean and comfortable environment of fast food restaurants, the excellent service, and the guaranteed quality of food.
However, in terms of nutrition, fast food is far from satisfactory. It usually does not compose a balanced diet and is low in nutritional value. Thus, doctors suggest that people, especially children, eat fast food as little as possible. Fast food is only a good choice when you are in a hurry and turn to it once in a while. (146 words)
Class is over. Thank you!。