4/15/2012

Matura Emergency! [opinion essay]

Hello everyone!
I plan on recording a whole video about how to write an essay (rozprawka) on Matura rozszerzona. With tips what words to use etc.
For now I will give you just this post with two sample essays. Enjoy! I hope you find it useful!

There are two types of essays on MR:
  • For/against essay
  • Opinion essay   
__________________________

Wyraź swoją opinię na temat posiadania zwierzęcia w domu.

Animals have been part of man’s life since the dawn of time. Cats in Ancient Egypt were the symbol of pharaohs, dogs – the help with hunting. But what happens when an animal is locked up in an apartment? Shouldn’t it be free? I believe keeping pets in an apartment is a marvelous idea.

First of all, You are never alone. Coming home after work to an empty apartment is depressing. To have a pet greet you and crave your attention, could seriously boost your self-esteem. After all, people feel needed when they know someone is waiting for them.

What is more, they are also excellent company: they always listen, never judge, and love you no matter what you do.

Furthermore, owning a pet is great exercise. You need to walk the dog, so you go out and get some fresh air. Also, you need to plan ahead and always include some time off with the pet so that it does not feel lonely. Consequently, you also relax.

On the other hand, keeping an apartment clean is extremely difficult. For instance, long-haired cats or dogs shed during the summer, so the owner needs to vacuum more. Grooming the pet can be messy as well.

All in all, although there are drawbacks to keeping a pet in an apartment and it might sometimes be difficult to take care of it, I still think life without a furry little animal beside you is empty and everyone should try to have a loyal friend like that in their life.

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COMMENTS:

1)  It is good to include rhetorical questions. You give the essay a bit more action.

2) The essence of every essay are linking words. THE MORE THE BETTER! That is why always remember to put some in each paragraph to:
  1. introduce an argument, 
  2. give more arguments, 
  3. give examples,
  4. give an opposite agrument,
  5. give a conclusion
There a A LOT of linking words to choose from, if you want me to make you a list. Write a comment. :)

3) Because this is an Opinion Essay - you state your opinion in the introduction. Follow the essay according to your views and then sum up with your opinion again. 

The rule is to have about (about) 3 arguments that agree with your opinion and one counter argument to balance it out. So for example:

INTRO:                (+)     or     (-) 
ARGUMENT 1   (+)     or     (-)
ARGUMENT 2   (+)     or     (-)
ARGUMENT 3   (+)     or     (-)
ARGUMENT 4   (-)     or      (+) 
CONCLUSION:  (+)     or     (-)  

What phrases to use?   [YOUR PHRASE]
  • In my opinion....
  • I strongly believe that....
  • I think that....
  • I believe that...
  • I have a strong opinion that....
  • To me...
  • My views are....
In this essay you are allowed to be more emotional and use language to your advantage because the task of the essay is "state YOUR opinion about" :)

4. INTRO and CONCLUSION are similar. You give your opinion in the intro, and repeat it (in different words) in the conclusion. It is good use words like: 
  •  although there are drawbacks/advantages .... |
  • although there are pros and cons...                  |    [YOUR PHRASE]
  • I have stated both sides of the problem but.... |
  • there is disagreement between X and Y but    |
  • People do not seem to agree with X or Y  but |
5)  Grammar:
The better grammar you use the more points you have for "bogactwo językowe"

  • Start sentences with a verb: "To have a pet greet you and crave your attention, could seriously boost your self-esteem" (this is not a simple sentence! remember to have a second clause as well)
  • Start sentences with a gerund: "Grooming the pet can be messy."

  • Use linking words, also to give examples, reasons, and results of something: " Also, you need to plan ahead and always include some time off with the pet so that it does not feel lonely. Consequently, you also relax."
    (Doesn't this sentence look better than: "
    you need to plan ahead and always include some time off with the pet"?)
    By adding more info and having more elaborate sentences, you will be given more points!


Wait for the video on YT to be posted soon :D  Link
How to write for/against essay 

2 komentarze:

  1. I want you to make us the list of linking words. It'd be nice :)

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