TIPS TO SUCCEED IN
THE EPT: WRITING
AINUL AZMIN BT HJ MD ZAMIN
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
23 JUNE 2010
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Introduction
Types of Tasks in EPT
Strategies for Task 1
* Describing / Comparing
* Sample question & answer
Strategies for Task 2
* Format
* Sample question & answer
Common errors
2
WRITING TASK IN EPT
1
DATA ANALYSIS
TASKS
2
ESSAY WRITING
ANALYSIS
DESCRIBE
COMPARE /
CONTRAST
150 WORDS
30 MINUTES
VARIOUS
MODES
PARAGRAPHS
250 WORDS
60 MINUTES
TASK 1 : REPORT WRITING
PIE
CHARTS
BAR
GRAPHS
TYPES
OF
GRAPHS
PIE CHART
SALMA’S EXPENDITURE FOR SEMESTER 1
10%
15%
35%
40%
ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD & RENT
STUDY MATERIALS
TRANSPORTATION
BAR GRAPH
MOBILE PHONE OWNER GROWTH
M
I
L
L
I
O
N
S
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
OWNERS IN 1998
OWNERS IN 2008
LINE GRAPH
NUMBER OF TOURISTS VISITING MALAYSIA
6
THOUSANDS
5
4
3
HISTORICAL SITES
HIGHLANDS
BEACHES
2
1
0
1990
1995
2000
YEAR
2010
STRATEGIES FOR TASK 1
5
20
5
• ANALYZE GRAPH
• PREPARE OUTLINE
• WRITE REPORT
• 3 PARAGRAPHS
• EDIT
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS THE GRAPH ABOUT?
Type of graph
Title
X-Axis
Y-Axis
Key / legend
BAR GRAPH
NUMBER OF TOURISTS VISITING MALAYSIA
6
THOUSANDS
5
4
3
HISTORICAL SITES
HIGHLANDS
BEACHES
2
1
0
1990
1995
2000
YEAR
2005
INTRODUCTION (EXAMPLE)
The bar graph compares the number of tourists visiting Malaysia based on three popular destinations between 1990 and 2005.The three popular destinations are beaches, historical sites and highlands. NOW YOU TRY !
PIE CHART ON SALMA
BAR GRAPH ON MOBILE PHONE
INTRODUCTION (SAMPLE)
The pie chart displays Salma’s expenditure for Semester One. There were four main items in her budget.
The bar graph exhibits the mobile phone owner growth in European countries for one decade. The numbers are given in millions. BODY PARAGRAPH
What is the movement like?
Year by year / cluster by cluster?
Left to right ?
The highest / lowest / similarities ?
Increase / decrease / stable/ fluctuate?
Details ? Specific adjectives / adverbs / percentages BODY PARAGRAPH
VERBS
Verbs to show INCREASE rose, climbed, leapt, soared, shot up, rocketed
Verbs to show DECREASE slumped, plummeted, dropped, fell, declined,
Verbs to show CONSTANT stabilized, leveled off, remained constant
BODY PARAGRAPH
ADVERBS
To show SLIGHT
,
gradually, slowly, minimally
To show SHARP rapidly, dramatically
BODY PARAGRAPH (EXAMPLE)
All three destinations recorded the lowest number of tourists in Malaysia in 1995. The number increased slowly for beaches and highlands from
1990 to 1995. However, both destinations showed a significant decline compared to the historical sites.
In addition, the number of tourists fluctuated between 1990 and 2005 for beaches and highland while historical sites displayed a steady increase.
The beaches appeared to be the most popular destination with an astounding record of 12 thousand visitors while historical sites with merely 5 thousand people.
CONCLUSION
What is the overall outlook of the graph ?
Paraphrase the introductory sentence
Suggestion / recommendation / prediction CONCLUSION ( EXAMPLE)
Therefore, it can be seen from the bar graph that many tourists have a keen interest in visiting different tourist attractions in Malaysia. It is certainly a promising industry for the country’s progressive economy.
OVERALL REPORT
The bar graph compares the number of tourists visiting
Malaysia based on three popular destinations between 1990 and
2005.The three popular destinations are beaches, historical sites and highlands.
All three destinations recorded the lowest number of tourists in Malaysia in 1995. The number increased slowly for beaches and highlands from 1990 to 1995. However, both destinations showed a significant decline compared to the historical sites. In addition, the number of tourists fluctuated between 1990 and
2005 for beaches and highland while historical sites displayed a steady increase. The beaches appeared to be the most popular destination with an astounding record of 12 thousand visitors while historical sites with merely 5 thousand people.
Therefore, it can be seen from the bar graph that many tourists have a keen interest in visiting different tourist attractions in Malaysia. It is certainly a promising industry for the country’s progressive economy.
NOW YOU TRY !
Body paragraphs and conclusions
- Salma
- Mobile phone
Organize everything together for one piece of report
Don’t forget to edit
PAIR WORK
TASK 2 ESSAY WRITING
AGREE OR DISAGREE
TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU AGREE
OR DISAGREE
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION
DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
DISCUSS A OR B
TASK 2 ESSAY WRITING
250 WORDS
1 HOUR
4 PARAGRAPHS
- INTRODUCTION
- BODY PARA 1
- BODY PARA 2
- CONCLUSION
STRATEGIES FOR TASK 2
10
• ANALYZE QUESTION
• PREPARE OUTLINE
45
• WRITE ESSAY
• 4 PARAGRAPHS
5
• EDIT
OUTLINE
THESIS
STATEMENT
TOPIC
SENTENCE
TOPIC
SENTENCE
SUPPORTING
DETAIL
SUPPORTING
DETAIL
SUPPORTING
DETAIL
SUPPORTING
DETAIL
OUTLINE
Mothers make better parents because of two reasons
motherhood qualities time spent
Bear all pain Have meals together Understand child’s emotion
Observe child behavior
TASK 2 ESSAY WRITING
Eating disorders among youngsters is becoming a serious social problem. Many factors are contributing to this issue but peer pressure is said to be the strongest reason. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.
TASK 2 ESSAY WRITING
Animal testing is carried out in many areas of experiments especially science. Some quarters feel it is important for medicine while others feel that we should stop harming these creatures.
What is your opinion on this issue? Provide details for your opinion. TASK 2 ESSAY WRITING
In the modern era, parents face a lot of challenges in bringing up their children. Although both parents have separate roles, mothers are said to be the better parent for a child.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide support for your opinion. INTRODUCTION
Introduces the topic / issue
State why the issue is important / highlighted Thesis statement
- One sentence that clearly states your topic and your opinion
INTRODUCTION (EXAMPLE)
Allah gives us many blessings and one of them is animals. Animal testing is a big aspect in the field of science. In my opinion, these experiments on animals should not be stopped because of two main reasons.
INTRODUCTION (EXAMPLE)
Allah gives us many blessings and one of them is animals. Animal testing is a big aspect in the field of science. In my opinion, these experiments on animals should not be stopped because they can contribute knowledge to science and can save people’s lives.
INTRODUCTION (EXAMPLE)
The usual comparison between men
.
and women is brought up again when the question of who makes a better parent is raised. I believe women make better parents than men because of two main reasons. INTRODUCTION (EXAMPLE)
The usual comparison between men
.
and women is brought up again when the question of who makes a better parent is raised. I believe women make better parents than men because of motherhood quality and time spent.
BODY PARAGRAPH
4 PARAGRAPHS
TOPIC SENTENCE AT THE
BEGINNING OF EACH BODY PARA
SUPPORTING DETAILS
- EXAMPLES
- EXPLANATION
- ELABORATION
USE CONNECTORS
BODY PARAGRAPH 1(EXAMPLE)
Firstly, the natural motherhood quality that Allah has blessed upon women makes them better parents than men. A mother’s ability to endure the pregnancy and childbirth makes her more than qualified to bear the pain and suffering that comes along with raising a child. For example, mothers can put up with the screams and shouts of a naughty child. They know how to punish him so that he will not repeat the same mistake again. At the same time, mothers can counsel the child if he is misbehaving badly. This clearly shows how mothers are better parents.
BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (EXAMPLE)
Secondly, women make better parents than men because they spend more time with the child. They spend a lot of their time observing their children’s behavior and wellbeing. For instance, if a child is quiet and not active as usual, the mother will immediately suspect that the child may be sick. Hence, she will bring the child immediately to visit the doctor. In addition, mother’s are often concerned with every specific detail in their child’s life.
CONCLUSION
RESTATE YOUR THESIS
SUMMARIZE THE MAIN IDEAS
SUGGESTIONS / COMMENTS/
PREDICTION
CONCLUSION (EXAMPLE)
In conclusion, women are better parents than men due to the aspects of motherhood quality and time spent.
Although it is undeniable that fathers are equally important to the upbringing of the child, mothers are always there for the child in times of joy and tears.
CONCLUSION (EXAMPLE)
To sum up, I firmly believe that animal testing should not be stopped because it can add knowledge to science. Animal testing is also able to save patients’ lives. Lastly, I ask those quarters who want to stop animal testing to provide a better alternative for the good of humankind.
QUALITIES OF GOOD ESSAY
ORGANIZED
CLEARLY WRITTEN
USE OF TRANSITIONAL WORDS
INTERESTING / THOUGHTFUL
FOCUSED
WELL DEVELOPED IDEAS / SUPPORT
SAMPLE ESSAY
The usual comparison between men and women is brought up again when the question of who makes a better parent is raised. I believe women make better parents than men because of motherhood quality and time spent.
Firstly, the natural motherhood quality that Allah has blessed upon women makes them better parents than men. A mother’s ability to endure the pregnancy and childbirth makes her more than qualified to bear the pain and suffering that come along with raising a child. For example, mothers can put up with the screams and shouts of a naughty child. They know how to punish him so that he will not repeat the same mistake again. At the same time, mothers can counsel the child if he is misbehaving badly. This clearly shows how mother better parents.
Secondly, women make better parents than men because they spend more time with the child. They spend a lot of their time observing their children’s behavior and wellbeing. For instance, if a child is quiet and not active as usual, the mother will immediately suspect that the child may be sick. Hence, she will bring the child immediately to visit the doctor. In addition, mother’s are often concerned with every specific detail in their child’s life.
In conclusion, women are better parents than men due to the aspects of motherhood quality and time spent. Although it is undeniable that fathers are equally important, mothers are always there for the child in times of joy and tears.
SIGNAL WORDS
TO SHOW
EMPHASIS
•
•
•
•
It is important to note that
Most of all
A significant factor is
A vital reason is
TO SHOW
ILLUSTRATION
•
•
•
•
For example
To illustrate
For instance
Such as
•
•
•
•
Because
Therefore
So
Thus
TO SHOW
CAUSE AND
EFFECT
SIGNAL WORDS
TO SHOW
ADDITIONAL
INFO
•
•
•
•
Furthermore
Moreover
Last of all
Next
TO SHOW
SIMILAR IDEAS
•
•
•
•
Likewise
In like manner
In the same way
Similarly
•
•
•
•
However
In contrast
Conversely
Nevertheless
TO SHOW
CONTRASTING
IDEAS
COMMON ERRORS
Sentence fragments
First, the lack of exercise.
Also the different kinds of entertainment as videos and television.
For example, fast food and sweets and oily food.
COMMON ERRORS
Sentence fragments (corrected)
First, the lack of exercise has led to the overweight problem among many urban people. There are many kinds of media such as videos and television that can provide entertainment for the family.
For example, fast food and sweets and oily food may all lead to obesity.
COMMON ERRORS
Run on sentences
In the past people did not have cars they walk. Heart disease is a big problem it kills many thousands of people.
COMMON ERRORS
Run on sentences (corrected)
In the past, people did not have car. So they often walk.
Heart disease is a big problem. It kills many thousands of people.
MORE SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Tourism is becoming increasingly important for many countries but its disadvantages cannot be overlooked. To what extent do you agree or disagree that tourism has more disadvantages to a country?
WHAT IS BAND 6?
TASK
FULFILLMENT
COHERENCE & LEXICAL
COHESION
RESOURCE
GRAMMAR
• Introduction
- express position
- thesis statement
• Organization
• Paragraphing
• Cohesive devices (connectors, signal words)
• Sentence structure • simple& complex sentence structure • Body
- main idea
- topic sentence
- supporting details • Conclusion
- restate thesis
- concluding remarks • Vocabulary
•
Expressions
• Word choice • Spelling
MORE SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Many lives are in danger when building collapse because safety measures are compromised to obtain easy profit. To prevent such disasters, government should play a role in setting safety standard for building construction.
In your opinion, should the government be blamed for the disaster?
