WRITING FILE

Essay
short piece of writing on a particular subject

Essay

You have been doing a class project on technology. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinion on the following statement: People in the modern world depend too much on computers. Write your essay. Model Answer
DO restate the question in your first sentence.

In todays World, nearly every aspect of life is affected by computer technology. Computers are used for business, public services, education and entertainment. Some people are concerned by this development. They fear that vital skills are being lost as computer technology replaces traditional ways of working in a wide variety of areas, from art and design to banking and commerce. They point out the chaos that can occur when computer systems fail, leading to the breakdown of essential services such as transport, law and order. However, people could not continue to enjoy their present standard of living without computer technology. There are now far more people in the world than there were a generation ago. The fact that there is enough food for them, that they can travel safely from one place to another, and that they can be provided with medical care, is largely due to computer technology. In my opinion, therefore, we have to accept our dependence on computers, but at the same time we should work to find ways of making this dependence less dangerous.

DO include supporting detail for the points in each paragraph. DO use linking words to introduce points.

DONT start by saying I agree with this your essay should present your own argument.

DONT forget to express your opinion in the conclusion.

Essay Structure Introduction (introducing the topic and stating the focus of the essay) Body (expressing arguments for and against with supporting evidence) Conclusion (summarising your opinion and stating your conclusion)

Useful Language
I think/believe that Some people claim that It is often said/believed/argued that However, in my view/opinion From my point of view Firstly it is clear that While it is true that It is important to remember that On balance then, I feel that To sum up / In conclusion, it seems to me that

TIPS
Look carefully at the title or question and make sure you really answer it. Use general statements to convey the main ideas, and then provide evidence, examples, details and reasons to support these statements. Use paragraph divisions and connecting words and phrases to make the structure clear. Use attitude adverbs to show your opinion. When presenting the arguments for and against do it in an impersonal way.