‘Expression Ecrite’ or Essay writing. 
           
Séries ES LV1, S LV1, S LV2, L LV2

Number of words : ES, S LV1, L LV2 = 300 ( about 30 lines)          

                                SLV2 = 250 (about 25 lines)

 Assessment : GRAMMAR/ LANGUAGE = 6 /10 points

                       CONTENT = 4/10 points

Type of subject  a) your opinion about a general topic

                   b) a topic inspired by the text. (NB: do not copy the text! You will lose points.)

NB. Different forms of writing may be required eg. A letter, a dialogue, an extract from a diary… (see the past subjects).

                   METHOD

  1. List the vocabulary you could use to write about this subject. Try to think of some expressions to make your essay more interesting to read. (Brainstorm)
  2. List a few ideas in their order of importance. Think of the pros and cons for example.
  3. Make a plan: introduction, one or two central paragraphs and a conclusion.
  4. Write each paragraph on a separate piece of paper (‘brouillon’) and copy as you go along, paragraph by paragraph. WATCH THE TIME! Your ‘ brouillon’ will not be accepted as a final copy!
  5. When you have finished read your work to correct any mistakes you had not seen.

The introduction:

You may ask a question, pick out some key points to elucidate…

NB: never use ‘ WE’, use ‘I’, avoid (éviter) the French ‘dissertation’ style = ‘we  are going to explain, 

then we will see …’

It’s better to be more neutral or general, for example:

 ‘Some people think… however I disagree with this.’

 It’s important to understand what is meant by ….’ , (use of the passive is more neutral)

‘In my opinion people are mistaken when they say…’

‘It is often said that….’

 

The middle paragraph(s):

Make a point for each paragraph.

A common plan is :

1. FOR and 2. AGAINST , or 1.ADVANTAGES  2. DISADVANTAGES.

(Other opposites are SUBJECTIVE / OBJECTIVE, PESSIMISTIC/OPTIMISTIC points of view.)

 

The conclusion:

Is not an excuse to repeat everything! (Even if you don’t know what else to say!)

Must add zest or an element of surprise to stimulate the reader. Try humour…

Be original. Ask another question. Suggest other important factors, developments or consequences.

 

WRITE THE NUMBER OF WORDS YOU HAVE USED AT THE END OF YOUR ESSAY.

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