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Mark's Writing Room -

This is an area devoted to teaching and learning how to write in English.

 

Here's an example of poor writing:

 "I think that the issue of climate change is really important, and it's something that we should all be concerned about. There are many different opinions on this topic, and some people believe that it's not real or that it's not caused by humans. However, I think that the evidence is clear and that we need to take action to address this problem. In conclusion, I believe that we should all work together to find solutions to climate change."

 This example of writing is poor because it's overly wordy and lacks clarity. The writer repeats themselves and uses unnecessary phrases like "I think" and "In conclusion." Additionally, the argument lacks specificity and doesn't provide enough evidence or examples to support the writer's point of view. Finally, the writer doesn't offer any specific solutions or actions to address the issue, making the conclusion unsatisfying and unconvincing.

 

Here's an improved version of the previous example:

 Climate change is a pressing issue that requires our attention. While there are differing opinions on the topic, the overwhelming evidence indicates that it is caused by human activity. We must take action to mitigate its effects. To do so, we need to work together to find sustainable solutions, such as reducing our carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy sources. By taking these steps, we can help ensure a habitable planet for future generations.

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Download Three Free Fully Detailed Writing Lesson Prompts

Manual for Writing Click for your free 115 page writing manual by Prof. Mark McDowell, M.A.

 

An Argument for Successive Lives An advanced essay on what happens after we die examined from a naturalistic no-nonsense point of view, by Prof. Mark McDowell, M.A.

 

Mark's Top Picks to aid in teaching writing:

1 https://englishforeveryone.org/Topics/Writing-Practice.html  Has writing topic startes...very helpful site for getting students to write short stories. Check out their other materials:
2 https://eslexpat.com/esl-writing-activities/  Many helpful activities to motivate students to write.
3 https://eslwritingwizard.com/  Elementary worksheets for printing letters of the alphabet.

 

Some Important Resources

B1 writing | LearnEnglish
 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-writing
 Are you a learner at B1 English level (intermediate)? This section offers writing practice to help you write simple connected text on familiar topics that are of personal interest. Texts include forum posts, reviews, messages, short essays and emails.
B2 writing | LearnEnglish
 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b2-writing
 This section offers writing practice to help you write clear, detailed text on a wide range of topics related to your interests. Texts include essays, reports, reviews, messages and emails. Each lesson has a preparation task, a model text with writing tips and three tasks to check your understanding and to practise a variety of writing skills.
A2 writing | LearnEnglish
 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/a2-writing
 Texts include messages, forum posts, personal profiles, forms and emails. Each lesson has a preparation task, a model text with writing tips and three tasks to check your understanding and to practise a variety of writing skills. Make a start today. Choose a writing lesson A personal profile
C1 writing | LearnEnglish
 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/c1-writing
 Learn to write in English with confidence. Our online English classes feature lots of useful writing materials and activities to help you develop your writing skills with confidence in a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Writing | LearnEnglish Teens - British Council
 https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing
 The learning materials in this section are written and organised by level. There are different types of model texts, with writing tips and interactive exercises that practise the writing skills you need to do well at school, get good marks in your tests and exams, and get more out of your free-time activities.
ESL Intermediate Writing Activities & Exercises | Study.com
 https://study.com/academy/lesson/esl-intermediate-writing-activities-exercises.html
 This lesson provides teachers with intermediate level ESL writing activities and exercises designed for students of different levels and abilities. Create an account Writing Basics
11 Brilliant Techniques to Boost Your Students’ ESL Writing Skills
 https://www.fluentu.com/blog/educator-english/esl-writing-techniques
 10. Engage Your Students When Presenting Writing Topics. In an ESL lesson, you’ll always need to present writing topics in a way that’s effective, concise and fun for your students. An exciting presentation of writing topics will lead to a cascade of enthusiasm with eager students ready to write at the drop of a hat.
Writing Skills Guide | Writing | EnglishClub
 https://www.englishclub.com/writing/guide.php
 Intermediate writing skills will allow you to communicate with others around the world. This is important in the online world. Advanced writing skills will help you pass exams and get better jobs. Writing well in a foreign language takes skill and practice. Producing a foreign language in a readable format is very rewarding.
Reflective writing | LearnEnglish
 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-writing/reflective-writing
 Explain what went well and what was challenging, and say what you learned in the process. Use a structure: Short introduction to the situation Evaluate the most important things about the experience, including solutions to problems Say what you would do differently next time Say what you learned overall.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

04/22/23