Steps to Writing a Successful Independent Essay

1. Steps to Writing a Successful Independent Essay Wendy M. Gough St. Mary College/Nunoike Gaigo Senmon Gakko

2. According to Barron’s TOEFL iBT Internet-Based Test 2007-2007 in the independent essay you will typically be asked to give an opinion about a familiar topic. You may be asked to: Argue one side: advantages or disadvantages Argue the other side: advantages or disadvantages Take a stand for one of the arguments Explain reasons for your preference

3. Step 1 Identify the topic and determine what type of response you are being asked to write

4. Ex: What is the best age to marry? Give reasons and examples to support your response Topic = The best age to marry Response type =Personal preference

5. Ex: Compare yourself today and yourself five years ago. In what ways are you the same or different? Use specific examples to support your response. Topic = Myself today and myself five years ago Response type = Comparison/contrast

6. Ex: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Actions speak louder than words Use specific reasons and explanations to support your response. Topic = Actions speak louder than words Response type =Opinion: agree or disagree

7. Ex: Some people prefer to work in groups on projects, while others prefer to work alone. What are the advantages of each and which do you prefer? Use details and examples to support your response. Topic = Advantages ofworking in groups and alone Response type =Detailed explanation and personal opinion

8. Step 2 Brainstorm ideas for your response and make a general outline of how you want to organize your ideas Your outline does not have to be in complete sentences because you will make the sentences when you write the essay.

9. Question: What is the best age to marry? Give reasons and examples to support your response My Opinion: Early 30s • Study abroad and graduate by 25 • years old • Take time to find a good job • Finished university • Have a good job • Travel in my 20s • Work in an international firm so I can • use English • Want to use computer skills learned • in America • Spend free time traveling in Europe • before settling down • Difficult to travel with a family

10. Step 3 Write the essay

11. When writing your essay be sure to include the following • Introductory Paragraph • 2-3 developmental paragraphs • Conclusion

12. The Introductory Paragraph The introductory paragraph should be concise and do the following • State the general topic • Address the question directly and show the • writer understands the meaning • Tell the reader the focus of the essay • Contain a thesis statement that includes • the controlling idea of the essay

13. Developmental Paragraphs Developmental paragraphs make up the body of the essay and explain your reasons for your opinion using specific examples and details • Each developmental paragraph should include one • supporting idea for your opinion • The topic sentence of each developmental • paragraph should introduce the main idea of the • paragraph • All of the other sentences in the paragraph should • describe the main idea using details and specific • examples

14. Conclusion The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph of the essay. The conclusion should • Restate the topic of the essay • Repeat the controlling idea of the essay • Restate the writer’s opinion All of these restatements should use different words than those used in the first paragraph!

15. Here is a sample essay from page 263 in Barron’s

16. Question: Some students like to take distance-learning courses by computer. Other students prefer to study in traditional classroom settings with a teacher. Consider the advantages of both options, and make an argument for the way that students should organize their schedules. Task: Describe benefits of both types of learning and give and support your opinion about how to create a good class schedule

17. Both distance-learning courses and traditional classes provide important but different experiences for college students. On the one hand, there are many advantages to distance-learning courses. One of the most important benefits is the opportunity to attend class on your convenience. This is very important for students who hold full-time jobs since they can choose to take their classes on a schedule that allows them to continue working. Another advantage is the chance to complete assignments at your own pace. For students who can work more quick than their classmates, it is possible to earn more credits during the semester. A huge advantage to international students is the option to listen to lectures more than once. States the topic and focus Introduces and explains advantages using details and examples

18. On the other hand, there are advantages to attending a traditional class. The structured environment is beneficial, especially for students who are not as highly motivating. In addition, it is more likely that you will develop a personal relationship with the teacher, an advantage not only for the course but also after the course when you need a recommendation. By seeing you and talking with you face-to-face, the teacher will remember you better. It is also easier to get an immediate response to questions because you will only have to raise your hand instead of sending e-mail and waiting for an answer. Last, the opportunity for study groups and friendships is different and more personal when you sit in the same room. Introduces and explains the advantages of studying in a regular classroom.

19. Given all the advantages of both types of courses, I think that students would be wise to register for distance-learning courses and traditional classroom courses during their college experiences. By participating in distance-learning courses, they can work independently in classes that may be more difficult for them, repeating lectures on computer at convenient times. By attending traditional classes, they can get to know the teachers personally and will have good references when they need them. They will also make friends in the class. By sharing information with other students, they can organize their schedules for the following semester, choosing the best classes and including both distance-learning and traditional courses. The student gives her opinion about the topic and reasons for the opinion.

20. References Sharpe, Pamela J.. Barron's TOEFL iBT Internet-Based Test 2006-2007. 12th ed. New York: Barron's Educational Series, Inc, 2006.