« A successful essay in 30 minutes: Myth or Reality? »

РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ

Ханты-Мансийский автономный округ - Югра  (Тюменская область)

Муниципальное Бюджетное Образовательное Учреждение «Средняя общеобразовательная школа № 23 с углубленным изучением иностранных языков»

Научно-исследовательская работа
на VIII городской Слёт
научных обществ обучающихся образовательных учреждений города Нижневартовска

Исследовательская  работа

« A successful essay in 30 minutes: Myth or Reality? »

Секция: Филология. Иностранные языки

Автор:                                                           Баликов Семен

                                                                                               11«б» класс

 Руководитель:                                              Валиева Гульназ Нафисовна

учитель английского языка

2012г.

« A successful essay in 30 minutes: Myth or Reality? »

Баликов Семен Витальевич

Ханты-Мансийский автономный округ-Югра (Тюменская область), г. Нижневартовск

Муниципальное Бюджетное Образовательное Учреждение «Средняя общеобразовательная школа № 23 с углубленным изучением иностранных языков»

                                                                    АННОТАЦИЯ

Сегодня эссе в качестве задания предлагается достаточно часто. Оно является одним из основных компонентов и на государственном экзамене.  Выявление наиболее эффективных способов написания эссе стало целью представленной работы. При исследовании мною были проанализированы различные источники,  где представлены существующие методы написания эссе на английском языке. В своём исследовании я создал наиболее эффективный алгоритм написания эссе за короткое время. В качестве методов я использовал метод сравнения,  метод анализа и синтеза, и провел небольшой эксперимент, что позволило мне подтвердить выдвинутую гипотезу.  Практическая значимость моей работы заключается в том, что я создал брошюру с советами, которые помогут выпускнику при написания части С2.

« A successful essay in 30 minutes: Myth or Reality? »

Баликов Семен Витальевич

Ханты-Мансийский автономный округ-Югра (Тюменская область), г. Нижневартовск

Муниципальное Бюджетное Образовательное Учреждение «Средняя общеобразовательная школа № 23 с углубленным изучением иностранных языков»

Research Plan

The importance of writing in the process of learning a foreign language goes without saying. Essay writing remains to be one of the hardest and complicated tasks. The ability to represent your ideas and your opinion well on paper is a time-consuming activity. However, the ability to write within a prescribed time is the most challenging complexity.

I made up my mind to do the research on essay writing, this year we will take RNE, most of my classmates hate this activity because of time limit.

Hypothesis: If you know clear steps and rules of essay writing, it will be possible to write a successful essay in 30 minutes. 

The aim of my research work is to find out the most effective way of writing an essay in RNE format.

To reach this aim I should solve the following tasks:

1. To compare and analyze popular methods of writing an essay.
2. To define the most effective ways of writing an essay.
3. To define useful linking words and active vocabulary.
4. To carry out the experiment with my classmates.
5. To  make a leaflet

The methods that were used in this research work are listed below:

• Theoretical review (based on the material of well known English linguists.)
• Analyses and syntheses.
• Method of comparison.
• Experiment

        Bibliography:

1. Malcolm Mann. “Laser B1”. Macmillan. 2010.
2. Malcolm Mann, Steve Taylore-Knowles. “Laser B2”. Macmillan. 2008.
3. Virginia Evans. “Successful writing”. Upper-Intermediate. Express Publishing. 2004.
4. /http://www.ehow.com/info_8116047_main-write-english-essay/

Contents

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………… ..5

2. Part 1……………………………………………………. ………………………………… ..6

3. Part 2………………………………………..………………………………………………. .7

4. Part 3. ………………………………………………………………………………………...8

5. Part 4. ……………………………………………………………………………………….11

6. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………..13

7. Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………...14

Introduction

The importance of writing in the process of learning a foreign language goes without saying. Essay writing remains to be one of the hardest and complicated tasks. The ability to represent your ideas and your opinion well on paper is a time-consuming activity. However, the ability to write within a prescribed time is the most challenging complexity. Throughout my school life, I have had various experiences with writing, some not so great, and a few that I have been delighted with.

I made up my mind to do the research on essay writing, this year we will take RNE, most of my classmates hate this activity because of time limit.

Hypothesis: If you know clear steps and rules of essay writing, it will be possible to write an essay in 30 minutes.

The aim of my research work is to find out the most effective way of writing an essay in RNE format.

To reach this aim I should solve the following tasks:

1.        To compare and analyze popular methods of writing an essay.

2.        To define the most effective ways of writing an essay.

3.        To define useful linking words and active vocabulary.

4.        To carry out the experiment with my classmates.

5.        To  make a leaflet.

Writing essays requires an understanding of the subject matter and an opinion on the question that has been posed by the essay title. Many different methods exist for writing an essay, but the generally accepted method is a three-body essay: introduction, main body and conclusion.

Part 1. Popular essay writing  methods.

Writing essays requires an understanding of the subject matter and an opinion on the question that has been posed by the essay title. Many different methods exist for writing an essay, but the generally accepted method is to explain your argument in a thesis paragraph (the introduction), expand your argument in the body of the essay and conclude your findings in the final paragraph (the conclusion). Other methods also exist, but these can be shown to correspond closely to the general method./Successful Writing. Upper-Intermediate/

"What, Why and How" and "The Five-Paragraph Essay" are two alternative methods for writing an essay that correspond clearly with the basic, three-step method. "What, Why and How" essays begin with an introductory paragraph including a thesis statement, and then move onto the "What" portion of the essay. This explains the research that leads you to believe that your thesis is true, and doesn't include any detracting opinion. The "How" portion of the essay discusses how your thesis applies to different situations, and how it stands up to critique. The "Why" portion is designed to explain why the topic of your essay is relevant to the reader and the world at large.

"The Five-Paragraph Essay" simply uses the three parts of an essay as described above and imposes a paragraph limitation on them. The introductory paragraph with the thesis takes up one paragraph, the body of the essay makes up three and the conclusion is a final paragraph. These methods all essentially require you to explain your argument briefly, then go into more detail, providing evidence along the way, and finally to summarize and explain the implications of your argument.

/http://www.ehow.com/info_8116047_main-write-english-essay/

Part 2. The most effective way of writing an essay.

If you follow a few simple steps, you will find that the essay almost writes itself. You will be responsible only for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.

It is common knowledge that RNE essay has a special structure. The first step is to call to memory and use it.

I would like to offer you a new-born and effective method called "Caterpillar". It sounds childish, but its efficiency was stated.

“Caterpillar” consists of segments which symbolize paragraphs. Extremities are used for compiling examples and arguments.

You know that in introduction you should state the problem or topic. A thesis must not be copied from the topic you are given to consider. For example, the task is: Give your opinion and reasons concerning the topic “Euthanasia. Killing or caring?” First thing you should do is to decide whether you agree or disagree with the topic and make a list of your points and reasons.

Don’t forget to paraphrase the statement, otherwise you will get lower assessment, for example: Assisted-suicide. Is it the practice of permitting the death of hopelessly sick people who struggle with physical and psychological pain or the murder?

Appropriate linking words should be used throughout your essay, to look prettier and more businesslike. It is not a bad idea to start your essay with a quotation or a rhetorical question. Try to interact with the reader, but use this method carefully.

The second step is to express you opinion and give reasons for it. I would recommend you to state your opinion with the help of the following linking words: 

To my way of thinking or I am inclined to believe that unbearable pain is the reason for euthanasia. Then you should give arguments to support your opinion. Coming back to “Caterpillar” structure, on your draft papers write the list of arguments for and against Euthanasia.

 Arguments for:

 •        It provides a way to relieve extreme pain

•        It provides a way of relief when a person's quality of life is low

•        People have a right to decide when they want to die.

•        Gives people the ability to die with dignity.

Arguments against:

•         Doctors are against euthanasia it is their job to try and save & protect life

•        People might recover, doctor’s diagnosis might be wrong.

•        People might commit euthanasia against a person’s wishes.

•        Euthanasia is a rejection of the importance and value of human life

When you have the list of arguments support them by the reasons.

The third paragraph includes opposing viewpoint, which is recommended to start with Opponents of this view say that…, or it is argued that… 

…nowadays, the lives of many patients can be saved with the latest discoveries in treatments and technology.

In this paragraph you should also explain why you don’t agree with people who oppose you.

I do not agree because… or if you would like to oppose more emotionally use It strikes me because…we still are unable to find cure to all illnesses, and patients have to go through extremely painful treatments only to have time.

In conclusion you restate your opinion using different words. Here you can also give the reader something to consider: Are we preserving life or postponing death?

Part 3. Useful linking words and active vocabulary

3.A. Useful linking words.

Introduction

•        Have you ever wondered what/how…

•        Throughout this century the role of …. has changed and the majority of people feel that this change is for the better/the worse.

•        This topic is worth discussing.

•        Some/many/most people/experts/scientists/ sceptics/critics

•        Claim/suggest/argue/feel that…

Express your opinion

•        To my way of thinking…

•        I firmly/strongly believe…

•        I am inclined to believe that…

•        As far as I am concerned…

•        Firstly/Secondly/Finally…

•        This is clearly illustrated by the example of that …

•        In particular…

•        One very convincing point is…

To add more points to the same point:

•        In addition to this…

•        Furthermore…

•        Not to mention the fact that…

•        As a result /consequence…

•        For this reason…

Give arguments for the other point of view and explain why you don’t agree with it.

•        Opponents of this view say/argue/claim/ that…

•        It strikes me because…

•        I do not agree because…

•        This fact contradicts the belief/idea because…

Draw a conclusion.

•        For the above- mentioned reasons, therefore, I firmly believe that…

•        The best course of action would be…

•        There is no absolute answer to the question of …

•        In the light of this evidence it is obvious that…

3.B Active Vocabulary

Generally essay topics are divided into special categories. Volume compound of vocabulary is one of the most popular indicators of high level of English. Avoid using simple words like "good", "bad", "interesting". It would be better to use synonyms:

Part 4. The experiment

The first experiment was held in my class, there were 12 students. The first lesson was devoted to “Caterpillar” method, to linking words, active vocabulary and synonyms. We discussed the topic “Euthanasia”. The second lesson my classmates wrote the essay. It took them approximately 40 minutes to write it up to the end. But there was 1 student who managed to write the essay in 30 minutes our teacher stated that there were no mistakes in the structure, in using linking words, however some reasons were not clearly illustrated, and there were grammar mistakes. The highest score in RNE format is 14 points. 5 students out of 12 got 14 points. 3 students got 12 points, 4 students got 10 points. The result was not bad, but the hypothesis was not proved. The second experiment was held with the same classmates and 8 students kept to the time 30 minutes. 4 students wrote in 35 minutes. The results are presented below. During the third experiment my classmates coped with the task in 30 minutes. Every time the results were getting better.

Part 5. Conclusion

After the research I can state that the aim was achieved, the tasks were solved, the

hypothesis: If you know clear steps and rules of essay writing, it will be possible to write an essay in 30 minutes,  was partly proved. Not only the rules are essential in essay writing, but also the practice.

Taking everything into account I would say that “Practice makes perfect” if you know clear steps and rules of essay writing. You caterpillar will turn into an amazing butterfly which will impress the experts.

 Bibliography:

1. Malcolm Mann. “Laser B1”. Macmillan. 2010.
2. Malcolm Mann, Steve Taylore-Knowles. “Laser B2”. Macmillan. 2008.
3. Virginia Evans. “Successful writing”. Upper-Intermediate. Express Publishing. 2004.
4. /http://www.ehow.com/info_8116047_main-write-english-essay/

ПРИЛОЖЕНИЕ 1

Vocabulary:

Relationships

Argument, bully, embarrassment, fight, jealousy, tease, charity, launched, a friendly ear, turn to, frustration, look into, anxiety, obedience, bring up, grow up, take after, look after, put up with, let down, annoy, depressed, incompatible, miserable, nothing in common, upset, childish, sympathetic, traumatic, bearable, impulsive,

Travelling

Adventure, relaxation, sight-seeing, sunbathing, hometown, objection, laid-back, awesome, carriage, ferry, cruise, departure lounge, cabin, ticket inspector, flight, delayed, sail, runway, voyage, rails, take off , get back see off speed up check in, slow down, harbor, quay, attractions, hiking, resort.

Technology

PDA type, keyboard,  the net, digital, competence, phenomenal, optional, come to terms with, put in, come up with, come on, break down, cut off, get through, look into, research, potable, engine, invent, old-fashioned, groundbreaking, debt, brainwave, emigrate, run out of,  undeterred.

Money

Wealthy, afford, get by, poverty, well off, badly off, hacking, dedication, savings, seldom, give up, go for a billionaire, do without, save up, come into, set up, take back, close down, economical, lend, borrow, allowance, pocket money, chores, ad, aim at, brand, marketing, demand, influence, possess, well-being.

Leisure

Socialising, notoriously, at full blast, track, limit, surrounding, catch on, come across, come round, flick through, get away, take to, take up, entertainment, appreciation, notion, reasonable, current, amusing, exciting, humorous, enjoyment, attendance, happiness, activity.

Nature

Bottle bank, demonstration, litter, protest, recycle, dump, collect, sort, the developing world, dam, conservation, evaporation, leak, endangered species, rural, greenhouse effect, global warming, smog, fossil fuels, nature reserve, sewerage system, urban, go off, die out, run out, give off, cut down, bring out, clear up, throw away, industry, harm, deforestation.

Sport

Stamina, teamwork, sense of balance, agility, coordination, take off, go from strength to strength, event, stunt, recreational, freestyle, opponent, runner-up, competitor, give up, take on, put off, join in, drop out, catch up, preparation, physical strength, injury, pressure, privacy, stress, uncertainty, reassured, rumors,  

Communication

Telecommunication, the media, global, satellite, text messaging, vital, likeable, a split second, overall, come up, bulletin, viewer,  studio, surfing the internet, chat room, talk show, email, turn on, log on, turn off, take down, put through, bring up, hang up, turn over, correspond, enthuse, converse, argue, nominate, vote, chat, connect, be online, debatable, features, insight, agree, deny, claim, refuse, suggest

Work

Babysitting, badly paid, earn, gain, experience, mowing lawns/cutting grass, stacking shelves, typical, tried and tested, mature, fill in, take on, take up, put in, take over, assistant, employ, applicants, supervisor, salary, wage, part-time, full-time, royalties, be fired, get the sack, do overtime, be on strike.

Health

Junk food, salad, pasta, red meat, snack, pluck, misleading, multiplied, abstain, alternative, check-up, clinic, disabled, first aid, germs, infection, prescription, surgery, tablet, pass out, come down with, break out, get over, come to, cheer up, allergic, treat, ill, recover, specialist, ward, taking temperatures, scheme, fascinating, aspect, commitment, shattered, doing my bit, grin.

Learning

Lecture, secondary school, uniform, university, climbing frame, posted abroad, excel, moral upbringing,  fend for myself, show off, apprentice, coach, professor, pupil, trainee, tutor, undergraduate, cross out, get down, go over, look up, sail through, set out, work out, brain, dyslexic, learning difficulty, spelling.

The Law

Acceptable, desensitize, fiction, thriller, violence, whodunit, coincidence, reflected, re-enact, misleading, repercussion, accuse, evidence, fraud, innocent, judge, jury, solicitor, trial, verdict, witness, try cases, sentence, responsibility, plead, a safe, be aware of/that, car/burglar alarm, lock, password, security code, disguise, fake, hoax.