WRITING TASK 2 PART 3

Main Body Paragraphs

Conclusions
Optimal paragraph structure for the test:
• Each main body paragraph should have 3 ideas which relate to the topic sentence of
the paragraph.
• Each idea should be followed by clear academic support or explanation.
• Cause and Effect reasoning should be emphasized in the choice of connectors.

Why is this optimal?

• Maximize the number of ideas in order to Cover the Topic for Task Response
• Clarify each idea by using clear connectors for Coherence and Cohesion
Example of main body paragraph structure:

There are a number of reasons why some people say capital punishment is unjustified. The most
fundamental is the right of a human being to live their life. Taking a life as punishment for a crime could
be seen by many as immoral, and a decision which nobody has the authority to make, even if the crime
is serious. A second reason is that if we use the death penalty we offer no chance for the person to feel
guilty for what they have done, and therefore, there is no opportunity for the criminal to be rehabilitated
into society. Finally, problems are created if a mistake is made during a trial. If we find out that someone
is innocent afterwards, there is no way this can be corrected once the death penalty has been used.

On the other hand, many people see the death penalty as a good way of punishing criminals. There are
many arguments in support of this. Firstly, if someone harms another, or even ends their life, then some
people believe they should not have the right to live themselves. This is the main reason why countries all
over the world use capital punishment. They also suggest that by sentencing criminals to death, the
crime rate reduces because it deters people from committing similar offences. Another point in favor of
killing criminals rather than keeping them in prison is that it is more economical. Prisoners who have life
sentences cost the government and taxpayer a lot of money. Alternatively, if they are killed, this money
can be saved.
Topic sentence
Idea
Support

There are a number of reasons why some people say capital punishment is unjustified. The most
fundamental is the right of a human being to live their life. Taking a life as punishment for a crime could
be seen by many as immoral, and a decision which nobody has the authority to make, even if the crime
is serious. A second reason is that if we use the death penalty we offer no chance for the person to feel
guilty for what they have done, and therefore, there is no opportunity for the criminal to be rehabilitated
into society. Finally, problems are created if a mistake is made during a trial. If we find out that someone
is innocent afterwards, there is no way this can be corrected once the death penalty has been used.

On the other hand, many people see the death penalty as a good way of punishing criminals. There are
many arguments in support of this. Firstly, if someone harms another, or even ends their life, then some
people believe they should not have the right to live themselves. This is the main reason why countries all
over the world use capital punishment. They also suggest that by sentencing criminals to death, the
crime rate reduces because it deters people from committing similar offences. Another point in favor of
killing criminals rather than keeping them in prison is that it is more economical. Prisoners who have life
sentences cost the government and taxpayer a lot of money. Alternatively, if they are killed, this money
can be saved.
Connectors

There are many different types of connectors which help make communication clear. You will
learn a personal style of incorporating them only with practice. But if you are learning, it is most
helpful to pick a few important types and use them to guide your thought.

If you express an idea and are not sure how to explain or support it, choose a cause and effect
connector and force yourself to explain your idea using it. This is an excellent writing practice
which will not only improve your writing, but will also make you smarter.

Typical connector types:

General statements (Generally…, In the modern world…, Some people claim…)

Opinions (In my view…, It is this author’s opinion that…, From my perspective…)
Contrasts (Whereas…, Although…, While…, Nevertheless…, However…)
Order/Addition (The most crucial aspect is…, Primarily…, The next point…, Firstly…, Also…)
Cause and Effect (Because…, So…, If…then…, This is caused by…, The result is that…,
Consequently…, Therefore…)
Conclusions

Writing a conclusion is as simple as writing an introduction. Your goal is simply to remind the
reader of the most important points which you have mentioned in the main body section. It
helps to summarize your arguments or main points.

• Start with a connector – In conclusion…, In summation… (NOT “To sum up…, Finally…, At
last…)
• Restate/paraphrase your opinion (from the introduction)
• Summarize your main points (but leave out the support sections)
Many schools these days give students regular homework as they believe it can be beneficial. There is also a school of thought
that thinks that children should work just at school and have time after to do other activities.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give reasons and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words

MODEL ANSWER

Most children receive some homework to do each day after school. It is clear that such tasks have both benefits and
drawbacks for students but in my opinion, I firmly believe the advantages of doing homework outweigh the disadvantages. (40
words)

On the one hand, spending one or two extra hours after class on homework can have its advantages. Firstly this extra time can
help children review the lessons learned at school at their own pace, which may be faster or slower than that of the other
children in his class. This is also the time when they can either confirm understanding or acknowledge weaknesses and ask the
teacher for extra help the following day. Furthermore, if children are given the opportunity to work alone, they can begin to
develop the skills necessary to work independently and reach their own conclusions, skills which will be vital to them in the adult
world. (112 words)

On the other hand, large amounts of homework can have a negative impact on children. Firstly, children with a lot of homework
have little time to socialize with their peers or participate in sports. This means that they may become reserved and shy and fail
to develop the social skills needed to integrate with others. In addition students may begin to dislike studying and be less
committed which could result in problems in their future career success. A further problem may be that they become tired and
stressed as they struggle to do their work alone without the guidance of their teacher. (102 words)

In conclusion, giving homework is beneficial as it helps children to consolidate knowledge, confirm their understanding and
develop independent study skills. However, I also think homework should be limited to one or two hours per day as giving too
much can have a negative impact. (45 words)