English essay

[Artliner]

which one do you think the O levels’ english essay markers will put into consideration? more beautiful vocabs or the content?

[Skyed]

Both are equally important.

[i1k]

The level of maturity and thought placed in the content and the level of technical refinement such kideas are expressed with. I learnt the hard way the use of florid vocabulary does not a great essay make. Instead, used in a manner that is not thematic is anathema towards the end of clear succint expression in a fluent manner. That said, obviously having both vocabulary and the ability to use it properly to enhance meaning and immersion for the reader would be optimal.

[Artliner]

thank you skyed and i1k for the reply.
[quote]

i1k:

The level of maturity and thought placed in the content and the level of technical refinement such kideas are expressed with. I learnt the hard way the use of florid vocabulary does not a great essay make. Instead, used in a manner that is not thematic is anathema towards the end of clear succint expression in a fluent manner. That said, obviously having both vocabulary and the ability to use it properly to enhance meaning and immersion for the reader would be optimal.

[/quote]wait i1k, i dont get what you are trying to say.. can you try to make your explanation simpler?

[sc_gal]

Artliner:

which one do you think the O levels' english essay markers will put into consideration? more beautiful vocabs or the content?

Hi, I just took my Os last year and I was generally a Narrative writer. I feel the key is to follow the marker's rubrics (can be found online, just google - eg http://englishcafe.wordpress.com/category/o-levels-paper-1/ ). The rubrics for my year reflected that the emphasis was on technique, as content only takes up 1 out of 5 marking areas I think. If 2013 Os is using the same syllabus as 2012, then I will say focus on writer's technique and developing a unique writer's voice.

(for narratives/recount/likewise) Content is only important in the sense that it is imperative your piece captures the marker's attention and engages him. If he gets bored even before he passes your intro, your grade will definitely plummet. The advice my teacher gave me prior the exam was, find a topic/caricature that I am passionate/interested about, research about it and write. Possible topics: elderly, culture, politics etc. Possible caricature: pop icons, people you see around every day, etc. I enjoyed doing this a lot, and had a couple of ideas that I enjoyed dabbling with - did pieces on child beauty pageants, Getai, airstewardess, taxi drivers, etc.

As for argumentative and expo pieces, I am fairly certain that content will be much more important there. Its hard to sell a informative piece that has no substance.

All in all, I think most importantly is to keep writing - practise makes perfect All the best!

[HappieNewbie123]

Hi, I need some help with planning my Expository essay. The question given is: How, and in what areas, can Singapore do better in the next 10 years?

My understanding of this question is that I am purposed to write arguments about different aspects (economy and social, for example) that Singapore can and will be able to improve in the next ten years time. That will mean that my counter argument&rebuttal paragraph will be talking about what Singapore will not be able to improve in the next ten years (that means that the problem could not be solve in ten years time with reasons such as it will take a longer time, etc) and rebut with reasons like improvements are made more rapidly in shorter period of time and thus may be able to improve in ten years time.

Or should it be arguments about areas to improve and counter argument about what should not be improved and rebut about how a country should improve as the rest of the world will improve. This one is strange so I dont really think so…

Or is there other ways to interpret this question? Thank you!

[Distinction Tutorial School]

Hi I know that this is a much, much belated reply but I only came across it yesterday, so I guess I shall attempt an answer for the sake of clarfying essay genres.


The question : How, and in what areas, can Singapore do better in the next 10 years?

HappieNewbie123 rightly identified it as an expository essay. Hence, what is needed is elucidation, that is, to explain in detail. You do not really need to get mired up in rebuttals and counter arguments. It is not an argumentative essay that requires arguments on both sides. An indication of argumentation are clauses such as "Do you agree?" "What are your views?". Even if there is a controversy that you want to address, it should only be done briefly. There is no need to sweat over it.

The key words are "what areas" - identify & "how" - explain by giving examples the ways of improvement, bearing in mind the time frame of ten years.

Some examples of expository skills are i) explaining a process ii) giving examples iii) defining a term iv) explaining cause and effect v) classifying
vii) comparing and contrasting

An expository essay gives opportunity for the writer to demonstrate the above skills with the content that he or she has.

Aletheia Chan
Distinction Tutorial School

[Mr Chong]

For Oral Exam,

1. calm down and don’t be nervous. A slight sense of anxiety can affect the way you speak
2. if you have read a word wrongly, it’s ok to re-read the word, however, it’s best to show no signs of difficulties during reading
3. the questions for conversation are related to the image / video. For example, if you see the theme as environment, the question that they will ask is definitely of such theme. Try to brainstorm ideas and current situations before the exam.