Hacer un essay para el First Certificate no es tan complicado como parece. Suele abrumar a los estudiantes, hasta el punto que tuve una alumna que me dijo “But I don’t know how to write” (pero yo no sé escribir). Acabó siendo la que entregaba mejores essays. Así que en mis cinco años preparando a alumnos para esta tarea he podido comprobar que si se sigue un método y se practica (contra más mejor) se puede conseguir un aprobado seguro y con nota. Siempre les aconsejo que se esfuercen en esta parte del examen, pues en este caso las respuestas no son matemáticas (en los demás apartados, o lo sabes o no lo sabes) sino que pueden utilizar su ingenio y aplicar el método para rascar muchos puntos más. Por consiguiente, siguiendo estos pasos es más que terminar con éxito el writing en los 40 minutos que se dan (pues otra “excusa” recurrente era la falta de tiempo).
La verdad es que disfruto mucho preparando a mis alumnos para esta prueba cosa que me ha llevado a desarrollar materiales propios. Uno de ellos es el “Essay of an essay” y consiste en describir cómo realizar un essay siguiendo el formato del propio essay. No sé si me explico, mejor compartir el ejercicio con vosotros.
Essay of an essay
The essay has probably been the hardest writing task for students to complete in the Cambridge First B2 exam. The fact of being compulsory might add further pressure. In addition, this paper is the least related to personal experience, which could contribute to difficulty. Nevertheless, is obtaining a successful mark as challenging as it seems?
To begin with, not only the tone but also the content need to be clearly identified. An essay should be written in a formal register following its corresponding characteristics, such as: avoiding the use of first person as well as the use of contractions, phrasal verbs or idioms although including the use of the passive form. Regarding the content, the first element to contemplate is the subject. Developing an appealing title will offer a better understanding of the candidate’s skills. A main question about the topic should be stated in the introduction and answered throughout the writing. Moreover, not including all the suggestions mentioned in the task can lead to a failing mark. The essay ought to offer a balanced argument, which should be clearly explained or alternatively justified with examples. Besides, the most common mistakes happen here: if the candidates do not read closely, they tend to forget one, or some, of the input points.
Secondly, a consistent structure must be followed, both internally and externally. Paragraphs and the ideas exposed in them need to be related with appropriate linkers. It is recommended to use formal connectors, whether these are to add information, contrast ideas, give reasons,offer examples, list succession or show purpose. In terms of content, the essay must consist of: first the introduction paragraph, second the development paragraphs and last the conclusion. The introduction is where the main topic is stated in order to engage the reader through, for instance, a rhetorical direct or indirect question. The development paragraphs should each be initiated with an introductory sentence to present what the component will consist of. Finally, the conclusion has to include the writer’s opinion and clearly answer the initial question. This block should summarize the strongest points of the paper but should not include any new ideas.
Thirdly, an advanced use of language is necessary. In terms of grammar, including modal verbs, the passive form, comparative, superlative, conditional features, relative clauses, and an extended use of verb tenses are just a few examples for a correct proposal. Regarding vocabulary, more nouns are recommended than adjectives (“the difficulty of the task” rather than “a difficult task”). In addition, the nouns used should respond to the formal tone, such as: a large quantity or amount (instead of lots), children (in the place of kids) or whom (rather than somebody). Repetition should be avoided so, consequently, the use of synonyms is fundamental.
Finally, if proper methodology is used and a clever plan is developed, success will more likely be achieved. First, one needs to brainstorm, maybe using nouns, verbs or fixed expressions. Next, creating a scheme where to organize all ideas is possibly the positive way to continue. Then, these concepts should be noted to provide a framework for a first draft. The final step is to proofread the text and improve it as much as possible: insert appropriate linkers, search for synonyms and optimize grammar. At this point, the final copy can be produced.
To sum up, from my point of view, dominating grammar structures and having a wide range of vocabulary are essential to produce a strong essay. However, following clear steps and creating an exceptional plan are the key to best accomplishment and success.
Bien? Ahora, como decía antes, el ejercicio consiste en detectar dentro del mismo essay lo que guía el propio essay y hacer una checklist de que todo es correcto (de hecho, esto es lo que se hace al final del proceso creativo del essay, pasar la checklist). Es difícil de explicar, así que vamos a ello.
Ejercicio: realizar esta check-list para asegurar un buen essay
Párrafo 2
avoiding the use of first person as well as the use of contractions, phrasal verbs or idioms. Revisa el texto. ➜ ¿Se cumple esta norma?
including the use of the passive form. ➜ Revisa el texto y subraya en azul todas las formas pasivas.
developing an appealing title ➜ ¿Qué te parece el título? A menudo lo escribo al final, la misma argumentación en el texto hace que encuentre el título perfecto.
A main question about the topic should be stated in the introduction and answered throughout the writing. ➜ ¿Se cumple esta norma?
not including all the suggestions mentioned in the task can lead to a failing mark.
The essay ought to offer a balanced argument, which should be clearly explained or alternatively justified with examples. ➜ ¿Se cumple esta norma?
¡CUIDADO! → Besides, the most common mistakes happen here: if the candidates do not read closely, they tend to forget one, or some, of the input points.
Párrafo 3
Paragraphs and the ideas exposed in them need to be related with appropriate linkers. It is recommended to use formal connectors, whether these are to add information, contrast ideas, give reasons,offer examples, list succession or show purpose. Revisa el texto y subraya en lila todos los nexos, tanto entre párrafos o dentro de los mismos. Los nexos asocian ideas, si puedes diferenciar de qué tipo son cada uno, mejor.
In terms of content, the essay must consist of: first the introduction paragraph, second the development paragraphs and last the conclusion. ➜ ¿Se cumple esta norma?
The introduction is where the main topic is stated in order to engage the reader through, for instance, rhetorical direct or indirect question. ➜ ¿Se cumple esta norma?
The development paragraphs should each be initiated with an introductory sentence to present what the component will consist of ➜ ¿Se cumple esta norma?
Finally, the conclusion has to include the writer’s opinion and clearly answer the initial question. This block should summarize the strongest points of the paper but should not include any new ideas. ➜ ¿Se cumple esta norma?
Párrafo 4
In terms of grammar, including modal verbs, the passive form, comparative, superlative, conditional features, relative clauses, and an extended use of verb tenses are just a few examples for a correct proposal. ➜ Revisa el texto y subraya en naranja el máximo de formas gramaticales que identifiques de las mencionadas en el texto.
Regarding vocabulary, more nouns are recommended than adjectives (“the difficulty of the task” rather than “a difficult task”). ➜ Analiza el texto ¿Serías capaz de identificar los sustantivos creados a partir de adjetivos?
In addition, the nouns used should respond to the formal tone, such as: a large quantity or amount (instead of lots), children (in the place of kids) or whom (rather than somebody). ➜ Este aspecto sólo se puede aprender escribiendo un essay tras otro y con una buena profesora de inglés que vaya guiando y corrigiendo.
Repetition should be avoided so, consequently, the use of synonyms is fundamental. ➜ ¿Sabes cuáles son las palabras más repetidas en el texto? ¿Sabrías sacar cuántos sinónimos hay para cada una de ellas?
Párrafo 5
Finally, if proper methodology is used and a clever plan is developed, success will more likely be achieved. First, one needs to brainstorm, maybe using nouns, verbs or fixed expressions. Next, creating a scheme where to organize all ideas is possibly the positive way to continue. Then, these concepts should be noted to provide a framework for a first draft. The final step is to proofread the text and improve it as much as possible: insert appropriate linkers, search for synonyms and optimize grammar. At this point, the final copy can be produced.
Este es el proceso creativo a seguir. He añadido los documentos de planificación que realicé para hacer este escrito, así como un ejemplo real de la alumna “que no sabía escribir”.
Párrafo 6
However, following clear steps and creating an exceptional plan are the key to best accomplishment and success. ➜ ¿Estás de acuerdo con esta conclusión?
¡Esto es todo! Si tú o algunos de tus hijos o amigos tienen intención de realizar este examen ¡me encantaría ser tu profe!
Esquema realizado para este essay del FCE:
Borrador que se realizó para escribir este essay del First Certificate
Esquema, borrador y copia final para un buena writing del First Certificate
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