How to write the perfect PAU Essay in 120 words :)

Marking Criteria

Writing (Total 3 marks) Write approximately 120 words

•A – Grammatical accuracy: you will be given a mark of either 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 or 1

Verb tenses, Verb–subject agreement, prepositions are accurate

•B – Vocabulary : you will be given a mark of either 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 or 1

A range of vocabulary, used correctly (no Spanglish)

•C – Communication and organization : you will be given a mark of either 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 or 1

Ideas are well organised and clearly explained, paragraphs are well structured and not repetitive, connectives are used effectively

Structure: 3 Paragraphs

You MUST write in paragraphs or

1)Introduction (1/2 sentences)

2)Main body – 2 or 3 different ideas ( 5- 6 sentences)

3)Conclusion – Give your clear opion – if possible offer a solution/recommendation (1-2 sentences)

Key Advice

•3- 5 minutes planning your ideas

•Ensure you make more than one point

•Spend 5 minutes checking accuracy errors

•Be precise and accurate – every word counts – there should be no errors

•Treat the topic as a serious social issue

•Write formally

Useful structures

Introduction

•It is generally accepted nowadays that …

•A controversial issue/topic/problem which often divides opinion is …

•A crucial issue nowadays is the

•A challenging issue/problem …

•Nowadays, ______is becoming an increasing concern.

•Nowadays, there is widespread concern about …

•Over the last 20 years, ________ has been a

•The issue of _______ opens up a very interesting debate …

•It is a vital/ critical/ crucial/ fundamental/ essential/ key  problem or issue in society.

•Originally / At first / Initially

•Currently / At the moment / Nowadays

•In recent history …

•Since the beginning of time …

•History has been littered with examples of …

•For many old/young people, this issue is crucial because it has a direct impact on their lives.

•Clearly, such a development can have both positive and negative implications

•Thus it is having a huge impact ON …

•In view of this/ in light of this …

Opinions and arguments for MAIN BODY

•Some argue that the problem began…

•Whereas others trace it back to ….

•Some sceptics claim that …

•While I understand this point …

•Taking this into consideration,

•Although I think… others believe that …

•While there is certainly … there is also …

•As well as …., there is also …

•To achieve this, society/the government should …

•The short/long term effects may be …

•However, a positive impact has been …

•Moreover, this may mean that …

•Without a shadow of a doubt/needless to say/clearly/in

fact

•Firstly/secondly/Thirdly

•In addition to + gerund (in addition to increasing ….), we

also need to …

•For this to be successful, there should be …

•In theory this seems like … however in practice …

Time phrases

• Shortly afterwards / shortly before

•In the short term… / In the long term

•Recently there has been an increase in …

Set structures

•Due to the fact that …

•Due to the lack of …

•Despite the fact that …

•As a direct consequence,

•This is in part due to …

Passive voice structures

•It is often suggested that …

•It has been suggested that …

•It is widely believed that …

•It is often said that …

•It has been suggested that…

Conclusion

• In conclusion,

•Hopefully / It is hoped that …

•The … is expected to …

•While I believe that we should … others strongly

believe that …

•Taking all this into account, it is clear that ...

•All in all, ...

•To sum, this crucial issue needs to be dealt with by

implementing ...

•In conclusion, the facts suggest that ..

CONNECTIVES

1) To add: and, furthermore, in addition, what is more, to add, moreover

2) To contrast: but, although, though, despite, in spite of, however, nevertheless, yet, whereas, while, conversely, alternatively

3) To give reason: because, since, due to, as, owing to,because of

4) To give a result: therefore, consequently, so

5)To show sequence: firstly, secondly, finally, lastly, last

but not least

6) To summarise/ conclude: to sum up, in conclusion, in brief, in summary, in short, to conclude

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile devices at school.

ANDALUCÍA 2014 junio

Nowadays technology is becoming increasingly widespread in our society. Thus it is having a huge impact on every area of our world, including education with both positive and negative implications.

  Some sceptics claim that by relying on technology in education, pupils won´t develop their social skills and friendships appropriately. Moreover, this may mean that students become too dependent on technology which might lead to internet addiction. In addition, technology can simply serve as a distraction for the pupils.

  On the other hand, others believe that mobile devices in the classroom enhance pupil´s learning allowing more personalization and differentiation enabling students to work at their own pace.

  In conclusion, technology has clear benefits in the classroom though it should not be overused. Teachers must ensure that pupils develop socially as well as academically.