Lesson 5 Week 2 Term 1

I'm really glad most of you completed the homework that was set - exercise 2-3 to 2-8. I'm sure you'll agree that it's more productive to go through the answers when you've already attempted the questions.

It does seem that it's not as easy as it looks to narrow down the topic of a paragraph. Don't worry though, you'll get better with practice! Remember, the general rule is that you should have one specific point in one paragraph, and this point is one of several points that support your stand in the essay.

For example, if your essay topic is 'School uniforms are necessary. Do you agree?', your stand could be that yes, they are indeed necessary. Your supporting points could then be 1) uniforms are vital in establishing a school identity, 2) uniforms can help prevent gang affiliation in schools (through wearing 'gang colours') and 3) uniforms help instill discipline and good grooming habits. Each of the 3 supporting points support your stand, which is that uniforms are necessary.

One way to practice is to brainstorm and make quick lists of points for different essay topics. Here are a few to start with: 

a) Is war necessary?

b) Caning in schools should be abolished. Do you agree?

c) The Internet is more of a menace than a blessing. What are your views?