- Writing a
Task 2 essay - Task
response - Coherence
and cohesion - Lexical
resource - Grammatical range
and accuracy
Writing a Task 2 essay
Let's practise writing a Task 2 essay applying what we have learnt about the following Assessment Criteria:
- Task response
- Coherence and cohesion
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy.
To do this, first, look at the following Task 2 question.
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The topic of this question is the use of mobile phones. The specific question asks you to write about the positive and negative aspects of mobile phone use for individuals and for society. Because you are required to present both sides of the issue (i.e., the advantages and disadvantages), you should use a Discussion essay structure.
Now, let's look at writing a response to this question, using the four Assessment Criteria for Task 2.
Note that we recommend you work through each tab in the order indicated above, as each activity builds on what you have practised in the previous activity. Therefore, let's start with Task Response.
Click on the tabs to continue . Alternatively you can click on Next to go to Task Response.
Task Response
Remember that Task Response assesses two main aspects of your writing:
- the development of a position which is relevant to the Task 2 question
- the evidence (examples and explanations) you give to support your position.
Note that your position determines the way you answer the question. You should state your position in the introduction and continue to develop your position in the body of the essay.
Let's practise applying this criterion to writing a Task 2 introduction, body and conclusion.
Writing an introduction
Activity
Let's look at writing an introduction for this essay. Look at the question again and in the box below, type 2 - 3 sentences for your introduction.
Tip: Make sure you:
- begin with a general statement about the topic
- refer to the viewpoint in the question
- respond to the specific question.
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Now compare your introduction to the sample below. Note that the ideas in your introduction may be different, the structure of your introduction should be similar
Sample introduction
The invention of the telephone over a century ago enabled people to communicate over long distances (general statement about the topic). More recent technology has made it possible for phones to become mobile, allowing for communication at any time and location (referring to the viewpoint in the question). However, this new technology brings both benefits and drawbacks to the users and to society in general (responding to the specific question).
Now that you have written an introduction, let's practise how to structure a body paragraph.
Writing a body paragraph
Remember that each paragraph in the body of your essay should include:
- a topic sentence to outline the main idea of the paragraph
- sentences to support the main idea
- evidence and/or examples.
Activity
Let's put together the first body paragraph for our essay on mobile phone use, that includes the three points above. Look at the Task 2 question again, and then organise sentences (1-6) below into a logical order.
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In addition, mobile phone technology offers a form of security and safety to people.
One benefit is that business no longer needs to be limited to the traditional office because negotiations can be conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone.
For example, parents can keep in touch with their young children when they go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if their car breaks down.
This then benefits society as a whole, as stronger business relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs.
To begin with, the ability to contact others wherever they are and at anytime offers benefits.
The correct order of sentences:
To begin with, the ability to contact others wherever they are and at anytime offers benefits (TOPIC SENTENCE).One benefit is that business no longer needs to be limited to the traditional office because negotiations can be conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone (SUPPORTING IDEA 1). This then benefits society as a whole, as stronger business relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs (EXAMPLE). In addition, mobile phone technology offers a form of security and safety to people (SUPPORTING IDEA 2). For example, parents can keep in touch with their young children when they go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if their car breaks down (EXAMPLE).
Activity
You can write a body paragraph using your own ideas in the text box below. Remember to include a topic sentence, supporting ideas, and evidence and examples.
Note that in this paragraph you may choose to discuss the advantages of mobile phone use (as we did in the activity above) or discuss the disadvantages.
Now that you have organised and written a body paragraph for this essay, let's look at writing a suitable conclusion.
Writing a conclusion
Activity
Read the sample conclusion below and answer the following questions.
Tip: Remember that a conclusion:
- summarises the main ideas of the essay
- states a viewpoint.
In conclusion, although there are some negative aspects to using mobile phones, they have become an essential communication tool for many people. Mobile phones facilitate business, thereby creating wealth, and they offer safety and security to people. In my opinion, to ignore these benefits would be a great loss both on a personal and public level.
| 1) | What main ideas from the essay are summarised in the conclusion? |
| a) mobile phones are not safe / The use of mobile phones is increasing | |
| b) mobile phones can help make money | |
| c) mobile phones are necessary | |
| d) mobile phones can be used to help keep people safe | |
| 2) | What concluding signpost is used in this conclusion? Can you think of other concluding signposts that can be used here? |
| 3) | What is the writer's viewpoint in this conclusion? |
| a) both individuals and society in general should not use mobile phones | |
| b) both individuals and society in general should use mobile phones |
1) The correct answers are b), c) and d). The relevant parts of the conclusion are highlighted below:
In conclusion, although there are some negative aspects to using mobile phones, c)they have become an essential communication tool for many people. b)Mobile phones facilitate business, thereby creating wealth, and d)they offer safety and security to people. In my opinion, to ignore these benefits would be a great loss both on a personal and public level.
2) The correct answer is 'In conclusion'. Other possible concluding signposts are: 'In summary', 'To sum up', 'To conclude'
3) The correct answer is b). Note the highlighted viewpoint in the conclusion below:
In conclusion, although there are some negative aspects, on the whole mobile phones are vital tools that build opportunities to create wealth and offer safety and security to people. In my opinion, to ignore these benefits would be a great loss both on a personal and public level.
Activity
You can write a conclusion using your own ideas in the text box below. Remember to use a concluding signpost, summarise the main ideas from the body paragraphs, and state your viewpoint.
Now that you have practised achieving Task Response, that is, developing a position relevant to the Task 2 question, and providing examples and explanations to support your position, let's move on to look at Coherence and Cohesion.
Coherence and Cohesion
Remember that to make your writing coherent and cohesive, you should use:
- pronoun referencing
- signposts
- academic phrases.
Pronoun referencing
If you use pronoun referencing ( words such as: it, they, their), you improve the cohesion of your writing because you can connect sentences smoothly by not repeating the subject, therefore improving the flow of your ideas.
Signposts
Signposts (words such as: Regarding, Firstly, However, Furthermore, Therefore, To sum up, but, because, so) can be used to link ideas between paragraphs, sentences and and within sentences. Signposts that link ideas within a sentence are usually called conjunctions.
Academic phrases
An academic phrase is a group of words that is used to draw the reader’s attention to your ideas making your arguments and ideas clear.
Examples include: I think, I totally agree/disagree, Some people say, A good solution would be, A results in B.
Activity
Let's look at our Task 2 question and Discussion essay again to see how coherence and cohesion can be achieved. Fill in the pronoun referencing and signposts by choosing the most appropriate answer in the drop down boxes.
| During the last ten years, the use of mobile phones has increased
dramatically, making it possible to contact others almost anywhere and at anytime. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones for communication both for the individual and for societyas a whole. |
The invention of the telephone over a century ago enabled people to communicate over long distances. More recent technology has made it possible for phones to become mobile, allowing for communication at any time and location. (1) , this new technology brings both benefits and drawbacks to the users and to society in general. (2) , the ability to contact others wherever (3) are and at anytime offers benefits. (4) benefit is that business no longer needs to be limited to the traditional office because negotiations can be conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone. (5) then benefits society as a whole, as stronger business relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs. (6) , mobile phone technology offers a form of security and safety to people. (7) , parents can keep in touch with their young children when (8) go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if (9) car breaks down. (10) , there are also some negative aspects to consider. (11) , scientists are still unclear about whether the use of mobile phones causes certain health problems. (12) , there is increasing evidence to suggest that radiation from these phones could be harmful. Secondly, other people are concerned about the social impact mobile phones have. It seems that people are now relying more on their mobile phone to communicate with others than creating opportunities for direct social interaction. (13) this can be seen with some groups of people who sit together but spend most of (14) time sending messages or chatting to other people on (15) mobile phones. (16) , although there are some negative aspects, on the whole mobile phones are vital tools that build opportunities to create wealth and offer safety and security to people. (17) , to ignore these benefits would be a great loss both on a personal and public level. |
The following features are highlighted in the essay as follows:
- pronoun referencing
- signposts
The invention of the telephone over a century ago enabled people to communicate over long distances. More recent technology has made it possible for phones to become mobile, allowing for communication at any time and location. (1) However, this new technology brings both benefits and drawbacks to the users and to society in general. (2) To begin with, the ability to contact others wherever (3) they are and at anytime offers benefits. (4) One benefit is that business no longer needs to be limited to the traditional office because negotiations can be conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone. (5) This then benefits society as a whole, as stronger business relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs. (6) In addition, mobile phone technology offers a form of security and safety to people. (7) For example, parents can keep in touch with their young children when (8) they go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if (9) their car breaks down. (10) However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. (11) Firstly, scientists are still unclear about whether the use of mobile phones causes certain health problems. (12) For instance , there is increasing evidence to suggest that radiation from these phones could be harmful. Secondly, other people are concerned about the social impact mobile phones have. It seems that people are now relying more on their mobile phone to communicate with others than creating opportunities for direct social interaction. (13) An example of this can be seen with some groups of people who sit together but spend most of (14) their time sending messages or chatting to other people on (15) their mobile phones. (16) In conclusion, although there are some negative aspects, on the whole mobile phones are vital tools that build opportunities to create wealth and offer safety and security to people. (17) In my opinion, to ignore these benefits would be a great loss both on a personal and public level. |
Now that you have practised achieving Coherence and Cohesion, let's move on to look at Lexical Resource.
Lexical Resource
You will remember that for Lexical Resource you are assessed on:
- the range of your vocabulary
- the accuracy and appropriacy of the words you use in terms of the specific task.
Remember that the range of your vocabulary refers to how varied your vocabulary is.
To improve the range of the words you use, you should use synonyms (e.g., beneficial = advantageous) and modifiers (e.g., skilled staff members).
Remember that the accuracy of your vocabulary refers to whether your vocabuary is correct.
Common errors in accuracy could involve:
- word form (e.g., economy versus economic)
- collocations (e.g., assume/take responsibility)
- wrong word
- spelling
Remember that appropriacy refers to the formality of the words you use. You should use academic vocabulary.
Using modifiers
Activity
Let's look at improving the range of vocabulary used in our essay about mobile phone use. One way to improve range is to add adjectives and adverbs. Read the two body pargarphs from the essay and type in appropriate adjectives and adverbs in the boxes provided.
| During the last ten years, the use of mobile phones has increased
dramatically, making it possible to contact others almost anywhere and at anytime. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones for communication both for the individual and for societyas a whole. |
Body paragraph 1
| To begin with, the ability to contact others wherever they are and at anytime offers (1) benefits. One benefit is that business no longer needs to be limited to the (2) office environment because business can now be (3) conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone. This then benefits society as a whole, as (4) business relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs. In addition, mobile phone technology offers a form of security to people. For example, parents can (5) communicate with their (6) children when they go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if their car breaks down. |
Possible answers include:
- long-lasting, notable, significant, considerable(adjectives)
- traditional, usual, normal, inside, everyday (adjectives)
- easily, effectively (adverbs)
- strong, close (adjectives)
- easily, constantly, always (adverbs)
- young, school-aged (adjectives)
Body paragraph 1
To begin with, the ability to contact others wherever they are and at anytime offers (1) long-lasting, notable, significant, considerable (adjectives) benefits. One benefit is that business no longer needs to be limited to the (2) traditional, usual, normal, inside (adjectives) office environment because negotiations can now be (3) easily, effectively (adverbs) conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone. This then benefits society as a whole, as (4) strong, close (adjectives) business relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs. In addition, mobile phone technology offers a form of security to people. For example, parents can (5) easily, constantly, always (adverbs) keep in touch with their (6) young, school-aged (adjectives) children when they go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if their car breaks down. |
Body paragraph 2
| However, there are also some negative aspects to consider.
Firstly, scientists are still concerned that the use of mobile phones causes (1) health problems. For example, there is (2) evidence to suggest that radiation from these phones could be serious. Other people are concerned about the social impact mobile phones have. It seems now, that people are (3) relying on their mobile phone to communicate with others than creating opportunities for (4) interaction. An example of this can be seen with some groups of people who sit together but spend most of their time sending messages or chatting to other people on their mobile phones. |
Possible answers include:
- serious, major, long-term (adjectives)
- strong, increasing, clear (adjectives)
- frequently, often, increasingly (adverbs)
- social, face-to-face, real life, meaningful (adjectives)
Body paragraph 2
| However, there are also some negative aspects to consider.
Firstly, scientists are still concerned that the use of mobile phones causes (7) serious, major, long-term (adjectives) health problems. For example, there is (8) strong, increasing, clear (adjectives) evidence to suggest that radiation from these phones could be harmful. Other people are concerned about the social impact mobile phones have. It seems now, that people are (9) frequently, often, increasingly (adverbs) relying on their mobile phone to communicate with others than creating opportunities for (10) social, face-to-face, real life, meaningful (adjectives) interaction. An example of this can be seen with some groups of people who sit together but spend most of their time sending messages or chatting to other people on their mobile phones. |
Using synonyms
Another way of improving vocabulary range is to use synonymous words and/or phrases in order to avoid repetition of key words.
Activity
Look at the Discussion essay again. The vocabulary that is repeated has been highlighted for you, and all repetition of these words has been crossed out. In each box, type a synonym to replace the crossed-out word.
Note that the synonym you use must have the same word form as the word you are replacing (i.e. reclace a verb with a verb, a noun with a noun, etc ...)
| During the last ten years, the use of mobile phones has increased
dramatically, making it possible to contact others almost anywhere and at anytime. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones for communication both for the individual and for society as a whole. |
The invention of the telephone over a century ago enabled people to communicate over long distances. More recent technology has made it possible for phones to become mobile, allowing for (1) communication at any time and location. However, this new technology brings both benefits and drawbacks to the users and to society in general. To begin with, the ability to contact others wherever they are and at anytime offers significant benefits. One (2) benefit is that business no longer needs to be limited to the traditional office environment because (3) business can now be easily conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone. This then (4) benefits society as a whole, as strong (5) business relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs. In addition, mobile phone technology offers a form of security to people. For example, parents can always (6) communicate with their young children when they go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if their car breaks down. However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. Firstly, scientists are still concerned that the use of mobile phones causes serious health problems. For example, there is increasing evidence to suggest that radiation from these phones could be (7) serious . Other people are (8) concerned about the social impact mobile phones have. It seems now, that people are frequently relying on their mobile phone to (9) communicate with others than creating opportunities for face-to-face interaction. An example of this can be seen with some groups of people who sit together but spend most of their time sending messages or chatting to other people on their mobile phones. In conclusion, although there are some negative aspects, on the whole mobile phones are vital tools that (10) create opportunities to create wealth and offer (11) security to people. In my opinion, to ignore these benefits would be a great loss both on a personal and public level. |
- conversation, interaction
- advantage, positive aspect
- negotiations, work
- assists, positively affects
- professional, work
- keep in touch, talk
- harmful, detrimental
- worried
- interact, talk, speak, converse
- increase the possibilities/chances, help
- safety
The invention of the telephone over a century ago enabled people to communicate over long distances. More recent technology has made it possible for phones to become mobile, allowing for (1) conversation/interaction at any time and location. However, this new technology brings both benefits and drawbacks to the users and to society in general. To begin with, the ability to contact others wherever they are and at anytime offers significant benefits. One (2) advantage/positive aspect is that business no longer needs to be limited to the traditional office environment because (3) negotiations/work can now be easily conducted ‘on the move’ using a mobile phone. This then (4) positively affects/assists society as a whole, as strong (5) professional/work relationships lead to growth in the economy and more jobs. In addition, mobile phone technology offers a form of security to people. For example, parents can always (6) stay in touch/talk with their young children when they go out, and people who drive alone at night can make a phone call to a mechanic or a friend if their car breaks down. However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. Firstly, scientists are still concerned that the use of mobile phones causes serious health problems. For example, there is increasing evidence to suggest that radiation from these phones could be (7) harmful/detrimental. Other people are (8) worried about the social impact mobile phones have. It seems now, that people are frequently relying on their mobile phone to (9) converse/interact/speak with others than creating opportunities for face-to-face interaction. An example of this can be seen with some groups of people who sit together but spend most of their time sending messages or chatting to other people on their mobile phones. In conclusion, although there are some negative aspects, on the whole mobile phones are vital tools that (10) increase the possibilities/chances to create wealth and offer (11) safety to people. In my opinion, to ignore these benefits would be a great loss both on a personal and public level. |
Note that in some cases it is not possible to change or rephrase words. In this example discussion essay above, the phrase "mobile phone" does not have a synonym and cannot be rephrased. Therefore, it is acceptable to repeat this phrase throughout the essay. Note also that some words (eg. negotiations/work) are not synonyms, but can be used interchangably because they both suit this particular context.
Now that you have practised achieving Lexical Resource, that is, the range, accuracy and appropriacy of the vocabulary you use, let's move on to look at Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
For Grammatical Range and Accuracy you are assessed on:
- the range of sentence structures you use
- the accuracy of your grammar.
Remember that the Range of your grammar refers to the variety of the sentence structures you use. Note that a variety of sentence structures involves the use of:
- different types of sentences (simple, complex, compound)
- nominalisation
- modal verbs.
Remember that Accuracy refers to whether your grammar is correct. Common errors in accuracy often involve:
- verb tense
- subject-verb agreement
- articles
- punctuation
- complex sentences
- modal verbs.
Writing compound sentences
Activity
In the following activity, you can practise improving grammatical range by writing compound sentences.
Write compound sentences by joining each pair of simple sentences using one of the conjuctions in the box. Remember to use a comma before the conjuction. The first one is done for you as an example.
Conjunctions
for |
and |
nor |
but |
or |
yet |
so |
Example: Mobile phones allow people to communicate easily. They may also contribute to certain health problems.
Answer: Mobile phones allow people to communicate easily, but/yet they may also contribute to certain health problems.
Now you try!
- Mobile phones are essential tools for business. They are convenient for personal use as well.
- Many people own a mobile phone. They are cheap.
- Critics feel that mobile phones don't make communication easier. It doesn't improve relationships between people.
- Mobile phones are essential tools for business, and they are convenient for personal use as well.
- Many people own a mobile phone, for they are cheap. / Mobile phones are cheap, so many people own one.
- Critics feel that mobile technology doesn't make communication easier, nor does it improve relationships between people.
Writing complex sentences
Activity
Write complex sentences by joining each pair of simple sentences using one of the subordinators in the box. Remember to use a comma after the dependent clause. The first one is done for you as an example.
Subordinators
wheras |
because |
while |
although |
Example: Mobile phones allow people to communicate easily. They may also contribute to certain health problems.
Answer: Although mobile phones allow people to communicate easily, they may also contribute to certain health problems.
Now you try!
- Many people own a mobile phone. They are cheap.
- Home phones only allow phone conversations to take place inside the home. Mobile phones allow people to keep in touch wherever they are.
- Studies show that frequent use of mobile phones can lead to major health problems. Most people continue to use them on a daily basis.
- Many people own a mobile phone because they are cheap. / Because mobile phones are cheap, many people own one.
- Home phones only allow phone conversations to take place inside the home, whereas mobile phones allow people to keep in touch wherever they are. / Whereas home phones only allow phone conversations to take place inside the home, mobile phones allow people to keep in touch wherever they are.
- Although studies show that frequent use of mobile phones can lead to major health problems, most people continue to use them on a daily basis.
Grammatical accuracy
Activity
The following paragraph about mobile phone communication has errors involving:
- verb tense (3)
- subject-verb agreement (1)
- articles (2)
- singual and plural (2)
- punctuation (3)
- modal verbs (1).
Locate and correct as many of these errors as you can. You may wish to type the paragraph with the corrections you have made in the text box below. If you need help locating the errors, click on the Help button.
| During the past two decade, mobile phones have completely transformed a way we communicate. Previously, people will arrange a specific time and place to meet. However, this practice has almost disappear, especially in the younger generation, who now chat or send the text messages with their mobile phones whenever they like. As a result, friends now organises an approximate time and meeting place because it is possible to change these details at the last moment; if they are going to be late, for example. In addition sending text messages has altered our writing style. for instance in order to send massages quickly, we abbreviate most of the words we typed, and are no longer concerned with grammar and spelling rule. This changes in the way we interact with each other illustrate that mobile phones becomes a tool for fast and instantaneous communication. |
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Location of errors During the past two decade, mobile phones have completely transformed a way we communicate. Previously, people will arrange a specific time and place to meet. However, this practice has almost disappear, especially in the younger generation, who now chat or send the text messages with their mobile phones whenever they like. As a result, friends now organises an approximate time and meeting place because it is possible to change these details at the last moment; if they are going to be late, for example. In addition sending text messages has altered our writing style. for instance in order to send massages quickly, we abbreviate most of the words we typed, and are no longer concerned with grammar and spelling rule. This changes in the way we interact with each other illustrate that mobile phones becomes a tool for fast and instantaneous communication. |
When you have finished, check your answers
During the past two decades, mobile phones have completely transformed the way we communicate. Previously, people would arrange a specific time and place to meet. However, this practice has almost disappeared, especially in the younger generation, who now chat or send text messages with their mobile phones whenever they like. As a result, friends now organise an approximate time and meeting place because it is possible to change these details at the last moment; if they are going to be late for example. In addition, sending text messages has altered our writing style. For instance, in order to send massages quickly, we abbreviate most of the words we type, and are no longer concerned with grammar and spelling rules. These changes in the way we interact with each other illustrate that mobile phones have become a tool for fast and instantaneous communication.
Now let's look at the Summary for the Guided Practice section.
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