185_TOEFL_Writing_TWE_Topics_and_Model_Essays

marries or has children.

1. Thesis: "If you want to live a long and productive life, you must exercise regularly and eat healthy foods."

Paraphrased Thesis:

2. Thesis: "Because of the conveniences and the cultural opportunities available in the city, living there is superior to living in the countryside."

Paraphrased Thesis:

3. Thesis: "The only ways to become a proficient writer are to read as much as possible and write whenever you can."

Paraphrased Thesis:

TRANSITION TERMS

The word transit means to move or pass from one place to another. Thus, the words and phrases we use to move smoothly from one idea to another one in an essay are called transitions. To create a coherent, smooth essay, you must use these terms, and use them correctly.

While not every sentence in an essay requires a transition, you must disperse a variety of them throughout the essay to link sentences and paragraphs to each other. The chart below states the purpose of the transition and provides you with a variety of similar ones to use. Avoid redundancy in your essay by choosing several different ones. In other words, don't use "however" every time you want to show contrast; instead, select as many different phrases as needed that serve the same function. Use commas to separate transitions from the rest of your sentence.

Purpose of Transition

to show likeness or add information

to show contrast

to introduce examples to explain to emphasize to generalize

to conclude or show result

to indicate sequence or show order

Possible Transition Terms

also, too, besides, in addition, furthermore, moreover

however, but, on the other hand, conversely, yet, though, in contrast, nevertheless

for example, such as, e.g., to illustrate, for instance

that is, in other words, i.e.

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in fact, indeed, certainly, clearly, of course

generally speaking, in general, overall, for the most part, usually, typically, in conclusion, in summary, to sum up

therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, as a consequence

first, second, next, then, finally, lastly

Appendix 2: A Patterned Plan of Attack

Writing

READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY. Be sure you understand exactly what is being asked, and prepare to answer it.

ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS in an outline or other logical way.

ADD sufficient DETAILS OR EXAMPLES in the plan for each major topic.

PAY ATTENTION TO GRAMMAR. Do not try to make it complicated. Just make sure every sentence is complete and logical.

PAY ATTENTION TO VOCABULARY. Do not try to use words if you are not absolutely certain how they should be used. Big words are not necessary to achieve a good score.

WRITE CAREFULLY, following the organization of your outline and watching the grammar and vocabulary.

PROOFREAD. Make changes as necessary.

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