Continue the following sentences. Use the words and expressions from exercise 3.
The future of our country depends on …
The importance of education is in …
Without education people will not …
I will do my best to get the diploma of higher education because …
1. Study the information below. Why writing essays is so important?
An admissions or application essay, sometimes also called a personal statement, is an essay or other written statement written by an applicant, often a prospective student applying to some college, university, or graduate school. The application essay is a common part of the university and college admissions process.
Moreover international exams such as TOEFL and IELTS have writing sections where you need to write an essay of at least 250 words. This means that your essay will be about 4-5 paragraphs long within 40 minutes.
How to write an essay?
Choose the central idea, or thesis, of your essay. For example: University education is essential for success in the workplace.
Outline your essay into introductory, body and conclusion paragraphs.
The introductory paragraph begins with an interesting sentence. For example: That’s a good point that the number of students who graduate from universities is on the rise.
Use one sentence to introduce every body paragraph to follow. For example: On the other hand, plenty of jobs are available in the labour sector.
In each of the body paragraphs (usually two or three) the ideas first presented in the introductory paragraph are developed.
Develop your body paragraphs by giving detailed information and examples. For example: That means a large of number of fresh graduates are unemployed because they can’t find jobs that meet their level of academic qualification.
Body paragraphs should develop the central idea and finish with a summary of that idea. There should be at least two examples or facts in each body paragraph to support the central idea.
Conclusion summarizes your essay and is often a reverse of the introductory paragraph.
Your final statement can be a future prediction based on what you have shown in the essay.
Analyze the sample essays in Appendix and write your own essay. Choose a topic that is closely connected with the role of education. For example:
Higher education in my personal development
B
rainstorm
the topic
Define your position to the problem
Find information on the Web and read some sample essays
Choose the key words
G
enerate
ideas
Ask questions (mostly based on key words)
What is the role of higher education in personal development?
What is the situation in the Russian labour market?
What skills do students acquire in university?
How can a person succeed with higher education?
Structure the ideas
Introduction:
Interesting sentence
Thesis (central idea)
Body:
Paragraph 2 Mostly
based on
Paragraph 3 key questions
Paragraph 4
Conclusion: Repeat the thesis using other words and give some predictions about the future of the problem/topic discussed.
In many western universities students create a personal development plan (PDP). It helps to set objectives and achieve them. Moreover it is a powerful educational and time management tool. It encourages to focus on skills and to take responsibility for skill development. It is primarily about recording achievements and reflecting on experiences at the University. Look at the example of PDP.
Personal objectives |
How I will achieve this |
How this will be measured |
When |
1. To improve my English |
Taking a course, attending English lessons, watching movies in English, reading books, practicing with friends, doing at least 3 online activities a day (eg. agendaweb.org). |
Increased confidence, ability to read and understand professional literature, passing any tests. |
Dec 2012 |
2.To write a publication |
Choosing a relevant topic, contacting lecturers/ consultants/ scientific advisors, choosing a journal or conference. |
Successful submission of an article. |
Spring 2013 |
3. To keep up with research in my area of interest |
Reading books and journals, subscription to the professional Internet resources, attending open lecturers and workshops, visiting companies. |
Increased confidence and expanded knowledge of specific area, publications, conference participation. |
End of the year |
4. To apply for an international internship |
Improve my English and get a certificate, choose a course and submit application form, find a scholarship, collect money. |
International internship. |
Summer 2013 |
5. To participate in a project competition |
Chose a topic and discuss it with scientific advisor, create a project and its documentation. |
Successful submission of a project, prize or funding. |
Spring 2013 |