Use key words in arguments

THE academic year is quickly drawing to a close. Students are really looking forward to closing schools and having a long rest. Books are put aside for some time as people get into partying mood, but the cautious few will tell you that they still make time to study in preparation for the coming academic year. The lot you find here are those in Form Three and the Lower Sixes. They are aware of what lies ahead.

In our writings we are also cognisant of the fact that those writing examinations will no longer be requiring any extra information. Our attention shifts to those readying themselves for examinations in the coming year hence we go back to the basics of topics discussed here. Up to last week we have tried to assist students in answering questions, be it essays or comprehension questions. Make hay while the sun shines. Before the term ends English Language and Literature in English students stand to benefit from what is presented here.

We will start with articles and reports. This is a familiar story as a lot of English questions ask students to write articles for different kinds of magazines or newsletters or reports for a particular group of people. The style of an article should fit the situation. Be aware that you are being tested on how well you answer the question, and how well you write in the style of a real article. At times, depending on the topic you can write in the newspaper style where you could even start with a headline. You also need to get to the point quickly.

Think about who you are writing to — parents gathered for a school development meeting, parents and students at a prize giving event. Reports are about giving facts and opinions. Put what your report is about in the first paragraph. Descriptions are a lot harder to start. The trick is to grab the examiners’ attention and show that you know what you are doing. Sometimes you need to describe what you think.

Having determined who you are writing for — the start for a teenage magazine will be different from a school magazine article or an official report. Allow me to digress a bit. Schools are encouraged to have newsletters or magazines. Allow students to be the main players in the production of the newsletter or magazine. As they contribute items for consideration, students develop writing skills in various forms, like writing compositions, poems and they can produce pieces of art as well.

The negative view is that schools have no resources to produce the newsletters. This is an undeniable fact but schools do not have to start big by producing expensive and sophisticated magazines. A few pages of well bound newsprint can work well for a start. Students will at least be having a platform to express themselves through writing their favourite items.

Besides the already stated types of writing students can be asked to write letters. They need to start letters properly as well. Remember who you are writing to, and whether you have got to be formal or not. Letters just like registers are situational. The letter you write to a friend is different in style from a business letter. Keep your argument clear in situations where you present arguments.

Use the key words from the question. As long as you pay particular attention to the key words from the question you will produce a sound answer. There is less room for waffling. Take note of key question words like: describe, explain, show, and others. Make your argument easy to understand — keep the language simple. The only way they will understand is the exact explanation of what they are doing in plain, formal language.

Students should use clear explaining words and phrases to make their essays easy to follow. Such a move will show the student’s understanding and answering of the question. The key to explaining points is using the right kind of language. Arguments need to be kept formal. No slang words or swearing language. Following are tips for arguing:

They should not contradict themselves but make clear when giving two opposite opinions. They should stick to the point. Students should not generalise issues but should keep writing balanced and clear. As students prepare for the Literature examinations they might like to consider key words mostly used in questions: Give an account . . . ,what are the effects . . . , comment on . . . , show appropriateness of the title, show how . . . , examine . . . , outline . . . , to what extent . . . etc.

These are just examples and my assumption is that students have come across many more.

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