a set of activities for essay writing

Aim
to supply teachers and students with a variety of techniques preparing for writing task C2

Objectives
By the end of the series of lessons students will be able to
organize a text and paragraphs within a text logically
select vocabulary to convey attitude and implied meaning
express information cohesively by using linking, generalizations and summaries
use variation of grammar structures in order to develop a theme clearly and emphasize the main points

Final Task
Write an essay on the topic:
Some scientists perform experiments on animals. However, some people say that this is cruel and unnecessary. What is your opinion?

Task 1
Read the essay topic. Which side do you take? Write your thesis statement
Some scientists perform experiments on animals. However, some people say that this is cruel and unnecessary. What is your opinion?

Task 2
Write 3 arguments to support your idea and 3 ones for the opposite side.
Add some details and facts. Take down counter arguments.

Task 3
Find synonyms to the following words
Animal –
Test –
Carry out (experiments) –
People –
Think –
Sure –
Keys:
a. infrahuman, creature b. experiment, trial, research c. perform, do d. humans, children/adults e. guess, consider, believe f. confident, convinced

Task 4
Rewrite the sentences using the following structures:
Today, one major reason that the animal rights movement still plays a minor part in society is IGNORANCE.
Many people feel that animal testing does not exist because they do not see it directly.
Colgate, Palmolive, Gillette, Johnson & Johnson, and L'Oreal test on animals.
The LD 50 (Lethal Dose) gets its name because in this experiment 100 animals are taken, and then subjected to lethal doses of a potentially dangerous chemical or drug.
Today, an animal's rights are protected by the Animal Welfare Act which was passed in 1966.

Impersonal Sentences

Task 5
Put the linkers in the box under the following
headings
To add more points to the same topic
To make contrasting points

Task 6
Read the essay and underline the correct linkers
Every day, thousands of people are saved from painful diseases and death by powerful medical drugs and treatments. This incredible gift of medicine would not be possible without animal testing. (1) Despite/In spite these overwhelming benefits, some people are calling for animal testing to be banned because of alleged cruelty. Both views have a grain of truth, but I support the first one. (2) Personally/To my mind, I think that development of science needs experiments.

Task 7
Using the sample essay as a plan, match each point with an appropriate paragraph. Some of them can be used more than once.
Summary of the supporting points
General information on the topic
A topic sentence
Thesis
Supporting details
Drawing a conclusion
Hook
Stating your opinion
Making a recommendation
Counter arguments