SKKN Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education Examination

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. INTRODUCTION
 Writing a paragraph is an new and inevitable part of almost every standarlized examination, especially in the important examinations such as the GCSE ( General Certificate Secondary Education Examination). Moreover English is the compulsory subject in the test of National Secondary Examination which will be organized for nationwhile students by the Ministry of Traning and Education since 2015. Writing a paragraph is an obligatory section in the written assignment of the GCSE which makes up 15 percents of the test( 1.5 points). However, It is considered as the most difficult section because this assignment requests that students have a wide range of vocabularies, master English grammar and know how to write a good paragraph. Moreover, in competitive exams and under time pressure(about 20 minutes), the task becomes more difficult. So students often become embarrassed even out of weariness and they let the task run its course. As a result, their mark is low. Being a teacher, I thought a lot of this actual situation. I applied some strategies that help my students in my school to do the task well. Thanks to these strategies, my students achieve the surprising success. They got good marks in writing paragraph after practising some writings by new methods. The most important examination for all students comes nearer and nearer, I would like to present : “Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education Examination ”.. Hopefully, these experiences could help students to take the writing task easily. If a student can write a good paragraph, they will be able to write anything from stories to essays to research reports. And, this theme would be shared with any colleagues who had the same problem or anyone who is interested in this theme. 
PART II. CONTENTS
Knowing how to write a good paragraph is incredibly important when you are given a written assignment for coursework or when you are taking an examination. It’s a basic aspect of writing, and it is something that everyone should know how to do. There is a specific structure that you have to follow when you’re writing a paragraph. This structure helps make it easier for the reader to understand what is going on.
 1. Parts of a paragraph.
In many languages, the fundamental unit of composition is the paragraph. In order to write a good paragraph, you have to thoroughly understand the basic structure of the paragraph.   A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and related to a single topic. There are three parts to a paragraph. These three parts are the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and the concludinging sentence.  We will also talk briefly about details in paragraphs . 
1.1. Topic sentence
The topic sentence states what the paragraph will be about.  It gives the topic of the paragraph, and it also restricts the topic to one or two main ideas which can be explained fully in the space of one paragraph.  The controlling idea is the specific area that the topic is limited to:
What is the topic sentence? 
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do? 
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one? 
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.
Example:
 topic                   controlling idea
 Studying abroad has two main benefits.  Firstly, people who study abroad can get a better job when they return to their home country.  This is because their qualifications and experience mean that they tend to get jobs that are higher paid, and they can also gain promotion quickly.  Another advantage of studying abroad is the independence students can gain. For example, students have to cope with the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures.  As a consequence, they will become more confident in their life and in their relationships with others.  All in all, it is clear that studying abroad is a beneficial experience.
1.2. Supporting sentences
Supporting sentences give information that explains and expands the topic of the paragraph. They answer questions—who? what? where? when? why? and how?—and give details. Good writers think of these questions when they write supporting sentences for the topic sentence.
What are supporting sentences? 
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do? 
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write them? 
You should give supporting reasons, facts, details, examples, statistics, quotations...
Example: 
 Studying abroad has two main benefits.  Firstly, people who study abroad can get a better job when they return to their home country.  This is because their qualifications and experience mean that they tend to get jobs that are higher paid, and they can also gain promotion quickly.  Another advantage of studying abroad is the independence students can gain. For example, students have to cope with the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures.  As a consequence, they will become more confident in their life and in their relationships with others.  All in all, it is clear that studying abroad is a beneficial experience.
The supporting sentences that explain the benefits of studying abroad are:
People get a better job when they return home (1st supporting idea)
- Better qualifications & experience mean better pay and promotion (reason)
- Now has a high standard of living (result)
Students gain independence (2nd supporting idea)
- Students have to cope with the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures.(example)
- Students will become more confident in their life and relationships (result)
1.3. Concluding sentence
A concluding sentence (closing sentence) can be used to signal the end of the paragraph. It tells the reader the important points to remember.  It is often a paraphrase of the topic sentence.
What is the closing sentence? 
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do? 
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
How do I write one? 
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Example:
 Studying abroad has two main benefits.  Firstly, people who study abroad can get a better job when they return to their home country.  This is because their qualifications and experience mean that they tend to get jobs that are higher paid, and they can also gain promotion quickly.  Another advantage of studying abroad is the independence students can gain. For example, students have to cope with the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures.  As a consequence, they will become more confident in their life and in their relationships with others.  All in all, it is clear that studying abroad is a beneficial experience.
2. Kinds of Paragraphs
It is vitally necessary that you should know what kind of paragarph you are going to write, this is depened on the asignment topic.I would like to introduce some useful words or expressions belonging to different kinds of paragraph that you may use for your paragraph writing
2.1. Definition Paragraph
When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and explain what it is.
Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.
The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph:
"is defined as"
Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.
"is a kind of"
Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.
2.2. Classification Paragraph
When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into specific categories.
Example:     Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy resources.
The following words can help you to write a good classification paragraph:
is a kind of: Ex: Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.
can be divided into: Ex: Energy resources can be divided into two types.
is a type of: Ex: Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.
falls under: Ex: Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.
belongs to: Ex: Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.
is a part of: Ex: Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.
fits into: Ex: Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.
is grouped with: Ex: Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.
is related to: Ex: Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.
is associated with: Ex: Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.
2.3. Description Paragraph
In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a person, place, or thing is like. Sometimes, you may describe where a place is located.
Examples
Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks like.
Describe where Canada's industry is located.
The following words can help you to write a good description paragraph:
Properties
Measurement
Analogy
Location
size
length
is like
in
colour
width
resembles
above
shape
mass/weight
below
purpose
speed
beside
near
north/east/south/west
Properties
- size:      Ex: Polar bears are big in size.
- colour:  Ex: Polar bears are usually white in colour.
- shape:  Ex: Polar bears have a special shape.
- purpose : Ex: The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.
Measurement
- length : Ex: The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.
- width: Ex: The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.
- mass / weight : Ex: Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.
- speed : Ex: Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.
Analogy
- is like: Ex: A polar bear is like other bears in shape.
- resembles: Ex: A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.
Location
- in: Ex: Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and Quebec.
- above: Ex: The ceiling is above us.
- below: Ex: Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.
- beside: Ex: Quebec is located beside Ontario.
2.4. Compare and Contrast Paragraph
In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, things, or ideas.
Example:  Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Ha noi and Da Lat .
The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph:
Similarities
Differences
is similar to
the other hand
both
however
also
but
too
in contrast
as well
differs from
c
while
unlike
Similarities
- is similar to: Ex: Spring weather in HaNoi is similar to spring weather in DaLat.
- both: Ex: Both Ha Noi  and Da Lat have rain in the spring.
- also: Ex: Da Lat also has a rainy spring season.
Differences
- on the other hand: Ex: On the other hand, winter is much colder in Ha Noi .
- however: Ex: However, winter is much colder in Ha Noi  .
- in contrast to: Ex: In contrast to Da Lat , Ha Noi  has a cold winter.
 - while: Ex: While Da Lat has a mild winter, Ha Noi  has a cold winter.
2.5. Sequence Paragraph
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time.
Example:   Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the prime minister.
The following words can help you to write a good sequence paragraph.
Order
Time
first, second, third, etc.
recently
in the beginning
previously
before
afterwards
then
when
after
after
finally
at last
subsequently
Order
- first, second, third, etc: 
Ex: First, you need to become a leader of a political party. Second, you need to win a seat in the House of Commons. Third, your party must have a majority of seats.
- in the beginning: 
 Ex: In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political party.
- before
Ex: Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the leader of a political party.
Time
- recently: Ex: She was recently elected prime minister.
- afterwards
Ex: She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won the election.
2.6. Choice Paragraph
In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. Often, you will need to give your opinion on a choice of actions or events.
Example:    Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to play hockey or lacrosse.
The following words can help you to write a good choice paragraph:
Point of View
Personal Opinion
in my opinion
like/dislike
belief
hope
idea
feel
understanding
I think that
I consider
I believe
it seems to me
I prefer
Point of View
- in my opinio: Ex: In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- belief Ex: My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- idea: Ex: My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- understanding: Ex: My understanding is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- I think that: Ex: I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.
- I consider: Ex: I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.
- I believe: Ex: I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
- it seems to me: Ex:  It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
- I prefer: Ex: I prefer hockey over lacrosse.
Personal Opinions
- like/dislike: Ex: I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.
- hope: Ex: I hope that I can play hockey in the future.
- feel: Ex: I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.
2.7. Explanation Paragraph
In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens. Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events.
Example:     Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the nineteenth century.
The following words can help you to write a good explanation paragraph:
Cause
Effect
because
therefore
since
thus
as a result of
consequently
is due to
hence
it follows that
if . . . then
Cause
-because: 
Ex: People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.
- since:
Ex: Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.
- as a result of:
Ex: People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in Europe.
- is due to / was due to:
Ex: The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe.
Effect
- therefore:
Ex: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people moved to Canada for a better life.
- thus:
Ex: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people moved to Canada for a better life.
- consequently:
Ex: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many people moved to Canada.
- hence:
Ex: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people moved to Canada.
- it follows that:
Ex: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many people moved to Canada.
- if ... then:
Ex: If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would have moved to Canada.
2.8. Evaluation Paragraph
In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You need to make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. In the paragraph, you will state your evaluation or recommendation and then support it by referring to your criteria.
Example:   Write a paragraph evaluating whether pesticides should be used on farms.
The following words can help you to write a good evaluation paragraph:
Criteria for Evaluation
Recommendation
good / bad
suggest
correct / incorrect
recommend
moral / immoral
advise
right / wrong
argue
important / trivial
Criteria
- good / bad: Ex: The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment.
- correct / incorrect: Ex: The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.
- moral / immoral Ex: The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because 
 it harms the environment.
- right / wrong: Ex: It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the 
 environment.
- important / trivial: Ex: The issue of pesticides is an important one because it 
 affects the environment.
Recommendation
- suggest: Ex: I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.
- recommend: Ex: I recommend that pesticides should not be used because they 
 are harmful to the environment.
- advise: Ex: I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.
- argue: Ex: I would argue that pesticides should not be used because 
 they harm the environment.
3. Process of writing a paragraph
In the examination room we have little time to do the writing task ( about 20 minutes).The following is a guide on how to draft, expand, refine, and explain your ideas so that you write clear, well-developed paragraphs under time pressuse effectively:
 Step 1: Decide the topic of your paragraph 
Before you can begin writing, look at the writing prompt or assignment ,you need to determine the type of paragraph and know what you are writing about. As you look at the prompt, note any key terms or repeated phrases because you will want to use those words in your response. Then ask yourself:
 • On what topic am I supposed to be writing? 
• What does this assignment mean to me? How do I relate to it? After looking at the prompt, and brainstorm you should better understand your topic and what you need to discuss. 
Before attempting to write a paragraph, you will need to choose a topic. It is very important that your topic be neither too broad nor too narrow. If it is too broad, you will not be able to limit your writing to a paragraph, and if it is too narrow, you will not be able to come up with enough writing to fill up a paragraph.
Step 2: Develop a topic sentence 
Before writing a paragraph, it is important to think first about the topic and then what you want to say about the topic. Most often, the topic is easy, but the question then turns to what you want to say about the topic. This concept is sometimes called the controlling idea. Strong paragraphs are typically about one main idea or topic, which is often explicitly stated in a topic sentence. Good topic sentences should always contain both a topic and a controlling idea. 
-The topic – The main subject matter or idea covered in the paragraph.
 -The controlling idea – This idea focuses the topic by providing direction to the composition. 
Read the following topic sentences. They all contain a topic and a controlling idea. When your paragraphs contain a clearly stated topic sentence such as one of the following, your reader will know what to expect and, therefore, understand your ideas better. 
Examples of topic sentences:
 • People can avoid plagiarizing by taking certain precautions. 
• There are several advantages to online education. 
• Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop. 
Step 3: Demonstrate your point 
After stating your topic sentence, you need to provide information to prove, illustrate, clarify, and/or exemplify your point. Ask yourself: 
• What examples can I use to support my point? 
• What information can I provide to help clarify my thoughts? 
• How can I support my point with specific data, experiences, or other factual material? 
• What information does the reader need to know in order to see my point? Here is a list of the kinds of information you can add to your paragraph: 
- Facts, details, reasons, examples 
- Information from the readings or class discussions 
- Paraphrases or short quotations
- Statistics, polls, percentages, data from research studies 
- Personal experience, stories, anecdotes, examples from your life 
Sometimes, adding transitional or introductory phrases like: for example, for instance, first, second, or last can help guide the reader. Al