PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 8
Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic
Welcome to Day 8 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on enhancing your Writing Skills, specifically the “Essay Writing” task. You will learn strategies to effectively organize your ideas, develop coherent arguments, and write high-scoring essays under time constraints.
Objectives
- Understand the Essay Writing Task Format
- Develop Skills for Idea Generation and Essay Planning
- Practice Writing Essays with Various Prompts
- Expand Vocabulary with Academic and Topic-specific Words
- Improve Grammar, Sentence Structure, and Cohesion
Estimated Time: 2 Hours
Materials Needed
- Device: Computer or notebook with word processing software
- Notebook and Pen
- Access to Essay Prompts and Sample Essays
- Dictionary or Thesaurus
- Grammar Reference Book or Online Resources
- Timer or Stopwatch
Schedule and Activities
1. Understanding the Essay Writing Task Format (20 Minutes)
a. Task Format Overview
- Instructions:
- You will be given an essay prompt with a topic to discuss.
- Write an essay of 200–300 words in response to the prompt.
- Time allotted: 20 minutes.
- Scoring Criteria:
- Content: Relevance to the topic and completeness of ideas.
- Form: Appropriate length (200–300 words).
- Development, Structure, and Coherence: Logical organization and flow of ideas.
- Grammar: Correct use of grammatical structures.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate word choice and range.
- Spelling and Mechanics: Correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
b. Watch Instructional Video
- Video Title: “PTE Writing: Essay Writing Tips and Strategies”
- Channel: E2 PTE Academic
- Link: PTE Essay Writing Strategies (Note: Replace with actual URL)
- Duration: 15 minutes
Action: Take detailed notes on strategies, such as understanding the prompt, planning your essay, using linking words, and managing time effectively.
2. Developing Skills for Idea Generation and Essay Planning (30 Minutes)
a. Understanding Different Essay Types (10 Minutes)
- Common Essay Types in PTE Academic:
- Agree or Disagree: Present your opinion on a statement.
- Advantages and Disadvantages: Discuss the pros and cons of a situation.
- Problem and Solution: Identify a problem and propose solutions.
- Discussion: Explore different viewpoints on a topic.
Action: Familiarize yourself with these essay types and note key features.
b. Brainstorming Techniques (10 Minutes)
Instructions:
- Mind Mapping:
- Write the essay topic in the center of a page.
- Draw branches for main ideas.
- Add sub-branches for supporting details.
- Listing:
- Create a list of ideas, arguments, and examples related to the topic.
- Questions to Consider:
- What: Define the topic.
- Why: Reasons behind the issue.
- How: Possible solutions or effects.
- Examples: Real-life instances or evidence.
c. Essay Planning (10 Minutes)
Instructions:
- Create an Outline:
- Introduction:
- Paraphrase the prompt.
- State your thesis (main argument).
- Body Paragraphs:
- Paragraph 1:
- Main idea.
- Supporting details and examples.
- Paragraph 2:
- Main idea.
- Supporting details and examples.
- (Optional) Paragraph 3:
- Additional point or counterargument.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize main points.
- Restate thesis in different words.
- Provide a final thought or recommendation.
- Use Linking Words and Phrases:
- Addition: Furthermore, moreover, in addition.
- Contrast: However, on the other hand, nevertheless.
- Cause and Effect: Therefore, consequently, as a result.
- Examples: For example, for instance, such as.
3. Practicing Essay Writing with Prompts (50 Minutes)
a. Practice Essay 1 (25 Minutes)
Instructions:
- Essay Prompt:
- “Some people believe that technology has made life easier and more convenient. Others argue that technology has made life more complex and stressful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- Planning (5 Minutes):
- Brainstorm Ideas:
- Advantages:
- Easier communication.
- Access to information.
- Automation of tasks.
- Disadvantages:
- Information overload.
- Reduced privacy.
- Increased dependency.
- Outline:
- Introduction:
- Introduce the topic.
- State that both views have merit.
- Body Paragraph 1:
- Discuss how technology has made life easier.
- Body Paragraph 2:
- Discuss how technology has made life more complex.
- Conclusion:
- Provide your opinion.
- Summarize main points.
- Writing the Essay (15 Minutes):
- Write your essay following the outline.
- Focus on clarity, coherence, and relevant examples.
- Review and Edit (5 Minutes):
- Check for grammatical errors.
- Ensure the essay meets the word count (200–300 words).
- Improve sentence structures and vocabulary where possible.
b. Practice Essay 2 (25 Minutes)
Instructions:
- Essay Prompt:
- “Education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
- Planning (5 Minutes):
- Decide Your Position:
- Agree to a certain extent.
- Brainstorm Ideas:
- Arguments for Free Education:
- Promotes equal opportunities.
- Increases literacy rates.
- Benefits society as a whole.
- Arguments Against Free Education:
- Financial burden on governments.
- Potential decrease in education quality.
- Alternative solutions like scholarships.
- Outline:
- Introduction:
- Introduce the topic.
- State your thesis.
- Body Paragraph 1:
- Arguments supporting free education.
- Body Paragraph 2:
- Counterarguments and limitations.
- Conclusion:
- Restate your position.
- Summarize key points.
- Writing the Essay (15 Minutes):
- Write your essay according to the outline.
- Use linking words to enhance cohesion.
- Review and Edit (5 Minutes):
- Check for grammatical and spelling errors.
- Verify word count and content relevance.
4. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)
a. Academic and Topic-specific Words
- Word List with Examples:
- 1. Ubiquitous(adjective)
- Definition: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Sentence: “Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.”
- 2. Exacerbate(verb)
- Definition: To make a problem or situation worse.
- Sentence: “Poor infrastructure can exacerbate traffic congestion.”
- 3. Equitable(adjective)
- Definition: Fair and impartial.
- Sentence: “An equitable education system benefits all members of society.”
- 4. Feasible(adjective)
- Definition: Possible to do easily or conveniently.
- Sentence: “Providing free education for all may not be economically feasible.”
- 5. Alleviate(verb)
- Definition: To make suffering or a problem less severe.
- Sentence: “Scholarships can alleviate the financial burden on students.”
- 6. Paradigm(noun)
- Definition: A typical example or pattern of something; a model.
- Sentence: “Technology has shifted the paradigm of communication.”
- 7. Implications(noun)
- Definition: The possible results or effects of an action or a decision.
- Sentence: “The implications of climate change are far-reaching.”
- 8. Disparity(noun)
- Definition: A great difference.
- Sentence: “There is a disparity in access to education between urban and rural areas.”
- 9. Viable(adjective)
- Definition: Capable of working successfully.
- Sentence: “Investing in renewable energy is a viable solution to reduce pollution.”
- 10. Integral(adjective)
- Definition: Necessary to make a whole complete; essential.
- Sentence: “Education is an integral part of personal development.”
b. Activities
- Write Definitions in Your Own Words:
- Paraphrase each definition.
- Create Sentences:
- Use each word in a sentence related to essay topics.
- Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Find at least one synonym and one antonym for each word.
- Flashcards:
- Create flashcards for review.
5. Grammar and Sentence Structure Practice (20 Minutes)
a. Complex and Compound Sentences
Instructions:
- Understand Sentence Types:
- Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause.
- Compound Sentence: Contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
- Complex Sentence: Contains an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
- Practice Exercises:
- Combine Sentences Using Conjunctions:
- Exercise 1:
- a. Technology has advanced rapidly.
- b. It has changed the way we communicate.
- Combined Sentence:
- “Technology has advanced rapidly, and it has changed the way we communicate.”
- Exercise 2:
- a. Education is essential.
- b. It equips individuals with necessary skills.
- Combined Sentence:
- “Education is essential because it equips individuals with necessary skills.”
b. Use of Transitional Words and Phrases
Instructions:
- Learn Transitional Words:
- Addition: Moreover, furthermore, in addition.
- Contrast: However, nevertheless, on the contrary.
- Cause and Effect: Therefore, consequently, thus.
- Example: For instance, such as, to illustrate.
- Practice Exercises:
- Fill in the Blanks with Appropriate Transitional Words:
- Exercise 1:
- “Education is a right; _, many people lack access to it.”
- Answer: “However”
- Exercise 2:
- “Renewable energy is sustainable. _, it reduces environmental pollution.”
- Answer: “Moreover”
6. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)
a. Self-Reflection Questions
- How did you find the process of brainstorming and planning your essays?
- What challenges did you face while writing within the time limit?
- Which areas of grammar and vocabulary do you need to improve?
b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow
- Goal 1: “I will practice writing essays on different topics to improve my speed and coherence.”
- Goal 2: “I will focus on enhancing my use of complex sentences and transitional phrases.”
c. Journal Entry
- Write About:
- Your experiences with today’s essay writing tasks.
- Any improvements or breakthroughs.
- Areas you plan to focus on moving forward.
7. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)
a. Peer Review and Feedback
- Exchange Essays with a Peer or Language Partner:
- If available, share your essays for mutual feedback.
- Provide Constructive Feedback:
- Content: Relevance and completeness of ideas.
- Structure: Logical flow and coherence.
- Language: Grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
- Revise Your Essays Based on Feedback:
- Implement suggestions to improve your writing.
b. Analyze Sample High-scoring Essays
- Resource: PTE Academic Official Sample Essays
- Action:
- Read and analyze sample essays.
- Note the structure, vocabulary, and grammar used.
- Identify elements that contribute to a high score.
Summary of Day 8
Today, you have:
- Understood the Format and Requirements of the Essay Writing Task.
- Developed Skills for Idea Generation and Effective Essay Planning.
- Practiced Writing Essays with Different Prompts Under Time Constraints.
- Expanded Your Vocabulary with 10 New Academic and Topic-specific Words.
- Improved Grammar, Sentence Structure, and Cohesion through Focused Practice.
- Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.
Preparation for Day 9
Focus: Speaking Skills – Answer Short Questions and Oral Fluency
Action Items:
- Familiarize Yourself with the ‘Answer Short Question’ Task Format.
- Prepare to Practice Quick Thinking and Accurate Responses.
Additional Resources
- Essay Writing Practice:
- PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Writing Tasks
- Grammar Resources:
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): Sentence Structure
- Vocabulary Apps:
- Vocabulary.com: Helps in learning new words with quizzes.
- Essay Planning Tools:
- MindMeister: Mind Mapping Tool
Tips for Success
- Time Management: Practice writing essays within the 20-minute time limit.
- Plan Before You Write: Spend a few minutes brainstorming and outlining.
- Clarity Over Complexity: Use clear and concise language.
- Review and Revise: Allocate time to proofread and make necessary corrections.
- Practice Regularly: Consistency helps improve writing speed and quality.
Congratulations on Completing Day 8!
By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve significantly enhanced your essay writing skills, which are crucial for excelling in the PTE Academic test. Keep building on these strategies as you progress toward achieving a perfect score.
Stay Tuned for Day 9!
Note: All external links are provided for educational purposes. Please ensure you have access to the internet to utilize these resources.
Share Your Progress
We encourage you to share your experiences and progress with others:
- Join Our Community Forum: Connect with fellow learners to exchange tips and resources.
- Feedback: Let us know how Day 8 went for you and any suggestions you have to improve the course.
Remember: Consistent practice and a proactive approach to learning are keys to success. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to revisit any sections as needed.
Best of luck on your journey to mastering the PTE Academic!