Academic English (UWB 10102 /UWB 1010// UMB 1011)

Faculty of Science, Technology and Human Development

Example of writing steps

Below is an excerpt of a letter published in a local newspaper. You would like to respond
to it. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper and state your viewpoint, giving
reasons to support your opinion.
Dear Sir,
I am one of those who truly believe that the Internet has more disadvantages than
advantages. The likelihood of people misusing the Internet is very high. They can use
it to spread lies or untrue information. What is that this information can also be
disseminated at almost everybody with little or no control. The user can get access to
all sorts of information, be it good or bad. Of course, you may say that parents ought
to control their childrens usage of the Internet but as we know, many of todays
parents have very little contact time with their children. They are either away at work
or do not understand what the Internet is all about. Also, I feel that the Internet can be
rather addictive. Even adults sometimes spend hours chatting on the Internet. I have
seen the effect of this behaviour on my family my brother spends hours chatting with
his Internet friends and hardly interacts with us, his family, any more. Families can
and have broken up due to this addiction! So, I think we should not see the internet as
the Great God of Technology. It is only one of the technological advances that
mankind has wrought and has its weaknesses.
Outline of the Essay
Introduction
The internet- crucial-useful invention
Disagree with writer- a lot of advantages
Body
Point 1 important role in the world of communication
Easy and inexpensive ways to communicate emails, messenger, chatting,
teleconferencing, blogging.
Saves time deliver messages in seconds.
No need post office
Point 2 Access to the wealth of information
Various fields business, education, science and entertainment.
Easy to get and free
Powerful tool for students assignments and projects promotes learning
No need to spend hours browsing for information.
Point 3 Major
role in the fields of entertainment
Noor Shahariah Bt Saleh
Language and Communication Department

Academic English (UWB 10102 /UWB 1010// UMB 1011)

Faculty of Science, Technology and Human Development

Download songs, music

Watch sports events
Play online games
Download movies no need to go to cinema

Point 4 agree with writer potential to distract students from their studies
Agree up to a certain point
Brother spent hours effect concentration
Do not blame the Internet plan timetable and teach time management
Ensure brother does not spend too much time on the internet
Conclusion
Undeniable many advantages
Marvellous creation paved way for progress
Do not point only at negative aspects
Make full use of the Internet benefit mankind
Sample essay
Dear Sir,
The Internet Has More Advantages Than Disadvantages

Title

In this era of science and technology, the Internet plays a crucial

part in our lives. It is one of the most useful inventions of all time
and it has brought us a lot of advantages in various aspects.
Therefore, I strongly disagree with the writers opinions which
were published in your editorial column.

Opinion/ feedback

Firstly, the Internet plays an important role in the world of ]

communication. This is because the Internet offers easy and
inexpensive ways to communicate such as emails, messenger,
chatting, teleconferencing and blogging. Besides that, the Internet
also saves time as messages can be delivered in a matter of
seconds. Today, we do not need to go to the post office to post a
letter in order to contact family or friends. Snail mail has become
history.
Other than that, the Internet also enables us to gain access to a ]
wealth of information with just a click of the mouse.
Information from various fields such as business, education,
science and entertainment from all over the world is not only
easily obtainable but most of it is also free of charge. In education,
the Internet is a very powerful tool for students for the completion
of their assignments or projects. In other words, the Internet helps

Topic sentence (Point 1)

Noor Shahariah Bt Saleh

Language and Communication Department

Supporting Introduction
and
opinion
details
(farther elaboration)
Comment/opinion
Topic sentence (point 2)
Supporting
(elaboration)
Farther elaboration

details

Academic English (UWB 10102 /UWB 1010// UMB 1011)

Faculty of Science, Technology and Human Development

to promote students learning. Students of today need to cover to

obtain information.

Consolidation
argument/opinion

of

Apart from that, the Internet also plays a major role in the ]
field of entertainment. We can download songs, music, watch
sports and even play games via the Internet. We can entertain
ourselves by just sitting in front of the computer. On top of that,
we can also download films and watch them on our computer
screens instead of going through the hassle of going to the cinema.

Topic sentence (point 3)

However, I do agree up to a certain point with the writer ]

that the Internet has the potential to distract students from
their studies. His brother spent hours in front of the computer and
this has affected his concentration on his studies. Instead of
blaming the Internet, he should plan a timetable for his brother and
teach his brother time management. This would ensure that his
brother does not spend too much time in front of the computer.

Topic sentence (Point 4)

In conclusion, it is undeniable that the Internet brings us many ]

advantages. It is a marvellous creation that has paved the way for
progress. Let us not point our fingers at the Internet for the very
negative aspects that come with the package. Instead, we should
make full use of the Internet to benefit mankind.

Conclusion

Internet Civilian

Author/pseudonym

Supporting
details
(elaboration/ examples)

Supporting
(suggestion/
solution)

details
offer

Suggestion and ending

Examiners comment

Good cohesive devices used (connected in reasonable way)

Sentences and ideas are well-linked
Good paragraphing
Points are in sequence and examples are provided
No grammatical errors
Some expressions used but can still be improved
Use varied vocabulary and sentence structure to gain more marks
More illustration will reinforce the points given especially for the first point on the
role of the internet in the world of communication.

Generally a well-planned essay with no grammatical error- band 4

Adapted from MUET October/ November 2002

Noor Shahariah Bt Saleh

Language and Communication Department