WRITING PRACTICE 1.

2P
Name:Maite Romero Date: 8/08/2022

English III - Class # 10 Teacher: Jimena Rivadeneira, MA.TEFL.

1. Take a look at the Composition Sample below which has been adapted from WRITERS AT WORK.
Strauch O. Ann. The short composition. Chapter 4, pp. 76-78, 82. CUP (2005)

Why I Gave up Smoking

Paragraph # 1:
(Main idea: topic sentence of the whole composition + controlling idea (3 reasons)) + (1st reason: topic
sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence)
After three years of trying to quit smoking, I finally gave up the habit six months ago for several
good reasons like getting tired of the smell, feeling uncomfortable with people’s reaction, and feeling
worried about my health. To begin with, I got tired of the smell. This is because my hair usually smelled
bad. Also, I always had bad breath. And, my apartment always smelled like cigarette smoke. So, I just
couldn’t help it and I had to move out to a new place.

Paragraph # 2:
(2nd reason: topic sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence)
Second, I felt uncomfortable when people reacted negatively to my smoking. For example,
complete strangers would give me unfriendly looks and move away from me. Unfortunately, even my
girlfriend began to avoid me. Next, as smoking cost me over one hundred dollars a month, it was hard
to manage to pay off my debts. Thus, people started removing me from the social circle where I lived.

Paragraph # 3:
(3rd reason: topic sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence) + (General Conclusion)
The most important reason is that I began to worry about my future health. Although I do not
mind having a little cough, I am really afraid of health problems when I get older, such as cancer and
heart disease. Also, I started feeling anxiety due to smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and
illness in the world. Finally, I realized that If I smoke, then people around me can become ill too.
Definitely, no pleasure is worth that price! As a conclusion, life is just more enjoyable after giving up
smoking because now that I have quit smoking I can enjoy clean air again, people are friendly towards
me, I have more spending money, and my cough is gone.
2. Write about: Which movies are better: movies with CGI and special effects or movies without CGI and
special effects? Supply your reasons.

Title: Reasons Why Movies with CGI and Special Effects are The Best

Paragraph # 1:
(Main idea: topic sentence of the whole composition + controlling idea (3 reasons)) + (1st reason: topic
sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence)

Over the years the quality of movies has changed over time because of technology what is today, as

is the CGI and special effects for several good reasons the movies are better quality, can generated

fantasy movie, help create scenes. To begin with, the movies are better quality. This is because with

the CGI can create special effects. Also, they give a a better perspective of the movies. So, The CGI

and special effects make life easier for directors.

Paragraph # 2:
(2nd reason: topic sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence)

Second, the it has been possible to create fantasy movies thanks to CGI since they are created with

images. For example, Shuek would not have been possible without CGI. Children also like it. and it's

more fun with CGI than without CGI. Thus, the fantasy movies are the favorites.

Paragraph # 3:

(3rd reason: topic sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence) + (General Conclusion)

The most important reason is that they give a better perspective of the movies. Although since with

the CGI they can create scenes where they want either in space or in the water it is possible with the

CGI. Also, they can edit any scene if it goes wrong. And can create the characters of movie. Definitely,

Movies are better. As a conclusion, the movies are better with CGU since by the special affects you

can enjoy more giving a better perspective of the movie making it more real.

WRITING EXAM RUBRIC: 3-PARAGRAPH COMPOSITION (12 POINTS)

Performance ACHIEVED GOOD FAIR NEEDS
levels IMPROVEMENT
 Criterion Marks
CONTENT

Introduction A clearly stated title. A One or two of One or two of the There is one 1,25
clearly stated topic the elements is elements is missing: sentence, but does
sentence/main idea is not well- Title, Topic not represent the
presented with the 3 elaborated sentence/main idea, main idea of the
- Title
reasons. The background (0,85) 3 reasons, composition (0,05)
- Topic sentence is included (1,25). background (0,45)
- Three reasons
Paragraph The body paragraphs all The body Topic sentences No use of topic 1.25
Development start with well-written paragraphs may be weak or sentences and/or
topic sentences followed start with topic missing. Supporting supporting
by three strong sentences sentences lack sentences. Content
supporting sentences followed by examples, details, does not deal with
that contain examples, supporting or explanations. the topic sentences
- Topic Sentence details and/or sentences that Some use of (0,05)
explanations. Third contain transition devices
- Supporting
supporting idea/reason examples, are present (0,25)
Sentences
is the most important details or
- Examples,
(1.25). explanations
details and
(0,85).
explanations

Conclusion A conclusion that ties The main idea Simply expresses At the most, there 1
- Tie in topic everything back together of the the main idea using are two sentences
sentences (main to the main idea of the composition is other words. It lacks that do nothing to
idea of the composition (1). expressed in creativity and is conclude the
composition to other words, abrupt (0,25) composition (0,05)
the conclusion) but is very brief
(0,75)
LANGUAGE

Use of English Well-structured Good use of Recurrent errors in Abundant errors in 1

sentences and excellent grammar with use of grammar and grammar at all levels
command of grammar: some mistakes sentence structure: (0,05)
subject/verb agreement, in sentence subject/verb
singular/plural nouns, structure: agreement,
verb tense use, subject/verb singular/plural
pronouns, agreement, nouns, verb tense
adjectives/adverbs (1). singular/plural use, pronouns,
- Grammar nouns, verb adjectives/adverbs
tense use, (0,25).
pronouns,
adjectives/adve
rbs (0,75).
Use of English Vocabulary at or above Vocabulary at Lack of vocabulary Lack of suitable 1
course level: precise and course level or that hinders vocabulary for this
relevant (1). slightly below understanding of level (0,05)
(0,75). the text (0,25).

Vocabulary
Mechanics Between 3 and 4 Between 5 and Between 9 and 12 Countless spelling, 0,75
mistakes in spelling, 8 mistakes in mistakes in spelling, capitalisation, and
capitalisation, and spelling, capitalisation and punctuation
- Spelling and punctuation. Indent each capitalisation punctuation. Indent mistakes (more than
Capitalisation paragraph. Needs little and 1 paragrah. Needs 12). No indented
or no editing. 250 - 300 punctuation. lots of editing. 150 - paragraphs (0,05).
- Punctuation - words (0,75). Indent 2 199 words (0,15).
Identation paragrahs.
Needs some
editing. 200 -
249 words (0,5).
ORGANIZ
ATION

Organization Use of high-frequency Use of basic Fair use of linking Lack of use of linking 1
and basic linking words linking words words in each words. The text is
throughout the text.The throughout the paragraph. There not easy to
 Cohesion and ideas of the composition text. The ideas may be some lack understand due to
coherence are well connected (1). of the of an overall some clear
composition are progression incoherencies (0,01).
mostly of ideas (0,25).
connected.
(0,75).
Organization Use of cohesive devices Mostly More than 2 Lack of cohesive 1
(pronouns, substitution, effective cohesive devices devices throughout
Cohesion and and relative clauses) use of may be omitted or the text (0,01).
coherence create internal pronouns, are not
coherence and cohesion substitution, appropriately used
in the text (1) and relative (0,25).
clauses,
although one
them may be
omitted (0,75).
COMMUNICATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

Commmunicati Demonstrates a Demonstrates The purpose of the Demonstrates 1

ve conventions complete understanding adequate assigned task is minimal attention to
of the task of the context, and the consideration of partially met. The the contex and the
purpose of the assigned the context and register is fairly purpose of the
task. The register is a clear focus on suited to the genre assigned task. The
exactly suited to the the assigned of a narrative or register is unsuited
genre of a narrative or task. The descriptive to narrative or
descriptive composition. register is composition. The descriptive
Communicative Reader’s mostly suited to ideas composition writing.
achievement attention is held through the genre of a communicated may The conventions of
direct ideas, narrative or not grab the the communicative
as appropriate (1). descriptive reader's attention task are not
composition. (0,15). followed. (0,01)
Reader’s
attention is held
through
direct ideas
(0,5).
Commmunicati Word choice and Word choice Word choice and Word choice and 0,75
ve conventions sentences are correct, and sentences sentences are sentences are mostly
of the task concise, and appropriate are usually sometimes incorrect incorrect or
for the task. Style is correct and or inappropriate to inappropriate to the
direct and readable. The mostly the task. Style may task. Style is difficult
Style and tone tone is suitable (0,75). appropriate to be incoherent and to understand and
the task but not the tone can be the tone is
always concise. variable and inappropriate (0,01).
Style is inappropriate at
generally times (0,15).
readable and
the tone is
mostly
appropriate
(0,5).
The student does not comply with the question task. 0