7.6.- Writing focused on sentence adverbs and how to write an essay

The African Elephant 

The African elephant is a majestic creature that captivates the imagination of many. Admittedly, these enormous animals are among the most recognizable and awe-inspiring species on the planet. With their large ears and long trunks, elephants have adapted remarkably to their environments. Fortunately, they play a crucial role in their ecosystems by creating waterholes and clearing paths in dense forests, which benefits other wildlife.

 

Apparently, African elephants are also known for their complex social structures. They generally live in herds led by matriarchs, with each member contributing to the group's well-being. Happily, these herds exhibit behaviors that suggest deep familial bonds, such as mourning their dead and celebrating births. Unsurprisingly, this close-knit social structure aids in their survival in the wild.

 

Sadly, despite their impressive adaptability, African elephants face severe threats from poaching and habitat loss. The ivory trade has decimated populations, leading to an alarming decline in numbers. Mysteriously, some regions have also seen a rise in human-elephant conflicts, driven by encroaching development and competition for resources.

 

Unexpectedly, conservation efforts have had a significant impact. Generally, protected areas and anti-poaching initiatives are helping to stabilize some populations. Obviously, much work remains to ensure the future of these incredible animals, but the ongoing efforts offer hope for a brighter future.

 Sentence adverbs

Some adverbs refer to a whole statement and not just a part of it. They are called sentence adverbs and they act as a comment, showing the attitude or opinion of the speaker or writer to a particular situation.

 

Clearly, there have been unacceptable delays.

(= It is clear that there have been unacceptable delays.)

 

Sadly, the forests are now under threat.

(= It is sad that the forests are now under threat.)

 

Curiously, he never visited America.

(= It's curious that he never visited America.)

 

The sentence adverbs are used to convey the writer or speaker's opinion that it is clear/sad/curious that something happened or is the case. If you compare the way clearly, sadly, and curiously are used in the next three sentences, you can easily see the difference between the meaning of the sentence adverbs and the 'ordinary' adverbs:

 

He spoke clearly and with conviction.

(= He spoke in a clear way and with conviction.)

 

She smiled sadly.

(= She smiled in a sad way.)

 

He looked at her curiously.

(= He looked at her in a curious/inquisitive way.)

https://www.lexico.com/grammar/sentence-adverbs

 

What endangered animals do you know?

Endangered animals video

Collaborative reading of the sample essay on page 63

How to write an essay

Steps for writing an essay:

1.- Make a plan

2.- Structure your essay

3.- Proofread

Essay Structure:

 

1.- Introduction

Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line should also grab the reader’s attention, then you should paraphrase the question. Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will make them want to read on, right?

2.- Body Paragraph 1

Discuss the first option you’ve chosen. Include a good topic sentence and remember to give reasons for your answer. Describe some of the advantages, and even some of the disadvantages too. This will give a well-balanced argument.

3.- Body Paragraph 2

Here’s where you introduce the second option. Again, try to present both sides of the argument and give reasons for your ideas. Gradually work towards the conclusion.

4.- Conclusion

State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the essay and point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not introduce any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up any loose ends.

  

Useful expressions:

1.- For the introduction:

It is often said that…

Many people feel that…

We live in an age when..

More and more…

2.- For addition:

Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

On the one hand…

In addition…

What is more…

3.- For exemplifying:

For example…

For instance…

As a case in point…

4.- For contrasting:

In contrast…

On the other hand…

Alternatively…

However…

5.- For the conclusion:

All things considered…

As far as I am concerned…

In light of the above…

In conclusion…

 

What the examiners are looking for:

1.- Content:

Have you answered all parts of the question? Is everything relevant to the question?

2.- Communicative Achievement:

Is the style and tone appropriate? Remember it should be semi-formal and neutral.

3.- Organisation:

Does it follow a logical order? Have you used paragraphs and linking devices?

4.- Language:

Are you using a variety of grammar and vocabulary? Is it accurate?

 

What is not allowed to use in an essay:

1.- Contractions - I’m, they’re, we’re) as this is a formal.

2.- Phrasal verbs - take on, carry on, take up...

3.- Slang words - knackered, chap...

4.- Idioms - over the moon, play with fire...

5.- Short words - uni, emo...

6.- Abbreviations - ASAP, LOL...

* Try not to use the first person pronouns (I, my, our, us).

https://oxfordhousebcn.com/en/how-to-write-a-c1-advanced-essay/

 

CAE essay examples

https://www.caeexamtips.com/blog/c1-essay-examples

 

Exam task on page 63