Integrated Writing – (Read, Listen, Explain):The reading and the lecture will be on an academic subject in one of the following areas.

Life science – Any of several branches of science, such as biology, medicine, anthropology, or ecology, that deal with living organisms and their organization, life processes, and relationships to each other and their environment.

Social science – The study of human society and of individual relationships in and to society, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history.

Physical science – Any of the sciences, such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology, that analyze the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter.

Humanities – Branches of knowledge that investigate human beings, their culture, and their self-expression, including the study of languages and literatures, the arts, history, and philosophy.

If any of these subjects is unfamiliar to you, there are several things you can do to prepare. Read articles in academic journals at the library, download podcasts of lectures, subscribe to a blog on the subject, or buy lecture series such as the Great Courses.

To begin with, your focus should be on summarizing the main points of the lecture.

Do not take notes in full sentence form. Use points. Expect structure. The main point will come first followed by explanations, examples, and reasons. Put things in your own words. Avoid the trap of copying down exact phrases. Make sure you've covered the 5W's and How. Do you know who, what, when, where, why, and how?

You must mention specific details in your answer.

Your next task is to show how the lecture challenges or supports the reading. Begin by typing out an outline so your essay has a clear, coherent structure. You can fill it in and delete as you write. 

Choose your words carefully so that you are answering the exact question that is asked. Just writing generally about the subject will not get you high marks. 

Here are some key phrases you can use in your essay.

Challenges the reading

contest, dispute, query, questiondoubt, mistrustobject (to), protestoppose, resist, defy, face

Supports the reading

advocate, back, championconfirm, bear out, corroborate, substantiatevalidate, verify, vindicatehelp, boost, support

Use verbs to indicate that you are summarizing:

suggest, sayreport, tellargue, question, askconclude

Independent Writing – (Opinion):

This essay should express your opinion. You must show that you agree or disagree with a statement. Some phrases you can use are:

Agreement

I have come to the conclusion that A is true because...In my experience, B is usually true.If you consider the evidence, it is clear that A is the best choice.

Disagreement

The way I see it, A would be a poor course of action.A rivals B because...While I admit that A would be the better choice in some limited situations, B is a better choice overall.

Becoming a Good WriterCreativity and Brainstorming

Perhaps the greatest source of nervousness in the opinion portions of the test is not being able to think of something to say. Improve your brainstorming skills with practice. Explore the different methods until you find the one that works for you.

Are you a linear thinker?

Create a simple list of the 5Ws and How. Word association – write down the main word and then whatever other words come to mind in association

with it.

Are you an intuitive thinker? A non-traditional method of generating ideas may work better.

Sketch pictures that come to mind as you consider the question. Relax and allow your mind to associate new words with those pictures. Write down the first word that comes to mind for each image, symbol, scribble, line or structure. Organize the words into clusters of similar or related ideas.

Be well read

One of the roads to good writing is reading. Read the kind of writing that you would like to produce. Some ideas include:

Subscribe to a well-written blog. Go to the library and read articles about science, economics, psychology or political science. Switch between reading different genres. You'll learn new words and new ways of perceiving the world.

Try historical novels, mysteries, biographies or science fiction.

Practice writing

Practice makes perfect! You wouldn't go into a sports competition without training, would you? Write often to get used to the process.

Summarize articles from your favorite magazine. Keep a journal or publish a blog about your hobby. Write down your opinions about the headlines in the news.

Learn how to edit your own writing.

Develop a strategy for quickly editing your work. You may even memorize this list.

Have I answered the question? Is there a thesis statement? Do the topic sentences of each paragraph develop the thesis logically? Are the transition words appropriate? Does the conclusion summarize my message?

Organization

Every essay should have the following organizational structure:

IntroductionBody (paragraphs or sentences to explain, prove, illustrate, etc.)Conclusion

Transition words should be chosen carefully so that they are true guideposts for the reader. Do not use "first, second, third" unless you are describing steps in a process or explaining events chronologically!

To indicate that an example or an illustration follows:

chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as, as an example, in this case

To show how one action is similar to another action:

comparatively, likewise, similar to, moreover, together with

To contrast ideas:

although, however, instead, on the other hand, in contrast, but

To emphasize one point:

above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly

To show the structure or organization of the essay:

first, let's begin with, next, now, furthermore, in addition

To summarize or conclude:

all in all, all things considered, briefly, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, to sum up, to summarize, finally

Strengthen your writing. 

Connect it to a larger issue such as a cultural belief, a current headline catching the nation's attention, or a theoretical question many people face. 

Appeal to authority by quoting an expert in the field or relating an anecdote which illustrates how that authority handled the situation. 

Avoid redundancy.

Stay on track. Digression is distracting.

Vary basic and complex sentence structures. 

Parts of a Paragraph

Topic SentenceWhat 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:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live. 

Supporting DetailsWhat 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 facts, details, and examples. 

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live. 

Closing SentenceWhat 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:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live. 

Prewriting Paragraphs

What is the prewriting stage?The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your ideas for your paragraph before you begin writing. 

Six Prewriting Steps:1.  Think carefully about what you are going to write. Ask yourself: What question am I going to answer in this paragraph oressay? How can I best answer this question? What is the most important part of my answer? How can I make an introductory sentence (or thesis statement) from the most important part of my answer? What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence? How can I make this paragraph or essay interesting? Do I need more facts on this topic? Where can I find more facts on this topic? 

2.  Open your notebook (or word processing program on your computer). Write out your answers to the above questions. You do not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to help you remember why and how you are going to writeyour paragraph or essay. 

3.  Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic. Look for and write down facts that will help you to answer your question. Timesaving hint: make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact question you are going to answer in your paragraph or essay. 

4.  Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself: What else do I want to say about this topic? Why should people be interested in this topic? Why is this topic important? 

5.  Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay. Choose the most important point you are going to present. If you cannot decide which point is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it throughout your paragraph or essay. 

6.  Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea. Once you have chosen the most important point of your paragraph or essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it. Look at the facts you have written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide which facts and ideas will best support the main idea of your paragraph. Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask yourself which order to put them in the paragraph. Write down your own note set that you can use to guide yourself as you write your paragraph or essay. 

What is the writing stage?The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences. 

Five Writing Steps:

1.   Open your notebook and word processor.2.   Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence.3.   Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.4.   Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.5.   Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your ideas.

What is the editing stage?The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them. 

Grammar and Spelling

1.    Check your spelling.2.    Check your grammar.3.    Read your paragraph again.4.    Make sure each sentence has a subject.5.    See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.6.    Check the verb tenses of each sentence.7.    Make sure that each sentence makes sense.

Style and Organization

1.    Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.2.    Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.

3.    Make sure you have a closing sentence.4.    Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.5.    See if your paragraph is interesting.

Definition Paragraphs

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:

1.    "is defined as"

Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.

2.     "is a kind of" 

Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.

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:

Helper Phrases Example

   

is a kind of Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.

can be divided into Energy resources can be divided into two types.

is a type of Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.

falls under Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.

belongs to Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.

is a part of Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.

fits into Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.

is grouped with Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.

is related to Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.

is associated with Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.

Description Paragraphs

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 Example

   

size Polar bears are big in size.

color Polar bears are usually white in color.

shape Polar bears have a special shape.

purpose The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.

Measurement Example

   

length The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.

width The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.

mass/weight Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.

speed Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.

Analogy Example

   

is like A polar bear is like other bears in shape.

resembles A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.

Location Example

   

in Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and Quebec.

above The ceiling is above us.

below Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.

beside Quebec is located beside Ontario.

near Many companies are located near Toronto.

north/south/east/west

Ontario is west of Quebec.

Compare and Contrast Paragraphs

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 Vancouver and Halifax. 

The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph:

Similarities Example

   

is similar to Spring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in Halifax.

both Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.

also Halifax also has a rainy spring season.

too Halifax has a rainy spring season, too.

as well As well, Halifax has rainy spring season.

Differences Example

   

on the other hand On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.

however However, winter is much colder in Halifax.

but Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.

in contrast to In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.

differs from Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.

while While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold winter.

unlike Unlike Halifax, Vancouver doesn't get much snow.

Sequence Paragraphs

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 Example

   

first, second, third, etc.

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.

both Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.

in the beginning In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political party.

beforeBefore becoming the prime minister, you need to become the leader of a political party.

then Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.

afterAfter winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a majority of seats.

finally Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the Prime Minister.

at last At last, you can call yourself the Prime Minister.

subsequentlySubsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

Time Example

   

recently She was recently elected Prime Minister.

previously She is the new Prime Minister. Previously, she worked as a lawyer in Toronto.

afterwards She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won the election.

when When she won the party leadership, she was still working as a lawyer.

afterAfter winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a majority of seats.

Choice Paragraphs

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 Example

   

in my opinion In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

belief My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

idea My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

understanding My understanding is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

I think that I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.

I consider I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.

I believe I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.

it seems to me It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.

I prefer I prefer hockey over lacrosse.

Personal Opinion Example

   

like/dislike I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.

hope I hope that I can play hockey in the future.

feel I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.

Explanation Paragraphs

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 Example

   

because People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth

century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.

since Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.

as a result ofPeople moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in Europe.

is/was due to The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe.

Effect Example

   

thereforeLiving conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

thusLiving conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

consequentlyLiving conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many people moved to Canada.

henceLiving conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people moved to Canada.

it follows thatLiving conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many people moved to Canada.

if... thenIf living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would have moved to Canada.

Evaluation Paragraphs

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 Example

Evaluation

   

good/bad The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment.

correct / incorrect The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.

moral / immoralThe use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it harms the environment.

right / wrong It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the environment.

important / trivial The issue of pesticides is an important one because it affects the environment.

Recommendation Example

   

suggest I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.

recommendI recommend that pesticides should not be used because they are harmful to the environment.

advise I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.

argueI would argue that pesticides should not be used because they harm the environment.

Parts of an Essay

Introduction ParagraphWhat is an introduction paragraph?The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of your essay. 

What does it do?It introduces the main idea of your essay. A good opening paragraph captures the interest of your reader and tells why your topic is important. 

How do I write one? 

1.    Write the thesis statement. The main idea of the essay is stated in a single sentence called the thesis statement. You must limit your entire essay to the topic you have introduced in your thesis statement. 

2.    Provide some background information about your topic. You can use interesting facts, quotations, or definitions of important terms you will use later in the essay. 

Example:

Hockey has been a part of life in Canada for over 120 years. It has evolved into an extremely popular sport watched and played by millions of Canadians. The game has gone through several changes since hockey was first played in Canada. 

Supporting ParagraphsWhat are supporting paragraphs?Supporting paragraphs make up the main body of your essay. 

What do they do?They develop the main idea of your essay. 

How do I write them? 

1.    List the points that develop the main idea of your essay.2.    Place each supporting point in its own paragraph.3.    Develop each supporting point with facts, details, and examples.

To connect your supporting paragraphs, you should use special transition words. Transition words link your paragraphs together and make your essay easier to read. Use them at the beginning and end of your paragraphs. 

Examples of transition words that can help you to link your paragraphs together:For listing different points

First Second Third

For counter examples

However Even though On the other hand Nevertheless

For additional ideas

Another In addition to Related to Furthermore Also

To show cause and effect

Therefore

Thus As a result of Consequently

Like all good paragraphs, each supporting paragraph should have a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a summary sentence. 

Summary ParagraphWhat is a summary paragraph?The summary paragraph comes at the end of your essay after you have finished developing your ideas. The summary paragraph is often called a "conclusion." 

What does it do?It summarizes or restates the main idea of the essay. You want to leave the reader with a sense that your essay is complete. 

How do I write one?

1.    Restate the strongest points of your essay that support your main idea. 2.    Conclude your essay by restating the main idea in different words. 3.    Give your personal opinion or suggest a plan for action. 

Example:

Overall, the changes that occurred in hockey have helped to improve the game. Hockey is faster and more exciting as a result of changes in the past 120 years. For these reasons, modern hockey is a better game than hockey in the 1890s. 

Prewriting an Essay

What is the prewriting stage?The prewriting stage is when you prepare your ideas for your essay before you begin writing. You will find it easier to write your essay if you build an outline first, especially when you are writing longer assignments. 

Six Prewriting Steps:1.  Think carefully about what you are going to write. Ask yourself: What question am I going to answer in this paragraph or essay? How can I best answer this question? What is the most important part of my answer? How can I make an introductory sentence (or thesis statement) from the most important part of my answer? What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence? How can I make this paragraph or essay interesting? Do I need more facts on this topic? Where can I find more facts on this topic? 

2.  Open your notebook (or word processing program on your computer). Write out your answers to the above questions. You do not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to help you

remember why and how you are going to write your paragraph or essay. 

3.  Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic. Look for and write down facts that will help you to answer your question. Timesaving hint: make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact question you are going to answer in your paragraph or essay. 

4.  Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself: What else do I want to say about this topic? Why should people be interested in this topic? Why is this topic important? 

5.  Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay. Choose the most important point you are going to present. If you cannot decide which point is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it throughout your paragraph or essay. 

6.  Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea. Once you have chosen the most important point of your paragraph or essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it. Look at the facts you have written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide which facts and ideas will best support the main idea of your essay. Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask yourself which order to put them in the essay. Write down your own note set that you can use to guide yourself as you write your essay. 

Writing an Essay

What is the writing stage?The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences. 

Five Writing Steps:

1.   For the introduction, write the thesis statement and give some background information.2.   Develop each supporting paragraph and make sure to follow the correct paragraph format.3.   Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.4.   Focus on the main idea of your essay.5.   Use a dictionary to help you find additional words to express your meaning.

Editing an Essay

What is the editing stage?

The editing stage is when you check your essay for mistakes and correct them. 

Grammar and Spelling

1.    Check your spelling.2.    Check your grammar.3.    Read your essay again.4.    Make sure each sentence has a subject.5.    Make sure your subjects and verbs agree with each other.6.    Check the verb tenses of each sentence.7.    Make sure that each sentence makes sense. 

Style and Organization

1.    Make sure your essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a summary paragraph.2.    Check that you have a thesis statement that identifies the main idea of the essay.3.    Check that all your paragraphs follow the proper paragraph format.4.    See if your essay is interesting. 

Kinds of Essays

Definition EssayWhen you are writing a definition essay, you take a term or an idea and write about what it is. Often, definitions are combined with classification or other forms of organization in the essay. You need to give a careful definition of the key term before going on to discuss different types or examples. 

Example question: Write an essay defining energy resources and discuss the different types.

Introduction: Define the key term energy resources.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Define one type of energy resources: renewable resources.2. Define another type of energy resources: non-renewable resources.

Summary paragraph: Summarize energy resources.

Classification EssayIn a classification essay, you separate things or ideas into specific categories and discuss each of them. You organize the essay by defining each classification and by giving examples of each type. 

Example question: Write an essay discussing the three types of government in Canada.

Introduction: Give background information about government in Canada.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Define and describe federal government.

2. Define and describe provincial governments.3. Define and describe municipal governments.

Summary paragraph: Summarize government in Canada.

Description EssayIn a description essay, you write about what a person, place, or thing is like. You organize the essay by describing different parts or aspects of the main subject. 

Example question: Write an essay describing the polar bear.

Introduction: Introduce what a polar bear is.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Describe where the polar bear lives.2. Describe the body of the polar bear.3. Describe what the polar eats.

Summary paragraph: Summarize what a polar bear is.

Compare and Contrast EssayIn a compare and contrast essay, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, or things. You can organize the essay by writing about one subject first and then comparing it with the second subject. A more effective way is to organize the essay by comparing each subject by category. 

Example question: Write an essay comparing the weather in Vancouver and Halifax.

Introduction: Introduce weather in the cities of Vancouver and Halifax.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Compare weather in spring and summer for both cities. State how they are similar or different.2. Compare weather in fall and winter for both cities. State how they are similar or different.

Summary paragraph: Summarize the similarities and differences.

Sequence EssayIn a sequence essay, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time. You organize the essay by writing about each step of the process in the order it occurred. 

Example question: Write an essay outlining the stages of the salmon life cycle.

Introduction: Describe what a salmon is like.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Describe young salmon.2. Describe adult salmon.3. Describe what salmon do before they die.

Summary paragraph: Summarize the main steps of the salmon life cycle.

Choice EssayIn a choice essay, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. You organize the essay by describing each option and then giving your opinion. 

Example question: Write an essay choosing between hockey in the 1890s and hockey today.

Introduction: Introduce the game of hockey.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Describe hockey in the 1890s.2. Describe hockey today.3. State which form of hockey you prefer and why.

Summary paragraph: Summarize the game of hockey.

Explanation EssayIn an explanation essay, you explain how or why something happens or has happened. You need to explain different causes and effects. You should organize the essay by explaining each individual cause or effect. 

Example question: Write an essay explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the early nineteenth century.

Introduction: Give background information on European immigration during this time.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Explain first reason: poor economy in Europe.2. Explain second reason: better living conditions in Canada.

Summary paragraph: Summarize main reasons.

Evaluation EssayIn an evaluation essay, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. Organize the essay by discussing the criteria you

used to make your judgment. 

Example question: Write an essay evaluating the importance of the House of Commons.

Introduction: Give your judgment on whether the House of Commons is important.

Supporting paragraphs: 1. Explain first criteria: meeting place for government.2. Explain second criteria: represent Canadians.3. Explain third criteria: make laws for Canada.

Summary paragraph: Conclude with an overall judgment about the House of Commons.