Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on national secondary education examination

Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................................................................... 1

PART I. INTRODUCTION
Writing a paragraph is an new and inevitable part of almost every
standarlized examination, especially in the important examinations such as the
GCSE ( General Certificate Secondary Education Examination). Moreover English
is the compulsory subject in the test of National Secondary Examination which
will be organized for nationwhile students by the Ministry of Traning and
Education since 2015. Writing a paragraph is an obligatory section in the written

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 1


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

assignment of the GCSE which makes up 15 percents of the test( 1.5 points).
However, It is considered as the most difficult section because this assignment
requests that students have a wide range of vocabularies, master English grammar
and know how to write a good paragraph. Moreover, in competitive exams and
under time pressure(about 20 minutes), the task becomes more difficult. So
students often become embarrassed even out of weariness and they let the task run
its course. As a result, their mark is low. Being a teacher, I thought a lot of this
actual situation. I applied some strategies that help my students in my school to do
the task well. Thanks to these strategies, my students achieve the surprising

success. They got good marks in writing paragraph after practising some writings
by new methods. The most important examination for all students comes nearer and
nearer, I would like to present : “Strategies for writing a paragraph under time
pressure on National Secondary Education Examination ”.. Hopefully, these
experiences could help students to take the writing task easily. If a student can write
a good paragraph, they will be able to write anything from stories to essays to
research reports. And, this theme would be shared with any colleagues who had the
same problem or anyone who is interested in this theme.

PART II. CONTENTS
Knowing how to write a good paragraph is incredibly important when you are
given a written assignment for coursework or when you are taking an examination.
It’s a basic aspect of writing, and it is something that everyone should know how
to do. There is a specific structure that you have to follow when you’re writing a
paragraph. This structure helps make it easier for the reader to understand what is
going on.
1. Parts of a paragraph.
In many languages, the fundamental unit of composition is the paragraph. In order
to write a good paragraph, you have to thoroughly understand the basic structure of
the paragraph. A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and related
to a single topic. There are three parts to a paragraph. These three parts are the
topic sentence, supporting sentences, and the concludinging sentence. We will also
talk
briefly
about
details
in
paragraphs
.
1.1. Topic sentence

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 2


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

The topic sentence states what the paragraph will be about. It gives the topic of
the paragraph, and it also restricts the topic to one or two main ideas which can be
explained fully in the space of one paragraph. The controlling idea is the specific
area that the topic is limited to:
 What 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:
topic
controlling idea
Studying abroad has two main benefits. Firstly, people who study abroad can
get a better job when they return to their home country. This is because their
qualifications and experience mean that they tend to get jobs that are higher paid,
and they can also gain promotion quickly. Another advantage of studying abroad
is the independence students can gain. For example, students have to cope with the
challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures. As a
consequence, they will become more confident in their life and in their

relationships with others. All in all, it is clear that studying abroad is a beneficial
experience.
1.2. Supporting sentences
Supporting sentences give information that explains and expands the topic of the
paragraph. They answer questions—who? what? where? when? why? and how?—
and give details. Good writers think of these questions when they write supporting
sentences for the topic sentence.

What 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.

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 3


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

 How do I write them?
You should give supporting reasons, facts, details, examples, statistics,
quotations...
 Example:
Studying abroad has two main benefits. Firstly, people who study abroad can
get a better job when they return to their home country. This is because their
qualifications and experience mean that they tend to get jobs that are higher paid,
and they can also gain promotion quickly. Another advantage of studying abroad
is the independence students can gain. For example, students have to cope with

the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures. As
a consequence, they will become more confident in their life and in their
relationships with others. All in all, it is clear that studying abroad is a beneficial
experience.
The supporting sentences that explain the benefits of studying abroad are:
• People get a better job when they return home (1st supporting idea)
- Better qualifications & experience mean better pay and promotion (reason)
- Now has a high standard of living (result)
• Students gain independence (2nd supporting idea)
- Students have to cope with the challenges of living alone and meeting new
people from different cultures.(example)
- Students will become more confident in their life and relationships (result)
1.3. Concluding sentence
A concluding sentence (closing sentence) can be used to signal the end of the
paragraph. It tells the reader the important points to remember. It is often a
paraphrase of the topic sentence.
 What 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.

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 4


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

Example:
Studying abroad has two main benefits. Firstly, people who study abroad can
get a better job when they return to their home country. This is because their
qualifications and experience mean that they tend to get jobs that are higher paid,
and they can also gain promotion quickly. Another advantage of studying abroad
is the independence students can gain. For example, students have to cope with
the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures. As
a consequence, they will become more confident in their life and in their
relationships with others. All in all, it is clear that studying abroad is a beneficial
experience.


2. Kinds of Paragraphs
It is vitally necessary that you should know what kind of paragarph you are going
to write, this is depened on the asignment topic.I would like to introduce some
useful words or expressions belonging to different kinds of paragraph that you may
use for your paragraph writing
2.1. Definition Paragraph
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:
• "is defined as"
Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or
property.
• "is a kind of"
Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or
property.
2.2. Classification Paragraph

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:
• is a kind of:
Ex: Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.
• can be divided into: Ex: Energy resources can be divided into two types.

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 5


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

is a type of:
Ex: Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.
falls under:
Ex: Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.
belongs to:

Ex: Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.
is a part of:
Ex: Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.
fits into:
Ex: Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.
is grouped with:
Ex: Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.
is related to:
Ex: Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.
is associated with:
Ex: Coal is associated with other non-renewable
resources.
2.3. Description Paragraph
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.
Write a paragraph describing what a polar
Examples
bear looks like.
Describe where Canada's industry is located.
The following words can help you to write a good description paragraph:
Properties Measurement Analogy
Location
size
length
is like
in
colour
width
resembles
above

shape
mass/weight
below
purpose
speed
beside
near
north/east/south/west
•
Properties
- size:
Ex: Polar bears are big in size.
- colour:
Ex: Polar bears are usually white in colour.
- shape:
Ex: Polar bears have a special shape.
- purpose :
Ex: The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.
•
Measurement
- length :
Ex: The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.
- width:
Ex: The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.
- mass / weight : Ex: Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.
- speed :
Ex: Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.
•
Analogy
- is like:

Ex: A polar bear is like other bears in shape.
- resembles: Ex: A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.
The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 6


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

•
Location
- in:
Ex: Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and Quebec.
- above:
Ex: The ceiling is above us.
- below:
Ex: Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.
- beside:
Ex: Quebec is located beside Ontario.
2.4. Compare and Contrast Paragraph
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 Ha noi and Da Lat .
The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph:
Similarities
Differences
is similar to
the other hand
both

however
also
but
too
in contrast
as well
differs from
c
while
unlike
•
Similarities
- is similar to: Ex: Spring weather in HaNoi is similar to spring weather in DaLat.
- both:
Ex: Both Ha Noi and Da Lat have rain in the spring.
- also:
Ex: Da Lat also has a rainy spring season.
•
Differences
- on the other hand: Ex: On the other hand, winter is much colder in Ha Noi .
- however:
Ex: However, winter is much colder in Ha Noi .
- in contrast to:
Ex: In contrast to Da Lat , Ha Noi has a cold winter.
- while:
Ex: While Da Lat has a mild winter, Ha Noi has a cold winter.
2.5. Sequence Paragraph
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
Time
first, second, third, etc.
recently
in the beginning
previously

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 7


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

before
afterwards
then
when
after
after
finally
at last
subsequently
•
Order
- first, second, third, etc:
Ex: 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.
- in the beginning:
Ex: In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political party.
- before
Ex: Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the leader of a
political party.
•
Time
- recently: Ex: She was recently elected prime minister.
- afterwards
Ex: She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won the election.
2.6. Choice Paragraph
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
Personal Opinion
in my opinion
like/dislike
belief
hope
idea
feel
understanding
I think that
I consider
I believe

it seems to me
The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 8


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

I prefer
•
Point of View
- in my opinio:
Ex: In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- belief
Ex: My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- idea:
Ex: My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- understanding: Ex: My understanding is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
- I think that:
Ex: I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.
- I consider:
Ex: I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.
- I believe:
Ex: I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
- it seems to me: Ex: It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
- I prefer:
Ex: I prefer hockey over lacrosse.
•
Personal Opinions

- like/dislike:
Ex: I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.
- hope:
Ex: I hope that I can play hockey in the future.
- feel:
Ex: I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.
2.7. Explanation Paragraph
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
Effect
because
therefore
since
thus
as a result of
consequently
is due to
hence
it follows that
if . . . then
•
Cause
-because:
Ex: People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth century because

they had poor living conditions in Europe.
- since:
Ex: Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 9


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

- as a result of:
Ex: People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in
Europe.
- is due to / was due to:
Ex: The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in
Europe.
•
Effect
- therefore:
Ex: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people moved to
Canada for a better life.
- thus:
Ex: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people moved to
Canada for a better life.
- consequently:
Ex:
Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many people
moved to Canada.

- hence:
Ex: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people moved to
Canada.
- it follows that:
Ex: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many people moved
to Canada.
- if ... then:
Ex: If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would have
moved to Canada.
2.8. Evaluation Paragraph
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 Evaluation
Recommendation

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 10


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

good / bad
correct / incorrect

moral / immoral
right / wrong
important / trivial

suggest
recommend
advise
argue

•
Criteria
- good / bad: Ex: The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment.
- correct / incorrect: Ex: The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.
- moral / immoral Ex: The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because
it harms the environment.
- right / wrong:
Ex: It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the
environment.
- important / trivial: Ex: The issue of pesticides is an important one because it
affects the environment.
•
Recommendation
- suggest:
Ex: I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.
- recommend: Ex: I recommend that pesticides should not be used because they
are harmful to the environment.
- advise:
Ex: I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.
- argue:
Ex: I would argue that pesticides should not be used because

they harm the environment.
3. Process of writing a paragraph
In the examination room we have little time to do the writing task ( about 20
minutes).The following is a guide on how to draft, expand, refine, and explain your
ideas so that you write clear, well-developed paragraphs under time pressuse
effectively:
Step 1: Decide the topic of your paragraph
Before you can begin writing, look at the writing prompt or assignment ,you need
to determine the type of paragraph and know what you are writing about. As you
look at the prompt, note any key terms or repeated phrases because you will want
to use those words in your response. Then ask yourself:
• On what topic am I supposed to be writing?

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 11


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

• What does this assignment mean to me? How do I relate to it? After looking at the
prompt, and brainstorm you should better understand your topic and what you need
to discuss.
Before attempting to write a paragraph, you will need to choose a topic. It is very
important that your topic be neither too broad nor too narrow. If it is too broad, you
will not be able to limit your writing to a paragraph, and if it is too narrow, you will
not be able to come up with enough writing to fill up a paragraph.
Step 2: Develop a topic sentence
Before writing a paragraph, it is important to think first about the topic and then

what you want to say about the topic. Most often, the topic is easy, but the question
then turns to what you want to say about the topic. This concept is sometimes
called the controlling idea. Strong paragraphs are typically about one main idea or
topic, which is often explicitly stated in a topic sentence. Good topic sentences
should always contain both a topic and a controlling idea.
-The topic – The main subject matter or idea covered in the paragraph.
-The controlling idea – This idea focuses the topic by providing direction to the
composition.
Read the following topic sentences. They all contain a topic and a controlling idea.
When your paragraphs contain a clearly stated topic sentence such as one of the
following, your reader will know what to expect and, therefore, understand your
ideas better.
Examples of topic sentences:
• People can avoid plagiarizing by taking certain precautions.
• There are several advantages to online education.
• Effective leadership requires specific qualities that anyone can develop.
Step 3: Demonstrate your point
After stating your topic sentence, you need to provide information to prove,
illustrate, clarify, and/or exemplify your point. Ask yourself:
• What examples can I use to support my point?
• What information can I provide to help clarify my thoughts?
• How can I support my point with specific data, experiences, or other factual
material?

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 12


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education

Examination

• What information does the reader need to know in order to see my point? Here is
a list of the kinds of information you can add to your paragraph:
- Facts, details, reasons, examples
- Information from the readings or class discussions
- Paraphrases or short quotations
- Statistics, polls, percentages, data from research studies
- Personal experience, stories, anecdotes, examples from your life
Sometimes, adding transitional or introductory phrases like: for example, for
instance, first, second, or last can help guide the reader. Also, make sure you are
citing your sources appropriately.
Step 4: Give Your Paragraph Meaning
After you have given the reader enough information to see and understand your
point, you need to explain why this information is relevant, meaningful, or
interesting. Ask yourself:
• What does the provided information mean?
• How does it relate to your overall point, argument, or thesis?
• Why is this information important/significant/meaningful?
• How does this information relate to the assignment or course I am taking?
Step 5: Conclude
After illustrating your point with relevant information, add a concluding sentence.
Concluding sentences link one paragraph to the next and provide another device for
helping you ensure your paragraph is unified.
Concluding sentence draw together the information you have presented to elaborate
your controlling idea by:
-Summarizing the point(s) you have made.
-Repeating words or phrases from the topic sentence.
-Using linking words that indicate that conclusions are being drawn (e.g., in
conclusion, to summary, to conclude....).

Step 6: Look over and proofread
The last step in good paragraph writing is proofreading and revision. Before you
submit your writing, look over your work at least one more time to check your
paragraph for mistakes and correct them.
The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 13


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

Grammar and Spelling
- Check your spelling.
- Check your grammar.
- Make sure each sentence has a subject.
- See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
- Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
- Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
- Check the punctuation.
Style and Organization
- Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.
- Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
- Make sure you have a closing sentence.
- Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
- See if your paragraph is interesting.
Example: Write a paragraph ( about 140 words) about the roles of the internet in
our life.
Step 1: Topic: The roles of the internet in life
Step 2: Write the topic sentence: The internet plays an important role in our

modern life for three reasons.
Step 3: Demonstrate your point:
Supporting idea 1: a source of information
- Read books, articles
- See the weather forecasts
Supporting idea 2: a source of entertainment
- Listen to music
- Watch movies
- Read stories
Supporting idea 3: a means of education
- Take part in online- schools, online- lessons
- Learn foreign language
Step 4: Give your paragraph meaning:
Firstly, it is a source of information. For example, we can read books, articles or
see the weather forecasts with the help of the computer.These are always updated
on the internet everyday. Secondly, it is used as a source of entertainment. We can
listen to all songs we like best, watch interesting movies or read funny stories on
The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 14


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

some websites. It really helps us relax after a hard working day. Finally, it is a
means of education. If we can't go to school, we can take part in many on-line
schools, on-line lessons.In addition, we can learn foreign language via the internet
effectively.
Step 5: Conclude

The internet plays an integral part in our daily life because of the benefits it brings
us.
Step 6: Look over and proofread
Complete paragraph:
The internet plays an important role in our modern life for three reasons.
Firstly, it is a source of information. For example, we can read books and articles
or see the weather forecasts with the help of the computer.These are always
updated on the internet everyday. Secondly, it is used as a source of
entertainment. We can listen to all songs we like best, watch interesting movies or
read funny stories on some websites. It really helps us relax after a hard working
day. Finally, it is a means of education. If we can't go to school, we can take part
in many on-line schools, on-line lessons.In addition, we can learn foreign
language via the internet effectively. In conclusion, the internet plays an integral
part in our daily life because of the benefits it brings us.
4. Two elements of a good paragraph
In order to write a good paragraph, students need to understand the two essential
elements of paragraph writing and how each element contributes to the whole.
The two elements essential to good paragraph writing are: unity and coherence.
The examiner will assess your paragraphs on their unity and coherence.
Element 1: Unity means that you discuss only one main (central) topic area in a
paragraph. The area that you are going to cover is usually introduced in the topic
sentence, and your supporting sentences should only be used to develop that.
Example: For the topic sentence above, you could discuss only the roles of the
internet. You could not discuss the disadvantages of the internet. If you did, your
paragraph would not have unity.
Even if there is no specific topic sentence (more advanced writers do not always
have an obvious topic sentence), the paragraph should still have one central topic
area so it retains unity.

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 15


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

Element 2: Coherence
A piece of writing has coherence when all of the ideas are organized and flow
smoothly and logically from one to the next. When a paragraph or essay has
coherence, the reader can follow the main ideas more easily
- Two important features of coherence are:
• Logical order : It is important to follow a logical order in your writing. The next
activity will help you to understand the importance of logical order.
• Use of transitional words and phrases :
Transitional words and phrases are essential to maintain the flow and coherence of
a paragraph. They help establish clear connections between ideas and ensure that
sentences and paragraphs flow together smoothly, making them easier to read.
- Use the following words and phrases in the following circumstances.
Useful expressions
Sequencing/ Listing

First of all, First(ly), Initially, To begin with;
Second(ly); Third(ly); Next; Then; After that (this);
Following this (that); Finally; The first reason is…/ The
second is…; Last but not least…
Adding to what you have Also, Furthermore, In addition, Additionally, Moreover,
said
Besides, As well as, Similarly, not only…but also…,
even beside this/ that

Contrasting
In contrast to this, On the contrary, In contrast,
Conversely, On the other hand, While, Whereas,
However, Despite/ In spite of, Although, Even though,
Otherwise, Nonetheless
Expressing similarity
Similarly; Likewise, In the same way
Showing results
As a result, As a consequence, Consequently, Hence,
Thus, Therefore, So
Giving examples
For example, For instance, In particular, Particularly,
That is to say, Namely, Such as
Restating
In other words, That is to say, To put it simply
Inferring
In other words, In that case, or else, Otherwise
Summarizing
In summary, To sum up, To conclude, To recapitulate,
In conclusion, In short, In brief, In a nutshell, Lastly,

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 16


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

Finally

Example: Coherence of the paragraph about the roles of the internet above.
•
Logical Order: In the paragraph about the roles of the internet, there are three
main ideas: it is a source of information, it is a source of entertainment and it is a
means of education. Each of these ideas is discussed, one after the other.
•
Transition Signals: The relationship between the ideas is clearly shown by
using appropriate transition words and phrases such as :firstly, for example,
secondly, finally, in addition,in conclusion.Using such words and phrases will
guide the reader through your paragraph, making it coherent and, therefore, easy to
understand.
5. Some sample writings:
Topic 1: Write a paragraph of about 140 words to talk about the subject(s) you
like most. State your reasons.
Of all the subjects at school, English is the one I like best because of many
reasons. First of all, English is an international language, so learning English helps
me communicate with people from other countries easily. Therefore, I am sure I
will not face any difficulty if I study abroad. Besides, I can widen my knowledge of
the world with the help of English.For example, I can read books, magazines and
news to learn about customs and cultures of many other countries because most of
them are written in English. Finally, I may get a good job in the future thanks to
this language. In reality, a large number of big companies have the tendency to
employ those who speak English well. To sum up, English is my favorite subject
due to the reasons mentioned above.
Topic 2: Write a paragraph of about 140 words to talk about the sport(s) you like
most. State your reasons.
To my mind, there are a lot of sports that interest me, but the one I like most
is swimming because of plenty of reasons. First of all, swimming helps me to have
good health. In fact, swimming everyday not only is good for muscles but also
helps me to have strong heart. Therefore, I can study long hours and this may lead

to a good result. In addition, thanks to this sport, I can relax my mind after a hardworking day at school. As a result of this, I can avoid being stressed. Last but not
The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 17


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

least, It helps me to widen my relationship.when I practice swimming, I can make
friends with others who have the same interest as I do. In general, swimming is my
favorite sport due to the reasons mentioned above.
Topic 3: . Write a paragraph of about 140 words to state the reasons for many
species extinction.
In my opinion, there are a lot of reasons for species extinction. First of all, the
habitats of animal and plant species are being destroyed. This leads to the fact that
animals have no place to live in. As a result, they die. Besides, lots of species have
become extinct because of pollution. It is clear that air and water pollution which
is caused by haman activities has recently affected to may species negatively.
Another reason for many species extinction is illegal hunting.In fact, human beings
keep hunting animals illegally for fur, skins, food and other valuable body parts.
Because of this, the number of these animals is getting smaller and smaller day by
day. To sum up, habitat destruction, pollution and illegal hunting are primary causes
of species extinction.
Topic 4: Write a paragraph of about 120 words to suggest measures/solutions to
protect rare and endangered species from extinction.
From my point of view, there are a lot of measures to protect rare and
endangered species from extinction. First of all, we should protect wildlife habitats
by planting more trees or establishing more reserves. This helps these species have
safe places to live in. Besides, we should raise people’s awareness of the

conservation need so that they will be willing to contribute to protecting the species
that are in danger. Last but not least, governments should enact strict laws to
prevent rare and endangered species from being illegally hunted. In general, we can
take a large number of measures to protect rare and endangered species from
becoming extinct.
PART III :CONCLUSION

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 18


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

“Strategies for writing aparagraph under time pressure on National
Secondary Education Examination” has become quite effective for my students,
who are previously not good at writing. After teaching these strategies to them,
they do the writing task more actively. As a result, they improve writing skills
satistactorily and get good marks surprisingly. Real numbers are shown by the two
following tables
My Students’ marks before applying strategies for writing a paragraph
Grade Total
approximately
students 1.5 marks
number %
12 A
43
1
2%

12 B
32
0
0%
12 G 45
1
2%

approximately
1.0 mark
number %
2
4%
1
3%
2
4%

approximately
0.5 mark
number %
8
19%
4
13%
5
11%

Under 0.5
mark

number %
32
75%
27
84%
37
83%

My Students’ marks after applying strategies for writing a paragraph
Grade Total
approximately approximately
students 1.5 marks
1.0 mark
number %
number %
12 A
43
4
9% 6
14%
12 B
32
2
6% 4
13%
12 G 45
4
9% 5
11%

approximately
0.5 mark
number %
20
47%
12
38%
12
27%

Under 0.5
mark
number %
13
30%
14
43%
24
53%

However, it is not easy to get the high score in writing part test whereas this may
be the hardest part in the test. It depends on many elements such as vocabulary,
practise, timing, …It is a long and hard process. I hope that “Strategies for
writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination” can help partly the candidates who are preparing for the coming
national secondary education exam as well as the students and the other teachers in
their teaching and learning English process. Because I can not avoid some mistakes
in my writing, your opinions will be useful for me to perfect it.
I would like to thank.

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 19


Strategies for writing a paragraph under time pressure on National Secondary Education
Examination

The confirmation of the principle

Thanh Hoa, May, 27th 2016
I promise not to have copied
Signature

Lê Thị Bốn

PART IV. REFERENCES.
1. The illustrative English test for the National Secondary Education Exam-(2015)the Ministry of Traning and Education
2. Practise your writing skills – Hanoi National University
3. The secrets to good paragraph writing- on the internet.
4. Tips and trategies for writing a paragraph- on the internet.

The teacher: Lê Thị Bốn

Page 20