Exam Section II, Task 2

Summary

• The essay requires you to take a position on an issue and to write an essay to support your position.

• You’ll have 3 sources (a text, a visual source and an audio selection)- they need to be incorporated into your writing

Strategies and Tips

• Read the question carefully and find keywords

• Take a position- yes or no.

• Look for info that will support your position

• Take notes while the audio is playing

• Integrate all the three sources in your narrative (as shown below):

  • l’article, l’audio, l’infographie

  • la source 1, la source 2, la source 3

• Present your arguments with pertinent analysis and vocab

• Use transition words- moves your idea forward

• Write a conclusion (even if it’s short)

• Proofread your work

The Guide

a) The Introduction

• Introduce the topic

• State your opinion

• Mention in which part of your essay you’ll approach a point- this will provide a structure of your essay and the arguments

b) The Body

• do not make a montage of quotes- integrate them into your own writing

• show your vocabulary! Avoid repetitions, for ex the word idée (replacements):

  • Cette affirmation, contestation, confirmation, question, explication, nuance, analyse ou précision

  • Ce souhait, conseil, sous-entendu, sentiment ou détail

• you need to include all 3 sources

• use specific transition words:

  • D’une part… d’autre part, en fait, ceci étant

  • En effet, en ce qui concerne, par ailleurs, néanmoins

• use specific verbs to explain your point of view (textbook p. 247)

c) The Conclusion

• summarize your point of view, restate your position, briefly explain why

• look beyond the issue and link what you have written to a broader issue

d) Proofread

• 2-3 minutes

• decide what you wish to proofread first to be more efficient:

  • verb-subject agreement throughout the essay

  • noun-adjective agreement throughout the essay

  • spelling and conjugation

• use the Self-Evaluation Checklist (p.248)