EmSAT Direct Writing: description essay

Description essay: answers and teaching activities

Writing a description1. Describe a day in your life when you were very happy. T Describe something you own that you really love. O Write a description of a member of your family. P Describe a city or town you know well. Pl

Describing an object2.Students’ own answers. This is a personalized warmer/introduction to the general theme and the first model essay. Note that the paragraphs are not in order; they address this in 3 below.

3.1 – A2 – C 3 – B

Gary Pathare, 2018

Teaching note: This lesson on describing an object focuses on developing students’ awareness of answering questions about an object and grouping them, e.g. price, size and weight etc., to form paragraphs. Although they are not required to give and introduction and conclusion in levels 1 and 2, it is an opportunity for them to start learning that any academic-style essay requires one. The format is a simplified version of the one in EmSAT Direct Level 3, and much of the language feeds into this and into level 4, for efficiency; e.g. the use of ‘In conclusion,’. Likewise, the format for describing an object is mirrored as far as possible in the lessons on description of people and places that follow. Although it might be perceived as formulaic, the lesson embodies universal features of academic texts, and can be better viewed as an early stepping stone into academic writing. It gives student great confidence and satisfaction, possibly for the first time in their writing career. It also ensures that they are able to complete the word count, as it gives them ideas in what to write beyond a simple physical description, e.g. when they use it. Mastering this format provides a secure ‘jumping-off’ point for subsequent more flexible, ‘creative’, writing (although it is wise to bear in mind that all successful academic writing done well is in fact extremely conventional!).

Teaching note: this is a selection of likely topical areas for description, but it is not an exhaustive list: they could be asked to write about a family, a job or a past experience, for example. However, the general approach (three-paragraph structure, general content ideas of each) is adaptable to alternative scenarios; after completing these, you could show students how to adapt this structure where necessary). In the exam, they will be given specific points to include. The generic structures taught here are likely to include one or more of these; to follow up, show how to adapt it to include all the points.

Students’ own answers4. Suggested answers: (note that this exercise focuses on the paragraph structure/content)

1 Does the writer think it is beautiful? Yes B2 Who bought it? When? Her parents, last year. A3 Where does she keep it? In her bag or pocket C4 How much does it cost? About 3000 dirhams B5 What make/brand is it? Is it expensive? (Apple) iPhone B6 What does it have? Is it big/heavy? A lot of functions/thin and light B7 Why did she choose to write about it? It is her favorite possession. A8 When does she use it? Every day. B9 What is it? A phone. A10 What will she do with it in the future? Keep it, then give it to her brother. C11 What is it made of? What colors is it? Plastic, metal, glass/silver, black B12 Overall, what does she think about it? She loves it. C

5.A. I own a new car.B. I have many possessions that I love.C. Do you have a calculator?D. Who does this laptop belong to?

6.

blue metal expensive thin attractiveblack wood cheap light nicegreen gold good value small uglywhite silk precious big stylishred glass huge prettypurple plastic little smartyellow wool heavy beautifulgrey paper largeorange cottonbrown papersilver silvergold leatherpink

7. A bag

8.

In this essay, I am going to describe my bag. I chose this bag to write about because it is my favorite possession. My grandmother gave it to me two years ago, when I graduated from

Teaching note: these words (and those in subsequent description lessons) were chosen for their general applicability/usefulness rather than level; stylish, for example, can be widely used for modern electronic products as well as clothes and people. They are generally positive, especially for people, as it is unlikely that students will describe something or someone they don’t like. Meanings are not dealt with here, so you could ask students to look up and write translations of words they don’t know. There may be confusion between colors and materials; some words are both e.g. gold.

school.

It is a Louis Vuitton bag, and it is very precious. It costs about 9000 dirhams. It is made of leather and gold, and it is pink and brown. It has three pockets, and it is large. I think it is beautiful. I only use my bag when I go out to a wedding or special occasion. I keep it in my bedroom in my wardrobe.

In conclusion, I love my Louis Vuitton bag. I will keep it all my life, and one day it will belong to my daughter. (128 words)

9, 10, 11: Students’ own answers, following sentence models.

12, 13:

1 introduction 1. What it is.2. Why you chose to write about it.3. Who bought it/when they bought it.

2 4. The make/brand, and is it expensive?5. How much it costs.6. What it is made of, and the colors 7. What it has, and the size and weight.8. What you think of how it looks.9. When you use it.10. Where you keep it.

3 conclusion 11. What you feel about it.12. What will happen to it in the future, and why.

14.In order: Introduction: 2 – 1 – 3, Paragraph 2: 6 – 5 – 7 – 2 – 1 – 4 – 3, Conclusion: 2 – 1

In this essay, I am going to describe my table-tennis bat. I chose this bat to write

Teaching note: walk around and do corrections/help while students work. Then, when they have finished all three paragraphs, ask them to type it out in an essay format. While they do this, check they follow typing conventions/rules, e.g. no space before commas and full stops, capital letters to start sentences and for !, space afterwards, single line space between paragraphs, no need to indent paragraphs. This will make their work look much more impressive in the exam, and it will ensure that commas and full stops don’t float to the beginning of the next line, and the text will be viewable without the teacher having to scroll up and down. This teaching method avoids the need for hours’ spent marking/correcting/teaching correction code, which often has little impact on writing development but a major impact on the time teachers have for more productive work.

about because it is amazing. I bought it last year in a shopping mall in Abu Dhabi.

It is a Stiga, and it is very expensive. It costs about 300 dirhams. It is made of wood and rubber, and it is red and black. It has two different sides and a handle, and it is very light. I think it is very stylish. I use my bat every week. I keep it at home, because we have a table-tennis table there.

In conclusion, I love my bat. I will keep it until I am old. Then I will give it to my son. (120 words)

Essay practice 2 is best done with books open, as a practice, either directly onto a laptop or onto paper and then typed. Focus correction on the features that have been learned, such as punctuation, spelling of words from the model, grammar from the box and vocabulary use from the box. Then students could be set an exam practice essay, with books closed.

Extra activity: copy and cut on the lines__________________________________________________________

Teaching note: probably the best way to complete exercise 14 is to follow the following procedure. Done in this way it is a very powerful, multi-functional task, involving cognitive, literacy, linguistic and kinesthetic elements, and it is always seems to engage students.

1. Cut out the essay into strips using the template below, one set for each pair of students. Put each set in a paperclip. Show a set and ask ‘how many strips of paper are there?’ Elicit that there must be 12 – 1 for each sentence in the model essays and plan.

2. Students clear a space on the desk between them. They physically move the pieces into order, referring to the plan and one of the earlier essays. The idea is to reinforce the structure and start to internalize its features, e.g. the proximity of expensive/it costs, and the summative ‘I think it is very stylish’ following the physical description. Make sure they leave a gap between paragraphs. Try not to intervene too early – the task is quite challenging from a cognitive and literacy perspective, as they are comparing similar but not identical sentences in the previous models. When they think they have finished, give them a copy of the complete essay (above) and let them compare it, rather than you doing the work.

3. Students number the sentences in their EmSAT Direct booklet before returning the jumbled sentences.

In this essay, I am going to describe my table-tennis bat.__________________________________________________________I chose this bat to write about because it is amazing. __________________________________________________________I bought it last year in a shopping mall in Abu Dhabi.__________________________________________________________It is a Stiga, and it is very expensive. __________________________________________________________It costs about 300 dirhams. __________________________________________________________It is made of wood and rubber, and it is red and black. __________________________________________________________It has two different sides and a handle, and it is very light. __________________________________________________________I think it is very stylish. __________________________________________________________I use my bat every week. __________________________________________________________I keep it at home, because we have a table-tennis table there.__________________________________________________________In conclusion, I love my bat. __________________________________________________________I will keep it until I am old, and then I will give it to my son.__________________________________________________________

Describing an object: extra activityFill in the gaps with the words from the box.

introduction going chose essay because paragraph 2 are stylish sunglasses keep have madeconclusion will them conclusion next

In this __________, I am ____________ to describe my sunglasses. I ____________ these sunglasses to write about ___________ they are beautiful. I bought them last year in a shop in Madrid.

They are Armani glasses, and they ____________ quite expensive. They cost about 1500 dirhams. They are ____________ of metal and glass, and they are silver and black. They have a narrow frame, and they ___________ brown lenses. I think they are very ___________. I use my _____________ when I go to the beach. I __________ them at home, on my shelf.

In _____________, I love my sunglasses. I will keep ____________ until ___________ year. Then I ___________ buy a new pair.

Answers (and extra model answer)

In this essay, I am going to describe my sunglasses. I chose these sunglasses to write about because they are beautiful. I bought them last year in a shop in Madrid.

They are Armani glasses, and they are quite expensive. They cost about 1500 dirhams. They are made of metal and glass, and they are silver and black. They have a narrow frame, and they have round lenses. I think they are very stylish. I use my sunglasses when I go to the beach. I keep them at home, on my shelf.

In conclusion, I love my sunglasses. I will keep them until next year. Then I will

buy a new pair.

Describing a person1. Suggested answers

1 Why did the writer choose Ahmed? He is important to him. A

2 Is Ahmed tall/short/fat/thin? Tall and a little overweight. B3 What family does Ahmed have? Three brothers and two sisters. B4 What are Ahmed’s hobbies? Watching football and camping. B5 What does Ahmed look like? Quite good looking. B6 When/where do they see each other? Every Friday at Ahmed’s house. B7 How old is Ahmed, and what is his job? 28/works in a bank. B8 Are they friends or family? Friends. A9 What is Ahmed like as a person? Kind and generous. B10 Does the writer want to stay friends? Yes. C11 What is his name/when did they meet? Ahmed/five years ago. A12 What does the writer think about Ahmed? He is lucky to have him as a friend. C13 What nationality is Ahmed? Emirati. B

2.A. I get on well with Nora.B. I am going to write about a good friend, John. C. Who is your best friend?D. I spend a lot of time with Mary.

3.blue brown good-looking tall friend friendlybrown black pretty medium height best friend nicedark fair attractive short sister smartgreen grey handsome overweight brother generouslarge red stylish slim father kind

white beautiful mother talkativelong aunt quietshort uncle shystraight cousin positivecurly grandmother happywavy grandfather

sondaughter

4. The writer’s cousin.

5.In this essay, I am going to describe my cousin. His name is James, and I have known him all

my life. I chose James to write about because he is my favorite cousin.

James is English. He is 11 years old, and he goes to school in London. He has three brothers and one sister. He is shy, but he is happy. James is good-looking, and he has short brown hair, big brown eyes and a nice smile. He is short and slim. His hobbies are playing video games and riding a bicycle. I see James every weekend at his home, and we spend a lot of time together.

In conclusion, I am very lucky to have such a nice cousin. I know that we will always be friends.

6, 7, 8. 9: Students’ own answers, following sentence model

10, 11:

1 introduction 1. Who + relationship: Friend? Family? Teacher?2. Name + how long you have known them.3. Why you chose to write about this person.

2 description and interests

4. Nationality. 5. Age + what they do: Work? Student?6. Family.7. Personality.8. Appearance + hair and eyes.9. Height and weight.10. Hobbies.11. When/where you see them.

3 conclusion 12. What you feel about them.13. What you think will happen in the future.

12. In order: Introduction: 3 – 2 – 1, Paragraph 2: 3 – 1 – 5 – 6 – 8 – 7 – 4 – 2, Conclusion: 1 – 2

In this essay, I am going to describe a good friend. Her name is Asia, and I have known her all

Teaching note: the model sentences about Camilla add up to another model essay. You could use this for typing/copying practice (very useful at this level for spelling, punctuation etc.) – get students to type out the essay. It also helps them internalize the essay structure.

my life. I chose Asia to write about because we are very close.

Asia is Italian. She is 22 years old, and she is a student in Rome. She is single, and she does not have any brothers or sisters. She is very smart and positive. Her hobbies are cooking and playing tennis. Asia is attractive and stylish, and she has short, wavy hair and brown eyes. She is not tall, but she is slim. I see Asia when she comes to the UAE.

In conclusion, I am very lucky to have such a nice friend. I know that we will always be friends.

Description essay practice 2: students own answers

Extra activity: copy and cut on the lines ____________________________________________________

Teaching note: Essay practice 2 is best done with books open, as a practice, either directly onto a laptop or onto paper and then typed. Focus correction on the features that have been learned, such as punctuation, spelling of words from the model, grammar from the box and vocabulary use from the box. Then students could be set an exam practice essay, with books closed.

In this essay, I am going to describe a good friend. ____________________________________________________Her name is Asia, and I have known her all my life. ____________________________________________________I chose Asia to write about because we are very close.__________________________________________________________Asia is Italian. __________________________________________________________She is 22 years old, and she is a student in Rome. __________________________________________________________She is single, and she does not have any brothers or sisters. __________________________________________________________She is very smart and positive. __________________________________________________________Her hobbies are cooking and playing tennis. __________________________________________________________Asia is attractive and stylish, and she has short, wavy hair and brown eyes.__________________________________________________________She is not tall, but she is slim. __________________________________________________________In conclusion, I am very lucky to have such a nice friend.__________________________________________________________I know that we will always be friends.

__________________________________________________________

I see Asia when she comes to the UAE.

__________________________________________________________

Describing a person: extra activityFill in the gaps with the words from the box.

introduction describe In name for writeparagraph 2 works slim watching has hobbies American fairconclusion that In special am

____________ this essay, I am going to ____________ my best friend. His ____________ is Peter, and I have known him ____________ ten years. I chose Peter to ____________ about because he is very special to me.

Peter is ____________. He is 19 years old, and he ____________ at the airport. He is single, and he ____________ two brothers but no sisters. He is very positive and fun. His ____________ are running and ____________ movies. Peter is good-looking, and he has short, straight ____________ hair and blue eyes. He is very tall and ____________. I see Peter when we go out together.

____________ conclusion, I ____________ very lucky to have such a ____________ friend. I think ____________ we will always be friends.

Answers (and extra model answer)

In this essay, I am going to describe my best friend. His name is Peter, and I have known him for ten years. I chose Peter to write about because he is very special to me.

Peter is American. He is 19 years old, and he works at the airport. He is single, and he has two brothers but no sisters. He is very positive and fun. His hobbies are running and watching movies. Peter is good-looking, and he has short, straight fair hair and blue eyes. He is very tall and slim. I see Peter when we go out together.

In conclusion, I am very lucky to have such a special friend. I think that we will always be friends.

Describing an object/person: extra activity

Decide if each sentence is about an object (O) or person (P).

In this essay, I am going to describe my lamp. In this essay, I am going to describe my aunt. Her name is Mary and I met her twenty years ago when she married my uncle. My sister gave it to me five years ago. I chose this lamp to write about because it is my favorite possession. I chose Mary to write about because she is an important person in my life _________________________________________________________________

It is a classic Anglepoise desk lamp, and it is quite expensive. Mary is English. She is 48 years old, and she is a housewife. It costs about 1000 dirhams. It is made of steel and aluminum, and it is yellow and black. She is married to my uncle John, and she has two children, Stephen and Helen. It has a heavy base, and it can move in all directions. Her hobbies are walking her dog and making clothes. I think it is very beautiful. She is very kind and gentle. Mary is quite good-looking, and she has long curly fair hair and brown eyes. I use my lamp almost every day. I use it when I am working. She is short and very slim. I keep it on my desk in my study. I see my aunt Mary once a year at New Year. ___________________________________________________________________

In conclusion, I am very lucky to have such a nice aunt. In conclusion, I love my lamp. I will keep it all my life, and then I will leave it to my children. I am sure that we will always be close.

Answers (and extra model answers)

Object (O): My lamp

In this essay, I am going to describe my lamp. I chose this lamp to write about because it is my favorite possession. My sister gave it to me five years ago.

It is a classic Anglepoise desk lamp, and it is quite expensive. It costs about 1000 dirhams. It is made of steel and aluminum, and it is yellow and black. It has a heavy base, and it can move in all directions. I think it is very beautiful. I use my lamp almost every day. I use it when I am working. I keep it on my desk in my study.

In conclusion, I love my lamp. I will keep it all my life, and then I will leave it to my children.

Person (P): Aunt Mary

In this essay, I am going to describe my aunt. Her name is Mary and I met her twenty years ago when she married my uncle. I chose Mary to write about because she is an important person in my life.

Mary is English. She is 48 years old, and she is a housewife. She is married to my uncle John, and she has two children, Stephen and Helen. She is very kind and gentle. Her hobbies are walking her dog and making clothes. Mary is quite good-looking, and she has long curly fair hair and brown eyes. She is short and very slim. I see my aunt Mary once a year at New Year.

In conclusion, I am very lucky to have such a nice aunt. I am sure that we will always be close.

Describing a place

1. A: a town or city, B: a building, C: a country

2. Arabic: students’ own answers. Suggested answers:

A living room B L river T/CB population T/C M bedroom BC neighborhood T N stylish B/TD city center T O modern B/T/CE garden B P traditional B/T/CF house B Q beautiful B/T/CG large B/T/C R capital TH detached B S park TI floors B T villa BJ mountains C U beaches T/CK dish C V food T/C

Describing a building

3.A. For ten years.B. Is it big (large).C. He/she loves it.D. It has four bedrooms.E. No, it has a small one.F. It is 12 years old.G. It is modern.H. In ten years.I. No, they are large.J. It is in Mirdiff, in Dubai.K. Five, including the writer.L. There are three.

Describing a town or city

4.Model essay: a town or city

In this essay, I am going to describe a city that I love. It is London, and I have lived there all

my life. I chose London to write about because it is amazing.

London is in England, and it is 2000 years old. It is very big, with a population of about 9 million, and it has over 5 million visitors every year. It has many different neighborhoods, such as Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Hampstead. It has beautiful parks and a big river, the River Thames. The most famous buildings are Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and London Bridge. It is a very exciting city. I like London because I feel happy there.

In conclusion, I am very lucky to live in such a great city. I hope that I will always live there.

Describing a country 5.

Model essay: a country

In this essay, I am going to describe a country that I visited. It is Spain, and I went there last year. I chose Spain to write about because it is beautiful.

Spain is in Europe. It is very big, with a population of about 47 million, and it has millions of tourists every year. The capital is Madrid, and it has many other interesting cities, such as Barcelona and Valencia. Spain has beautiful beaches and mountains. Spanish people love watching football and eating delicious food. A traditional dish is ‘paella’, which is made of rice and fish. Spain is a very interesting country. I love Spain because I had a great holiday there, and the people were very friendly.

In conclusion, I was very lucky to visit such a great country. I hope that I will return there in the future.

Describing a time in your life1. Describe a day in your life when you were very happy. P

Describe a normal day in your life. R Describe the best day of your life. P Describe your first day at college. P Describe a holiday you remember well. P Describe what you usually do at the weekend. R Write a description of a typical day at college. R What do you usually do at the weekend? R

Describing routines

2. Suggested/possible answers I go to bed. E I go home. A I have lunch. A I have classes in the afternoon. A I get up. M I have coffee with friends. M/A/E I have classes from 8.00 – 9.50. M I have breakfast. M I go to college. M

3. Students’ own answers

A. In this essay, I am going to describe a normal day at college.

B. In the morning, I get up early, at about 6 o’clock, and I have breakfast. Then I go to college by car. I am never late for class. Next, I have two English classes. My teachers are Miss Susan and Mr. John, and they are very friendly. After that, I always have coffee with my friends in Starbucks. Then I have two more classes. After that, I have lunch in the cafeteria. In the afternoon, I usually have another two classes. Finally, I go home by car. In the evening, I watch television or do some homework. I go to bed at 11.00.

C. Overall, it is a busy day, and I learn a lot of English. 131 words

4.A. It is a normal day.B. He gets up at 6 o’clock.C. He always has coffee with friends.D. No, he usually has two classes.E. busyF. He learns a lot of English and is busy, so he probably feels good but tired.Grammar and vocabulary for describing routines

5.A. After that, I study.

B. Then I go to college by bus.C. Finally, I do my homework.

6.100% always usually sometimes never 0%

7. Students’ own answers: C is the verb to be, so the adverb is after the verb.A. I _______________ have a big breakfast.B. I _______________ drive to college.C. I am ______________ late for class.D. I _______________ have lunch in the cafeteria.

8.Next, thenFirst, Finally, After that,

9.In this essay, I am going to describe a normal day at home.

In the morning, I get up late, at about 9 o’clock, and have breakfast. First, I do some exercise. Next (or After that), I call my friends and chat. My best friends are Rubi and Sam, and they are very nice. Next (or After that), I usually have lunch with my mother and brother. In the afternoon, I have a short sleep, and then I play computer games. Next (or After that), I always spend time with my little sister. In the evening, I watch television or chat with friends. Finally, I go to bed at 12.00.

Overall, it is a fun day, and I feel happy when I go to sleep.

10. A. He gets up at about 9.00.B. Yes, in the afternoon.C. He has lunch with his mother and brother.

Description essay practice: a typical day: Students’ own answers

Describing an event in the past

1. It is about a birthday.

A. In this essay, I am going to describe my 17th birthday. I chose this day to write about because it is the best day I can remember.

B. It was on December 15 last year. In the morning, I got up early, at about 8 o’clock. First, I washed and dressed. After that, I went downstairs and had breakfast with my family. Then I opened my gifts. My parents gave me a new iPhone and some clothes. Next, we had a special birthday lunch. In the afternoon, my friends came to my house, and we had a party. They made me a cake. In the evening, I went to the mall with my parents and my sister, and then we had dinner in a restaurant. Finally, I went to bed at midnight.

C. Overall, it was a lovely day, and I will never forget it.

2. A. It is a special day.B. At about 8.00.C. An iPhone and clothes.D. A cake.E. In a restaurant in a mall.

F. Happy!

3. B: The past simple

Grammar and vocabulary for describing a day in the past

4. Finally, I went to sleep. 6 I decided to watch it with my best friend. 2 Then we watched the football match. 5 First, I called my friend and asked him to come to my house. 3 Next, I bought some snacks for us to eat during the match. 4 Last week, there was a very good football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. 1

Last week, there was a very good football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. I decided to watch it with my best friend. First, I called my friend and asked him to come to my house. Next, I bought some snacks for us to eat during the match. Then we watched the football match. Finally, I went to sleep.

Description essay practice: a special day: Students’ own answers