WRITING FOR BAC STUDENTS

A PARAGRAPH is a group of complete sentences that are related together and discuss a main idea. A standard paragraph must include these elements.
1. The topic sentence 2. Supporting sentences 3. The concluding sentence 4. Transition words ( connectives)
The topic sentence is the first sentence in the paragraph.
It’s a complete sentence that summarizes the content of the Technology has many advantages. To begin with, it’s making our lives easier and
paragraph in a general way. comfortable. In other words, people save more time and effort with the use of technology.
For example, machines and robots can perform all of our hard tasks perfectly and in no time.
Supporting sentences are the complete sentences that come
after the topic sentence to support, explain, or develop it more. Also, great inventions, like the telephone, computers, the television, the cell-phone, and the
Supporting sentences should : internet have made communication easier and better. Additionally, research has confirmed
- be specific enough by giving relevant details the positive effect of technology on our economic growth. Nowadays, 70% of world
- present examples, statistics, facts, ideas…
businesses rely on technology to improve the quality of their products or services. Moreover,
- be related together through the use of transition words to
achieve unity and coherence of the paragraph the various technological advances in transportation have turned our world into a small village.
This has led to effective interaction between people from different places and cultures. In fact,
The concluding sentence is the last sentence in the paragraph. with all these advantages, technology has brought about many positive changes to our
It restates ( repeats in different words) the main idea of the
every-day lives.
paragraph or summarizes the content presented in it.

AN ESSAY is group of related paragraphs which develop and discuss a central idea. A standard essay must include the following parts:
1. The introduction 2. The body 3. The conclusion .
- The introductory paragraph gives
general information about the topic. Technology is the application of science for economic, social, commercial, or practical purposes. It has certainly
- It introduces the central idea of the changed our ways of life both positively and negatively. So, I believe that technology has some drawbacks in addition
essay to be discussed in the essay.
to its many advantages, too.
- It introduces key words / terms / …
On the one hand , technology has many advantages . To begin with, it’s making our lives easier and a lot

- The body consists of at least two more comfortable. In other words, people save more time and effort with the use of technology. For example, machines
paragraphs. and robots can perform all of our hard tasks perfectly and in no time. Also, great inventions, like the telephone, computers,
- Each paragraph begins with a the television, the cell-phone, and the internet have made communication easier and better. Additionally, findings have
clear topic sentence that is
shown the positive effect of technology on our economic growth. Nowadays, 70% of world businesses rely on technology
thematically related to the thesis
statement or central idea presented to improve the quality of their products or services. Moreover, the various technological advances in transportation have
briefly in the introductory turned our world into a small village. This has led to effective interaction between people from different places and
paragraph.
cultures. In fact, with all these advantages, technology has brought about many positive changes to our every-day
- Each paragraph contains within it
supporting sentences to support the lives.
topic sentence, and ends with a On the other hand , there are some drawbacks to technology. First, people are becoming more and more over-
concluding sentence.
dependent on technology. Second, machines are replacing humans in factories. Consequently, more people are losing
- Supporting sentences provide
explanation, give examples, present their jobs to automation , which has led to a rapid increase in unemployment rates, especially among young people.
facts and statistics. Also, because of the incredible breakthroughs in entertainment industry, people have become less active. That’s to say,
- Transition expressions are used to they exercize less and spend more too much time sitting before their TV sets, others before their computers surfing the
relate paragraphs together, or to
move smoothly from one paragraph internet or playing video games. Additionally, the technological advancements in chemical industry can be the source
to the next one. of many modern dangerous diseases, like cancer, HIV, and H1N1. What’s more, internet addiction is one of the
- Transitions expressions are used to negative outcomes of modern technology. In fact , technology can be a harmful and destructive tool sometimes.
relate sentences / ideas.
- The conclusion : The concluding To sum up, technology has become an essential part of our life. However, it’s a double-edged sword that can
paragraph summarizes the main
points discussed in the essay. It amay change our lives to the better or to the worst. So, it’s entirely up to us to use it either wisely, or foolishly.
contain a call for action from the part
of the writer.
AN ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH presents an opinion on a certain topic and lists a number of reasons, examples, facts, ideas to support it.
The topic sentence presents the I believe that every student should study a foreign language for these reasons. First, knowing a foreign language
writer’s opinion / argument clearly.
can help you a lot in life. If you speak more than one language, you have better chances to secure a decent job. In fact,
Many local companies today deal with other companies in other countries. So, they will certainly need employees who can
speak another language. Second, one’s life can be really interesting and exciting when they can talk to people from other
A number of reasons, examples, countries , read their books, watch their movies, and sing their songs. Nowadays, studying English, for example, gives one
facts are arranged in the form of the opportunity to learn about the world and its cultures. Remember that a language is not seperate from the people who
supporting sentences to support the speak it. When you learn a language you learn more than just words ; in other words ,you learn how other people think and
writer’s opinion / argument. live. In modern times, it’s very important for world peace that we understand one another. Additionally, When you study
a different language you learn about yourself, too. Learning another language gives you the chance to look at your own
language through someone else’s eyes. For example, English uses only one word for the pronoun you . So, when an
American studies Spanish and learns that Spanish uses two words for you, he may ask, “ Why does English have only one
The concluding sentence restates
the writer’s opinion / agrument in word for you ?”. Therfore, the American is then learning about his language and culture. Given all these reason, I think
different words. that the world will be a better place if all students every where have the chance to study a foreign language.

A CAUSE-EFFECT PARAGRAPH discusses the causes and consequences of an action, situation, event, or decision.
The topic sentence introduces the There are many factors that can lead teenagers to drop out of school. One major cause is that many youths
main idea. don’t have positive role models in their lives. So, the absence of an encouraging adult in a young person’s life causes
him or her to think negatively about himself or herself. In other words, it will not allow them to live up to their full
- Supporting sentences follow to potential. Also, this lack of a positive role model often results in their involvement with the wrong type of people and
support the topic sentence. activities. When a student become involved with the wrong crowd doing the wrong things, he or she usually doesn’t
- Causes and effects are arranged in concentrate fully on his or her studies. This can lead many young children to give up on their education quite early.
sentences using cause-effect Another cause of dropping out of school is lack of determination. Since they’re not determined to graduate, it can be very
expressions. difficult for many youngsters to stay in school. Many students find it hard to stay focused on school as they believe that
getting an education is useless nowadays. Others simply hate school because they feel they are forced to attend classes.
In some cultures, quitting school can be the result of peer and family pressure. Unfortunately, many teenagers give up
into this pressure very easily. Even worse, if the presence of such pressure is too negative it can lead to states of
The concluding sentence summarizes depression and drug addiction. In fact, drugs become the only thing they are focused on. As a consequence, their lives
the paragraph’s content. are destroyed tragically. Thus, dropping out of school can be the result of personal, psychological, and social factors.
A narrative paragraph tells the reader what happened. It relates a sequence of past events using chronological order. It must contain these
elements of : - Setting ( time /place) - Point of view - Character - Action .
- The topic sentence sets the setting (time) Last weekend , I had the best time of my life. On Friday night, my best friend came over and we made a
- Point of view (who tells the story) : delicious, mouth-watering pizza. After we ate, we had a friendly video game competition. Moments later, my other
1st person: I / we or 3rd person: he /she/they best friend, Ali, joined us. On Saturday, my dad took us out on the boat. The weather was perfect and the water was
- Character (who / what is in the story )
warm. It was a great day to go for a swim. Later in the evening , we went to the movies. We saw an action- packed
- Action ( What happened ? )
thriller and ate a lot of popcorn. Later that night, we spent some time playing chess. Finally, on Sunday, we went
- Supporting sentences are arranged in a
bike-riding around town. By the end of the day, my legs became very sore. We had great moments. I only hope the
chrnological order and are connected
next weekend can be as fun as this one. Now, with such experience, I’ve changed my opinion about weekends. Now
through time expressions or adverbs of
sequence . I have to say that weekends can only be as exciting and fun as we’d make them to be.

A COMPARE-CONTRAST PARAGRAPH tells us about the similarities and differences between two or more people, animals, things, places, or ideas.
- The topic sentence introduces the two
Oceans and lakes have much in common, but they are also quite different. Both are bodies of water.
items to be compared and contrasted.
- Aspects of comparison and contrast are Oceans are very large bodies of salt water, while lakes are much smaller bodies of fresh water. Lakes are usually
listed in the supporting sentences using surrounded by land, unlike oceans that are what surround continents. Both have plants and animals living in them.
compare-contrast expressions. The ocean is home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes support much smaller forms of life. In
- The concluding sentence may includes conclusion, I think either of the two will make a great place to visit and enjoy when it’s time for vacation.
the writer’s personal / final thought.
A FILM REVIEW is a a briefly written description, analysis, and evaluation of the different aspects of a film.
Film Review Elements :
Basic Information : The film title, genre, Twilight is a 126-min romance fantacy written by Melissa Rosenberg, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, and
release date, director, screenwriter, main produced by Mark Morgan. The film is set in Washington and Arizona, and it stars a teenager ( Kristen Stewart )
actors, producer and a vampire (Robert Pattinson) . It was released in November 2008 and it tells the story of a high-school girl and
Description : Summarize the story in a a mysterious vampire . The two fall in love, but they have to overcome social pressure and other obstacles to take a
few sentence or two without giving away chance be together. Kirsten’s acting was impressive in the film , and Rober’s performance was captivating. Twilight
too much of the plot so as not to spoil your received numerous film awards including MTV Movie Award, People’s Choice Award, and Young Artist Award.
reader’s viewing. Describe the actors’ In addition, it was nominated for Best Fantasy Film at the 35th Saturn Awards, and nominated for two Grammy
performance. Awards. I find this film to be incredibely moving , exciting, and thrilling. In fact, my favorite aspect of the film is
Analysis : Give your opinion about the its touching scenes. The special effects are just amazing, especially the ones featuring the wolves fighting. Another
film (good or bad), the aspects you like great thing that I like about Twilight is its terrific sound track . It suits the mood of the film in a perfect way. The
the most and/or the ones you like the least
only thing I don’t like about the film is some of its extremely bloody scenes. They are disappointing. Yet, the best
about the film . Highlight the theme(s) ,
moral message(s) in the film. thing about it is its excellent plot. The story is very relatable because it explores these important classic and modern-
Evaluation and Recommendation: day themes of good and evil, sacrifice, the power of love, the power of tradition, appearance and reality, man and
Restate your general thoughts and the natural world, and family pressure. Over all, I think this film contains great directing and acting. It is full of
feelings about the film and tell readers emotional moments, and tells an excelent moral story. That’s why I strongly recommend it.
whether they should or shouldn’t see it.
A REPORT is a piece of organized writing which presents descriptive information about an event, or investigates and analizes a situation.
Elements of a Report on an Event : School Dropout in Rural Areas: The Ibn Khaldoun Conference Hall, in Rabat was the destination of many
- The title should be short and precise . It people from all parts of Morocco, on November 20th . The event was a seminar organized by the UNECEF
should give a general idea about the Office in Morocco. It was about the urgent topic of “ Dropping out school in rural areas: causes and solutions” .
content of the report. Participants included educators, parents’ associations, and political officials. Approximately 200 people attended
- The introduction sets the setting for the the meeting. The activities were varied and they included mini-lectures , workshops, presentations. The
report by giving details about the time,
participants concluded that there were three main causes of dropping out from schools in rural areas. The first one
place, and participants.
- The body , sually limited to one paragraph, was poverty the second one was long distances between school and home, and the third one was child labor .
includes the main ideas of the report. Also, the participants suggested a few solutions to this issue. Some of these solutions were encouraging drop-
- The conclusion evaluates the success of the out students to return to school, supporting poor families financially, so they can send their children to school,
event and the reactions of participants and and sensitizing parents and civil society about the importance of education . In fact, the seminar was fruitful,
attendees. informative, and successful, and most people who attended expressed their satisfaction with the outcome.

AN INFROMAL LETTER is a letter written to a friend or a relative. A letter should include a heading, an opening, the body, conclusion, and closing
- In the heading ,write your address Hay Sandi, N 33
and date at the top right-hand corner. Rabat, Morocco
- Begin the salutation or greeting
from the left margin. Use a comma April 8, 2016
Dear John ,
after the greeting – in the opening , Thank you very much for your letter. I was pleased to learn about some aspects of American culture, and I’m so
introduce the subject of the letter. happy to tell you a little bit about Morocco and its culture.
Morocoo is a north African country. It’s home to a variety of ethnicities that live now together in peace. These
include the Arabs , the Amazigh, people of Andalusian origin, and people of sub-suharian descent. Islam is the
In the body , briefly outline the predominant religion here. Also, the country is home to a considerabley large Jewish community, and a minority of
Christians, as well. Generally, Moroccans are friendly, easy-going, nice people, who are yet mostly known for their
information, ideas, content that you
good sense of humor and hospitality.
want to communicate to your reader
or addressee. The influences of tradition and history reflect on the clothes that Moroccans wear. The "djellaba" is a full-sleeved
robe that is commonly worn by Moroccan women. The "gandora", which is another popular robe worn by men, is a short-
sleeved male version of the women’s djellaba. Moroccan people are a heterogenous group par [Link] owe
such diversity to the many cultures that have influenced them.
Moroccan cuisine is a mix of Arab-Amazigh and Mediteranean inlfluences. The two main dishes the country is
- In the conclusion briefly restate best-known for are tajine and couscous. Other popular dishes include “pastila”, “ ttanjia”, and meat balls. Drinking
the body’s content. mint tea is an important ritual that is performed with family and friends.
- The complimentary closing comes I hope this gives you an idea about Moroccan culture. Please write to me soon, and give my best wishes to your
below at the right- hand bottom of family.
the body. Use a comma after that. Best wishes ,
Write your name below the closing. Nabil