COMPOSITION WRITING: the
1 main stages
• Analysing the composition question
• Key words in composition titles
• Tips for planning your composition
• Useful linking words and phrases
• Produce final copy
• Proof read for spelling/grammar/punctuation
ANALYSING THE COMPOSITION QUESTION
Read the question several times.
Underline the words that tell you what approach to take. (e.g. discuss,
assess, compare).
Highlight key words relating to the subject matter.
Note any terms that you need to define.
Write the question out in your own words.
In your introduction say how you interpret the question (e.g. by
rephrasing in your own words).
In your conclusion, refer back to the question; show the reader that you
are still answering the set question.
KEY WORDS IN COMPOSITION TITLES
You might find that the title you have been given does not contain any of these key
words. You will have to look carefully at the way the question is phrased, along
with any accompanying guidance as to what is expected, to establish what sort of
approach is required.
Account for: Give reasons for; explain why something happens
Analyse: Break up into parts; investigate
Comment on: Identify and write about the main issues; give your reactions
based on what you’ve read/heard in lectures. Avoid just personal opinion.
Compare: Look for the similarities/differences between two things. Show
the relevance or consequences of these similarities. Perhaps conclude which
is preferable.
Contrast: Bring out the differences between two items or arguments. Show
whether the differences are significant. Perhaps give reasons why one is
preferable.
Critically evaluate: Weigh arguments for and against something, assessing
the strength of the evidence on both sides. Use criteria to guide your
assessment of which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable.
Define: Give the exact meaning of. Where relevant, show you understand
how the definition may be problematic.
Describe: Give the main characteristics or features of something, or outline
the main events.
Discuss: Investigate or examine by argument; sift and debate; give
reasons for and against; examine the implications.
Distinguish between: Bring out the differences between.
Evaluate: Assess and give your judgement about the merit, importance or
usefulness of something. Back your judgement with evidence.
Examine: Look closely into something.
Explain: Make clear why something happens, or is the way it is; interpret
and account for; give reasons for.
Explore: Examine thoroughly; consider from a variety of viewpoints.
Illustrate: Make something clear and explicit, giving examples of evidence.
Interpret: Show the meaning and2relevance of data or other material
presented.
Justify: Give evidence which supports an argument or idea; show why a
decision or conclusions were made; answer the main objections which might
be made.
Narrate: Outline what happened.
Outline: Give the main points/features/general principles; show the main
structure and interrelations; omit details and examples.
Relate: Show similarities and connections between
State: Give the main features briefly and clearly.
Summarise: Draw out the main points only; omit details and examples.
To what extent: Consider how far something is true, or contributes to a
final outcome. Consider also ways in which it is not true.
Trace: Follow the development or history of an event or process.
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR COMPOSITION
MAKE AN OUTLINE PLAN
Keep the question in sight.
DRAFTING
Start with the "middle".
Take each main topic, idea, and write a paragraph about it.
Do not worry about style or spelling at this stage: let the ideas flow.
Each paragraph needs a "topic sentence" that makes it clear what that
paragraph is about. The rest of the paragraph will include information and
evidence related to that "topic".
Write the conclusion: it should sum up the content of the "middle" and
relate back to the title.
Write the introduction: it is easier to say what your composition sets out
to do once you’ve done it.
USEFUL LINKING WORDS AND PHRASES
To indicate a contrast:
however / on the other hand / alternatively / in contrast / instead
on the contrary / in fact / rather / in comparison
another possibility ... but better /worst still,
despite this / in spite of (the fact that) / nevertheless / notwithstanding
for all that / yet / although / all the same
To provide an illustration:
for example / that is / that is to say / for instance / say
in other words / namely / such as / as follows
including / especially / not least / in particular
chiefly / mainly / most importantly
To extend a point:
similarly / equally / likewise / too / also
furthermore / in the same way
besides / above all / as well / in addition
To show the next step: 3
first(ly) / second(ly) / to begin-start with / in the first...second place
first and foremost / first and most importantly
then / after / next / afterwards / third(ly)
finally / ultimately / lastly / last but not least
To show cause and effect/conclusion:
so / therefore / accordingly / thus / hence / then
as result-consequence / resulting from /in consequence of this
in this-that case / consequently / because of this-that
for this reason / owing to the fact that /due to the fact that
it follows that / this suggests that / accepting this / assuming this
in conclusion / it might be concluded from this / this implies
in short / to conclude / in all / in brief