Why I Give Sample Answers

Sample answers are the best possible ways to study for english essays, compiled with actually writing the answers based on these essays yourself. 

When I was practicing for the SAT, I had to work on my essays. Sure, the techniques definitely helped me, but what pushed me above average was the fact that I could compare my essays to the full-scoring essays. It allowed me to critically analyze the problems with my essay and fix them, know exactly what my answer should look like, and bridge the gap between my essay and the model answers.

Without tutors, without external graders, without anything else, except for a good strategy and the sample answers, I obtained a 24/24 on the essay. And I'm no natural writer. 

My sample answers aren't a guide on their own - you need to use them to develop a strategy that you will consistently use for all the descriptive essays, after trial and error of what you feel will work. Then, use them to compare your essays to mine - have they reached this benchmark?

Moving on to Paper 3, Question 1

Now that descriptive writing is over and done with, I'm moving on to question 1 of Paper 3. Here, a passage is given and it involves writing a letter to a person that explains certain aspects of the passage whilst revolving around the main point, such as advantages, disadvantages, a final choice, and goes into further detail to develop these points.

My answer to a recent paper, from the following sources:

http://www.cie.org.uk/images/148848-0500-specimen-paper-3-2015.pdf

http://www.cie.org.uk/images/147702-specimen-paper-3-insert-2015.pdf

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Imagine that your aunt and uncle are considering educating your cousin at home and have asked for your views. Your cousin is an only child and, in your opinion, rather spoilt. Y/15/SIN3

Write a letter to your aunt and uncle in which you should explain:

• the advantages of being home schooled

• the reasons why home-schooling may not be advisable

• why you would or would not recommend home-schooling for your cousin.

Base your letter on the fact file and the magazine article, but be careful to use your own words. Address each of the three bullets. Begin your letter: ‘Dear Aunt and Uncle…’.

Write about 250 to 350 words. Up to 10 marks are available for the content of your answer, and up to 15 marks for the quality of your writing.

Dear Aunt and Uncle,

I’m pleased that you are looking for the best schooling option for Robert - education, of course, not only builds up a child academically, but also builds their personality. Home-schooling is not something to looked down on - it’s simply another way for a child to approach studies individually. If Robert chose this path, he would not be constricted by the mundane load of schoolwork, exams, and deadlines, rather, he could focus on aspects that he has a predilection toward, and take initiative to pursue them. Don’t worry, you wouldn’t be alone in this endeavor - there are organizations that bring together other home-schooled students for trips to museums, and group projects. These establishments could in turn respond to any questions Robert has, piquing his dying interest in education, and persuading him to go to university.

Nonetheless, you are sure to have some justified worries. The paucity of social gatherings, like at school, can curtail the development of Robert’s genial personality, especially since he is not one to be motivated and pursue this. Moreover, Robert, truth be told, is quite the hedonist and will forgo self-discipline for months in front of the television, losing out on physical activity and becoming as lethargic as a sloth. It’s difficult to obtain qualifications that would be appreciated by universities, many of whom say they do not discriminate based on homeschooling, but in spite of this, do. You, too, will have to cooperate, aiding Robert when necessary, so patience and tenacity are needed from your side.

You will need to ask yourself: why are you making this change? Is Robert performing poorly in his studies now? Has his school been closed down? The freedom that Robert welcomes at home may not be in his best interest, and rather than being diligent, he may take advantage of the situation. Although you may think there is no extra cost, depending on Robert’s strength in studies, you will have to consider hiring tutors for a multitude of subjects. He will likely need the constant reminder of tests and schoolwork to be focused. You could try home-schooling during the summer, letting him pursue his own interests and see how he responds to being a maverick (likely to be negatively). If you see downfall, go back to school.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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How exactly did I go about writing this? What were the steps that I took? What are essential things I must include? I'll go over all of this in the next post. Till then, you now know exactly what an answer looks like, what your goal should be. Keep this in mind.