I. Introduction

Part 2 of the Vstep writing skill requires: write an essay of about 250 words on a given topic, using reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

  • Time: 40 minutes
  • Part 2 accounts for 2/3 of the total score of the written test.

II. Types of essay writing

1. Discussion
2. Opinion
3. Problem – solution
4. Cause - effect

III. Structure of an essay

1. Introduction
General statement
Thesis statement
2. Main body
Provide arguments to solve the problem requirements. Write each argument in a paragraph using specific reasons and examples to support. You should write 2 to 3 paragraphs in the body of the essay.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
3. Conclusion
Conclusion part include:
Summary of main points.
Comments

IV. Steps to write a letter

To achieve high results when writing essays, follow these steps sequentially. Be sure to allocate a reasonable amount of time for the essay. Candidates should spend a maximum of 40 minutes on this essay.

Before writing (5-10 minutes) analyze the topic and make a detailed outline
- Read the question carefully to determine which category the essay belongs to: advantage/disadvantage, opinion, problem-solution, cause-effect.
- Brainstorming: List all the ideas in your draft input, then select 2 or 3 big ideas. Each big idea can be used to write 1 topic sentence for the paragraph. Other ideas can be grouped together as supporting sentences for topic sentences or as examples.
- Writing introduction: see how to write an introduction in the previous lesson.
- List some good phrases and sentences on the topic of the essay to be written.

While writing (20-25 minutes)
- Write the edited opening for the essay.
- Write body paragraphs in detailed outline. Note that each big idea is written in a paragraph with a topic sentence. Each topic sentence should use different structures and vocabulary.
After writing (5 minutes) check the essay
Please take a moment to check for grammatical errors, if any.

V. The scoring criteria for essay writing:

1. The required length (250 words)
2. Identify the correct type of problem and clearly state the solution to the problem's requirements.
3. There are main ideas in accordance with the requirements of the topic, each main idea is written into a paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
4. Develop rigorously with topic sentence support sentences and illustrative examples. There are reasonable paragraphs: introduction, body divided into 2 or 3 paragraphs, conclusion.
5. Use the tools to link ideas and link between paragraphs.
6. Use a lot of fixed phrases (collocation) and a variety of vocabulary, avoid repeating words
7. No vocabulary mistakes (vocabulary choice, spelling)
8. Using a lot of complex sentences
9. No grammatical errors.

VI. Vstep writing practice test - Part 2

Practice your essay writing with topics and answers bellow: