Extended Response Writing Essay Example
Extended Response Writing in HSC Geography
There are two parts to approaching an extended response:
1. Reading the question
2. Writing the response
1. Reading the Question
By effectively reading the question you find out what FACTS and TOPICS are required how the examiners want you to answer it.
3 How do I effectively read the question?
4 Determine what syllabus dot point it is from?
All questions are based on a syllabus dot point. Once you can recognise what syllabus dot point it is from you then know what information to write
6 Look for the Bossy words (Directive Verbs)
i.e. Analyse, evaluate, discuss, outline, compare, evaluate, explain… etc These words tell you the style of paper you need to write and the examiners are looking for SIGNPOSTS that show you have followed the directive verb.
7 Look for the bossy ‘s’
These indicate plural i.e. more than one. For example, ecosystem compared to ecosystems. This usually refers to case studies and examples. If the question has a bossy ‘s’ and you only use one example you automatically do not qualify for a band 5 and 6. .
2. Writing the Response • Let’s simplify what an extended response is? In its most simplistic definition an extended response is a series of logically connected paragraphs that are related to a topic. So, the basis of an effective extended response is that you have well constructed paragraphs.
The Paragraph • ONE paragraph = ONE key point about the topic you are writing about. The biggest mistake many students make is that they try to say too much in ONE go. It is better to spread your ideas over a few paragraphs.
• Sentence back- It is crucial to show the examiner that you are answering the question. The best way to do this is to SENTENCE BACK. Use words from the question to show that you are answering it directly. The best place to sentence back is in the first sentence of a paragraph (topic sentence).
•
There are two parts to approaching an extended response:
1. Reading the question
2. Writing the response
1. Reading the Question
By effectively reading the question you find out what FACTS and TOPICS are required how the examiners want you to answer it.
3 How do I effectively read the question?
4 Determine what syllabus dot point it is from?
All questions are based on a syllabus dot point. Once you can recognise what syllabus dot point it is from you then know what information to write
6 Look for the Bossy words (Directive Verbs)
i.e. Analyse, evaluate, discuss, outline, compare, evaluate, explain… etc These words tell you the style of paper you need to write and the examiners are looking for SIGNPOSTS that show you have followed the directive verb.
7 Look for the bossy ‘s’
These indicate plural i.e. more than one. For example, ecosystem compared to ecosystems. This usually refers to case studies and examples. If the question has a bossy ‘s’ and you only use one example you automatically do not qualify for a band 5 and 6. .
2. Writing the Response • Let’s simplify what an extended response is? In its most simplistic definition an extended response is a series of logically connected paragraphs that are related to a topic. So, the basis of an effective extended response is that you have well constructed paragraphs.
The Paragraph • ONE paragraph = ONE key point about the topic you are writing about. The biggest mistake many students make is that they try to say too much in ONE go. It is better to spread your ideas over a few paragraphs.
• Sentence back- It is crucial to show the examiner that you are answering the question. The best way to do this is to SENTENCE BACK. Use words from the question to show that you are answering it directly. The best place to sentence back is in the first sentence of a paragraph (topic sentence).
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