Unit 8. Children & The Family
Practice Test 8. Modern Parenting.
This practice test is a Direct Question Essay (similar to the focus question). Using the focus question as guidance, complete an answer to the practice test, then get your writing corrected with feedback from the Essay Marking and Feedback Service.
Download the free PDF Practice Test (including answer sheet)
Please note. To send your essays to the marking and feedback service, only Microsoft Word and WPS Word documents can be accepted (or files that can be copied into word documents)
Suggested Outline for a Direct Question Essay.
Planning Your Answer.
- Read the question carefully and work out what type of question it is.
- Brainstorm some new vocabulary from the question.
Watch my free video for STEP 1 to see how I complete this important first step for the focus question.
Remember, NEVER just start writing without first planning your essay (you will write a better essay if you plan it first).
Before you write the introduction ...
- Identify the direct questions presented in the question.
- Brainstorm about 4 ideas for each direct question for writing about in the body paragraphs.
INTRODUCTION
- Paraphrase the essay title using synonymous vocabulary, AND …
- Write a clear sentence in the introduction stating that you will write about (1) why some parents pressurise their children to become successful; and (2) whether you think this is a positive development and (3) whether you think it is a negative development - in the body paragraphs.
See the free video for the focus question about Gender Roles of Men & Women (STEP 2) to see how I do this.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
- Write a short paragraph stating why you think some parents feel they should put pressure on their children to be successful.
- Make sure you write a clear main idea.
- Try to write complex sentences and give examples to support your ideas.
- There is no need to write a summary sentence for this body paragraph as there will be 3 short body paragraphs for this essay.
- You need to make it obvious that you are expressing your opinion, so try to use a phrase that makes it clear (I think / I firmly believe / in my opinion etc)
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
- Write a short paragraph stating whether you think parents pressurising children is a positive development.
- Make sure you write a clear main idea.
- Try to write complex sentences and give examples to support your ideas.
- Do NOT write a summary sentence, but make sure you express your opinion as your opinion is required throughout this essay.
BODY PARAGRAPH 3
This sentence will be similar to body paragraph 2.
- Write a short paragraph stating whether you think parents pressurising children is a negative development. (body paragraphs 2 and 3 could be reversed)
- Make sure you write a clear main idea.
- Try to write complex sentences and give examples to support your ideas.
- Do NOT write a summary sentence, but again make sure you clearly express your opinion as your opinion is required.
SUMMARY CONCLUSION.
- Write a very brief conditional sentence for this essay (because you already wrote 3 body paragraphs) that states, for example, that if parents pressurise children, they might .... (your idea)
or contrasting
Write a very brief contrasting sentence for this essay stating that although, for example, pressurising children can have positive / negative effects, at the same time ... (your idea)
Don't forget, for the summary conclusion, it is always good to use these elements...
1) Use a transition signal.
- To sum up / In conclusion / Thus
2) Remember to express your opinion
- in my opinion / in my view / I think
3) Use a conditional (if / provided / unless / as long as) or contrasting (though / while / whereas) subordinating conjunction to begin your complex sentence. - Definitely do NOT introduce new ideas in this paragraph.
Now read and check your work for any mistakes.
To see how I write a band 9 answer using this structure, refer to the video lessons for the focus question (Gender Roles of Men & Women)
You can also download the free e-book to see how I structure these steps in
more detail.
Links for Unit 8. Children & The Family.