FRS O LEVELESSAY WRITING SKILLS BY MR EDMORE MASEBE OF KUBATANA NYAMURORO HIGH
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Structure/ components of an Excellent FRS essay.
it is made up of three parts.
1 introduction
2 bodu
3 conclusion
AN Excellent introduction
-it starts by defining at most 2 key terms in the question.
- thereafter , the candidate interprets the demands of the question by introducing points that will be
used to answer the question
NB. If the question demands a two sided answer the candidate must show that.
2 AN EXCELLENT BODY
-consists of excellent paragraphs.
- these paragraphs develop from the points highlighted in the introduction.
-six or seven paragraphs should be written if one has to score an "A" grade. This therefore means a body
consists of 6 or 7points,each having one point only.
NB. 6 or 7 points are what constitute "several of the main points at O level while 8-10 points are for A
level.
AN EXCELLENT PARAGRAPH
- 8 -10 lines in an exercise book are enough for an O level FRS essay.
We mark the quality of a paragraph using the PEA method for O level. PEA is an abbreviation whereby:
P stands for Point
E stands for Evidence
A stands for analysis
Point
-this is the subject of the paragraph, that is what you are talking about in the whole paragraph
- it must be the main point of the paragraph in relation to the question.
- it must be introduced in the first sentence of the paragraph known as the Topic sentence. Thus it is the
topic/ theme of the paragraph.
EVIDENCE
- this is used to support the point.
-evidence include examples either from the society or Sacred books or texts like the Bible, or Koran
depending with the question.
-evidence shows that you are not guessing or generalising your points or discussion.
Thus evidence can either come from Primary sources(oral) or Secondary sources( written)
ANALYSIS
-this depends with the command word used like" explain, discuss, demonstrate, show how, in what
ways, To what extent, describe, Illustrate, evaluate, Examine, Analyse, etc.
However, all they require is for you to discuss by explaining the Ooint and Evidence in relation to the
question.
NB It is on Analysis that a student ought to display her or his critical thinking skills. It is from this
attribute that a student earns himself or herself an A grade.
Unlike in paper 1,here a student has to explain more or analyse deeper in relation to the question.
If there is criticism to the point, evidence and explanation, the learner must show that using conjuctions
like" however, on the other hand, Some scholars dismiss this viewpoint, etc"
One is credited for quoting Scholars" views. Be familiar with your O level scholars like
Chakabva P T.Understanding FRs
Bishau and others , Focus on FRs
Mwapfaa and Mukuya , New Trends
Mhuri CK, O level frs Guide
Mhlanga M, O level FRs Turn Up series
Zivave w, A Practical approach to FRS
AN EXCELLENT CONCLUSION
This summarises the whole discussion. It is a round-up.
Points discussed in the body are rewinded or recapped and recommendations can be given
TYPE OF QUESTIONS.
before you answer an Essay question first analyse its type.
1 Broad question
it covers more than one topic from the syllabus.
2 Narrow type
these are most common.
They are derived from one topic of the syllabus.
3 Cross cutting theme question.
this is taken from the syllabus on the section on Cross cutting themes eg heritage, good citizenship.
You must be familiar with such themes for ZIMSEC is very interested in them as evidenced by Past Exam
papers.
4 One sided question
eg Discuss the importance of sacred days in Judaism.
This question requires six or seven points unless the number of sacred days is mentioned, normally five.
6 Two sided question
eg To what extent does Christianity promote enterprise ?
or
Discuss the effects of conflicts in Indigenous religion?
or
How important is Indigenous religion in today's society?
NB.
4 or 5 points must support the Greater extent side
2 or 3:points must support the Lesser extent side.
ASSIGNMENT ESSAY PREPARATION
1identify and define key terms
2 Interpret the meaning and demands of the question.
3 See how many sides the question has.
4 Read notes and note what is relevant to the question in an Essay rough draft book
5 Read textbook, at least three, noting down what you feel is important to your question.
6 Make an answer plan by jotting down 6 or 7 points that answer your question in the rough draft
exercise book. These are the points to refer to in your introduction, body and conclusion.
NB. Never write an Essay without making an answer plan first. That also applies on Tests or
Examinations . In this case you do it on a rough paper which you will give the invigilators as spoiled
paper.
7 Revise your rough draft and edit by adding or subtracting something. You can give your friend or
different teachers to refine your grammar or discussion.
8 Write the final essay for submission.
NB. There is no time to write a Rough draft essay in case of examinations.
Thank you .
However, please note that this is just but a summary of Essay writing skills.
For more details like Mark bands you are free to call me.
or subscribe to and join my Online Class.
Masebe Edmore
0773510753
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