ECP: Choosing an essay topic and title
Your essay assignment
1500 word essay
Select a topic to explore
Read about the topic (3 weeks)
Produce an outline: March 2nd
Tutorials (one-to-one): March 6th and 7th
Submit a draft copy: March 21st
Revise and improve your essay based on feedback
Final submission: March 30th
Essay topics and titles
Look at the following titles. Which ones are 'effective' titles? Which ones are not?
Analyse the benefits of collaborative learning for English language teaching in secondary schools.
Improve vocabulary teaching effectiveness in primary school.
The effects of classroom activities on effective classroom learning
Discuss how to use tests and evaluation effectively to help students with their English learning.
The deficiencies of English lesson planning and the way to improve it.
Which factors help to make an effective title?
Can you identify:
the topic?
a restriction?
the specific aspect focused on?
the instruction?
Is there is a viewpoint?
Brainstorm a topic
e.g. the education system in China
Choosing an area
1. Choose a topic area.
2. How much do you know about the topic already?
3. Make a mind map for the topic: brainstorm as many elements as you can.
4. Select between one and three elements that are of most interest to you.
5. Explain your ideas about these elements to a partner.
Writing an effective title
1. Write 3-5 questions about your topic area that you want to find out about. e.g. Why? What? Who? When? How?
2. How much do you already know about these areas?
3. How practical is it to work on these areas?
4. Select one or two questions. Analyse and revise:
a) Are there any topic words?
b) Which aspect(s) of the topic are to be investigated?
c) Which words restrict the topic?
d) Add an instruction word, e.g. Discuss, Compare ...
5. Is this an effective title?
Peer review
- Work in small groups.
- Exchange questions.
- Analyse all the questions using the 'effective title' factors.
- Which are the most effective questions. Why?
- Select the best question for your essay.
- Edit or improve the question to make the most effective title for your essay.
Research task.
- Think about your viewpoint within your title or:
- Think about a problem or question you have about your teaching.
- Look for books and articles that discuss your topic.
- Look for an article that supports your viewpoint.
- Look for an article that does not support your view.
- Read and make notes on both articles.
- Keep a record of all books and articles you read.
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