明日(27日)中学文凭试英文科开考,本栏今期及下一期将会化身“DSE英文写作速成班”,希望可以帮到有需要的读者,一同向高分writing衝刺。当然在有限的篇幅内不可能像课堂一样,把所有写作技巧列出。今集主要介绍一些比较有效、简单、容易运用的句子结构。
一般在DSE英语写作获取高分的考生也跟其他国际英语考试的考生有共通的地方,就是準确地运用多样化的句法,simple/compound/complex sentences一起运用,并且展示出灵活运用句子不同的结构。That is to demonstrate variations in aspects of writing.
在DSE English Paper 2 expository essay, markers主要评分是基於清晰、针对主要指定题材的描写。(focus on a specific topic only)Expository不是辩论,只需要就指定题材提供一个balanced view。切忌离题。
语文结构方面最重要用concrete and solid language,error-free grammar是基本。考生要清楚了解自己的所思所想。选择适合的linguistic function。清晰流畅地表达需要描写的项目及主题。
每一段的topic sentence(s)至为重要,务必表达段落的中心思想。所以建议所有topic sentences可以用Simple Sentence,简单清晰。读者有兴趣可以试试採用以下三款不同类型的句子结构:
1)It-clause
以 It 开首的clause一般以第三者角度描写事情,可以把文章整体的formality提升。也可以把需要强调的事情即时放在 It + (verb to be)之后。例句:
It is well-known that ...
It is inevitably true that ...
It was to demonstrate the significance of self-discipline …
2)Adjective /Adverbial /Noun clauses [to show contrast/time/manner/reason/purpose/result]
这些clauses可以增添句子的意思,使文章精彩。例句:
We should not make fun of someone who cannot change about themselves.
The moment we left, he started to feel better.
I cannot recall what I said to my brother yesterday.
3)Inversion/Fronting
倒装句(inversion)一般以adverbs开首,用来强调句子第一部分的事情。
例句:
Hardly had the opera started when there was a disturbance in the audience.
Not only did she lose all the personal belongings, but she also lost her credit cards.
Never have I seen a more obvious case of cheating.
若读者有兴趣重温基本句子结构(Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences), 可以参考这个网页: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4m8r2p
We like to write about the things we care about. It is no fun to sing about things we don't like, isn't it?
下期讨论HKDSE English Literature的Essay写作及答题技巧。
Email:carolc.english@gmail.com