Creating an outline might seem like an extra step, but it’s essential for organizing thoughts, ensuring clarity, and maintaining focus during the IB Chinese B writing exam. In a time-limited exam, a well-crafted outline leads to a cohesive and polished essay that effectively showcases both language proficiency and logical thinking.
To better demonstrate how to write an outline, let’s look at an example question:
Step 1: Understand the Question—What’s Being Asked?
The first step in outlining is to thoroughly understand the question and break it down into its key components.
- Identify Key Words: Look for important words like “energy crisis,” “renewable energy technology,” “students hope,” “environmental protection,” and “suggestions to the principal.” (It is highly recommended to underline or highlight these keywords to ensure that students fully understand the core of the task.)
- Determine the Writing Goal: The goal is to propose actionable suggestions to the school principal regarding renewable energy and environmental protection. This means child should focus on offering practical, concrete solutions, not just discussing the issue in general.
Step 2: Determine the Essay Type and Structure
Once the question is understood, the next step is to identify the essay type and structure. In this case, the required essay is a formal letter, which must include a greeting, a polite tone, and a clear closing statement. A well-structured letter typically consists of the following:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the issue (the energy crisis and students’ concerns) and express the desire to help.
- Body: Present specific suggestions to the principal for action on environmental issues, such as installing solar panels or starting a recycling program.
- Conclusion: Summarize the main suggestions and urge the principal to consider these ideas for implementation.
Step 3: List the Main Points—What Should Each Paragraph Cover?
After determining the structure, list the key points for each paragraph. This helps children stay focused and ensure the essay develops logically.
For the given letter, here’s a sample:
- Introduction: The increasing severity of the energy crisis and the importance of taking action; Students’ concerns.
- First Suggestion (Body Paragraph 1): Installing solar panels on the school building.
- Second Suggestion (Body Paragraph 2): Implementing a recycling program in the school canteen.
- Conclusion: Encourage the principal to seriously consider the suggestions and set up a discussion with students or staff.
Step 4: Add Supporting Details—How Can Each Point Be Strengthened?
The next step is to add specific supporting details to strengthen each argument. These could include examples, facts, or personal experiences that make the suggestions more compelling. Real-world examples or hypothetical scenarios that illustrate the potential success of their suggestions can make their arguments more convincing and well-rounded.
For example:
- Solar Panels: Highlight the long-term benefits of sustainability and environmental impact.
- Recycling Program: Explain how this program reduces waste and conserve resources. Offer the benefits it brings to the community.
Step 5: Check the Logic and Completeness of the Outline
The final step is to review the outline for logic, coherence, and completeness. Students should read through the outline, ensuring all ideas are logically connected and no details are missing.
- Logical Flow: Ensure that the ideas in each paragraph flow smoothly and connect naturally. The suggestion for solar panels should lead naturally to the recycling program, as both contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Completeness: Does the outline include a clear introduction, strong body points, and a concise conclusion?
Below is an completed outline example of the practice problems
Key Words: “energy crisis,” “renewable energy technology,” “students hope,” “environmental protection,” “suggestions.”
Goal: Propose practical suggestions for the principal regarding renewable energy and environmental protection.
Introduction: Address the energy crisis and express concern.
Body:
Suggestion 1: Install solar panels to reduce energy costs. ——Solar panels reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
Suggestion 2: Implement a recycling program to minimize waste. ——Recycling promotes sustainability and educates students.
Conclusion: Encourage action.
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