what is a direct essay

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IELTS Direct Question Essays – Structure, Questions, Samples & Tips

Updated On Nov 28, 2023

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IELTS Direct Question Essays – Structure, Questions, Samples & Tips

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The IELTS Writing Task 2, has an essay type known as the “Direct Question Essay,” which is a crucial component of the IELTS exam. It evaluates your ability to express your ideas, analyze a given topic, and provide a clear, well-structured response.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the structure of IELTS Writing Task 2 : Direct Question Essays, delve into essential pointers, provide ten valuable tips to ace this task and furnish you with five sample questions and answers to boost your preparation.

Structure of a Direct Question Essay

A Direct Question Essay typically follows a specific format:

I agree that schools should place a greater emphasis on practical life skills. While traditional subjects are essential, practical skills like cooking, budgeting, and home repair equip students for real-life challenges. For instance, teaching basic culinary skills can promote healthier eating habits, reducing the prevalence of diet-related health issues.

Furthermore, budgeting knowledge empowers individuals to manage their finances effectively, reducing the risk of falling into debt. The ability to handle basic home repairs fosters independence and self-reliance, which are valuable qualities in adulthood.

By incorporating practical skills into the curriculum, schools prepare students for the responsibilities they will face in their daily lives. While academic knowledge is important, it is equally crucial to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in the real world. Thus, I firmly believe that schools should allocate more resources to teach practical life skills alongside traditional subjects, ensuring a holistic education that sets students on the path to success.

Banning smoking in public places offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it significantly improves public health by reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke. Non-smokers, including children and those with respiratory conditions, benefit from cleaner air, leading to a lower incidence of smoking-related health issues.

Secondly, such bans encourage individuals to quit smoking or reduce their consumption. When smoking is restricted in public spaces, smokers may be more inclined to quit as the inconvenience of finding a designated smoking area becomes apparent. This, in turn, decreases the overall demand for tobacco products and contributes to public health.

However, banning smoking in public places can lead to potential disadvantages. Businesses reliant on tobacco sales may experience a decline in revenue, potentially leading to layoffs or closures. Additionally, some smokers may resist the bans, leading to enforcement challenges and potential conflicts in public spaces.

In conclusion, the advantages of banning smoking in public places, such as improved public health and reduced smoking rates, outweigh the disadvantages. While businesses may face challenges, the long-term benefits to society as a whole are substantial.

Key Pointers for Direct Question Essays

Understand the Question: Read the question carefully to grasp its requirements and focus. Identify keywords that dictate the scope of your response.
Plan Your Essay: Spend a few minutes brainstorming and outlining your essay. Organize your thoughts and main ideas. A well-structured essay flows more naturally.
Clarity and Coherence: Use clear and concise language. Ensure that your essay is easy to follow and logically organized. Employ appropriate transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
Stay on Topic: Avoid straying from the main question. Irrelevant information can reduce the clarity of your essay and affect your score.
Word Count: Adhere to the word count requirement. Going over or under the limit can result in point deductions.
Vocabulary and Grammar: Showcase a wide vocabulary range and accurate grammar. Simple and complex sentences should be used appropriately to enhance the quality of your writing.
Examples and Details: Support your ideas with relevant examples, facts, and details. This strengthens your arguments and demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic.
Counter Arguments: Address counterarguments when relevant. This shows your ability to consider different perspectives and strengthens your position.
Time Management: Allocate time wisely. Ensure you have enough time to review and edit your essay before submission.
Revision: Always review and edit your essay. Look for errors in spelling, grammar, and clarity. A well-edited essay leaves a positive impression.

You can practice more Direct Question Essays here .

Direct Question Essay: A Skill to Learn!

In conclusion, mastering the art of writing Direct Question Essays is achievable with practice, a clear understanding of the format, and attention to key pointers. By following the structure, incorporating the tips provided, and analyzing the sample questions and answers, you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 2. So, start practicing and make your writing shine on test day. Good luck!

Here are the 10 examples for the Direct question essay

Also, check :

Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
IELTS Writing recent actual test
IELTS Band 9 essays
Advantage and Disadvantage Essays
IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors

Frequently Asked Questions

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Thank you very much for sharing this useful post.I’m sure this educational programs & sectors will be helpful for those who want to improve their skills in learning better English. So I expect you going on this.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Questions

Posted by David S. Wills | Jul 18, 2018 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 1

Today we’re going to look at an IELTS writing task 2 question that often makes students a little worried: the two-part question . This is also sometimes referred to as “the direct question” as it is more direct than other types of writing questions, such as advantages and disadvantages or causes and solutions .

In this lesson, I will show you what this question looks like and explain how to answer it.

What is a two-part question, two-part question examples, analysing the question, structuring a two-part question essay, sample answer.

In IELTS writing task 2, there are different sorts of questions you may be asked. One of them is called the two-part question (or sometimes “the direct question”). It is most commonly called a two-part question because it contains two distinct questions.

Of course, some other questions also contain two parts. For example, a problem and solution essay is two parts. However, what we mean by a “two-part question” is one that contains two questions . The reason this is sometimes called a “direct question” task is that the questions themselves are more direct than other IELTS writing task 2 question types, which instruct candidates to explore an idea. This is rather vague , whereas the two-part question is very specific .

To understand this idea better, let’s look at an example two-part question:

In education and employment, some people work harder than others. Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard?

Ok, the first thing that you may notice is that there are three parts to this question! However, the first part is actually a lead-in statement. It is not particularly important. The parts that you need to address in your essay are the two questions. This is why some people say “two-part question” and others say “direct question”.

Here is another example:

Happiness is often considered difficult to define. Why is this? What factors determine happiness?

Here the first question contains a pronoun, “this”, which refers back to the idea in the first sentence. In other words, the first question is “Why is it often considered difficult to define happiness?”

Finally, here is one more example question:

Success is often measured by wealth and material possessions. Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful person?

As you can see by now, each question has three parts: an introductory statement and two individual (but related) questions. You will see this exact format used with numerous IELTS topics .

Sometimes the lead-in statement will be very long, and sometimes the questions are quite closely linked. Other times the statement may be short or the questions ask quite different things.

How to Answer Two-Part Questions

The first thing to remember is: DON’T PANIC! Two-part questions often make students a bit nervous, but really they are not so bad. They are no more difficult to answer than the other IELTS task 2 question types.

In fact, this type of question may even be the easiest one to answer!

Although the questions themselves are sometimes a bit challenging, they are direct questions . This means that it is less likely you will stray off-topic while writing. In other words, your task is actually more straightforward than it would be with an agree/disagree question, for example.

Let’s look at an example question so we can analyse it. This is the first thing you should do in any IELTS writing task 2 essay, and it’s important to spend a minute or two thinking carefully about it.

Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever they want. Is this a good way to raise children? What consequences could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?

We can take three steps to analyse this question.

Let’s look at the first sentence: What is it about? It is about permissive parents – ie parents who give their children too much (or who give in to their child’s demands) and let them do too many things.
Next, the first question contains a pronoun (“this”) which refers to the ideas in the first sentence, and asks if it’s good or not.
The second question talks about the consequences – not for the parents, but for the children.

I have deliberately chosen a slightly difficult question here in order to show you how to answer it. Usually, the questions are a little more direct and obvious, but here you need to consider the three sentences in order, making sure to understand each fully.

In a situation like this, if you make an incorrect assumption about the first or second parts of the sentence, it may cause a serious lack of coherence and cohesion , in addition to poor task achievement .

For example, if you thought it was just about children not being made to study enough, you might write the next paragraph all about a lack of studying and the following one may come back closer to the correct idea because of the more specific question. This would look bad, indicating a lack of unity in your writing.

Thankfully, it is not difficult to create a perfect two-part essay structure. In fact, it is very easy!

Here is a basic essay template:

In a previous article, I talked about whether to use a 4 or 5 paragraph essay . This is one case when you definitely want to use a four-paragraph essay.

Here’s the video, if you want to review it:

I have lots more posts on the topic of IELTS essay structures. Here are a few:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures
Planning IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure
How to Structure a Paragraph

In this section, I will give you my sample answer to the above question, using the basic four-paragraph structure that I mentioned. Obviously, my ideas will be different to yours, but the structure which I outlined can be used 100% of the time.

In today’s society, some parents are becoming increasingly permissive. They do not impose sufficient discipline on their children, and in some cases buy them too many things. This essay will explore why this is not a good way to raise children and why it will have negative impacts upon them in future. While it is understandable that parents want to give their children expensive toys and let them run freely in the streets, this is actually not really an appropriate method of parenting. Having too many toys encourages children to be materialistic and does not offer them the same change to develop social skills like sharing. Furthermore, when children have asked for the toys, it gives them a sense of entitlement and even power over their parents. As for giving children too much freedom, there are obviously a great many dangers in this world from which they need to be kept safe. Children also need rules and boundaries to encourage them to develop into mature and responsible adults. If parents insist on this permissive style of parenting, their children will grow up with very different values from those of stricter parents. Children who were never forced to study will end up with poorer grades in school, and those who were given everything they wanted as children will expect everything to come easily as adults. In short, they will lead difficult and disappointing lives, in contrast with what their parents hoped. In conclusion, although it is tempting to give children whatever they want, parents ought to set rules and boundaries, and to be careful with how they reward children. If parents fail to impose a basic level of discipline, children may grow up with a poor attitude that will cause them and others to suffer.

There are really no words or phrases that are unique to the two-part question essay. Just use regular academic English as with any other IELTS task 2 question, and of course stick to the topic.

For my essay, I used the word “permissive.” It means allowing too much and not setting enough rules. You could use similar words like “liberal,” “easygoing”, “live and let live”, and so on, although they vary slightly in precise meaning.

Here are some more useful terms that you can use to talk about parents:

As always, remember to avoid IELTS phrases and other cliches. Learn new vocabulary by topic and in collocations rather than isolation.

Tips for Two-Part Questions

Finally, a few tips to remember:

Practice this question type often before the exam – it’s pretty common!
Make sure you understand each part of the question before answering.
Always use the four-paragraph essay structure.
Work on idea generation at home in order to come up with good, on-topic answers.

I made this article into a short video. Please give it a ‘LIKE’ and subscribe to the channel if you find it useful.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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could someone evaluate this and give the band score it deserves? here is my writing of the given topic….. In education and employment, some people work harder than others. 1. Why do some people work harder? 2. Is it always a good thing to work hard?

ans : It is often seen that some people put in more effort than others in the field of education and employment . The possible reasons could be due to the workload pressure or genuine passion .While passion for accomplishing task is a good thing, working hard due to constant pressure and other circumstances could be a problem . This essay explores the potential reasons as to why some work more than others and also discusses whether it is good to do so or not.

While students work hard due to their caliber and interest in studies working people work hard due to circumstances .Although there are a few students who study due to constant nagging by mentors or parents, most of them develop a genuine interest towards the subjects. Employers, on the other hand, work up to their innate potential to make both ends meet. For example, some workers work overtime that is for longer hours in order to earn higher salary or during the weekends to cope with the pending works . Sometimes they complete their tasks in advance in case they have any upcoming projects or plans outside the workplace to compensate for the missing working days.

Whether it is a good thing or a bad thing completely depends on the situation. Any work, no matter how important and urgent, if done against will and under high pressure will never give good outcomes . Instead it will lead to anxiety and stress if not accomplished on time. But if one is passionate and hungry for success and enjoys pursuing their interest, it will undoubtedly bear fruits and their hard work will eventually pay off.

All things considered, hard work is the key to success with respect to both education and employment. But it is important to make a note that one should have a great deal of passion and sincerity to achieve success and should not be forced to work due to helplessness or under pressure.

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Direct Question Essay in IELTS: Everything You Need to Know

Updated on
Dec 30, 2023

The IELTS Writing Task 2 demands test takers to write cohesive, nuanced, and insightful essays. Within this section, a diverse spectrum of essay types arises, such as opinion pieces, problem-solution analyses, and advantage/disadvantage examinations. Notably, amongst these stands the Direct Question Essay, characterized by its explicit and directive nature, demanding a clear and concise response within a 250-word limit. To know more about IELTS direct question essays, read the entire blog.

This Blog Includes:

Top 5+ tips for direct question essay ielts, structure of an ielts direct question essay, scoring criteria for direct essay questions, most common ielts direct essay sample questions, ielts direct question essay samples .

Here are the top tips for direct question essays in IELTS writing task 2. Refer to them to bolster your chances of scoring better in IELTS writing.

Take a good look at the test questions before diving in. It’ll save you time and frustration in the long run, and make sure you’re answering what the examiners want to know.
You should keep a formal tone while writing direct-question essays in IELTS writing task 2.
Individuals must stick to the given word limit. Exceeding the word limit can cause you to lose marks and time. Write your essay with a word count of at least 250-270 words.
Set a time restriction during your preparation to enhance your overall speed and accuracy. During your actual exam, you will get around 40 minutes to write a direct-question essay. Therefore, practising under time constraints can help you get accustomed to the actual time crunch you’ll face during the test.
A proper content structure must be followed, i.e., begin with an introduction paragraph, a two-body paragraph and end the essay with a concise conclusion.
Make your intro concise and to the point. In other words, keep them tight, clear, and accurate to the topic.
The main body paragraphs of your essay should answer the questions asked in the question.
Refined writing with proper grammar and vocabulary makes a big impression and showcases your language proficiency.

Sticking to the expected structure in IELTS direct question essays is crucial to avoid losing points and improve your chances of scoring better. Refer to the data given below to get a better understanding of the structure of IELTS Direct Question Essays.

Introduction Paragraph

Always start your essay with a concise, articulated and punchy introduction. Intros that pack a punch can rope in a lot of eyeballs and encourage them to read further. Begin with a succinct yet insightful phrasing of the assigned prompt, then offer a taste of the key arguments you’ll elaborate upon in the subsequent paragraphs.

Body Paragraph 1

Directly address the first question in the opening paragraph with a clear and comprehensive response.

Body Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, feel free to explore your second or third questions, bolstering your arguments with illustrative examples for greater clarity and impact.

Conclusion Paragraph

Sum up your entire essay in this paragraph. Ensure that you have included all the major points in this part of the essay.

The IELTS Direct Essay Questions are evaluated on the following factors:

Task Achievement

Your essay should answer all the questions asked on the topic. You should use linkers and examples to make your essay more cohesive, comprehensible and impactful.

Lexical Resource

Diversify your lexical choices to enhance the persuasiveness and sophistication of your written arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Evaluate your essay for grammatical inconsistencies that might detract from its persuasiveness and accuracy.

Maintain Coherence

Your IELTS Direct Question Essay should be coherent and comprehensible to the readers. It must be segregated into concise and articulated paragraphs that are easy to read and comprehend.

Here are the most common IELTS Direct Essay Sample Questions.

Refer to the following samples to get a solid idea about IELTS direct question essays and how to answer them.

Q: Online shopping is significantly increasing. What impact does this have on people, what are the disadvantages, and what are the job opportunities?

Ans: The internet’s discovery has transformed numerous facets of people’s lives, giving rise to online shopping and sparking significant societal changes. While it delivers numerous benefits, it also introduces disadvantages that warrant discussion.

One of the main disadvantages of online shopping is that it lacks a tangible experience as consumers can not touch, feel, or try the items they are purchasing beforehand. It not only causes dissatisfaction but has also increased return rates. In addition to this, the impersonal nature of online shopping has led to poor customer service. Apart from this, another significant concern of people is the risk of fraud and identity theft that it carries. With the growing prevalence of online transactions, consumers face a heightened risk of compromising their personal and financial information.

Despite these challenges, the rise of online shopping has created numerous job opportunities. The e-commerce industry is booming and requires a wide range of skills such as web development, digital marketing, logistics, and customer service. Due to this, new jobs have been created, allowing individuals to start their businesses. Furthermore, the need for improved cybersecurity has led to an increase in demand for this field. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses are emphasizing safeguarding their customers’ data and ensuring a secure online shopping experience, making cybersecurity an essential and integral part of the e-commerce industry.

In conclusion, although online shopping comes with a share of drawbacks, it also brings opportunities for various employment prospects. It is crucial for both consumers and businesses to effectively tackle these challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities provided by this expanding industry.

Q: Fast food is a part of life in many places. Some people think this has bad effects on lifestyle and diets. How is the consumption of fast food bad for people? Why should one avoid fast food?

Ans : The omnipresence of fast food in today’s society is undeniable, as it has become an integral part of every individual’s life worldwide. However, fast food’s detrimental effects on our lifestyle and diet are unmistakable, and I wholeheartedly agree with this viewpoint for several reasons.

Fast food is often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories while providing very few nutrients. If someone consumes it regularly, there is a high probability that it can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health-related problems. It is concerning as in the present scenario many countries are facing high rates of childhood obesity cases. In addition to this, the convenience of fast food has encouraged a sedentary lifestyle. Daily consumers tend to invest less time in preparing home-cooked meals and participating in physical fitness activities, contributing to social isolation. This lifestyle shift can have adverse effects on people’s overall well-being.

Moreover, fast food promotes overconsumption through clever marketing strategies. For instance, the ubiquitous practice of offering “value meals” with larger portions at only a slightly higher cost may entice customers to opt for larger servings than they need. Coupled with the addictive appeal of certain fast food ingredients, such as the high levels of salt, sugar, and fat, this marketing approach can significantly contribute to overeating and, consequently, weight gain.

In conclusion, while fast food may be an enticing option for many individuals, it comes with adverse impacts on health and overall lifestyle. Therefore, people need to make conscious decisions regarding their food consumption, and governments should actively play a pivotal role in promoting healthy eating habits. This may involve enacting regulations on fast food advertising, providing education, and encouraging physical activity.

With that, we conclude our foray into IELTS Direct Question Essays.

Ans. The IELTS direct-question essay is divided into an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Ans. Test takers can use a range of linkers, adverbial phrases, references, and punctuations to bolster their overall scores in IELTS writing.

Ans. The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires individuals to complete the task within 40 minutes.

Shubham Das

Shubham Das has been working as an educational content writer for the past two years and has a background in filmmaking & screenplay/ teleplay writing. He is fascinated by the human psyche, literature and cinema.

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Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

IELTS Direct Question Essay: tips, common mistakes, questions & essays

In this lesson we are going to look at how to answer an IELTS Direct Question essay.

You will learn about this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, using authentic IELTS essay questions , plus the most common mistakes. And I will finish with an IELTS model essay written by me in response to a sample IELTS essay question . So let’s get started!

What Is Your Task?

In this IELTS question type, you are usually asked 2 questions. Your task is to simply answer these questions!

Often, one or both of the 2 questions come from one of the other 4 question types, so you might be asked to say whether you agree or disagree, or to discuss the disadvantages of something, or to suggest some solutions.

So it’s really important to read the question carefully!

Here is an example direct questions essay task:

Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born.

What might be the reasons for this?

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Test 3

As you can see, this task has 2 questions. The 2nd question is about advantages and disadvantages, so the task takes the 2nd question from one of the other essay question types.

How To Plan An IELTS Direct Question Essay

If you are aiming for a high band score (band 7 and above) it is absolutely vital that you plan your essay. A good plan will help you to see if you have answered the question, developed your ideas and organised them BEFORE you start writing.

We’re going to plan an essay using my 4 Step Planning Process .

Step 1: Understand The Task

First, you need to make sure you understand exactly what you need to write about. So you need to read the question carefully, not quickly!

Think about these three questions:

What is the topic about?

What is the topic NOT about?

How should you respond to the topic?

Let’s go back to this essay question, and answer those 3 questions:

The topic is about people who live near to the village / town of their birth for most of their lives.
(The word “birthplace” implies the village / town of their birth, NOT the country of their birth.)
It’s not about people who live ALL their lives near their birthplace.
Because “birthplace” implies a village / town / city, it’s not about people who rarely go outside their country.
The two questions, “what might be the reasons for this?” and “what are the advantages and disadvantages” tell you how to respond to the topic. So make sure you answer these questions in your plan.
Many students might forget to answer the first question, and just write about the advantages and disadvantages. This will limit your band score for Task Response to Band 5.

Step 2: Decide Your Position

Next, you need to decide your position. In other words, you need to decide what you think.

In a direct questions essay, your position is your answers to the two questions .

So in our example above, your position is your answer to the 2 questions:

what might be the reasons for people spending most of their lives near their birthplace?
what are the advantages and disadvantages of spending most of your life near your birthplace?

Step 3: Extend Your Ideas

When you decided your position, you may have started thinking about the reasons for your position, the reasons for your answer. In other words, WHY are you taking this view?

Giving reasons for your view is essential in an IELTS essay. In fact, all IELTS questions tell you to “give reasons for your answer”. So in Step 3, you need to think about your reasons a little more.

However, just presenting your reasons is not enough. You need to develop them.

The two best ways of developing your ideas is by:

giving explanations of what you mean
giving specific examples which illustrate what you mean

Together, these add more detail to your answer.

You MUST do this to get Band 7. If you fail to develop your ideas in detail, your band score for Task Response may be limited to Band 6.

Read more about how to develop your ideas in an IELTS essay.

Step 4: Structure Your Essay

The final step in the planning process is to structure your essay. This simply means deciding which main ideas to put in which paragraphs.

I would recommend a simple structure like this:

Paragraph 1: introduce the essay
Paragraph 2: discuss your answer to the 1st question
Paragraph 3: discuss your answer to the 2nd question
Paragraph 4: summarise your ideas.

How To Write Your IELTS Direct Question Essay

Let’s go through how to write the different parts of the essay.

How To Write The Introduction

In the introduction to an IELTS Direct Questions essay, you need to do two things:

briefly introduce the topic of the essay
briefly say what you are going to write about

Introduce The Topic

You should begin with a background sentence which introduces your reader to the topic of the essay. The best way to do this is to paraphrase the topic statement.

How To Paraphrase

Think about the meaning of the topic statement, and briefly rewrite it using your own words. Try not to use the same grammatical structures as in the essay question, and try to move language around. In other words, be flexible. This is important if you are aiming for a Band 7 or higher.

In the example essay question above, the topic statement said:

“Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born.”

Here is one way of paraphrasing this:

“Despite opportunities to travel widely in the modern world, many people still live most of their lives not far from their birthplace.”

This sentence has a similar meaning as the original sentence, but uses different vocabulary and different grammatical structures.

Say What You Are Going To Write About

In an IELTS Direct Questions essays, it’s a good idea to briefly say what you are going to write about – in other words, say that you are going to answer the two questions.

In our example essay above, we need to answer two questions:

What might be the reasons for this?
What are the advantages and disadvantages?

So I could write:

“This essay will consider the reasons for this tendency, along with the possible benefits and drawbacks.”

How To Write The Body Paragraphs

In an IELTS Direct Questions essay, you simply need to answer the questions in the body paragraphs.

Write the answer to each question in a separate paragraph.

Direct questions essays can vary quite a lot, so you need to be flexible in your paragraphing.

In our example essay, the two questions are:

So, the first body paragraphs could contain:

A reason why people live most of their lives near their birthplace
A more detailed explanation of this reason
An example which illustrates this reason
You can also include a 2nd reason in the same paragraph.

The second body paragraph could contain:

One advantage of living most of their life near their birthplace
A more detailed explanation of this advantage
An example which illustrates this advantage

You could include a disadvantage in the same paragraph, but I would personally write it in a separate paragraph:

One disadvantage of living most of their life near their birthplace
A more detailed explanation of this disadvantage
An example which illustrates this disadvantage

(You probably only have enough time to write one advantage and one disadvantage in this essay, because you also have to write about the reasons for living in one place.)

You can read more about developing your ideas here .

How To Write The Conclusion

In the conclusion to an IELTS Direct Questions essay, you need to do one thing:

summarise your main points

Do NOT write any new ideas in your conclusion. If you think of new ideas while writing your conclusion, forget them! It’s too late.

Common Mistakes in an IELTS Direct Question Essay

These are the most common mistakes made by Test Takers when writing an IELTS Direct Questions essay:

not reading the question carefully enough. The questions in these essay types can vary a lot, so don’t read the questions quickly. Read them carefully.
Writing an overly general statement about the topic in the introduction (e.g. Education is a topic of hot debate.
Your main ideas are not explained and illustrated enough. You need to develop all of your ideas to get a band 7 and higher.
Using memorised phrases (e.g. “a hot topic”, “in a nutshell”, “pros and cons”)
Using “research studies” as examples: examples should illustrate your ideas, not prove them. Read about how to use examples in IELTS essays .
Trying to use rare or “novel” language: examiners are looking for groups of words used naturally, not rare words.

Sample IELTS Direct Question Essay Questions

In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?

(Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Test 1)

In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

(Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Test 2)

In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

( Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Test 1 )

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

(Cambridge IELTS 15 General Training Test 1)

Model IELTS Direct Question Essays

Here is an IELTS Direction Questions Essay that I wrote in response to this task:

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular.

Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular?

What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

Stories about criminal activity, both fictional and real-life, have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. There are many possible reasons for this, but the two primary ones that I can think of are the underlying desire of people to see good overcome evil, and a fascination with criminal lifestyles.

Almost all stories about crime, whether in print or on TV, are about good people, such as detectives and law-abiding civilians, triumphing over bad people, namely criminals. We often see this in fictional detective stories, where an otherwise ordinary person uses their intellect and skill to identify evil criminal masterminds. A good example of this is Miss Marple, an elderly woman who always manages to track down and apprehend evil criminals.

A second reason is that people have a fascination with the lives of criminals. Perhaps this is to do with people’s need for escapism. One of the most popular crime dramas in the UK of the last 20 years was ‘Legend’, a dramatisation of the lives of the Kray Twins, two violent London gang leaders of the 1960s. The film, which I watched on TV, portrayed their violent behaviour, along with their opulent and chaotic lifestyles, and I do feel that people find this compelling viewing, despite how it shows evil people succeeding.

Personally, unless it is related to real-life stories, I have little interest in either crime fiction or crime drama. I find their plots too repetitive. With true crime stories, however, I can learn something about social history and psychology. Why, for example, do people turn to lives of crime? Is it simply for money, or are they motivated by power as well? And what causes people to join gangs and follow people like the Krays? These are all interesting questions.

In summary, a desire to see good triumph over evil, along with a fascination with evil, are two reasons I think underlie the popularity of crime stories, but my interest in them is mainly limited to dramatisations of real lives.

(335 words)

Read my full plan and comments for this essay.

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Direct Question Essay IELTS 2024: Tips, Structure, Sample

Looking for Direct Question Essay IELTS tips Click to learn how to plan, recognise prompts get samples for a successful IELTS essay!

9/26/2023 2 min read

In the world of standardized English language proficiency tests, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a formidable challenge for many. One of its key components, the Direct Question Essay, is often a source of anxiety for test-takers. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the intricacies of the Direct Question Essay in IELTS, offering valuable tips and insight into its structure and providing sample questions with model answers.

Understanding the Direct Question Essay

What is a direct question essay in ielts.

The Direct Question Essay, or the Opinion Essay, is an essay task in the IELTS writing section. It presents a clear and straightforward question that requires a direct response. Test-takers are expected to provide their opinion, supported by relevant arguments and examples.

Why is it Important?

The Direct Question Essay assesses a candidate's ability to express opinions coherently, develop arguments logically, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. It's crucial to perform well in this task to achieve a high band score in the IELTS writing module.

Tips for Success

Analyze the Question Carefully

Before diving into your response, take a moment to understand the question thoroughly. Identify keywords and phrases that define the scope of your answer.

Plan Your Response

Outline your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This structure helps organize your thoughts and ensures a coherent essay.

Provide a Clear Opinion

In the introduction, state your opinion on the given topic. Make it concise and specific, setting the tone for the rest of the essay.

Support Your Opinion

Back up your opinion with reasons and examples. Use real-life experiences or hypothetical situations to illustrate your points.

Use Formal Language

While maintaining a conversational tone, remember that IELTS essays require formal language. Avoid slang and contractions.

Vary Sentence Structure

Enhance the readability of your essay by using a variety of sentence structures. Combine simple, compound, and complex sentences for better flow.

Proofread and Edit

Allocate time for proofreading. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Ensure your essay is polished and error-free.

Structure of a Direct Question Essay

The structure of a Direct Question Essay typically consists of:

Introduction

Introduce the topic and provide a clear opinion.

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should focus on a single supporting point.

Provide examples and evidence to strengthen your arguments.

Summarize your main points and restate your opinion.

Sample Questions and Model Answers

Question 1:.

"Do you agree or disagree with the statement that technology has made people more isolated?"

Model Answer:

Technology has made people more isolated. In today's digital age, individuals are often engrossed in their smartphones and computers, limiting face-to-face interactions. For instance, while connecting people virtually, social media platforms have also contributed to a decline in genuine personal connections.

Question 2:

"Is it better to study alone or in a group?"

Studying in a group yields better results. When you study with others, you can share ideas, clarify doubts, and gain different perspectives. Moreover, group study sessions encourage discipline and time management.

Mastering the Direct Question Essay in IELTS requires practice and a clear understanding of its structure and requirements. By following these tips and reviewing sample questions and model answers, you can boost your confidence and perform exceptionally well in this challenging task.

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Direct Question Essay IELTS: Tips, Structure, Sample Questions & Answers

Updated On December 12, 2023
Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

Over the years, the IELTS writing task 2 has included a variety of essay types such as opinion essays, problem/solution, or advantage/disadvantage essays. Direct Question Essay IELTS is also known as a “double question” or “two questions” essay as it is composed of two distinct questions.

Table of Contents

The direct questions are very specific and direct as the name suggests. Though direct questions are not common in IELTS writing tasks, if you master this type of essay, it will be easier for you to structure all the other types of essays as well. The direct questions in IELTS have to be answered in 250 words. The same will be scored based on the essay’s vocabulary, grammar, and word count.

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Tips to Ace the Direct Question Essay IELTS Writing Task 2

Though there are several relevant examples and solutions essays for the direct question task available over the internet, some of the tips that can be practised for writing a Direct Question Essay in the IELTS test are:

Take some time to understand the question type and then plan the answer before you actually start attempting the IELTS writing task.
Write the essay in a formal tone.
Strictly follow the word count. The essay should at least be 250 words, not less than that. You will get 40 minutes to write the exam, so aim for 250-270 words.
Follow a proper content structure, wherein you begin with an introduction paragraph and then end the essay with a crisp conclusion paragraph, with a two-part body paragraph between these two.
Make sure that your introduction is strong and in coherence with the assigned topic or asked question. Your introduction is the part that can get your reader hooked on your essay and encourage them to read further.
Answer the questions asked and state the reasons for your statements in the main body paragraph of the essay.
Use proper and refined grammar and vocabulary. It helps the examiner evaluate your knowledge of the language and proficiency in the same.
Provide relevant real-life examples in your content. Supporting your statements with specific reasons and proper examples that emphasise your point can help you get a better IELTS score.

IELTS Direct Question Essay Structure

You must follow a certain structure while writing your Direct Question Essay IELTS. The structure for the same is as follows:

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Direct Question Essay IELTS: Tips, Structure, Sample Questions & Answers

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Introduction Paragraph

Your essay should always begin with an introduction paragraph. You can paraphrase the question in this paragraph and also give an introduction to what you will be discussing further in the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, you can address the question and discuss the response to the first question, along with relevant examples.

Body Paragraph 2

Herein, you can discuss the details and answer the second question or the second part of the question, along with examples.

Conclusion Paragraph

Conclude the entire essay here, and summarize the content and main points of the essay in the conclusion part.

Most of the questions in the IELTS exams come with specific prompts that are easy to recognise and help you to shape your answers further. Some of these prompts are:

Is this development positive or negative?
Discuss the views on X and give your opinion on the same.
Do the advantages of X outweigh its disadvantages?
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the given statement.

Also Read: Updated List Vocabuly for IELTS

Direct Essay Question: Evaluation Factors

Some of the factors that are used for marking and evaluating Direct Question Essay IELTS – Writing Task 2 are:

Task Achievement

The essay should provide a complete answer to both the questions asked and support the same with relevant and real-life examples.

Lexical Resource

The essay should be written with a wide range of vocabulary, and there should be no errors in the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The essay should not have any grammatical errors. The sentences should have a different range of structures.

Coherence & Cohesion

The solution essay should be divided into clear paragraphs that must maintain a logical flow throughout the whole essay. Each body paragraph should highlight one main idea. The main body paragraphs should have cohesive links to ensure a proper flow in the essay.

Direct Essay IELTS Sample Questions

Practice is the only way to improve your writing skills and ace your IELTS writing tasks. Some of the topics and related sample questions that you can study for your Direct Question Essay IELTS practice are:

News plays a very important role in the lives of most people. Why is news so important to many people? Why is a lot of news dedicated to the bad news sections? Should news channels give more news and focus on the good news instead?

What do you understand by ‘happiness’? How can people achieve it? Can money or material belongings help a person become happy?

In some parts of the world, people are becoming more focused on connecting with older people and researching their history. Why do you think people want to do this? Is it a positive or negative development?

There is too much news and information circulating on the internet nowadays. Is the information on the internet reliable? How can it be controlled?

How can success be measured? How can one become a successful person? Do you think wealth is an important factor or the best measure of success for a person?

Companies often employ a variety of methods to boost and improve the sales of their products. What are the generally employed methods? Out of them, which one is the most effective method?

It is often said, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’. Do you agree with this? Do you think that people should adapt to the culture of the country that they visit or live in?

Also Read: IELTS Band Score 2022:Chart & Scoring System

Foreign Language Direct Question Essay IELTS Sample

A sample of the Direct Question Essay IELTS Writing Test 2 is given below for your reference:

In advertising nowadays, businesses usually highlight and emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why do businesses practice this? Do you think this development is a positive practice or a negative one?

Solution Essay

Businesses have recently been highlighting through their promotional materials that their products include ‘new features’ different from those that are already existing. There can be many reasons for incorporating this move, such as gaining other people’s attention or justifying the increase in the price of their products. Though this is a positive strategy, it also has some negative consequences.

To begin with, businesses always highlight the latest design features or technologies of their products to attract a lot of their customers. This, in my opinion, is a good step ahead because it will make the decision-making process for the customers more manageable. Customers would not have to conduct in-depth research on the products as the marketing team would have already done the basic groundwork for them. Businesses can also justify the price increase and therefore gain more profit.

On the other hand, this marketing strategy has some negative consequences. Businesses can make minor product changes and claim that they have changed them. In this way, they can manipulate their targeted customers by informing them that their products are equipped with the most recent features compared to previous or existing versions. They can also raise the price of the products while making only minor changes. As a result, in some ways, this marketing strategy can be deceptive to consumers.

Lastly, in their promotional activities, businesses place a greater emphasis on the new features of their products. This marketing strategy has resulted in some positive developments, such as targeted customers purchasing their products. However, by manipulating capitalists, this marketing method can have a negative impact on customers.

Direct Questions are the specific two-part questions asked in IELTS Writing Exam Part 2. 40 minutes are provided to write an essay of 250 words for Direct Question IELTS.

You can practice for the Direct Question Essay IELTS by writing on various topics available, including the internet itself, lifestyle, success, news, happiness, industry trends, and the like. It is very important to understand the question and its parts before attempting the direct question essay. You must form an idea with a precise opinion and relevant examples. The word limit is a factor that you should strictly abide by. Try to frame the essay logically so that there is a consistent flow throughout all your arguments.

As they say, ‘Practise makes perfect,’ so keep practising to achieve your goal band score.

For more related content, visit LeapScholar .

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. how long is the ielts writing test.

Ans. The IELTS Writing Test is of a total duration of 1 hour. Of this, 20 minutes should be spent on the first writing task, and 40 minutes should be dedicated to writing task 2.

2. What are the most common errors candidates make in the Direct Essay Questions IELTS?

Ans. Many candidates attempting the IELTS make common errors such as not answering both parts of the questions completely, answering just one question, not understanding the question type properly, and not emphasizing both the answers in the introduction paragraph. These errors can lead to an unbalanced essay that will affect your IELTS task achievement score.

3. How can Direct Essay Questions be distinguished from other types of questions?

Ans. IELTS Direct Question Essays are also referred to as IELTS Double Question Essays. Two main characteristics that can be used to distinguish these questions from others are that they have one statement and two different questions given under it, and the questions given may or may not be linked to each other. Therefore, the candidate should spend some time analysing the question, developing the ideas, and planning their answer to write.

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IELTS Direct Questions Sample Essay Titles

Below is a list of sample essay questions for IELTS direct questions essays which can come in writing task 2. These essay types are also known as two question essays (although it is possible to get more than two questions).

Direct Questions Essay Tips

spend time planning the answers to the questions
each question must have one main point as an answer
put the answer to each question in a separate body paragraph
follow a safe direct questions essay model

Direct Questions Sample Titles

News plays an important part of most people’s lives. Why is news so important to people? Why is so much news dedicated to bad news? Should the news focus on good news instead?

Most people agree that money cannot be happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness?

Success is often measured by wealth and material belongings. Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful person?

The internet is a great course of information and has opened up opportunities for people to learn all over the world. Is all information reliable on the internet? What could be done to control information online?

Art and music are considered some of the fundamental elements of all societies. Do you think art and music still have a place in today’s modern world of technology? Should children spend more time learning art and music at school?

It is often said “when is Rome, do as the Romans do”. Do you think people should adapt and accept the culture of the country they are visit? do you think it is possible to learn a culture without learning the language?

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Direct Question Essay Examples

IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question Essay Examples View High Band Score Examples Of IELTS Direct Question Essays.

IELTS Direct Question Essay Sample 7 – Business

IELTS Writing Task 2 direct question essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Companies use a variety of methods to improve the sales of their products. What are those methods? Which is the most effective method? Take a look at the sample answer

IELTS Direct Question Essay Sample 6 – Education

IELTS Writing Task 2 direct question essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Fewer and fewer young people are choosing to become a teacher. Why do young people do not want to become teachers? How this could be changed? Take a look at the sample answer.

IELTS Direct Question Essay Sample 5 – Society

IELTS Writing Task 2 direct question essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: These days people pay more attention to famous film stars than to famous scientists. Why is this happening? Explain the trend, giving reasons and examples to support your opinion. Take a look at the sample answer

IELTS Direct Question Essay Sample 4 – Education

IELTS Writing Task 2 direct question essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Some people think that children should be homeschooled when they are very young while others think it is better for them to attend a kindergarten. Which do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Take a look at the sample answer.

IELTS Direct Question Essay Sample 3 – Economics

IELTS Writing Task 2 direct question essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Wealth and material belongings often measure the success that a person has. Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful person? Take a look at the sample answer.

IELTS Direct Question Essay Sample 2 – Family & Children

IELTS Writing Task 2 direct question essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Parents put a lot of pressure on children to succeed. Do you think this is a good or bad thing? Take a look at the sample answer

IELTS Direct Question Essay Sample 1 – Communication

IELTS Writing Task 2 direct question essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: News plays an important part in most people’s lives. Why is news so important to people? Why is so much news dedicated to bad news? Should the news focus on good news instead? Take a look at the sample answer.

How to Use Direct Quotations Correctly in Your Essays

Word 'essay' made with block wooden letters next to a pile of other letters over a wooden board surface composition

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What is a direct quotation.

A direct quotation is when you quote an academic source or reference word for word in your essay, using quotation marks and a reference (an in-text reference or footnote) to indicate that the words belong to another author and where you found them.

When Should I Use Them?

It is preferable to write essays in your own words. The vast majority of a Distinction or High Distinction essay would be written entirely in your own words, with many references to the sources you have used.

You should only quote directly from a source when it is absolutely necessary to do so; for example, if you needed to point out a particular author’s opinion, or if something an author was saying was particularly controversial.

Otherwise, it is preferable for you to demonstrate that you have read, understood and assimilated the source into your own knowledge of the subject. The best way to do that is to present the ideas in your own words with a reference.

So remember, it is important that you only use direct quotations where necessary . Using excessive direct quotations, or quotations that are too long, can lead the marker (or reader) to believe that you are using quotations to avoid having to explain difficult concepts in your own words.

Introducing Direct Quotations

When you do use direct quotations, it is very important that you introduce them correctly. This means they must be incorporated into a sentence of your own).

This is an incorrect way to use a quotation:

A numerate person can understand how mathematics is used as a method of communication (Cockcroft, 1982). ‘Mathematics is a universal language that is communicated through all cultures’ (SACE Board, 2010).

This is the correct way. You can see that the quotation has been integrated into the student’s own sentence and introduced properly:

A numerate person can understand how mathematics is used as a method of communication (Cockcroft, 1982). The SACE Board (2010) states that ‘mathematics is a universal language that is communicated through all cultures’.

Using direct quotations correctly and sparingly will help you to improve your research skills and strengthen your essays.

If you need any further assistance, you can read more about our professional editing service . Capstone Editing is always here to help.

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Directness in Speech and Writing

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

In speech and writing , directness is the quality of being straightforward and concise : stating a main point early and clearly without embellishments or digressions . Directness contrasts with circumlocution , verbosity , and indirectness .

There are different degrees of directness, which are determined in part by social and cultural conventions. In order to communicate effectively with a particular audience , a speaker or writer needs to maintain a balance between directness and politeness .

Examples and Observations

"The whole world will tell you, if you care to ask, that your words should be simple & direct . Everybody likes the other fellow's prose plain . It has even been said that we should write as we speak. That is absurd. ... Most speaking is not plain or direct, but vague, clumsy, confused, and wordy. ... What is meant by the advice to write as we speak is to write as we might speak if we spoke extremely well. This means that good writing should not sound stuffy, pompous, highfalutin, totally unlike ourselves, but rather, well—'simple & direct.' "Now, the simple words in the language tend to be the short ones that we assume all speakers know; and if familiar, they are likely to be direct. I say 'tend to be' and 'likely' because there are exceptions. ... "Prefer the short word to the long; the concrete to the abstract; and the familiar to the unfamiliar. But: "Modify these guidelines in the light of the occasion, the full situation, which includes the likely audience for your words." (Jacques Barzun, Simple & Direct: A Rhetoric for Writers , 4th ed. Harper Perennial, 2001)
Revising for Directness "Academic audiences value directness and intensity. They do not want to struggle through overly wordy phrases and jumbled sentences. ... Examine your draft . Focus specifically on the following issues: 1. Delete the obvious: Consider statements or passages that argue for or detail what you and your peers already assume. ... 2. Intensify the least obvious: Think about your essay as a declaration of new ideas. What is the most uncommon or fresh idea? Even if it's a description of the problem or a slightly different take on solving it, develop it further. Draw more attention to it." (John Mauk and John Metz, The Composition of Everyday Life: A Guide to Writing , 5th ed. Cengage, 2015)
Degrees of Directness "Statements may be strong and direct or they may be softer and less direct. For example, consider the range of sentences that might be used to direct a person to take out the garbage: Take out the garbage! Can you take out the garbage? Would you mind taking out the garbage? Let's take out the garbage. The garbage sure is piling up. Garbage day is tomorrow. "Each of these sentences may be used to accomplish the goal of getting the person to take out the garbage. However, the sentences show varying degrees of directness, ranging from the direct command at the top of the list to the indirect statement regarding the reason the activity needs to be undertaken at the bottom of the list. The sentences also differ in terms of relative politeness and situational appropriateness. ... "In matters of directness vs. indirectness, gender differences may play a more important role than factors such as ethnicity, social class, or region, although all these factors tend to intersect, often in quite complex ways, in the determination of the 'appropriate' degree of directness or indirectness for any given speech act ." (Walt Wolfram and Natalie Schilling-Estes, American English: Dialects and Variation . Wiley-Blackwell, 2006)
Directness and Gender "While some of us will think that without the skills of 'good' writing a student cannot truly be empowered, we must be equally aware that the qualities of 'good' writing as they are advocated in textbooks and rhetoric books — directness , assertiveness and persuasiveness , precision and vigor—collide with what social conventions dictate proper femininity to be. Even should a woman succeed at being a 'good' writer she will have to contend with either being considered too masculine because she does not speak 'like a Lady,' or, paradoxically, too feminine and hysterical because she is, after all, a woman. The belief that the qualities that make good writing are somehow 'neutral' conceals the fact their meaning and evaluation changes depending on whether the writer is a man or woman." (Elisabeth Daumer and Sandra Runzo, "Transforming the Composition Classroom." Teaching Writing: Pedagogy, Gender, and Equity , ed. by Cynthia L. Caywood and Gillian R. Overing. State University of New York Press, 1987)
Directness and Cultural Differences "The U.S. style of directness and forcefulness would be perceived as rude or unfair in, say, Japan, China, Malaysia, or Korea. A hard-sell letter to an Asian reader would be a sign of arrogance, and arrogance suggests inequality for the reader." (Philip C. Kolin, Successful Writing at Work . Cengage, 2009)

Pronunciation: de-REK-ness

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Directed Writing: Format, Benefits, Topics, Common Mistakes and Examples

Pankaj dhiman.

Created on December 5, 2023

What is Directed Writing, Importance, Benefits, Purpose, Tips and Examples of Directed Writing

Directed writing is a form of written assessment, where the students must follow instructions to create a piece of writing. In this Article, we discussed What is directed writing, importance of directed writing, directed writing format, key elements, purpose of directed, common mistakes, topic, tips and examples of directed writing.

What is Directed Writing

In directed writing, the writer is given a specific assignment or challenge that directs the composition’s substance and organization. It is distinguished by its intentional and focused nature, necessitating compliance with particular rules or goals by the writer.

This type of writing is used in professional and academic contexts, where it is used as a useful instrument to evaluate communication abilities.

The value of directed writing comes from its capacity to teach people how to communicate ideas, target audiences with particular messages, and complete tasks as assigned. It places a strong emphasis on communication efficacy and clarity.

Must Read: Notice Writing Format, Importance, Examples and How to Prepare

Importance of Directed Writing

This methodical way of expressing oneself not only develops the capacity for precise idea delivery but also for clear thought presentation. Directed writing is a crucial tool in academic contexts for evaluating students’ comprehension of a subject as well as their capacity for knowledge synthesis and efficient communication.

In the workplace, it becomes essential to express important details, putting forth strong arguments, and creating well-organized reports.

Directed writing also provides a realistic training ground for modifying language, tone, and style to fit various audiences and objectives, which promotes communication versatility and talent that is crucial for negotiating the intricacies of both the personal and professional arenas.

The ability of directed writing to provide people with the means of meaningful, effective, and audience-appropriate communication is ultimately what makes it so important.

Learn more: IGCSE English Language Study Resources

Directed Writing Format

Introduction: .

Grab the reader’s interest right away with a succinct introduction.
Clearly state the writing’s goal or aim.
Give the background information that’s required to establish the scene.

Body Paragraphs:

Divide the text into thoughtful paragraphs that concentrate on different concepts or facets.
To ensure unity, keep the paragraphs flowing logically from one another.
Provide appropriate examples, facts, or evidence to back up your claims or arguments.

Language and Style:

Convey concepts with language that is straightforward and succinct.
Observe the proper tone and style for the goal and target audience.
A statement that is too complicated or full of jargon may make it harder to understand.

Guidelines for Formatting:

Observe any particular formatting requirements that the question or guidelines may have given.
Keep the font size constant throughout the document, and choose a readable typeface.
Observe the necessary margins, indentation, and spacing.

Editing and proofreading:

Check the article’s overall coherence, consistency, and clarity.
Verify the text for punctuation, spelling, and grammar faults.
Make sure that the writing stays within the allotted word count, if any.

About the Prompt’s objective:

Check to see if the writing directly addresses the prompt or assignment.
Avoid irrelevant content that could take attention away from the intended objective.

Conclusion:

Recap the key ideas discussed in the writing’s body.
Summarize the main point or objective.
Make a last point that will stick with the audience.

Must Read : IGCSE English Literature Study Resources

Key elements of Directed Writing

Quick understanding:.

It is essential to fully understand the assignment or prompt that has been assigned.
Determine the essential needs, including the goal, target audience, and detailed guidelines.

Clearly Stated Introduction:

Give a succinct opening outlining the writing’s primary idea or goal.
To help the reader along, state the thesis or main point clearly.

A Well-Maintained Body:

Make sure each paragraph in the body of the essay is well-developed.
Each paragraph should concentrate on a distinct topic or point to add to the overall cohesion. To ensure a seamless flow of ideas across paragraphs, use logical transitions.

Editing and revision:

Verify the text for correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Make sure the writing follows any formatting requirements that may be provided.

Flexibility:

Show that you can modify your language and style to fit the demands of the assignment.
Tailor the writing to suit the intended audience and purpose effectively.

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Benefits of Directed Writing

With so many advantages, directed writing is an essential instrument for improving communication abilities. First of all, it is a focused activity that improves the capacity to express ideas clearly and cohesively. Directed writing helps people concentrate on the crucial components of communication by giving them a task or suggestion, which promotes a methodical and deliberate approach to concept expression.

Must Read : Why and How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills in Student

Another notable advantage of directed writing lies in its capacity to promote critical thinking. By challenging writers to analyze information, structure their thoughts logically, and present compelling arguments, this form of writing fosters intellectual growth. It encourages individuals to think critically about the content they are conveying, enhancing their ability to synthesize and evaluate information coherently and purposefully.

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Purpose of Directed writing

Directed writing serves as an organized means of accomplishing well-defined goals through communication. Directed writing helps people convey ideas intentionally within predetermined boundaries, whether it is in professional papers, assignments, or tests.

It promotes a focused approach and accuracy in communication by providing a defined task or prompt. Beyond only delivering information, this intentional communication fosters critical thinking, organizational, and context-adaptation abilities.

The main objective is to provide people with the tools necessary to express ideas coherently and fulfill the requirements of a particular assignment, which will improve their communication skills in a variety of contexts.

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Examples of Directed Writing

Academic essays:.

Responding to essay prompts in standardized tests or academic assignments involves directed writing. Students must adhere to a specific topic, structure, and word limit.

Business Emails:

Composing emails in a professional setting often requires directed writing. The writer must convey a clear message, follow a formal tone, and adhere to specific guidelines.

Reports and Proposals:

Writing business reports or project proposals involves directed writing. The author must address a particular issue, provide relevant information, and follow a structured format.

Application Letters:

Crafting letters of application for jobs, scholarships, or programs is a form of directed writing. The writer must convey their qualifications, intentions, and suitability for the position.

Creative Writing Prompts:

Even in creative writing, prompts can serve as a form of directed writing. Authors may be tasked with creating a story based on specific themes or constraints.

Topics for Directed Writing

The impact of social media on student wellbeing
The importance of time management for academic success
The role of technology in modern education
The impact of fracking in Wildlife
The broader environmental of fracking
The challenges and opportunities of online learning
The influence of role models in students life
Benefits of reading for pleasure in student development
The importance of digital literacy in 21st Century

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Tips for Directed Writing

Understand the Prompt: Ensure a clear understanding of the task or prompt before starting your writing.

Plan Your Structure: Outline your ideas before writing to maintain a logical and organized flow.

Stay Focused on the Task : Address the specific requirements of the task without deviating.

Use Clear Language: Choose words carefully to convey ideas precisely and avoid ambiguity.

Adapt to the Audience : Tailor your language and style to suit the intended audience and purpose.

Revise and Edit: Review your writing for coherence, clarity, and grammatical correctness.

Manage Time Effectively: Allocate time for planning, writing, and revising to meet deadlines.

Support with Examples: Use relevant examples or evidence to strengthen your arguments.

Vary Sentence Structure: Avoid monotony by using a mix of sentence structures for better readability.

Proofread Carefully : Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors before submitting your work.

Must Read : Cambridge IGCSE: Benefits, Subjects, Grading Scheme, and Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Directed Writing

Lack of Planning: Writing without a clear structure or outline can lead to disorganized content.

Overly Complex Language: Using unnecessarily complex vocabulary that may hinder understanding.

Inconsistent Tone: Failing to maintain a consistent tone appropriate for the purpose and audience.

Rambling or Off-Topic Writing: Straying from the main point and including irrelevant information.

Neglecting Revision: Submitting the first draft without thorough review and edits.

Exceeding Word Limits : Not adhering to specified word counts, can result in loss of marks.

Poor Time Management: Spending too much time on one section and neglecting others.

Inadequate Support for Arguments : Failing to provide sufficient evidence or examples to support claims.

Neglecting Proofreading: Overlooking spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in the final draft.

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Online Resources for Directed Writing

In mastering directed writing, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls. Steer clear of vague language, prioritize thorough proofreading to eliminate errors, maintain a consistent notice writing format for clarity, consider your target audience’s preferences to enhance engagement, and craft a compelling heading to capture attention effectively.

Additionally, for comprehensive guidance and practice, Tutopiya offers valuable resources. Tutopiya provides specialized online courses, informative writing guides, and practical exercises tailored to notice writing.

With Tutopiya, you can refine your directed-writing skills, ensuring impactful and effective communication in various contexts.

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What this handout is about

Used effectively, quotations can provide important pieces of evidence and lend fresh voices and perspectives to your narrative. Used ineffectively, however, quotations can clutter your text and interrupt the flow of your argument. This handout will help you decide when and how to quote like a pro.

When should I quote?

Use quotations at strategically selected moments. You have probably been told by teachers to provide as much evidence as possible in support of your thesis. But packing your paper with quotations will not necessarily strengthen your argument. The majority of your paper should still be your original ideas in your own words (after all, it’s your paper). And quotations are only one type of evidence: well-balanced papers may also make use of paraphrases, data, and statistics. The types of evidence you use will depend in part on the conventions of the discipline or audience for which you are writing. For example, papers analyzing literature may rely heavily on direct quotations of the text, while papers in the social sciences may have more paraphrasing, data, and statistics than quotations.

Discussing specific arguments or ideas

Sometimes, in order to have a clear, accurate discussion of the ideas of others, you need to quote those ideas word for word. Suppose you want to challenge the following statement made by John Doe, a well-known historian:

“At the beginning of World War Two, almost all Americans assumed the war would end quickly.”

If it is especially important that you formulate a counterargument to this claim, then you might wish to quote the part of the statement that you find questionable and establish a dialogue between yourself and John Doe:

Historian John Doe has argued that in 1941 “almost all Americans assumed the war would end quickly” (Doe 223). Yet during the first six months of U.S. involvement, the wives and mothers of soldiers often noted in their diaries their fear that the war would drag on for years.

Giving added emphasis to a particularly authoritative source on your topic.

There will be times when you want to highlight the words of a particularly important and authoritative source on your topic. For example, suppose you were writing an essay about the differences between the lives of male and female slaves in the U.S. South. One of your most provocative sources is a narrative written by a former slave, Harriet Jacobs. It would then be appropriate to quote some of Jacobs’s words:

Harriet Jacobs, a former slave from North Carolina, published an autobiographical slave narrative in 1861. She exposed the hardships of both male and female slaves but ultimately concluded that “slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women.”

In this particular example, Jacobs is providing a crucial first-hand perspective on slavery. Thus, her words deserve more exposure than a paraphrase could provide.

Jacobs is quoted in Harriet A. Jacobs, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, ed. Jean Fagan Yellin (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1987).

Analyzing how others use language.

This scenario is probably most common in literature and linguistics courses, but you might also find yourself writing about the use of language in history and social science classes. If the use of language is your primary topic, then you will obviously need to quote users of that language.

Examples of topics that might require the frequent use of quotations include:

Southern colloquial expressions in William Faulkner’s Light in August

Ms. and the creation of a language of female empowerment

A comparison of three British poets and their use of rhyme

Spicing up your prose.

In order to lend variety to your prose, you may wish to quote a source with particularly vivid language. All quotations, however, must closely relate to your topic and arguments. Do not insert a quotation solely for its literary merits.

One example of a quotation that adds flair:

President Calvin Coolidge’s tendency to fall asleep became legendary. As H. L. Mencken commented in the American Mercury in 1933, “Nero fiddled, but Coolidge only snored.”

How do I set up and follow up a quotation?

Once you’ve carefully selected the quotations that you want to use, your next job is to weave those quotations into your text. The words that precede and follow a quotation are just as important as the quotation itself. You can think of each quote as the filling in a sandwich: it may be tasty on its own, but it’s messy to eat without some bread on either side of it. Your words can serve as the “bread” that helps readers digest each quote easily. Below are four guidelines for setting up and following up quotations.

In illustrating these four steps, we’ll use as our example, Franklin Roosevelt’s famous quotation, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

1. Provide context for each quotation.

Do not rely on quotations to tell your story for you. It is your responsibility to provide your reader with context for the quotation. The context should set the basic scene for when, possibly where, and under what circumstances the quotation was spoken or written. So, in providing context for our above example, you might write:

When Franklin Roosevelt gave his inaugural speech on March 4, 1933, he addressed a nation weakened and demoralized by economic depression.

2. Attribute each quotation to its source.

Tell your reader who is speaking. Here is a good test: try reading your text aloud. Could your reader determine without looking at your paper where your quotations begin? If not, you need to attribute the quote more noticeably.

Avoid getting into the “they said” attribution rut! There are many other ways to attribute quotes besides this construction. Here are a few alternative verbs, usually followed by “that”:

Different reporting verbs are preferred by different disciplines, so pay special attention to these in your disciplinary reading. If you’re unfamiliar with the meanings of any of these words or others you find in your reading, consult a dictionary before using them.

3. Explain the significance of the quotation.

Once you’ve inserted your quotation, along with its context and attribution, don’t stop! Your reader still needs your assessment of why the quotation holds significance for your paper. Using our Roosevelt example, if you were writing a paper on the first one-hundred days of FDR’s administration, you might follow the quotation by linking it to that topic:

With that message of hope and confidence, the new president set the stage for his next one-hundred days in office and helped restore the faith of the American people in their government.

4. Provide a citation for the quotation.

All quotations, just like all paraphrases, require a formal citation. For more details about particular citation formats, see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . In general, you should remember one rule of thumb: Place the parenthetical reference or footnote/endnote number after—not within—the closed quotation mark.

Roosevelt declared, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” (Roosevelt, Public Papers, 11).

Roosevelt declared, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”1

How do I embed a quotation into a sentence?

In general, avoid leaving quotes as sentences unto themselves. Even if you have provided some context for the quote, a quote standing alone can disrupt your flow. Take a look at this example:

Hamlet denies Rosencrantz’s claim that thwarted ambition caused his depression. “I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space” (Hamlet 2.2).

Standing by itself, the quote’s connection to the preceding sentence is unclear. There are several ways to incorporate a quote more smoothly:

Lead into the quote with a colon.

Hamlet denies Rosencrantz’s claim that thwarted ambition caused his depression: “I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space” (Hamlet 2.2).

The colon announces that a quote will follow to provide evidence for the sentence’s claim.

Introduce or conclude the quote by attributing it to the speaker. If your attribution precedes the quote, you will need to use a comma after the verb.

Hamlet denies Rosencrantz’s claim that thwarted ambition caused his depression. He states, “I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space” (Hamlet 2.2).

When faced with a twelve-foot mountain troll, Ron gathers his courage, shouting, “Wingardium Leviosa!” (Rowling, p. 176).

The Pirate King sees an element of regality in their impoverished and dishonest life. “It is, it is a glorious thing/To be a pirate king,” he declares (Pirates of Penzance, 1983).

Interrupt the quote with an attribution to the speaker. Again, you will need to use a comma after the verb, as well as a comma leading into the attribution.

“There is nothing either good or bad,” Hamlet argues, “but thinking makes it so” (Hamlet 2.2).

“And death shall be no more,” Donne writes, “Death thou shalt die” (“Death, Be Not Proud,” l. 14).

Dividing the quote may highlight a particular nuance of the quote’s meaning. In the first example, the division calls attention to the two parts of Hamlet’s claim. The first phrase states that nothing is inherently good or bad; the second phrase suggests that our perspective causes things to become good or bad. In the second example, the isolation of “Death thou shalt die” at the end of the sentence draws a reader’s attention to that phrase in particular. As you decide whether or not you want to break up a quote, you should consider the shift in emphasis that the division might create.

Use the words of the quote grammatically within your own sentence.

When Hamlet tells Rosencrantz that he “could be bounded in a nutshell and count [him]self a king of infinite space” (Hamlet 2.2), he implies that thwarted ambition did not cause his depression.

Ultimately, death holds no power over Donne since in the afterlife, “death shall be no more” (“Death, Be Not Proud,” l. 14).

Note that when you use “that” after the verb that introduces the quote, you no longer need a comma.

The Pirate King argues that “it is, it is a glorious thing/to be a pirate king” (Pirates of Penzance, 1983).

How much should I quote?

As few words as possible. Remember, your paper should primarily contain your own words, so quote only the most pithy and memorable parts of sources. Here are guidelines for selecting quoted material judiciously:

Excerpt fragments.

Sometimes, you should quote short fragments, rather than whole sentences. Suppose you interviewed Jane Doe about her reaction to John F. Kennedy’s assassination. She commented:

“I couldn’t believe it. It was just unreal and so sad. It was just unbelievable. I had never experienced such denial. I don’t know why I felt so strongly. Perhaps it was because JFK was more to me than a president. He represented the hopes of young people everywhere.”

You could quote all of Jane’s comments, but her first three sentences are fairly redundant. You might instead want to quote Jane when she arrives at the ultimate reason for her strong emotions:

Jane Doe grappled with grief and disbelief. She had viewed JFK, not just as a national figurehead, but as someone who “represented the hopes of young people everywhere.”

Excerpt those fragments carefully!

Quoting the words of others carries a big responsibility. Misquoting misrepresents the ideas of others. Here’s a classic example of a misquote:

John Adams has often been quoted as having said: “This would be the best of all possible worlds if there were no religion in it.”

John Adams did, in fact, write the above words. But if you see those words in context, the meaning changes entirely. Here’s the rest of the quotation:

Twenty times, in the course of my late reading, have I been on the point of breaking out, ‘this would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it!!!!’ But in this exclamation, I should have been as fanatical as Bryant or Cleverly. Without religion, this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in public company—I mean hell.

As you can see from this example, context matters!

This example is from Paul F. Boller, Jr. and John George, They Never Said It: A Book of Fake Quotes, Misquotes, and Misleading Attributions (Oxford University Press, 1989).

Use block quotations sparingly.

There may be times when you need to quote long passages. However, you should use block quotations only when you fear that omitting any words will destroy the integrity of the passage. If that passage exceeds four lines (some sources say five), then set it off as a block quotation.

Be sure you are handling block quotes correctly in papers for different academic disciplines–check the index of the citation style guide you are using. Here are a few general tips for setting off your block quotations:

Set up a block quotation with your own words followed by a colon.
Indent. You normally indent 4-5 spaces for the start of a paragraph. When setting up a block quotation, indent the entire paragraph once from the left-hand margin.
Single space or double space within the block quotation, depending on the style guidelines of your discipline (MLA, CSE, APA, Chicago, etc.).
Do not use quotation marks at the beginning or end of the block quote—the indentation is what indicates that it’s a quote.
Place parenthetical citation according to your style guide (usually after the period following the last sentence of the quote).
Follow up a block quotation with your own words.

So, using the above example from John Adams, here’s how you might include a block quotation:

After reading several doctrinally rigid tracts, John Adams recalled the zealous ranting of his former teacher, Joseph Cleverly, and minister, Lemuel Bryant. He expressed his ambivalence toward religion in an 1817 letter to Thomas Jefferson:

Adams clearly appreciated religion, even if he often questioned its promotion.

How do I combine quotation marks with other punctuation marks?

It can be confusing when you start combining quotation marks with other punctuation marks. You should consult a style manual for complicated situations, but the following two rules apply to most cases:

Keep periods and commas within quotation marks.

So, for example:

According to Professor Poe, werewolves “represent anxiety about the separation between human and animal,” and werewolf movies often “interrogate those boundaries.”

In the above example, both the comma and period were enclosed in the quotation marks. The main exception to this rule involves the use of internal citations, which always precede the last period of the sentence. For example:

According to Professor Poe, werewolves “represent anxiety about the separation between human and animal,” and werewolf movies often “interrogate those boundaries” (Poe 167).

Note, however, that the period remains inside the quotation marks when your citation style involves superscript footnotes or endnotes. For example:

According to Professor Poe, werewolves “represent anxiety about the separation between human and animal,” and werewolf movies often “interrogate those boundaries.” 2

Place all other punctuation marks (colons, semicolons, exclamation marks, question marks) outside the quotation marks, except when they were part of the original quotation.

Take a look at the following examples:

I couldn’t believe it when my friend passed me a note in the cafe saying the management “started charging $15 per hour for parking”!

The coach yelled, “Run!”

In the first example, the author placed the exclamation point outside the quotation mark because she added it herself to emphasize the outrageous nature of the parking price change. The original note had not included an exclamation mark. In the second example, the exclamation mark remains within the quotation mark because it is indicating the excited tone in which the coach yelled the command. Thus, the exclamation mark is considered to be part of the original quotation.

How do I indicate quotations within quotations?

If you are quoting a passage that contains a quotation, then you use single quotation marks for the internal quotation. Quite rarely, you quote a passage that has a quotation within a quotation. In that rare instance, you would use double quotation marks for the second internal quotation.

Here’s an example of a quotation within a quotation:

In “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” Hans Christian Andersen wrote, “‘But the Emperor has nothing on at all!’ cried a little child.”

Remember to consult your style guide to determine how to properly cite a quote within a quote.

When do I use those three dots ( . . . )?

Whenever you want to leave out material from within a quotation, you need to use an ellipsis, which is a series of three periods, each of which should be preceded and followed by a space. So, an ellipsis in this sentence would look like . . . this. There are a few rules to follow when using ellipses:

Be sure that you don’t fundamentally change the meaning of the quotation by omitting material.

Take a look at the following example:

“The Writing Center is located on the UNC campus and serves the entire UNC community.”

“The Writing Center . . . serves the entire UNC community.”

The reader’s understanding of the Writing Center’s mission to serve the UNC community is not affected by omitting the information about its location.

Do not use ellipses at the beginning or ending of quotations, unless it’s important for the reader to know that the quotation was truncated.

For example, using the above example, you would NOT need an ellipsis in either of these situations:

“The Writing Center is located on the UNC campus . . .”

The Writing Center ” . . . serves the entire UNC community.”

Use punctuation marks in combination with ellipses when removing material from the end of sentences or clauses.

For example, if you take material from the end of a sentence, keep the period in as usual.

“The boys ran to school, forgetting their lunches and books. Even though they were out of breath, they made it on time.”

“The boys ran to school. . . . Even though they were out of breath, they made it on time.”

Likewise, if you excerpt material at the end of clause that ends in a comma, retain the comma.

“The red car came to a screeching halt that was heard by nearby pedestrians, but no one was hurt.”

“The red car came to a screeching halt . . . , but no one was hurt.”

Is it ever okay to insert my own words or change words in a quotation?

Sometimes it is necessary for clarity and flow to alter a word or words within a quotation. You should make such changes rarely. In order to alert your reader to the changes you’ve made, you should always bracket the altered words. Here are a few examples of situations when you might need brackets:

Changing verb tense or pronouns in order to be consistent with the rest of the sentence.

Suppose you were quoting a woman who, when asked about her experiences immigrating to the United States, commented “nobody understood me.” You might write:

Esther Hansen felt that when she came to the United States “nobody understood [her].”

In the above example, you’ve changed “me” to “her” in order to keep the entire passage in third person. However, you could avoid the need for this change by simply rephrasing:

“Nobody understood me,” recalled Danish immigrant Esther Hansen.

Including supplemental information that your reader needs in order to understand the quotation.

For example, if you were quoting someone’s nickname, you might want to let your reader know the full name of that person in brackets.

“The principal of the school told Billy [William Smith] that his contract would be terminated.”

Similarly, if a quotation referenced an event with which the reader might be unfamiliar, you could identify that event in brackets.

“We completely revised our political strategies after the strike [of 1934].”

Indicating the use of nonstandard grammar or spelling.

In rare situations, you may quote from a text that has nonstandard grammar, spelling, or word choice. In such cases, you may want to insert [sic], which means “thus” or “so” in Latin. Using [sic] alerts your reader to the fact that this nonstandard language is not the result of a typo on your part. Always italicize “sic” and enclose it in brackets. There is no need to put a period at the end. Here’s an example of when you might use [sic]:

Twelve-year-old Betsy Smith wrote in her diary, “Father is afraid that he will be guilty of beach [sic] of contract.”

Here [sic] indicates that the original author wrote “beach of contract,” not breach of contract, which is the accepted terminology.

Do not overuse brackets!

For example, it is not necessary to bracket capitalization changes that you make at the beginning of sentences. For example, suppose you were going to use part of this quotation:

“The colors scintillated curiously over a hard carapace, and the beetle’s tiny antennae made gentle waving motions as though saying hello.”

If you wanted to begin a sentence with an excerpt from the middle of this quotation, there would be no need to bracket your capitalization changes.

“The beetle’s tiny antennae made gentle waving motions as though saying hello,” said Dr. Grace Farley, remembering a defining moment on her journey to becoming an entomologist.

Not: “[T]he beetle’s tiny antennae made gentle waving motions as though saying hello,” said Dr. Grace Farley, remembering a defining moment on her journey to becoming an entomologist.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Barzun, Jacques, and Henry F. Graff. 2012. The Modern Researcher , 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, and William T. FitzGerald. 2016. The Craft of Research , 4th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Gibaldi, Joseph. 2009. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers , 7th ed. New York: The Modern Language Association of America.

Turabian, Kate. 2018. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, Dissertations , 9th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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In-Text Citations: The Basics

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Note: This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style can be found here .

Reference citations in text are covered on pages 261-268 of the Publication Manual. What follows are some general guidelines for referring to the works of others in your essay.

Note: On pages 117-118, the Publication Manual suggests that authors of research papers should use the past tense or present perfect tense for signal phrases that occur in the literature review and procedure descriptions (for example, Jones (1998) found or Jones (1998) has found ...). Contexts other than traditionally-structured research writing may permit the simple present tense (for example, Jones (1998) finds ).

APA Citation Basics

When using APA format, follow the author-date method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the year of publication for the source should appear in the text, like, for example, (Jones, 1998). One complete reference for each source should appear in the reference list at the end of the paper.

If you are referring to an idea from another work but NOT directly quoting the material, or making reference to an entire book, article or other work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication and not the page number in your in-text reference.

On the other hand, if you are directly quoting or borrowing from another work, you should include the page number at the end of the parenthetical citation. Use the abbreviation “p.” (for one page) or “pp.” (for multiple pages) before listing the page number(s). Use an en dash for page ranges. For example, you might write (Jones, 1998, p. 199) or (Jones, 1998, pp. 199–201). This information is reiterated below.

Regardless of how they are referenced, all sources that are cited in the text must appear in the reference list at the end of the paper.

In-text citation capitalization, quotes, and italics/underlining

Always capitalize proper nouns, including author names and initials: D. Jones.
If you refer to the title of a source within your paper, capitalize all words that are four letters long or greater within the title of a source: Permanence and Change . Exceptions apply to short words that are verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs: Writing New Media , There Is Nothing Left to Lose .

( Note: in your References list, only the first word of a title will be capitalized: Writing new media .)

When capitalizing titles, capitalize both words in a hyphenated compound word: Natural-Born Cyborgs .
Capitalize the first word after a dash or colon: "Defining Film Rhetoric: The Case of Hitchcock's Vertigo ."
If the title of the work is italicized in your reference list, italicize it and use title case capitalization in the text: The Closing of the American Mind ; The Wizard of Oz ; Friends .
If the title of the work is not italicized in your reference list, use double quotation marks and title case capitalization (even though the reference list uses sentence case): "Multimedia Narration: Constructing Possible Worlds;" "The One Where Chandler Can't Cry."

Short quotations

If you are directly quoting from a work, you will need to include the author, year of publication, and page number for the reference (preceded by "p." for a single page and “pp.” for a span of multiple pages, with the page numbers separated by an en dash).

You can introduce the quotation with a signal phrase that includes the author's last name followed by the date of publication in parentheses.

If you do not include the author’s name in the text of the sentence, place the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the quotation.

Long quotations

Place direct quotations that are 40 words or longer in a free-standing block of typewritten lines and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented 1/2 inch from the left margin, i.e., in the same place you would begin a new paragraph. Type the entire quotation on the new margin, and indent the first line of any subsequent paragraph within the quotation 1/2 inch from the new margin. Maintain double-spacing throughout, but do not add an extra blank line before or after it. The parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark.

Because block quotation formatting is difficult for us to replicate in the OWL's content management system, we have simply provided a screenshot of a generic example below.

This image shows how to format a long quotation in an APA seventh edition paper.

Formatting example for block quotations in APA 7 style.

Quotations from sources without pages

Direct quotations from sources that do not contain pages should not reference a page number. Instead, you may reference another logical identifying element: a paragraph, a chapter number, a section number, a table number, or something else. Older works (like religious texts) can also incorporate special location identifiers like verse numbers. In short: pick a substitute for page numbers that makes sense for your source.

Summary or paraphrase

If you are paraphrasing an idea from another work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication in your in-text reference and may omit the page numbers. APA guidelines, however, do encourage including a page range for a summary or paraphrase when it will help the reader find the information in a longer work.

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Guest Essay

What I Am Listening for in Michael Cohen’s Testimony

A black-and-white photo of Michael Cohen with photographs surrounding him.

By Andrew Weissmann

Mr. Weissmann teaches at the N.Y.U. School of Law and is a co-author of “The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents With Commentary.”

For the final stage of the prosecutor’s case in the People of the State of New York v. Donald Trump, the prosecution is expected to call the witness who has received the lion’s share of attention since the indictment was brought a year ago: Michael Cohen.

Before the trial started, some observers thought Mr. Cohen would be an indispensable star witness. They said that without Mr. Cohen, the district attorney could not establish the elements of the charged criminal offenses. But having seen the proof laid out meticulously and methodically by the prosecution these past three weeks, I find myself wondering: Do prosecutors even need Michael Cohen as a witness? Does the jury need to hear from him?

To be sure, the case would not exist but for Mr. Cohen. It is he who first revealed to prosecutors in the special counsel Robert Mueller’s office (I was one of the special counsel prosecutors) and in New York the hush-money scheme to buy Stormy Daniels’s silence in the aftermath of the “Access Hollywood” tape’s disclosure.

But since then, Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, has amassed evidence that appears to independently both prove the crime and corroborate Mr. Cohen’s account.

To call Mr. Cohen as a witness carries with it not only the reward of adding further critical evidence to the prosecution’s case, but also the risk of undermining the case with issues related to Mr. Cohen’s personal baggage. He is, like Ms. Daniels, a colorful character, catnip to the press, and his broken bond with his former boss, Mr. Trump, is inherently dramatic.

He joins a line of famous underlings who turned state’s evidence against their boss. The prosecution will be relying on the testimony of an insider testifying “up,” against his boss. And what those insiders also have in common is that they can speak to the inner workings of an alleged conspiracy.

I have personally observed this in organized crime cases (Salvatore Gravano, the former underboss of the Gambino crime family, testifying against the former Gambino boss John Gotti), economic crime prosecutions (the former Enron chief financial officer Andrew Fastow testifying against the former chief executives Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling) and political corruption matters (Mr. Trump’s former deputy campaign manager Rick Gates testifying against the former campaign manager Paul Manafort).

Mr. Cohen can provide a detailed insider account of the charged scheme and Mr. Trump’s alleged role in it. And because the trial has already established that there is simply no alternative narrative that is consistent with all the trial proof, Mr. Cohen is far less important to its outcome than initially thought.

Testimony from witnesses like David Pecker, Jeffrey McConney and Hope Hicks has laid out a clear narrative of a scheme to kill derogatory stories about candidate Trump and disseminate damaging accounts about his political adversaries — including direct conversations with Mr. Trump. And smoking-gun handwritten notes of Trump Organization financial personnel provide evidence for the alleged cover-up of that scheme through documentation that disguises the reimbursement of the hush money as legal fees.

It is a sign of the unusual political dimension of this trial that Ms. Daniels, and not the far more legally damaging witnesses Mr. Pecker and Ms. Hicks, was subject to the far more intense cross-examination.

A key remaining issue — and one that Mr. Cohen can address — is whether Mr. Trump was aware of the alleged cover-up scheme involving reimbursement checks to Mr. Cohen disguised as legal payments. Mr. Cohen laid out the hush-money payments to Ms. Daniels by taking out a home-equity credit line for $130,000, a fact that was well established by direct and circumstantial evidence.

Take the handwritten notes from Allen Weisselberg, the former Trump Organization chief financial officer. They reveal that he must have been aware of the hush-money scheme and its alleged cover-up. His notes (and the notes of the former Trump Organization controller who prosecutors say helped to carry out the scheme) detail how to reimburse Mr. Cohen the $130,000 the amount would need to be doubled, or “grossed” up, to account for taxes on the amount of this disguised income. The idea that Mr. Weisselberg, a Trump Organization veteran who has apparently been willing to serve time in jail rather than turn against Mr. Trump and remained on the Trump payroll even after his guilty pleas, would have approved these payments on his own is far-fetched. Trial evidence establishes that he could not approve expenses over $10,000, and here he would be approving not just the payment of $130,000 to Mr. Cohen, but doubling it to make him whole.

Witness after witness — as well as Mr. Trump’s own words read to the jury — attest to his being both a micromanager and a penny-pincher. And Mr. Trump signed check after check reimbursing Mr. Cohen for what he paid Ms. Daniels plus much more. In short, it seems implausible that either Mr. Cohen or Mr. Weisselberg would dare such a move without Mr. Trumps’ permission.

Against all this evidence and more, we are now expected to hear from Mr. Cohen. Successful prosecutions can often not be made without such witnesses. This is particularly true when the bosses consciously do not leave a paper trail. Mr. Trump famously groused about his White House counsel taking notes, observing that one of his favorite lawyers, Roy Cohn, never did.

So no doubt Mr. Bragg and his prosecutors believe they must call Mr. Cohen to testify. Still, calling Mr. Cohen as a witness does carry significant risk for Mr. Bragg. He brings baggage: He recently claimed under oath in a New York civil fraud trial against Mr. Trump (where the court found him credible and ruled against Mr. Trump) that he lied to a federal judge when he pleaded guilty to one of several crimes. By way of explanation, he seemed to contend he was pressured to plead guilty by the federal prosecutors.

Even accepting Mr. Cohen’s story, it means he lied to a federal judge after taking an oath to tell the truth — the same oath he will take at the criminal trial of Mr. Trump. And his story would support an anticipated defense claim that the federal prosecutors were so intent on making a case against Mr. Trump that they were willing to trample on Mr. Cohen’s rights — and that ugly federal muck will splatter on the state prosecutors.

The other option is that Mr. Cohen is lying about not being guilty of the charge — which may be a very distinct possibility given the proof against him. If that is the case, it would mean he lied in the recent state court fraud case. As a federal judge in New York recently concluded in denying Mr. Cohen’s motion for early termination of his criminal sentence, he lied in one forum or the other.

Still, that does not mean Mr. Cohen should not be called. I have repeatedly observed an interesting phenomenon in cases in which the prosecution has a mountain of independent evidence of guilt, but still calls a flawed insider to provide unique detailed and direct evidence to the jury of the defendant’s guilt.

Jurors often want to hear someone recount what they already know occurred, but that has not been said directly. The jurors will then often reach a verdict of guilty, and despite having found the conspiracy existed as recounted by a key criminal accomplice — someone like Mr. Cohen — they will later say they did not believe or need that witness’s testimony.

We will soon learn whether that will happen again in the People v. Trump.

Andrew Weissmann teaches at the N.Y.U. School of Law and is a co-author of “The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents With Commentary.” He was a senior prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s special counsel investigation and is a co-host of the podcast “ Prosecuting Donald Trump .”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

The Structural and Functional Roles of Proteins as Macromolecules in Cellular Processes

This essay about proteins explores their multifunctional roles within cells, emphasizing their structural and enzymatic capabilities. It details how proteins, using amino acid sequences, fold into complex shapes that enable them to maintain cellular integrity, catalyze metabolic reactions, and facilitate communication and transport within cells. The text highlights proteins’ contributions to cellular architecture and their critical roles in managing cellular responses and defending against pathogens, underscoring their significance in biological systems and the ongoing exploration of cellular biology.

How it works

Proteins, those relentless artisans within the cellular milieu, donned as vast macromolecules, direct a concert of both structural integrity and functional elegance in the lively microcosm of the cell. Celebrated for their architectural prowess and enzymatic ingenuity, these molecular craftsmen harness their amino acid instruments to forge a plethora of shapes and functions, intricately detailing the canvas of life with remarkable precision.

This complex relationship between protein structure and function unveils a rich mosaic of cellular intricacies, where each connection made by these adaptable molecules enriches the mosaic of biological life.

At the core of this exploration of protein functionality is the enthralling account of their three-dimensional structures, a marvelous spectacle shaped by the meticulous placement of amino acids. The story starts with the linear narrative of amino acid sequences, which serve as the foundational language of proteins, guiding the dramatic evolution of folding and structural gymnastics. Through the dance of secondary structures—like the elegant helical coils of alpha helices and the pleated refinement of beta sheets—proteins morph into their tertiary forms, each twist and pocket filled with intent. Some advance to the intricate dance of quaternary formations, where multiple protein actors intertwine to create formidable molecular ensembles.

Proteins also play a crucial role as the architects of cellular structure, constructing frameworks that sustain cellular shape and integrity. Collagen, the robust protector of connective tissues, constructs a network of strength within the skin, while keratin, the resilient guardian of skin and hair, resists daily environmental challenges. Actin and tubulin, the dynamic pair behind the cytoskeleton, skillfully manage cellular movements, directing the complex dance of cell division and migration.

Beyond their structural duties, proteins are also masterful orchestrators of biochemical processes, acting as enzymes that catalyze essential chemical reactions essential for cellular metabolism. These molecular maestros, from the digestive roles of amylase and lipase to the genetic choreography by DNA and RNA polymerases, ensure that the cellular ensemble operates in seamless harmony.

Proteins also serve as cellular communicators, transmitting signals and managing responses to both internal changes and external cues with precision and style. Hormones such as insulin act as messengers of metabolic balance, while neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine regulate neural transmissions, influencing mood and cognitive functions. Receptors stand by, decoding the subtle signals of molecules, translating them into a cascade of cellular actions.

In the cellular arena, proteins also undertake the role of transporters, overseeing the flow of molecules across membranes and through the bloodstream meticulously. Channels and carriers manage the entry and exit of ions and nutrients, maintaining cellular balance, while proteins like hemoglobin and albumin transport vital substances like oxygen and hormones, ensuring cellular health across various systems.

Moreover, proteins rise as valiant protectors of the cell, organizing defense mechanisms and gene regulation to shield the cellular territory from both internal conflicts and external threats. Antibodies, the dedicated guards of the immune system, fend off invading pathogens with precision, while transcription factors, the regulators of gene activity, manage gene expression with skilled precision.

In the elaborate narrative of cellular biology, proteins stand out as key players in a story rich with complexity and depth, intertwining the elements of structure and function to depict a landscape filled with stunning beauty and complexity. As we explore further into the realms of protein structure and function, we continually uncover new layers of cellular complexity, each discovery shining light on the profound intricacies of life’s molecular ballet. In this ongoing journey of biological discovery, proteins remain enduring symbols of the intricate dance of life, showcasing a legacy of cellular resilience and adaptability that perpetually captivates and inspires.

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The Structural and Functional Roles of Proteins as Macromolecules in Cellular Processes. (2024, May 12). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-structural-and-functional-roles-of-proteins-as-macromolecules-in-cellular-processes/

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Structural and Functional Roles of Proteins as Macromolecules in Cellular Processes . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-structural-and-functional-roles-of-proteins-as-macromolecules-in-cellular-processes/ [Accessed: 13 May. 2024]

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"The Structural and Functional Roles of Proteins as Macromolecules in Cellular Processes," PapersOwl.com , 12-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-structural-and-functional-roles-of-proteins-as-macromolecules-in-cellular-processes/. [Accessed: 13-May-2024]

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I own a New York craft distillery; businesses like mine are dying

Since 2005, New York wineries have safely shipped directly to consumers. Credit: Getty Images/svetikd

This guest essay reflects the views of Mark Heuwetter, co-founder of Harbor Lights Stillhouse in Huntington.

New York State’s craft distilleries are facing extinction. A once-thriving industry filled with hope is collapsing under the constraints of a system that severely limits its market access. More than 20 of New York’s 180 distilleries closed in the last year. Even more alarming: A New York State Distillers Guild survey in April that asked members whether they would close operations if economic conditions did not improve by 2025; 17% responded “yes” and 33% responded “not sure.”

State legislative leaders can avert this crisis if they look to the New York wine industry for a solution.

Since 2005, New York wineries have safely shipped directly to consumers, allowing wineries to build their brands and reach their fans nationwide while benefiting tourism, agriculture, and job creation and generating billions in state and local tax revenues.

Our New York distillers are asking for all alcohol manufacturers to have the same opportunities to reach consumers. Without leveling the playing field, distillers will continue to disappear, along with their well-paying jobs and a $3.2 billion ecosystem impacting local tourism, local farmers, and regional and state tax revenues.

Our opposition contends that direct-to-consumer shipping would be unsafe and lead to an increase in underage drinking. The thought is illogical since manufacturers would utilize the same age-verification technology and shipping methods as our New York wine manufacturers and other retailers that ship direct-to-consumer. Why would we be any less capable of shipping than other licensees?

From our Editorial Board, get inside the local, city and state political scenes.

By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy .

Others suggest further studies on direct-to-consumer shipping before changing the system. What further evidence of the efficacy and safety of direct-to-consumer shipping is needed beyond the glowing example of New York’s nearly 20 years of legalized wine shipping? Over this period, underage drinking has declined every year as wine manufacturers safely reached consumers with zero reported issues of shipments to minors.

Additionally, for more than a year during the pandemic, our distillers used a COVID-19 exemption to safely ship to consumers throughout the United States with no reported issues by any law enforcement, liquor authority, or taxing agency.

Manufacturer direct-to-consumer shipping is not an attempt to take market share away from New York’s neighborhood bottle shops or disrupt the distribution tiers. New York distillers are pro-retail. Retailers carrying our spirits offer the most convenient and cost-effective method for fans to get their spirits; however, with hundreds of distilleries and thousands of products there is not enough shelf space for our brands.

Unfortunately, more than 60% of New York’s craft distillers do not have a distributor in the state, so we self-distribute. Even fewer have distribution outside of New York. The finite amount of space on brick-and-mortar retail shelves means store owners must make hard decisions about what to carry. Distributors, in turn, are obliged to respond to that demand. We get it. But this dynamic leaves many craft distillers holding inventory they’re not legally permitted to sell until someone walks into their tasting room.

Allowing direct-to-consumer shipping for New York craft distillers ensures the breadth of choice that 87% of U.S. consumers say they want and virtually guarantees the viability of New York’s distilling industry for generations to come.

Passage of legislation in the State Senate and Assembly will give New York’s craft distilleries, cideries, and meaderies a fighting chance by providing access to the same opportunities the wine industry has proved to be safe, effective and transformational.

New Yorkers are all in this together. We can save an industry if we say it loud enough so lawmakers will hear us in Albany.

This guest essay reflects the views of Mark Heuwetter, co-founder of Harbor Lights Stillhouse in Huntington.

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Step 4: Structure Your Essay. The final step in the planning process is to structure your essay. This simply means deciding which main ideas to put in which paragraphs. I would recommend a simple structure like this: Paragraph 1: introduce the essay. Paragraph 2: discuss your answer to the 1st question.
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Long quotations. Place direct quotations that are 40 words or longer in a free-standing block of typewritten lines and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented 1/2 inch from the left margin, i.e., in the same place you would begin a new paragraph.
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direct quotation into a good piece of evidence, to back up your point for the paragraph. Introducing quotes before they appear in your writing will help you to: • clearly show the reader you have included others' words in your writing. • provide a smooth reading path for the reader by naming the author and identifying.
Direct Taxes and the Sixteenth Amendment
Footnotes Jump to essay-1 158 U.S. 601 (1895) [hereinafter Pollock II]; 157 U.S. 429 [hereinafter Pollock I]. Pollock came to the Court twice. In Pollock I, the Court invalidated the tax at issue insofar as it was a tax upon income derived from real property, but the Court was equally divided on whether income derived from personal property was a direct tax.
The Four Main Types of Essay
An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays. Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and ...
How teachers started using ChatGPT to grade assignments
A new tool called Writable, which uses ChatGPT to help grade student writing assignments, is being offered widely to teachers in grades 3-12.. Why it matters: Teachers have quietly used ChatGPT to grade papers since it first came out — but now schools are sanctioning and encouraging its use. Driving the news: Writable, which is billed as a time-saving tool for teachers, was purchased last ...
Aptafluor SAH assay: Discovery of methyltransferase antagonists
AptaFluor SAH Methyltransferase Assay is a high-throughput enzymatic assay for SAM-dependent methyltransferases. The assay uses a naturally existing SAH-sensing RNA aptamer, or riboswitch, which ...
Opinion
What I Am Listening for in Michael Cohen's Testimony. Mr. Weissmann teaches at the N.Y.U. School of Law and is a co-author of "The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents With ...
The Structural and Functional Roles of Proteins as Macromolecules in
Essay Example: Proteins, those relentless artisans within the cellular milieu, donned as vast macromolecules, direct a concert of both structural integrity and functional elegance in the lively microcosm of the cell. Celebrated for their architectural prowess and enzymatic ingenuity, these molecular.
I own a New York craft distillery; businesses like mine are dying
This guest essay reflects the views of Mark Heuwetter, co-founder of Harbor Lights Stillhouse in Huntington. New York State's craft distilleries are facing extinction. A once-thriving industry ...
Evaluating anthelmintic activity through Caenorhabditis elegans egg
Abstract. The Caenorhabditis elegans egg hatching methodology is a valuable tool for assessing the anthelmintic activity of drugs and compounds and evaluating anthelmintic drug efficacy. Isolated eggs from gravid adults are exposed to different concentrations of selected drugs and the percentage of egg hatching is determined with respect to the ...

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IELTS Direct Question Essay: tips, common mistakes, questions & essays

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Introduction Paragraph

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