TIp #11 Duolingo English Test: Question 16 (Writing Sample): Structure your response according to question type [Opinion -) reason-examples-conclusion; Explanation -theory 1-theory 2- example; Cause Effect -) Cause-effect 1-effect 2-result) open b

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Pre-Writing Tips for All Types
1. Planning (1 Minute)

• Underline Keywords: Identify the core question (e.g., "should," "reasons," "effects").
• Brainstorm Ideas: Jot down 2-3 points/examples.
  
• Structure:
  • Opinion (16A): Thesis → Reasons → Examples → Conclusion.
  • Explanation (16B): Theory 1 → Theory 2 → Example → Modals ("perhaps," "might").
  • Cause/Effect (16C): Cause → Effect 1 → Effect 2 → Result.
    

2. Writing (3-4 Minutes)

• Opening: Directly answer the prompt.
  • "I believe parents should be held responsible because..." (16A).
  • "People visit museums possibly to..." (16B).
  • "Online classes caused..." (16C).
• Body: Use connectors ("First," "Moreover," "For instance").
• Conclusion: Restate main idea + future thought.

3. Editing (1 Minute)

• Check:
  • Word count (aim for 100+ words).
  • Grammar/Spelling (e.g., "their" vs. "there").
  • Complex Sentences (e.g., "When children see ads, they...").

Practice

Task Examples & Model Responses

Task Types:

• 16A (Opinion Essay) – "Should X do Y?"
  
• 16B (Explanation Essay) – "Why do people do X?"
  
• 16C (Cause & Effect Essay) – "What were the effects of X?"
  

16A: Opinion Essay
Prompt: "Should parents be held responsible if their child causes trouble in public?"
Model (150 words):

Yes, parents should be accountable for their child’s misbehavior.

First, children learn from adults; if parents neglect discipline, kids may act out. For example, my cousin threw tantrums in stores until his parents set clear rules. Second, legal consequences motivate better parenting. In Japan, I read that fines for unruly children reduced public disturbances by 30% .

Some argue kids have free will, but young minds lack judgment. If a 7-year-old vandalizes property, it reflects parental oversight. Ultimately, holding parents responsible fosters safer communities.

I hope more countries adopt this policy.


16B: Explanation Essay
Prompt: "Why do people visit museums when traveling?"
Model (130 words):

People likely visit museums for three reasons. First, museums offer cultural immersion. For instance, the Louvre showcases French history through art. Second, they provide climate-controlled leisure—a respite from heat or rain. Perhaps that’s why Cairo’s museums are packed in summer.

Another theory involves social media. Iconic exhibits, like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, attract visitors seeking photos. However, some may simply follow guidebooks. When I toured Rome, my itinerary listed the Vatican Museums as a ‘must-see.’

In short, museums combine education, comfort, and trendiness—perfect for travelers.


16C: Cause & Effect Essay
Prompt: "What were negative effects of online classes during the pandemic?"
Model (140 words):

Online learning caused three major issues. First, screen fatigue reduced focus. My sister’s grades dropped as she struggled to stare at Zoom for hours. Second, inequality worsened. Poor students without laptops fell behind—a 2021 UNICEF report confirmed this gap.

Moreover, socialization suffered. Children lost chances to develop teamwork skills. For example, my nephew became shy after months of isolated learning. Consequently, schools now blend online and in-person classes to balance safety and quality.

While online classes were necessary, their effects linger. Hopefully, future systems will address these flaws.


Post-Writing Assessment
Self-Check for All Types:

1. Structure:
   • Clear thesis (16A) / theories (16B) / causes (16C).
     
   • Connectors ("First," "Consequently").
     
2. Language:
   • 5+ descriptive words ("unruly," "iconic").
     
   • 4+ B1+ terms ("accountable," "inequality").
     
   • 8+ complex sentences.
     
3. Editing:
   • Paragraphs.
   • Grammar/spelling.

Reflection Prompts:

• 16A: "Did I address counterarguments?"
• 16B: "Did I use modals (might, could)?"
• 16C: "Did I link causes to effects logically?"

Practice Tasks

1. 16A: "Should governments restrict fast food advertising?"
2. 16B: "Why do people enjoy extreme sports?"
3. 16C: "What are effects of remote work on cities?"

Write 100+ words, then assess:

• Did I answer all parts of the prompt?
• Did I proofread for commas/typos?

Key Takeaways

• Opinion (16A): Take a stand → justify → rebut → conclude.
• Explanation (16B): Theorize → support → example → hedge ("possibly").
• Cause/Effect (16C): Cause → effect → chain reaction ("As a result...").