An example of the "five-step method" for writing a composition given materials in the examination room
It is more practical and effective to follow the "five-step method" for writing a composition given materials in the examination room. Take the following composition as an example. To explain.
Materials and composition requirements
Read the materials provided below, choose your own perspective, draw up your own topic, connect it with real life, start a discussion, and write an argumentative essay of no less than 600 words.
There is a myth in ancient Greece: There is a god named Prometheus in the sky. When he saw people suffering in the dark world, he decided to violate Zeus's laws and steal the fire from heaven. Humanity allows people to get rid of darkness and live happily, but he is tied to Mount Olympus, tossed under the wild beak of the condor every day... But he still refuses to change his ambition.
"Five-step method" operation instructions
The first step is to study the question and clarify the requirements. Examination essays have a unique characteristic: you don’t just write whatever you want, but you can write only what you are asked to write. These requirements come from the question stem. After studying the above question, we can get four points of composition information from these common words. ①Choose the angle. "Self-selection" is not free choice. "Angle" must come from the materials. It requires first reading and analyzing the materials to find the angle. ②Draft your own questions. "Self-drafting" does not mean free drafting. The "topic" comes from an angle, which requires choosing the right angle. Find the topic (or argument) from the "angle" and then draft the title. ③Contact with the reality of life. This is the basic requirement for the pertinence and reality of the composition. If it is not connected with the reality of life, the passion for the composition will not be generated, and the composition written will also lack practical significance. ④An argumentative essay of no less than 600 words. Usually when you have the passion for writing, you will "think for thousands of years and see for thousands of miles". It is easy to write 600 words. Grasping the style has become the main contradiction. There are many forms of argumentative essays, and there should be a good way to quickly finalize them in the examination room. There are usually two modes for writing essays on materials: one is reflection after reading, and the other is ideological commentary. The materials in the above example are generally required to be written as ideological comments, but many people do not agree with this single requirement and think that they can be written as both reflections and ideological comments. This statement is not unreasonable, because reflections and ideological comments are common forms of argumentative essays.
The second step is to read the materials and clarify the topic. Read the material after reviewing the questions, and the direction of the analysis will be clear. There are usually two categories of material forms: one is explanatory and argumentative, in which the themes (principles and meanings) of this kind of materials are obvious and can be understood at a glance; the other is fables and anecdotes, in which the themes (principles and meanings) of this kind of materials are relatively hidden. The analysis needs to be read carefully. There is a question of method and technique here. The above materials fall into the latter category. Fables and anecdotes usually use narration as the main mode of expression, and most of them are narrative texts. The most basic method of reading narratives is to understand the four questions of who, what, how, and what the results are. In fact, these four questions include the four main factors of doing something, namely people, events, processes and results. Studying the above materials, we can know that the character is Prometheus, and the incident was that he stole fire from heaven to free mankind from darkness. The process and result were that he was tied to Mount Olympus and was beaked by a condor without changing his ambition. Usually the way to summarize the theme of a narrative essay is to grasp the central event, or to comparatively analyze the relationship between the words and deeds of different characters and their results and their roots; The relationship between the results and their roots, or a comparative analysis of the relationship between the course of the same event and the results and their roots, etc. This process is the abstraction process from concrete to general, from specific to general. Taking the above materials as an example, the events show Prometheus' pursuit, the process shows the hardships he endured during the pursuit, and the results show that his ambition and determination are unchangeable. Therefore, we abstract a general truth from the specific incident of Prometheus, that is, in order to pursue justice and truth, we will never change our ambitions despite suffering. This is the spirit of Prometheus and the inspiration that materials give people.
The third step is to establish the argument based on the topic. There are two situations in the relationship between the theme of the material and the argument of the composition. First, there is a certain distance between the theme of the material and the argument of the composition. At this time, choosing a good angle by "connecting with the reality of life" is the best way to achieve the transition from the theme of the material to the argument of the composition. The thinking method of "connecting with the reality of life" is association. We should use the same, opposite, relevant and analogy methods of association based on the material and its theme to link it with the reality of life.
This process is a concretization process from abstract themes to concrete life realities, from general principles to special phenomena. This is the case with the 1986 National College Entrance Examination essay questions. The phenomenon described in the material is: a tree cannot change the climate, only a large forest can change the climate, and forming a forest requires certain conditions; if the temperature and humidity are suitable, trees can grow quickly and form a dense forest; large areas The emergence of forests will make the climate better. Obviously the theme of the material is "the accumulation of quantity will inevitably lead to a qualitative leap", which is a philosophical issue in the category of quantitative change and qualitative change. If this point of view is directly used as an argument in a composition, it is obviously not easy to write. Therefore, the college entrance examination questions are given a title and require you to prepare your own subtitles. This approach aims to guide candidates to make associations and complete the transition from abstract concepts to concrete life realities. When writing, start from the relationship between "trees, forests, and climate". You can write about the changes in social atmosphere, the relationship between family and society, the relationship between talents, intellectuals and the construction of the four modernizations, or you can write about me, my hometown relations with the motherland, etc. In this case, it is key to grasp the theme of the material and the "principle" it reveals. You can talk about any specific phenomenon, and the content of the composition is extremely open. The second is that the theme of the material is similar to the argument of the composition. In this case, the theme of the material can be directly used as the argument of the composition. This is the case with the materials cited in this article. In order to pursue justice and truth, we will never change our aspirations despite suffering. This Promethean spirit can be directly used as an argument. In terms of writing methods, you can learn from the "Stupidity" and "Noble Ideals" that you have learned in the past, as well as the "Talk about Perseverance" and "On Ambition" that you have written. As for whether to focus on this argument, it is determined by the author based on the evidence he has, and it is also extremely open-ended.
The fourth step is to formulate a topic based on the argument. "Title", as the name suggests, is the title of the article. It plays a very important role in composition, but many students may not be able to formulate the topic when they are in a hurry, or they may not pay attention to the topic preparation during the exam, so they often randomly write a topic like "Thinking of a fable (or story)". Thought it was safe. In fact, such a question is very unsafe. Because it cannot see either the topic or the argument, and coupled with the limitation of writing ability, it cannot introduce the topic or argument straight to the point and concisely. Therefore, the conversation is not focused, the argument is unclear, and it is dizzy, and naturally it cannot make "literary" "Zhao Zhao. Therefore, starting from the reality of examination composition, everyone must pay special attention to the process of formulating the topic. The basis for formulating the topic is the argument, and there are four methods. This example is used as a detailed explanation below. (1) Shorten the argument method, such as "for the truth" or "valuable dedication." (2) Thesis questions, such as "When hardships come, can ambitions be changed?" (3) Factor relationship method, such as "tribulation and ambition". (4) Image metaphor, such as "Stick to the green mountains and never relax." From this point of view, as long as the theme of the material can be accurately summarized and the argument of the composition is determined by the theme of the material, it is not difficult to write a composition title.
The fifth step is to make an outline and conceive the composition. Examination composition has both the characteristics of general composition and special requirements for examination composition. Judging from the scoring standards for the college entrance examination, content accounts for 14 points, language accounts for 13 points, structure accounts for 8 points, and writing accounts for 5 points. Obviously content and language are the objects that the examination room should closely focus on. Usually, the composition fails because the candidates are bent on writing new ideas in content and language, but fail to correctly handle the relationship between content, language, structure, and writing. According to my experience, in the examination room, on the basis of reviewing the materials and clarifying the essay arguments, as long as the structural barrier can be successfully broken through, there will be sufficient energy to write well in other aspects. The key to breaking through the structural barrier is to summarize the daily experience of reading and writing argumentative essays, master the general structural rules of argumentative essays, and form a frame. You can write your essay according to the frame without thinking too much in the examination room. In this case, you can quickly pass the conception stage and focus on the "appearance" of the composition's content, language, and writing, thereby ensuring the beauty of the composition's content, language, and writing. Under normal circumstances, it is ideal to use the five-character layout of "introduction", "argumentation", "connection", "discrimination" and "conclusion" for argumentative papers.
"Introduction" is to introduce a topic or argument. Usually, the topic or argument can be put forward by straight to the point, connecting with reality, describing feelings, reading materials, quoting famous quotes and aphorisms. The number of words should be small and the summary should be strong, generally no more than 50 words.
"Yi" refers to discussion materials. By analyzing the discussion, we can explore the connotation of the material and emphasize the topic or argument.
This part can make up for deficiencies such as abruptness and gaps in content caused by over-generalization when introducing arguments.
"Lian" means association discussion. After "quoting" and "discussing", the composition has completed the processing of the material. "Connection" is the process of using the principles provided by the materials to compare and discuss social life. You can associate similar truths (argument from principles), or associate with relevant social life phenomena (argument from facts). This part is the focus of the composition. It must be open-minded and strong in generalization; it must highlight the key points and combine pros and cons.
"Differentiation" means to analyze and differentiate syndromes, which is a supplement to the writing of rigorous ideas. Usually this part is not the focus of the writing, and there should not be too many words. You can use words such as "of course" and "of course" to trigger the writing.
"Knot" is the conclusion of the article. Usually, the material should be closely followed to the beginning: the argument is mentioned at the beginning, and what to do at the end; the topic is mentioned at the beginning, and the conclusion is made and a brief explanation of what to do is made at the end. For example, use sentences like "The people in the material are still like this, we..." etc.
When you are in a hurry to write an essay in the exam room, as long as you keep these five words in mind, you will be able to pass the essay smoothly. With this five-word frame, you don’t need to worry about what to write first and what to write next during the exam, thereby ensuring that you can focus on the three aspects of content, language, and writing, and ensuring that there are no or fewer mistakes in the exam composition.
Notes
(1) Pay attention to writing the beginning well. Everything is difficult at the beginning. The same goes for composition. However, a good beginning can give people a head start and create the "first impression effect", giving people the impression that "this essay is extraordinary." What is the standard for a good beginning? The ancients talked about "Fengtou", which emphasized that the beginning should be concise and comprehensive, get to the topic quickly, and not be muddled. Expression can be narrated and asked. The following three essays have good beginnings and can be used as reference.
〖Example 1〗 We must have the spirit of Prometheus
There is such a myth: Prometheus saw the darkness in the world, so he violated the rules of heaven and stole fire from heaven to humans. Mankind gained light, but he himself was turned under the beak of an eagle. After reading this story, I couldn't help but be moved by the spirit of Prometheus.
What is the spirit of Prometheus?
It is the spirit of dedication, the spirit of self-sacrifice and the benefit of mankind.
You see, he sympathized with the suffering of mankind, and resolutely stole fire regardless of Zeus's power; he was tied to a high mountain and brutally tortured by an eagle's beak, but he remained determined and willing to suffer as long as mankind was happy. This is his spirit.
……
[Brief Comment] This composition begins with three paragraphs: the first paragraph narrates the story, the second paragraph raises questions, and the third paragraph answers and raises questions. argument. Advance layer by layer to elicit ideas. The fourth paragraph analyzes the material and explains that the point of view is derived from the given material. The paragraphs are short and clear, the language is concise and vivid, and the reading is bright and powerful.
〖Example 2〗 "If I suffer, a billion people will be happy"
There is such an ancient Greek myth: There is a god named Prometheus in the sky who sees people Living a very difficult life in the darkness, he violated the rules of heaven and stole fire from heaven from humans, but he himself suffered cruel torture from Zeus.
After reading this story, I couldn’t help but think of the dedication of “If I suffer, a billion people will be happy.”
Prometheus was fine in heaven, but why did he rather suffer and keep his original intention in order for mankind to escape from the darkness? The reason is that he has this lofty spirit of "suffering himself and making others happy". If the gods in ancient mythology are like this, how can we humans in reality not be like this? ......
[Brief Comment] This essay begins the same as the first one. It first tells the story, then points to the topic, puts forward the argument, and then analyzes the material to reveal its connotation. However, the writing is slightly different from the previous article. After the reading, there are questions and analysis of materials. However, the above two examples can closely follow the material. First, read the material, then elicit opinions, and then analyze the materials to illustrate the opinions. Some students may say, "What's so difficult about reading?" In fact, it is not easy to read. Recitation is a kind of narration with arguments in the narration, which requires that the central argument can be revealed naturally through recitation. To do this, the material needs to be appropriately edited and detailed according to the requirements of the argument and argument. Otherwise, copying the material will only fail.
〖Example 3〗 People are valued and they have ambitions
People are valued and they have ambitions. This has long been proven by ancient sayings: Three armies can seize the commander, but an ordinary man cannot seize the ambition.
The story of Prometheus stealing fire in ancient Greek mythology also illustrates the same truth. The story goes: Prometheus saw that people were suffering in the dark world, so he decided to violate Zeus's laws and steal fire from heaven to humans so that humans could escape the darkness and live happily. However, he was tied to Mount Olympus. , tossed around under the wild beak of the condor every day...but he still refused to change his ambition. Myths are the innocent explanations and beautiful yearnings of the ancient working people for natural phenomena and social life, and express the good wishes of the working people. Prometheus made a huge sacrifice in order to realize his ambition of saving mankind and pursuing truth. This story is obviously educating people: people must have ambitions, and in order to realize their ambitions, they must persevere and make sacrifices.
……
[Brief Comment] This essay begins with a straightforward argument, and then quotes ancient sayings to prove it. This way of writing is different from the previous two examples. It enters the topic quickly and fastens to the topic, like a mountain rising from the flat ground, abrupt and dazzling, and the argument is emphasized and highlighted. Then transition to a narrative reading of the material, reveal the source of the argument, link the material, and explain the topic appropriately and naturally.
(2) Pay attention to writing good paragraphs. There are three keys to writing good paragraphs: first, pay attention to the transition between paragraphs, second, there must be a general sentence at the beginning of the paragraph, and third, be good at summarizing at the end of the paragraph. The above three examples of transition between paragraphs are all good examples. There are two ways to write at the beginning of a paragraph that are worth learning from: one is to start with questions, the lesson "Noble Ideal" is a good example; the other is to start with points, the following example is a good example. The end of the paragraph should be summarized in a timely manner based on the analysis, so as to echo the central argument and ensure tight writing. In addition, when writing a good paragraph, you should also pay attention to learning to use the writing procedure of "quoting materials (theories or facts) - analyzing and revealing the meaning and principles - summarizing the significance or characteristics of these meanings and principles", and properly grasp the capacity and content of the paragraph. length.
(3) Pay attention to the ending. The ancients paid attention to the "leopard's tail", which means that the ending should be strong and powerful. How to be strong and powerful in the special atmosphere of the examination room? One is the rhetorical question heuristic, that is, using rhetorical questions to inspire readers to think and artistically complete the task of "what to do". The end of "Receiving Advice and Stopping Slander" "If you don't believe it, try it" is a good example. The second is to summarize the anaphoric type, which corresponds to the beginning, using words such as "therefore" to follow the above, and answer "what to do" briefly and clearly.
〖Example 4〗 Never let go of the green hills
There is a myth in ancient Greece: The god Prometheus saw that humans were suffering in the dark, so he stole fire from heaven and gave it to People brought light, but he was tied to Mount Olympus and beaked by the eagle, but he still refused to change his ambition. After reading, my mood was ups and downs, and I couldn't help but think of the ancient adage "never relax until you stick to the green hills".
"Green Mountain" is where our ambition lies. When a person lives in the world, he does not live aimlessly. He must always have his own ideas and goals, that is, ambitions, even if it is just for himself. But no matter what ambition, it cannot be realized overnight. Naturally, it is also We can’t give up if we don’t succeed, so we need to fight for it.
When you make a goal, you must realize it and make sacrifices for it. There is no such thing as sitting back and enjoying pie in the sky. Bruno discovered the heliocentric theory and recognized this truth, and did not give up until he was burned by the fire of the Inquisition; Li Shizhen went through hardships for more than 20 years in order to write "Compendium of Materia Medica" and finally completed the medical masterpiece; Zhou Enlai When I was in middle school, I set my ambition to "study for the rise of China." In the future, I worked hard for this "green mountain" and finally became a major event. It can be seen that setting up an ambition cannot end there, but has just begun. You must fight for it, pay hardships and even sacrifices for it, and move forward step by step until you finally achieve your goal. This is the true meaning of "Green Mountain" - the pillar of Prometheus.
Of course, we must not only have "green hills", but also the will to "persevere". If Prometheus only had "green mountains" and had not really made up his mind, I am afraid that he would have been free in the fairy world and no longer respected by the world. It is precisely because of his determination that he is not afraid of torture.
Someone once said: "Those who are determined should set long-term ambitions; those who have no ambitions should always be determined."
"This is true. People who have achievements always set a goal and "fix" a "green mountain"; while those with weak will often fail to achieve a goal and encounter setbacks, so they change a goal, or just like this. Looking at the height of the mountain, you keep changing, but in the end, nothing is achieved. In real life, there are many people who pursue whatever is hot, and pursue whatever is "fire". In my opinion, life and work are still in vain. It is better to stick to a "green mountain".
Therefore, I say that you must have a green mountain in your heart and be firm in your actions. Only then can you have no regrets and be fearless in all difficulties. Climb the green mountain in your heart and realize your lofty aspirations.
[Brief Comment] Although this article has many shortcomings, the title of this article is eye-catching and the argument is outstanding, which is very impressive. The argument is made first and then the negative, the pros and cons are combined, the language is vivid, the center of each paragraph is clear, the paragraphs are of appropriate length, the level is clear, and the ending is natural and concise.