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How to: Write a Comment (B2)
Learn how to construct convincing comments.
How to provides you with a step-by-step guide in most forms of academic writing. After having learnt the basics you will quickly move on to studying examples and producing your own pieces of writing. You will be guided through each step, helping you to reflect and evaluate your writing skills concerning a certain topic as well as the proficiency of your language skills.
How to requires an experienced English speaking person to give you some feedback on your pieces of writing. While you can theoretically do most of the steps on your own, it is best to reflect on your writing style and your linguistic mistakes with the help of somebody who is competent enough to analyse your piece of writing together with you.
What is a comment?
“So tell me, how was your date?”
“Man, she’s an amazing person. Her smile is so radiant and contagious, and her looks are so snazzy! I just hope she feels the same way about me…”
“What a stupid match! That new coach is rubbish. On another night, they’d have won sure as eggs is eggs!”
People and their opinions!
As we could see in the examples above, everyone has got his or her own opinion about all kinds of things. These are everyday situations in which somebody comments on somebody else’s appearance or behaviour. You are now asked to write a comment. How is it similar or different?
Comments and their characteristics
Let’s take a look at written comments now. How are they similar – and how are they different from spoken ones?
The stages of writing a comment
When writing a comment, it is always advisable to follow a certain structure. In this way, you do not miss on important ideas – and you are sure to put down to paper what you really think.
Step 1: Understanding the task
Before you get into planning your comment, you absolutely need to make sure you have understood the task. Can you translate all the words in the task? Have you read the text well that prepares you for answering this question, did you understand its main message?
Step 2: Brainstorm as much as you can!
Your initial reaction is very important, because in the end, it is your comment – your thoughts, your opinion. Write down everything that comes to your mind so you can use it later on.
Step 3: Create some order and hierarchy
You should never just start to write without any kind of structure. If you do so, your writing becomes chaotic and redundant – and you do not manage to get your message across.
Step 4: Construct your paragraphs
In any kind of comment, you should focus on a few strong points. Develop them in one paragraph each, and construct these paragraphs well.
Step 5: Write an introduction
It seems bizarre to write an introduction after constructing your main part. But if you think about it, you can tailor your introduction much better to the rest of your essay when you have actually worked on your overall structure and message.
Step 6: Write a conclusion
Your conclusion strengthens your overall message. Make it stick in your reader’s mind and show your audience the importance of your arguments.
Now, it is all about practising. Writing comments can be great fun and help you to develop your writing as well as your personality. Enjoy!