Writing Skills for the Bac
Méthode complète pour l'expression écrite en anglais au bac : structure de l'essai, connecteurs logiques, registre formel et techniques d'argumentation.
Programme officiel
Compétences d'expression écrite — Rédiger un essai argumentatif structuré en anglais de niveau B2.
Cours complet
I. Essay Structure
Introduction: hook (provocative question or quote), context, thesis statement, outline of arguments. Body paragraphs (2-3): each paragraph = one idea, with topic sentence, evidence/examples, analysis, link to thesis. Conclusion: summarise without repeating, broader perspective, final thought. Length: 250-300 words for the bac. Quality over quantity.
II. Linking Words and Transitions
Addition: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Besides. Contrast: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Whereas, Although. Cause: Because, Since, As, Due to. Consequence: Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus. Example: For instance, Such as, A case in point is. Concession: Admittedly, It is true that, Granted. Conclusion: In conclusion, To sum up, All in all, Ultimately.
III. Argumentation Techniques
Use concrete examples: "In the UK, CCTV cameras number over 6 million" (not "there are many cameras"). Balance your argument: present both sides before giving your opinion. Use rhetorical questions sparingly: "Can we truly call ourselves free if we are constantly watched?" Avoid generalizations: "All young people..." → "Many young people..." Use hedging language for nuance: "It could be argued that...", "This suggests that...", "Evidence indicates..."
IV. Common Mistakes to Avoid
French-influenced errors: "it depends of" → "it depends on"; "on the other side" → "on the other hand"; "actually" means "en fait" (not "actuellement" = currently); "assist" means "aider" (not "assister à" = attend). Register: avoid contractions in formal essays (don't → do not). Avoid: "I think that..." at the start of every sentence. Use varied sentence structures: simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Key Vocabulary
Méthode bac
Entraînez-vous en écrivant un essai par semaine sur les thèmes du programme. Chronomètrez-vous (45 minutes). Utilisez cette checklist avant de rendre votre copie : 1) Introduction avec problématique ? 2) Connecteurs logiques variés ? 3) Exemples précis du monde anglophone ? 4) Conclusion avec ouverture ? 5) Relecture grammaire + orthographe ?
Exercices d'entraînement
Q1 : Write an introduction for: "Social media does more harm than good." Discuss.
Answer: Example: "With over 4.5 billion users worldwide, social media has become an integral part of modern life. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok have revolutionised communication and given voice to marginalised communities, growing evidence suggests they also fuel anxiety, spread disinformation, and erode privacy. This essay will argue that while social media offers undeniable benefits, its negative consequences currently outweigh its advantages, particularly for young people."
Q2 : Identify and correct the common mistakes: "I am agree with this idea. Actually, internet permits to communicate more easily."
Answer: Corrected: "I agree with this idea. In fact, the internet makes it easier to communicate." Errors: 1) "I am agree" → "I agree" (no auxiliary needed). 2) "Actually" = "en fait" (not "actuellement"). 3) "Internet" needs "the" in British English. 4) "permits to" → "allows/enables" or "makes it possible to". 5) "communicate more easily" is better than "permits to communicate".
Q3 : Write a balanced paragraph about surveillance using linking words.
Answer: Example: "Admittedly, surveillance cameras have proven effective in deterring crime; for instance, studies in the UK suggest a 13% reduction in crime in areas with CCTV. Furthermore, they assist police investigations by providing crucial evidence. However, this security comes at a cost. Privacy campaigners argue that constant monitoring creates a chilling effect on free expression. Moreover, facial recognition technology has been shown to be less accurate for ethnic minorities, raising serious concerns about discrimination. Ultimately, the challenge is to balance legitimate security needs with fundamental civil liberties."
Q4 : What is a "hook" and give three examples for an essay about AI.
Answer: A hook is an opening sentence designed to grab the reader's attention. Three examples for AI: 1) Quote: "The development of AI is likely to be either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity." — Stephen Hawking. 2) Startling fact: "By 2030, AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy — more than the current output of China and India combined." 3) Provocative question: "If a self-driving car must choose between hitting a pedestrian or its passenger, who should it save?"
Q5 : Transform this informal sentence into formal academic English: "Lots of people think social media is bad for kids."
Answer: Formal version: "A growing body of research suggests that social media may have detrimental effects on young people's mental health." Changes: "Lots of" → "A growing body of research"; "think" → "suggests"; "is bad" → "may have detrimental effects"; "kids" → "young people"; added hedge ("may") for academic caution.
À retenir pour le bac
- •Essay structure — notion clé à maîtriser pour cet axe.
- •Linking words — notion clé à maîtriser pour cet axe.
- •Formal register — notion clé à maîtriser pour cet axe.
- •Argumentation — notion clé à maîtriser pour cet axe.
- •Proofreading — notion clé à maîtriser pour cet axe.
Autres fiches d'anglais Terminale
Fiche complète sur le thème Identités et échanges en anglais Terminale : mondialisation, multiculturalisme, migrations et identité culturelle dans le monde anglophone.
Private and Public SpheresFiche de révision anglais Terminale sur l'espace privé et l'espace public : surveillance, réseaux sociaux, vie privée et libertés individuelles dans les pays anglophones.
Art and PowerFiche anglais Terminale sur Art et pouvoir : comment l'art conteste, soutient ou subvertit le pouvoir politique dans le monde anglophone — street art, musique, littérature engagée.
Citizenship and Virtual WorldsFiche de révision anglais Terminale sur citoyenneté et mondes virtuels : activisme en ligne, démocratie numérique, fake news et identité digitale.
Citizenship and Virtual WorldsFiche de révision anglais Terminale sur citoyenneté et mondes virtuels : activisme en ligne, démocratie numérique, fake news, intelligence artificielle et identité digitale.
