3. Managing Human Population Day#5. Lesson plan
How to Write a Cambridge-Style Essay for the AICE Environmental Management Exam
Writing a Cambridge-style essay for the AICE Environmental Management Exam requires a clear understanding of the question, structured argumentation, and critical evaluation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a well-organized and insightful essay.
Objectives
- Evaluative writing – how to write a Cambridge style essay
- Students will practice how to write an evaluative essay.
Vocabulary
- Evaluate: Judge the value or importance of something, providing both strengths and weaknesses.
- Discuss: Offer a balanced review that includes arguments for and against a particular point.
- Compare: Identify similarities and differences between two or more items.
- Contrast: Focus on the differences between two or more items.
Bellringer
- Bell ringer#5
- How are command words compare and contrast different?
Lesson Outline
Instruction
- 1. Bell ringer#5
- 2.Case Studies and Practice Essay Topics
- Understanding the Question
- Before you start writing, it’s crucial to fully understand the question. Look for keywords and command words such as “evaluate,” “discuss,” “compare,” or “contrast.” These words indicate the type of response required:
- Evaluate: Judge the value or importance of something, providing both strengths and weaknesses.
- Discuss: Offer a balanced review that includes arguments for and against a particular point.
- Compare: Identify similarities and differences between two or more items.
- Contrast: Focus on the differences between two or more items.
- Planning Your Essay
Effective planning is essential for a coherent and well-structured essay. Follow these steps:
a. Brainstorming: Jot down all the ideas, facts, and concepts related to the question. This helps you recall key points and organize your thoughts.
b. Outline: Create a basic outline to structure your essay. A typical outline includes:- Introduction
- Main Body
- Point 1 (with evidence and evaluation)
- Point 2 (with evidence and evaluation)
- Point 3 (with evidence and evaluation)
- Conclusion
- Writing the Introduction
The introduction should set the stage for your essay. Include the following:- Context: Briefly introduce the topic.
- Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument or the stance you will take in your essay.
- Outline of Main Points: Provide a preview of the points you will discuss in the body of your essay.
- Example Introduction:
“Population dynamics vary significantly between High-Income Countries (HICs) and Low-Income Countries (LICs). This essay will evaluate the factors influencing population growth in both contexts, considering economic, social, and environmental aspects. By comparing the population dynamics of HICs and LICs, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities each faces.”
- Example Introduction:
- Writing the Main Body
The main body of your essay should be divided into clear, well-organized paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and follow this structure:- Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
- Provide evidence and examples to support your point. Use data, case studies, and real-world examples where possible.
- Analyze the evidence and evaluate its significance. Discuss strengths, weaknesses, and implications. Consider different perspectives and counterarguments.
- Example Paragraph:
“In HICs, population growth is often stable or declining. This can be attributed to several factors, including advanced healthcare systems, widespread access to contraception, and higher levels of education, particularly among women. For instance, countries like Germany and Japan have implemented effective family planning programs and have high educational attainment, leading to lower birth rates. However, these countries also face challenges such as an aging population and labor shortages, which can impact economic growth.”
- Example Paragraph:
- Writing the Conclusion
- The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented. Avoid introducing new information.
- Example Conclusion:
“In conclusion, the population dynamics of HICs and LICs are shaped by a complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors. While HICs benefit from stable populations and advanced healthcare, they face challenges related to aging demographics. Conversely, LICs experience rapid population growth and face issues such as limited access to healthcare and education. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective policies and addressing the unique needs of each context.”
- Example Conclusion:
- The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented. Avoid introducing new information.
- Understanding the Question
- After writing your essay, take the time to review and edit it. Check for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported and that your essay flows logically from one point to the next.
- Tips for Success
Stay Focused: Keep your writing focused on the question and avoid going off on tangents.
Use Clear and Concise Language: Write clearly and concisely, avoiding overly complex sentences.
Incorporate Case Studies: Use relevant case studies to provide concrete examples and support your arguments.
Balance Your Argument: Ensure you provide a balanced argument, considering multiple perspectives.
Practice: Practice writing essays regularly to improve your skills and confidence.
- Individual activity
- Essay topic: Compare and contrast the population dynamics of a HIC and a LIC.
- Exit ticket
- If you opt to have students complete their notes using the Student Guided Notes format during your lecture, then use the bellringer as the exit ticket activity in class.
- If you opt to have students complete their notes using the Student Guided Notes format at home (homework), then use the following exit ticket activity:
- Students share essays.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, students will be well-prepared to write effective Cambridge-style essays for the AICE Environmental Management Exam.
Homework โ high level/flipped classroom
- Version A โ For High-Level Students:
Ideal for independent or advanced learners, this version requires students to copy all notes by hand as homework before class. Thisย flipped-learningย approach helps students come to class prepared, freeing up time for application activities, discussions, and AICE-style practice questions. - For this assignment have students fill in the blanks using the PPT Presentation.ย


