维立克写作测试（Vericant’s Writing Test）覆盖分析（analytical）、实用（practical）、创意（creative）三种题型，要求考生从中选择一个题目在30分钟以内做出手写应答。考生可以在背面列提纲或者写草稿，但是答卷一定要写到正面。

以下是我们根据三种题型收集的写作结构、范文和练习题目，供考生学习：

HOW TO WRITE AN ANALYTICAL ESSAY

A student can make it a 3 or 5-paragraph essay. Digging deeper, you will obtain a similar template:

1. Introduction

Ø  Hook sentence

Ø  Topic introduction

Ø  Background information

Ø  Thesis statement (the order is not important)

2. Body part

Ø  Topic sentence #1 along with the claim, supporting evidence, and tie (3 times each)

Ø  Topic sentence #2 along with the claim, supporting evidence, and tie (3 times each)

Ø  Topic sentence #3 along with the claim, supporting evidence, and tie (3 times each)

3. Conclusion

Ø  Summary

Ø  Thesis statement (reword it)

Ø  Final thought/hook

Example

Prompt: Do you agree with smoking bans in public places?

More and more countries and cities ban smoking here and there, in public places. According to various medical studies, smoking not only causes various health problems for a person, but also for every non-smoker close by. Even though people continue debating the pros and cons of the smoking issue, the reality is that a ban is the most appropriate and logical decision in case of smoking in public areas. Although there are some arguments on both sides, here are the solid reasons why the smoking ban is a must.

First of all, smoking, even outdoors, can cause various health problems, such as bronchial infections and asthmatic attacks even in non-smokers. This point is particularly crucial for nearly one million US people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, asthma, bronchial infections, and other conditions that have something to do with breathing.

Smoking hurts our environment. That’s a fact. In addition to the fact that smoking is harmful to you and your family members, it actually hurts our ecosystem with all of its inhabitants. All the plastic filters, cigarette butts, and other elements of smoked cigarettes tend to pollute waterways, soil, and beaches. The most recent lab studies prove that such toxic compounds of cigarettes as pesticide residues and nicotine are harmful to fish and microorganisms.

In addition to some apparent damage being done by smoking, it is important to mention the cost of this dubious pleasure. The point is that smoking is like a financial trap for every person addicted to nicotine. As reported by the CDC, the financial burden that smoking puts on people keeps on rising, with nearly $193 billion spent yearly in the US.

In conclusion, it is clear from everything discussed above that smoking should be labeled illegal in all public places all over the globe. As a result, this would improve the state of health of every person or animal, and that is more than enough.

(319 words)

Exercises

Ø  Are tests in school important? Why?

Ø  Are personality and upbringing related?

Ø  Inequality: is this an issue we can’t avoid?

HOW TO WRITE A PRACTICAL ESSAY

An ideal practical essay outline is structured as follows:

1.      Introduce the problem (or goal).

2.      Make the reader care.

3.      Outline your solution (or plan).

4.      Paint a final picture.

Example

Prompt: The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before. What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

The enormous growth in the use of the internet over the last decade has led to radical changes to the way that people consume and share information. Although serious problems have arisen as a result of this, there are solutions.

One of the first problems of the internet is the ease with which children can access potentially dangerous sites. For example, pornography sites are easily accessible to them because they can register with a site and claim to be an adult. There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts and development, which is a negative impact for the children and for society. Another major problem is the growth of online fraud and hacking. These days, there are constant news stories about government and company websites that have been hacked, resulting in sensitive information falling into the hands of criminals.

It is important that action is taken to combat these problems. Governments should ensure that adequate legislation and controls are in place that will prevent young people from accessing dangerous sites, such as requiring more than simply confirming that you are an adult to view a site. Parents also have a part to play. They need to closely monitor the activities of their children and restrict their access to certain sites, which can now be done through various computer programs. Companies must also improve their onsite IT security systems to make fraud and hacking much more difficult by undertaking thorough reviews of their current systems for weaknesses.

To conclude, the internet is an amazing technological innovation that has transformed people’s lives, but not without negative impacts. However, with the right action by individuals, governments and businesses, it can be made a safe place for everyone.

(285 words)

Exercises

Ø  You’ve been asked to plan an event that shares something about your culture. What will you do and how will you get it done?

Ø  How can bullying on online social media platforms be stopped?

Ø  How can we learn to understand people who are different from us culturally, racially, or socioeconomically?

HOW TO WRITE A CREATIVE ESSAY

The perfect creative essay is divided into three acts:

1.      The Setup or the Introduction.

2.      The Confrontation or the Body Paragraph.

3.      The Resolution or the Conclusion.

Example

Prompt: Write a story about visiting Santa in the mall.

“Let’s go see Santa!” Samantha said, pointing.

I shrugged. I found out long ago that the real Santa doesn’t hang out in malls. He’s way too busy checking his list twice and supervising the elves.

Last year, “Santa” had a tattoo on his arm. I pretended I didn’t notice and named all the toys I ever wanted, until he was about to kick me out. I like playing around with fake Santas.

We joined the line and after what seemed like ages, it was our turn. Samantha’s eyes were glowing with excitement as she listed her wishes. She went back to Mom and Dad with a delighted smile and some trinkets.

I sat on Santa’s lap and wiggled to get comfortable. He winced.

“Have you been good this year? Ho! Ho!”

“Oh, yes! I played nicely with my sister, obeyed my parents, and teachers are fond of me.”

A suspicious grin appeared on his jolly face. “What would you like for Christmas, my boy?”

“Santa, I want a new teacher for Christmas.”

He gave a little start and looked at me. “Don’t you want any new games, or a baseball mitt?”

“No. I want a new teacher who doesn’t give too much homework. I don’t have time to play anyway, with all those assignments I’m getting.”

It was worth waiting in line just to see the look on his face. He gave me a coloring book and a Christmas sticker. Just before I left, he pulled me closer and said in a low tone, “I’ll make sure Miss Coleman makes your wish come true.”

How did he … that voice … “Mr. Principal?”

I guess sometimes wishes do come true. I had a lighter workload until June!

(287 words)

Exercises

Ø  Write a story that begins with the line, “All of a sudden, they realized they had made a big mistake…”

Ø  Imagine that you had the chance to choose a superpower. What would it be and would you do?

Ø  Creating a story about someone who woke up to find themselves able to rule the world and how their morals and ideas changed.