HOW TO WRITE A COMMENT

The aim of a comment is to demonstrate that you are able to present your
opinion on a certain topic or issue in a coherent form.
Step 1: Read the task(s) carefully and make sure you know what you have to
do. Most topics can be categorized as:
a) Pro and Con: formulations being used: Discuss that view, Do
you agree?, Show whether this statement is true
or not, Comment on the statement or the topic
is put as a question.
Your comment may consist of four parts:
1) introduction
2) pro
3) con
4) personal opinion
b) First-Second-Third-Topics: You will find formulations like:
Say in what way The Great
Gatsby is still relevant today
Step 2: Start brainstorming. Collect and group your ideas:
- mind map
Step 3: Write an outline in establishing major divisions of the subject.
Step 4: Make your introductory statement, in which you refer to the task.
Make sure to the reader why you are writing this comment:
- definitions, quotes, statements, facts about the history/background
of the issue can help you and are good for introductions
Suitable phrases are:
- in the following I shall be concerned with / deal with the
problem/subject/issue of...
- I would like to discuss...
- I intend to present arguments in favour of ... and against ...
Step 5: Devote one paragraph to each of the arguments you want to present.
If you are weighing up the pros and cons of an issue, you can take the
argumentative approach and deal with all the arguments in favour first,
and then against. Alternatively, you can discuss one aspect at a time,
presenting the ideas for and against.
Structure each paragraph like a pyramid:
- the topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about
- the following parts provide arguments, reasons, explanations and/or
examples referring to the topic. Make sure that the end of the
paragraph is still connected to your topic sentence!

HOW TO WRITE A COMMENT

Step 6: Make your concluding statement in which you sum up your arguments
and give your opinion. Make sure that your conclusion fits the main part of
your comment. Useful phrases are:
- All in all, I think it can be said that...
- In conclusion, I would like to say that...
- I would like to conclude by saying that...
- On the whole it can be said that...

WATCH OUT FOR:

-

present your arguments clearly and precisely, avoiding repetition.

Illustrate your ideas with appropriate examples.
Each paragraph consists of one topic sentence!
There are no logical inconsistencies (logische Brche) within your
paragraphs the ending of your paragraph has to do with the
beginning of the paragraph
Use connectors to underline the structure of your text:
o Starting your paragraphs:
One/another important issue I would like to address is ...

Another major aspect that needs mentioning is...

One also needs to consider that...

When talking about ... one also needs to consider that ...

One also needs to point out that...

o Giving your opinion:

In my view...

I am of the opinion that...

I maintain that ... / I hold the view that...

Form my perspective...

Plan your time carefully and make sure you have enough time left to
proofread your text in the end.