15
Free-topic essays
Textbook: pp. 24–25
GoalKnow the features of a free-topic essay and make its plan.
New words
free topic · erkin mavzupopular style · ommabop uslubimpression · taassurotinterdisciplinary · fanlararo
Explanation
A free-topic essay is not directly tied to the works in the literature textbook: it sets out knowledge, moral and social views and personal reflections on some topic. The pupil combines information from different subjects, books and observations with his or her own impressions. Such an essay is written in popular style, that is, in language a wide readership understands. The topic may be linked to history, geography, biology or everyday life. A free essay also rests on a plan: the introduction opens the topic, the main part covers several aspects and the conclusion completes the author’s thought.
Worked examples
Topic: “The beauty of village life”. Plan: I. Introduction — city and village. II. 1) nature and air; 2) hardworking people; 3) traditions. III. Conclusion — the village is a place of peace.
Interdisciplinary topic: “Rivers and people” — combines geography (river flow), history (ancient cities) and biology (fish).
Class activity
Subject paths: take one free topic and show in a table which school subjects it connects to.
Practice
1
How does a free-topic essay differ from a literary essay?
It is not tied to a work in the literature programme and draws on various subjects and personal impressions.
2
Write three free-topic essay topics.
“Work and happiness”, “My teacher”, “The feeling of homeland”.
3
In what style is a free-topic essay written?
In popular style, understandable to everyone.
4
Make a three-part plan for “Clean air” and say which subjects you would draw on.
I. Intro. II. 1) air composition (biology, chemistry); 2) causes of pollution (geography); 3) measures for clean air. III. Conclusion.