Tackling essays Section II

[doc2be]

Hi there,

I have just started looking at the dreaded Section II - Written Comm.

I am just wondering if anyone out there has any constructuve tips for getting info on the topics in sample papers apart from a Google search.

For example, how does one go about a topic like - 'Conformity is the jailor of freedom and the enemy of youth'?

Completely clueless..but looking forward to any input...

Thanks
Doc2be

[mouse]

I remember questions like this from English A-level (albeit in relation to set texts). If I was stumped I always found a good kick off poit ws to consider the dictionary meaning of the main terms in the question and to waffle on form there!

[weegie neurosurgeon]

They mean that conformity inhibits ur real self and therefore u dont exhibit the true nature of ur personality. Enemy of youth means that it is a normal response in adolescence to be compelled to rebel against authority and society. I'm sure u can take it from here. Good Luck!

[medicwannabe]

Has anyone attended the Gradmed course for written communication? Any comments?

I'm thinking of going to the intensive revision one...... :?

[drno_la]

Hi

There are a few correspondance based premed courses in Australia which practise this section. I got a freebee through from Des O'Neills Gamsat Prep Course with a couple of sample essays. Try emailing them at

gamsatprep@comptext.com.au
or
www.comptext.com.au

They offer email based essay marking advice for £18 per double essay task (payable by ordinary UK bank cheque to!)

I sat GAMSAT last year and got 50 for this section, so I need to improve a bit for my 2nd attempt (in March as i'm trying to get in to UniMelb, Aus). My system for the two essays were based upon a 4 paragraph system. Essay one was based upon the system at the following site:-

http://www.eslplanet.com/teachertool...b/frntpage.htm

One piece of advice is that you have to practise alot for this section. Write an essay a day. If you do one on every topic from every test/practise paper available, then on the day you will find that one of the quotes will come up (if not a remarkably similar one) and all you have to do is scribble down your memories.

Rob.

[studleyb]

That quote is the JFK one isnt it? I started thinkin along the lines of JFK, US president in the 60's...flower power movement etc, based around ideas of non-conformity...and developed my essay from there. I just ahve a problem with having several different threads, ideas for all of them and not enough time to explain them all, and link them together within the half hour limit!!

They are truly a bugger!

[gillian]

I would keep it short and simple as you have to write 2 essays remember and you don't want to be cutting into the time of the next one.

I think the 4 paragraph idea is great and also for the JFK one, I went down the same route...i.. who was JFK etc when was the quote written in what context etc. I was on the Gradmed course and the teacher said it was important to recognise where the author was coming from and added bonus if you knew something of their background etc...and if not you could hazard a guess.

Also, rememembr you have a choice out of 5 so just because the JFK one doesn't appeal, you don't have to panic as I;m sure one of the others will.

Does anyone know what the essay themes have been for the past 2 years in the actual exam?.It would be helpful to discount those topics!

Cheers,
G

[Rich]

When I've tackled the essay questions I've always focussed on the quote rather than the author. ie I don't even mention the author or think about where he or she is coming from. Do you guys reckon this is the wrong approach?

Ta.

[rodinho the thinking man]

i would say if you have trouble developing an idea with one of these quotes then try and argue against it... at least you then have more of a clearly defined task. I think in the section A essays it is supposed to be much more balanced but with 30 mins and pressure to produce ideas that kind of perspective may help kick things off....