In the following, you will learn how to understand the given material, respond to it, and support your own ideas with relevant information from the text. This skill is essential for exams, but it is just as important at university, in your future career, and in any situation where clear analysis and purposeful writing are required.
Summary
In English exams — and beyond the classroom — you are often expected to do more than simply state your own opinion. Material-based writing means working with a specific source and using it as the foundation for your text. Your task is to understand the material given, respond to its ideas, and develop your own argument by selecting and using relevant information from the text. This is not about copying what you read, but about engaging with it critically.
A convincing material-based text follows a clear and logical structure. It begins with an introduction in which you present the topic and briefly outline its main ideas. The main part then develops your arguments. Each point should be supported with relevant facts or examples, taken from the source as well as from your own reasoning. Make sure that each paragraph focuses on one central idea and that all parts are linked smoothly. Finally, the text ends with a conclusion that summarizes the key arguments and clearly states your overall opinion.
Let’s have a closer look!
Helpful knowledge for the exam
In most exams (for example in the FOS 12 or 13 final examination) you will be given a specific situation that includes a writing task and one to three sources (three sources in the final exam). At least one of these sources will be in German. They are meant to help you write a coherent text that is easy to follow and a cohesive text that is clearly structured.
In your writing, you must use all of the provided sources and meet the required word count (at least 300 words in the final examination FOS 12 and 13). This does not mean describing the sources or quoting them directly. Instead, you should select and use the information and ideas from the material to support your own argument.
The language used in material-based writing is generally formal and impersonal.
Approach
Step 1 – Understanding the task
Read the situation and the task carefully, and make sure you fully understand the topic and what is expected of you. Take time to study the sources, understand their perspective, and then determine your own position. Look for relevant information in the source that can support your argument.
Step 2 – Planning and structuring
- Brainstorm ideas related to the topic.
- Study the given material carefully and ensure that you understand the key messages and information in each source.
- Organize your arguments and decide which parts of the material you want to use as examples or explanations.
- Check that all arguments are logically connected to the topic.
- Write down useful vocabulary and expressions related to the subject.
Step 3 – Writing the text
- Introduce the topic clearly.
- Present each argument in a well-structured paragraph.
- You can use the material by paraphrasing, quoting, or summarizing. Just make sure to stick to the facts and always explain how the information supports your argument.
- End your text with a clear conclusion, for example by suggesting a solution to the problem or offering a future outlook.
Since in exams the presentation of your text is also assessed, make sure your writing looks neat and professional. Start a new line after the introduction and indent each paragraph. If you need to cross out words or sentences, do so neatly using a ruler.
Structure of a Material-Based Text
1 Introduction
Introduce the topic in general terms and outline the problem. You may already refer to information from a source (for example a quote or the message of a cartoon), but do not present arguments yet. Aim to catch the reader’s attention.
For example: “Slum tourism is a growing trend in cities like Mumbai and Manila. Some people criticize it as voyeuristic, but others see its potential to create real social impact. After reading the article Slum Tourism: A Closer Look at a Controversial Trend, I believe that slum tourism can be a positive force — especially when it is led by the communities themselves.”
2 Main Part
Develop your arguments in clearly structured paragraphs:
Claim:
State your main idea or argument in a general sentence.
For example: “Slum tourism can support poor communities.”
Evidence:
Support your claim with suitable examples or evidence, such as information taken from one of the sources. Use linking words and phrases to guide the reader and ensure coherence.
For example: “According to the tour company 75% or its profits are reinvested in education and healthcare initiatives for local residents.” (indirect quote of material given)
Reasoning:
Explain how the evidence supports your argument and link it back to the topic.
For example: “This means that tourism directly improves people’s lives by funding long-term development in poor communities.”
Continue then with additional arguments following the same structure.
3 Conclusion
Sum up the main arguments, weigh different viewpoints, and clearly state your opinion. You may also suggest a solution to the problem or give a brief outlook on future developments. Do not add new information!
For example: “Slum tourism can be meaningful and respectful – if it is managed by local people and focused on real connection. It creates jobs, supports development, and allows communities to speak for themselves. That’s why I believe this kind of tourism should be encouraged, not avoided.”
Common structures of argumentative writing
1 Comment
| What am I asked to do? | What is the structure? |
| Comment on this statement/idea/question, using the given material. Give your opinion, referring to the material. Do you agree? Use the material to help you. … | INTRODUCTION MAIN PART pro arguments OR con arguments (weak → strong) pro arguments AND con arguments CONCLUSION summary, outlook, referring back to introduction |
2 Discussion
| What am I asked to do? | What is the structure? |
| Discuss. Use the information from the material to support your argumentation. Give advantages and disadvantages referring to the material. … | INTRODUCTION MAIN PART pro arguments AND con arguments CONCLUSION summary, own opinion, outlook, referring back to introduction |
3 Giving reasons, suggestions, solutions, etc.
| What am I asked to do? | What is the structure? |
| What are the reasons for this trend/development? Use the material as help. Think of solutions for this problem referring to the material. … | INTRODUCTION MAIN PART Reasons, suggestions, solutions, etc. CONCLUSION summary, own opinion, outlook, referring back to introduction |
Language for writing
1 Introduction
The topic of this text is…
This essay/report/article deals with…
In this text, I will discuss…
The issue/problem/question is…
2 Stating points
Firstly, … / First of all, …
One important point is…
It should be noted that…
A key issue is…
3 Listing
Secondly, … / Next, … / Then, …
Another point to consider is…
In addition, … / Furthermore, …
4 Adding points
Moreover, … / What is more, …
Also, …
Besides this, …
Not only… but also…
5 Stating exceptions / limitations
However, … / On the other hand, …
Nevertheless, … / Nonetheless, …
Although…, … / Even though…, …
Despite…, …
6 Stating alternatives / choices
Alternatively, …
Instead of…, …
One option could be…
Another possibility is…
7 Stating reasons / causes
Because… / Since… / As…
Due to… / Owing to…
The reason for this is…
This is caused by…
8 Stating results / consequences
Therefore, … / Thus, … / As a result, …
This leads to… / Consequently, …
Hence, …
For this reason, …
9 Summarizing
In conclusion, … / To sum up, …
Overall, … / All in all, …
In brief, … / In short, …
To summarize, …
10 Closing / giving opinion
In my opinion, … / I believe that…
From my point of view, …
It can be concluded that…
Ultimately, …