L'objectif général 4 du programme de Terminale porte sur la production écrite (written production). Qu'il s'agisse d'une lettre, d'un résumé, d'un rapport ou d'un essai, tout texte anglais bien écrit respecte une structure en trois parties : une introduction qui annonce le sujet, un développement qui organise les idées, et une conclusion qui clôt le propos.
Les linking words (connecteurs logiques) sont des mots ou expressions qui relient les idées entre elles et rendent un texte cohérent (coherent) au lieu d'être une simple suite de phrases isolées.
On classe les connecteurs selon leur fonction dans la phrase :
| Fonction | Linking words | Exemple |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | in addition, moreover, furthermore, also, besides | She works hard. In addition, she volunteers every weekend. |
| Contraste / opposition | however, nevertheless, on the other hand, although, whereas | He is young. However, he is very responsible. |
| Cause / conséquence | because, since, therefore, as a result, consequently, so | It rained heavily. As a result, the match was cancelled. |
| Séquence / temps | first, then, next, after that, finally, meanwhile | First, read the text. Then, answer the questions. |
Un bon connecteur remplace souvent "and" ou "but" répétés et montre au lecteur la logique de la pensée : cause, opposition, ajout ou ordre chronologique.
En anglais, le registre de langue change radicalement selon le destinataire. Il faut distinguer la formal letter (destinataire inconnu ou officiel : administration, employeur, journal) de l'informal letter (ami, famille).
| Type | Ouverture | Clôture |
|---|---|---|
| Formelle (nom inconnu) | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Formelle (nom connu) | Dear Mr Nkodia, | Yours sincerely, |
| Informelle | Dear John, / Hi Marie, | Best wishes, / Love, / See you soon, |
Dans une lettre formelle, on évite les contractions (don't, it's), l'humour et le vocabulaire familier. On utilise des phrases complètes et un vocabulaire précis : "I am writing to..." plutôt que "I just wanted to say...".
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of trainee librarian advertised in your school newsletter. I am currently a Terminale student with a strong interest in books and information technology. I have already helped organise our class library and I am used to working with the public.
I would be grateful if you could consider my application. I am available for an interview at any time that suits you.
Yours faithfully,
Aline Mouko
Résumer un texte consiste à en restituer les idées essentielles avec ses propres mots, en respectant fidèlement le sens de l'auteur (fidélité au texte source) et en étant le plus concis possible.
Un report présente des faits de manière objective, souvent après une enquête, une visite ou un événement. Contrairement à l'essai, il ne contient pas d'opinion personnelle développée mais des informations vérifiables.
Le ton reste neutre et factuel : on privilégie la voix passive et des verbes comme "was organised", "took place", "was attended by" plutôt que des jugements personnels.
L'essai argumentatif est l'exercice le plus exigeant de l'OG4. Il porte souvent sur un sujet de société lié aux thèmes du programme : Employment, les problèmes démographiques, écologiques ou sociaux, ou encore la Politics.
Nowadays, many young Africans dream of leaving their country to study or work abroad. Some people think this is the best way to build a better future, while others believe it weakens the nation. In my opinion, migration can be positive, but only if young people eventually use their new skills to help their own country develop.
Une bonne production écrite respecte aussi les règles de ponctuation et de mise en forme de l'anglais, qui diffèrent parfois du français.
Consigne : Write a short formal letter (60–80 words) to your headmaster asking permission to create an English club at school. Use appropriate opening and closing formulas.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to ask for your permission to create an English club at school. Many students would like to practise speaking and improve their vocabulary outside of normal lessons. We would meet once a week after class, with a teacher's supervision if possible.
I would be grateful if you could consider this request.
Yours faithfully,
Divine Loubaki
Texte source (environ 120 mots) :
Reading is one of the best habits a young person can develop. When students read regularly, they improve their vocabulary, their spelling and their general knowledge of the world. Reading also helps people relax and forget their daily problems for a while. Unfortunately, many teenagers today prefer spending hours on their phones instead of opening a book. Schools and libraries can play an important role by organising reading clubs and offering interesting books for every taste, from adventure stories to science books. If young people discover the pleasure of reading early, they are more likely to keep this habit for the rest of their lives.
Consigne : Summarize this text in about 40 words.
Reading regularly improves vocabulary, spelling and knowledge, and helps people relax. However, many teenagers now prefer phones to books. Schools and libraries should therefore organise reading clubs with varied books, so young people develop a lasting love of reading.
Consigne : Correct the punctuation and the linking words in the following paragraph.
"last saturday our class organised a clean-up day in the neighbourhood but it was raining heavily so we decided to postpone it Moreover some students had already prepared posters therefore we used them the following week and the event was a great success."
Last Saturday, our class organised a clean-up day in the neighbourhood. However, it was raining heavily, so we decided to postpone it. Moreover, some students had already prepared posters. Therefore, we used them the following week, and the event was a great success.
Consigne : Write a short report (80–100 words) about "English Day" celebrated at your school last month. Include a title, an introduction, a main body and a conclusion.
Report on English Day
On 15 June, our school organised English Day for all Terminale students. The event started with a short speech by the headmaster, followed by a debate competition on the theme of employment among young people.
In the afternoon, students performed short sketches in English and took part in a spelling contest. Around 200 students attended the activities, and several teachers acted as judges.
Overall, English Day was a success and helped students practise their spoken English in a fun way. It is recommended that the school organise this event every term.
Sujet : Write an argumentative essay (200–250 words) on the following topic:
"Should young people leave their country to find better job opportunities?"
Consignes :
Nowadays, unemployment is a serious problem in many African countries, and some young people consider leaving to find better job opportunities abroad. In my opinion, this choice can be beneficial, but it also has important consequences for the country left behind.
On the one hand, working abroad can offer real advantages. Many countries in Europe or Asia provide better salaries, modern training and advanced technology that are not always available at home. Moreover, young people who work abroad often send money back to their families, which helps reduce poverty. For example, a young engineer who studies and works in France can gain valuable skills that would take much longer to acquire locally.
On the other hand, this migration can weaken the home country. When the most qualified young people leave, there are fewer doctors, engineers and teachers to serve the local population. As a result, development can slow down. Therefore, emigration should not be seen as the only solution.
In conclusion, I believe young people should be free to seek opportunities abroad, but they should also be encouraged to bring their new skills and savings back home one day. Governments, in addition, must create more local jobs so that leaving the country becomes a choice, not a necessity.
Which linking word best expresses contrast?
Which opening formula is correct for a formal letter when you do not know the recipient's name?
Which closing formula matches "Dear Sir or Madam,"?
Which sentence uses "moreover" correctly?
Which sentence is correctly punctuated and capitalised?
Which expression best links a cause and its consequence?
An argumentative essay should NOT contain:
What register is used in "Could you possibly send me the report by Friday?"
Which of these is an INFORMAL closing formula?
What is the main purpose of a topic sentence at the start of a paragraph?
