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331 views12 pagesWriting Folder PDF
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Ilaria BaisiCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Writing folder 9
Persuasive wri
[w sunny Part 1 aud Part 2 Writing taskoy these will
| bean element of persuasive writing.
1. Work with a partner. Look at these situations and
dicuees
who you are trying to persuade.
‘what you are trying to persuade them to do.
‘why you want to persuade them.
appropriate arguments to usc.
an essay for your tutor arguing for the need to
take the isoue of climate change seriously
a review for a website ot a music album that
you fecl strongly about
a reference letter to a tour company on behalf
of a friend who has applied for a job as a
tourist guide
a report for your teacher about a book you
have read in English, explaining whether you
think it isan interesting and enjoyable book
for other language students to read
a letter to a company complaining about a
gadget you bought revenuly which no longer
works
a proposal for your college principal about
how to spend some funding the college has
been provided with
2 When writing persuasively, itis important to
use language that is appropriate, Look at these
entencos from studante! anewors on the topics in
exercise 1. Decide which sentence in each pair is
more appropriate and why.
1 a On the other hand, to ignore climate change
io to bury your head in the cand.
b On the other hand, its bit silly to ignore the
issue of climate change.
2 a However, the frst track on the album is really
rubbish.
b The first track on the album is undoubtedly a
catchy tune. However, it has little originality
3 Auna is auice pessun, she has been nay
neighbour for six months and I really feel you
should give her this job.
Anna and | have been tellow students and
friends for over four years now. Because she
isa charming person with excellent people
skills, [have no hesitation in recommending
her.
4 a 1 feel that there are other books which fiture
students might find more appealing.
b It was a boring book and I dont think other
students should waste their time with it.
5 a As this item is defective, I hope that you will
be able to offer me a refund.
b Ityou do not give me my money back then 1
shall have to consult a lawyer.
6 a Inconelusion, I would recommend spending
the funding on an improved swimming pool
as this would be of considerable benefit 10
both staff and students.
b In conclusion, you would be well advised to
spend the money as I have suggested on an
improved swimming pool.
Here are some steps to ge through when planning.
your answer to a writing task. Put them in order.
1 reorganise your brainstorming notes into a
logical order
2 think about the reader
3 read the question
4 brainstorm the topic
5 think about the layout, including the number of
paragraphs ‘You are going to prepare an essay in answer 6 Now think about these points.
toone of the topics in exercise 1. First, 1 Which two of the three points will you discuss in
your essay?
2 Discuss what to include in each paragraph,
+ Introduction ...
+ Second paragraph ...
«Third paragraph ...
underline the key words in this task.
You have attended a radio discussion
oon what needs to be done about climate
change. You have made the notes below.
What needs to be done about ir Gtinetnsieacy
climate change: 3 Think about grammatical structures. Mark these
© Scientific research structures according to this key.
= Leylsiation v I'm sure | will use
© Fdtieatinn ? Tm not oure I will woe
ane X Iwont use
‘Some opinions expressed in the. past simple
See ye ear i eee
to know exactly how significant 7 es
climate change really is 2s presentsimgle
isoverrunetite have tayfale) + present continuous
action for there to be any real = conditingl firme
improvements.” passive Sting
‘People must be made more aware oSing forms
of the problem.’ © infinitives
‘Write an essay for your tutor discussing + relative clauses
tho of the things that need to be done 7 Write your first draft.
about climate change in your notes. You
should explain which you thinkis more 8 Exchange your first draft with another student and edit
important, providing reasons to support their first draft using this code,
your opinion.
a
‘Work witha partner and discuss these GP) sping
casticiss, @®_— umecessary word
1 What do you know about the issue of GR) grammar
climate change? wrong word
2 Who is the intended reader of your yi eert cn
essay?
3. What style of writing would be most QWD repeated word
appropriate: formal and factual, lively WO) word order
and entertaining, chatty? © __ inappropriate style
9 Write your final version of the task and check
ae Writing folder 8
Proposals
Proposals are similar to reports in many ways. Both set out information in a
formal and clear way, often so that someone else can make a decision based on the
information.
‘The main differences between a report and a proposal are:
+ a proposal looks forward while a report looks back
‘+ a proposal always presents the writer’s viewpoint, whereas a report focuses more
on facts (although a report may have a persuasive element to it, this is not always
the case).
Work with a partner. Discuss these questions.
1 Name five possible kinds of proposals (eg. a proposal to a university department
from a student who would like to do a piece of academic research).
2 Have you had any experience of writing a proposal?
3. What do you think are the characteristics. format and language of a proposal?
2. Work with a partner and choose a task below that interests you. Discuss what you
‘would include in your proposal,
1 Write a proposal for your college principal in
which you ask for support to travel to another
country in order to gain some useful experience
‘there. Explain what you would like from the college
and why it would be of benefit.
Write a proposal to your college principal
suggesting that your college set up (or make
improvomonts to) ito own wobsite. Explain why it
would be a good idea and what it should contain.
Write a proposal for your college principal
suggesting a college event that you would like
to organise. Describe what you would like to do
‘and give reacene why it would be of bonoft to the
college.
3 Discuss these questions about the task you chose.
1 Why do you think what you are proposing would be a good idea?
2 Remember that the college principal is likely to be more concerned than you are
about costs, potential organisational problems and college prestige. How will you
address these issues in your proposal?
4 Discuss the presentation of your proposal.
1 Its important to open with a clear statement of what the proposal contains. How
will you do this?
2 Itis also important to close effectively. How will you do this?
3. What headings would be appropriate in your proposal? 5. Lookat these sentences used in other proposals. Which might you be able to adapt
for your own proposal? How would you adapt them?
The aim of this proposal is to put forward a piace of
academic research that I would like to undertake.
‘This proposal outlines the scope of the new course being recommended,
explaining why it would be of benefit to students. It then concludes with some
suggcstions as to how the course could be implemented most offectively.
‘There are a number of reasons why [wish to put this proposal forward.
‘There are a number of overwhelming arguments in favour of extending
the computer centre at the college, rather than the sports faclities.
Firstly, the proposed new college magazine would help to create
a stronger feeling of community within the student body.
Secondly, the proposed extension to the college library would serve the additional
useful purpose of attracting more students to apply for courses here.
Despite the fact that the suggested programme might be expensive, the additional
fens canta he justified in terme af the henefite that particinants wnnld ranatoe
There are a number of recommendations that | would like to make.
‘Taking all the evidence into account, [recommend that the English Club
should make some radical changes to its current programme.
| would urge you to give these recommendations serious consideration.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would
like me to expand on enything in this proposal.
Having outlined the proposal in general terms, | would
how like tu discuss three key issues in more detail
6 Now work alone to write the proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
1 Write the first draft of the proposal.
2. Exchange proposals with a partner for comments and suggestions.
3. Make any improvements suggested by your partner. Writing folder 6
Essays (2)
In the Writing test, you will always have to write an essay in Part 1
‘An essay is very often written for a teacher or tutor and may be ¢ follow-up activity to a panel discussion
or watching a documentary. In the exam you will be given a topic and some notes on the topic which will
include three bullet points. You have to select two of the bullet points and base your essay on those two
points. You will be asked to explain which of the points is more important in a given respect, and give reasons
and opinions.
Your essay should be well organised, with an introduction, clear development and an appropriate conclusion.
‘The main purpose of the essay in the exam is to outline relevant issues in a topic, and put forward an
argument with cupporting information and reason.
Organisation
1 Lookat the table, which shows the organisation of a typical essay. Complete gaps 1-7 with the points below.
Content
General statement
Defintion(s} - optional
Scope of eceay
Peer tetey
og
Arguments
Evidence
RCE tance Summary
world view
+ weaplain what is understood by some
key words/concepts
+ to introduce the reader to the topic
+ to put the writer's point of view into a
wider context
+ to remind the reader of the key ideas
+ to express important ideas
+ to support ideas with reasons
+ to tell the reader what you intend to
cover in this essay
2. Lookat this sample essay. In the table
above, tick the purposes which have been
included.
3 Inany piece of extended writing, we
need to link our ideas 20 thet we produce
coherent and logical language.
1 Underline the connecting words/
phrases in the essay.
2. Are most of the connecting words!
phrases formal or informal?
ony WHINING FOLDER © ]
Relate the argument to a more general a
‘This essay will examine the role played by era
arenls
in the development of language skills, Tse two induenoes in
‘Means of enjoying the world af literatures.
Research has demonstrated that babies start learning language
ee hp tes spas
2
‘Sra ma can 2 me eee
Te foot ob NEA 2 level as possible in thoir language development.
learning ar ears °aP im Some oaacs compensute for a inc of ;
cmt es cacteeaege ener
Ss
Ecchi paw ty arate same
ero esa cece ta
ae
when they leave school. a aca 4 Make a plan for the following essay by making
notes on points 1-3 and complete the table below.
1 Which two points have you chosen?
2 Which point is more important?
3 Reasons/opinions?
In your English class, you have watcnea a
documentary about why people study a second
language. You have made the notes below:
What are some of the reasons for studying a
second language?
education
+ employment
© travel
inions e in the discussi
Every country offers youd courses Ulver it
‘hat country’s language.
‘More companies use English, so it is necessary
for those seeking top-level jobs.
“These days, it Is not necessary to learn @ second
language for travel people just need to learn a
|| few phrases inthe language of the destination
| Leounty
eo Purpose
erty
dail
Conclusions
Vocabulary
‘When plenning the main body of your essay, write down
‘the two main points you want to include. Then, make a
list of key words and phrases connected with the topic.
For the essay in exercise 4, you could make notes like
the following.
docabion acess to vesearch written i anather language,
Irene bi rarity slain manip
esearch findings, etercadtral awareness, well-educated
qualified scholarship
Englands pebalcating muliuabinaalycl pooper fin
prowetion, managerial pstion recrus aep fan wacengy fila
scan job OV
5 Lookat the tips for essay writing. Add two more tips
of your own.
+ Tighlight the hey muads ia Uh yuestivu
+ List the points you want to include,
+ Plan carefully.
+ Give examples or reasons for your views.
+ Link ideas,
+ Deal with each point equally.
+ Use a range of formal/neutral vocabulary
‘appropriately.
«Tie a range af grammatical strictures
accurately.
6 Write an essay for the question in exercise 4 in
220-260 words. When you finish, check your work
using the criteria below.
Rees ‘Are there clear content points?
Is the reader fly informed?
Is the reader’ attention held?
Is there a moc of straightforward ideas
land complex ideas?
eo
achiever
Does it follow a typical essay format?
Does ithave paragraphs?
Does the essay use appropriate
connecany wurdsyphre
Cy
Isthere a range of grammar fox
{s the arammar accurate?
there a range of vocabulary?
|g there appropriate use of vocabulary? |
—
— rounen 6/2 Writing folders
Letters / emails
1 Work with a partner and discuss these questions.
1. Appravimately how many emails da yan receive
every day? How many do you send?
2 Are emails different from letters? In what ways?
Is It appropriate to welte emails in a fora
style? Why? / Why not?
3 When was the last time you wrote a letter? Why?
4. Make a list of reasons why you might send a
letter instead of an email.
2. In Part 2 of the Writing test, you may be asked to
write a letter or email in 220-260 words. Look at
tasks 1-3 and underline the key points. Think about
these features,
+ who the letter is for
+ the purpose of the letter
+ what you are required to include
o
‘You see this announcement in your local
newspaper
‘Your clly needs you!
As part of the city’s summer festival we have
invited singers and dancers from several
countries to perform. We are now asking local
families to host our guests during the one-
week festival. We would like families not only
to accommodate our guests but also to act as
ambassadors for our culture. Write an email to
the editor applying to be a host. You should
explain which aspects of our culture you are
interested in and what you think is the best way
of showing it to our guests.
You have been offered a job in Australia during
your college holidays. The iob would help you
improve your English and the work is relevant
to your studies, However, the job will not finish
until October 10 and you should be back at
college on October 3
Write a letter to the Principal of your college
explaining the situation and asking for
permission to delay your return to college in
October.
‘You recently bought tickets for a trip toa
concert from an events agency. The price
included the coach to and from the venue, pre-
concert dinner and the concert ticket. However,
the dinner could better be described as a snack,
the seats in the concert hall had a restricted view:
and the coach was late when tt picked you up
after the concert.
‘Write an email to the events agency outlining
how the trip failed to meet your expectations
and asking for a refund.
sg Read this letter. Which task does it answer? What
are the main content points in the task? Underline
the parts of the letter that cover the content points.
Dear Sir/Madam
Tam writing regarding my trip to the Vivaldi
concert in Chesterton on 14th March, which I
booked through your events agency. Travel by
coach from Linton to the venue in Chesterton
and dinner before the concert were included in_
‘the cost of the ticket, £150. This was a significant
amount of money especially as the concert ticket
itself was only £42 but I was happy to pay this for
special occasion.
However, I would like to draw your attention
to the aspects of the trip that did not live up to
my expectations. Firstly, what was described as
adinner in your promotional material was no
more than a light snack consisting af salad, bread
and a drink. had been looking forward to at
least a two-course hot meal. Secondly, an even
greater disappointment was my seat. There was a
column between me and the stage which meant
Iwas unable to see the orchestra and fully enjoy
the event, Kinally, after the concert had finished
the coach driver had arranged to pick us up at
1pm but the coach did not arrive until 11.30.
‘We were left waiting outside and no apology was
offered by the driver.
‘The quality of these aspects of the trip did not
reflect the price paid or indeed the information
sent out prior to the trip. As a result, Texpect a
refund, I feel that your agency should offer this
a8 a gesture of goodwill and to do something to
redeem your reputation,
Took forward to your prompt reply.
Yours faithfully
Astrid Pett
4 Now read the task below. Work with a partner to
underline the key points of the question. Then
discuss what you would include in:
«+ the opening paragraph
«+ the body of the letter
+ the closing paragraph.
‘ATV company Is planning to make a series
of programmes about how people make
decisions. It has asked viewers to write
letters to the company suggesting which sort
of decisions should be focused on in the
Programmes.
They should also explain why this would be
interesting for viewers and how it might help
them make decisions more effectively.
Write your letter.
Write a first draft of your letter for this task in 220-
260 words. Then give it to another student and ask
for comments, Revise your first draft by checking
through the Exam advice box.
EXAM ADVICE
(© Make sure you have answered the question and covered
alltha pointe
‘© Use the conventions of leter writing (eg, opening and
closing salutations).
(© Check that your letters clear.
Usea ennge uf vocobulery expevaly wllacations ered
‘grammatical structures.
‘© Check fora range and appropriacy of vocabulary, and
range and accuracy of grammar. iting folder 4
Reports
in Part 2 of the Writing test, you may be asked to
‘write a report.
1. Look at these statements about writing reports. Are
they true (T) oF false (F)?
1 Reports usually begin with Dear.
2 Reports are likely to open with a statement of
the reason for writing.
3 Ifyou are asked to write a report, you should
also include a title.
4 The opening ofa report should aim to catch the
reader's interest,
5 Reports discuss what has happened, whereas
proposals make suggestions about what the
‘writer would like to happen.
6 Reports need to have a heading and sub-
headings, whereas proposals do not.
7 Proposals make recommendations, while reports
do not.
8 Reports and proposals are often written in
informal English.
9 Itis important to think about exactly who you
are writing for.
10 Spending time planning what you're going to
‘write is more important for a report than for an
essay or a letter.
2 Remember that the Writing tasks also involve
‘careful reading. You will lose marks if you do not
do exactly as you are asked, Read this example of a
task and underline the important elements,
Your collage has asked students to report on
the sports facilities which students can use in
their lelsure time. Write a report for the college
principal, commenting on the extent to which
the facilities meet students’ needs. You should
also make recommendations about what you
think the college should do to improve the
facilities.
62 \\ WRITING FOLDER 4
3. Answer these questions about the task.
1 Who do you have to write to?
2 Would you use a formal, neutral or
informal register?
9 What information is uccded?
4. What kind of text do you have to write?
4 Read two answers to the task (A and B on page 63)
written by two students in the same class. Use the
questions in the Exam advice box to analyse them.
Which would score a better mark?
EXAM ADVICE
‘These are the kinds of questions the examiners consider
when looking at a plece of writing.
(© Does the writing do exactly what was asked for?
the writing clearly organised?
the writing accurate?
oes the writer usea range of vocabulary and
steuctures?
© Is the writing in an appropriate register (e.g formal or
informal?
‘© Would the place of writing have an appropriate impact,
‘on the target reader?
5 Now write an answer to this task.
‘You have been asked to write @ report for an
international transport organisation on the public
transport system in the area where you live.
‘Your report should outline the public transport
system available. It should comment on its
strengths and should also make suggestions
‘or improvements, explaining why these
improvements are required.
Write 220-260 words,
———— Pie ie email, Ib was really good to hear from you.
Pe had. a chab wih a few oF my wakes and. We Ae
that the leisure facilities here are really good. The oil
facilities are great but they are very heawily il se i
by people. who want to play envi or swim oF Use oe
to ianprove their fUneco. (Wa e pebber af the, sports el
fasilities were. open Longer Hours ‘and the booking syst a
he gum could, be improved. The music: block is also ge
We oll really Uke Bre prackice, rooms dnd He UtranstS
you can use there. in ack, we think we are really “a
this college that we ave such good. Leisure. facil iat i
of students are vol 20 Wey 08 we ae. We are also
tacky Brat we have sch a good, rary a ae ae .
hape thie gives wou all the information ypu weed
forward, to hearing from you soon.
Yours
Ana
Leloure Facilites at Shamrock College
Level of satisfaction
‘In general most students have a high evel of satisfaction with the leisure facilites here. We
‘zc allimpressed by the sports centre, which is used by a large majority of students. The
tennis courts, swimming pool and fitness gym are particularly popular. The music block is
also appreciated by myself and all the many other students who make full use ofthe first-class
practice rooms and ae gratefil forthe range of high-quality instruments available for them to
play there,
‘Recommendations
Because the facilites are well used, there is pressure on resourcesand that is the reason for
these recommendations The ports centre is currently open between Sam and 9pm. However,
‘many students would like to use It outside these hours. Weze it open for longer, zis would
ease pressure on the facilites, A further way of echieving this aim would be to make the
booking eyttem forthe gym more ecient, Double bookins tequently occur and this is
frustrating forall concerned,
‘With regard to the music block, the sole improvement I woald sugsest is that the corrent
concert hall should be extended. This would make t= mack mors : Writing folder3
Essays
In Part 1 of the Writing test, you have to write an essay.
1. Look at this example of the kind of essay you will be asked to
write and answer the questions.
1 How many words do you have to writs?
2 What is the topic you have to write about?
3 How do the bullet points relate to the opinions in
inverted commas?
4 How many of the bullet points do you have to write
about?
5 What two things do you have to do with the bullet points
you write about?
6 What must you do if you use the opinions in inverted
commas?
‘Your class has listened to a radio discussion about the
impact of technology on employment opportunities.
You have made the notes below.
I +hnology on employment opportunities:
© fewer jobs
more interesting work for people
* constant need to improve skills
discussion:
Sor ‘expressed in t
‘Machines cause unemployment because they do jobs
people would have done in the past.’
‘People are free to do more interesting tasks.”
‘No one will be doing the same job all their life
any more.’
Write an essay discussing two of the ways in
which technology has an impact on employment
‘opportunities. You should explain which way you think
ig mare signifieant and provide reasons to support
your opinion.
‘You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions
expressed in the discussion, but you should use your
‘own Words as far as possible.
‘Write your answer in 220-260 words in an
appropriate style.
— WRITING FOLDER 3
2 Lookat the sample answer tothe essay.
1 How many paragraphs has the writer
used?
2 What is the purpose of each
paragraph?
‘The impack of technology on employment
‘Opportunities
Ever sunce the start oF the Industrial
Revolution, people have argued, about
how technology will affect employment
opportunities. Some. people. see the impact
as Largely neyatine for the workforce
hile others consider the changes to be
predominantly positive.
The former group of people believe that
‘technology means that there will inevitably
be. a decrease in the number and, types
of Leb available as automation and. the
use of robots slowly but surely take.
over lusk> tat people previously earned.
their living from. These. pets of doom
believe that ib will become much harder
‘for people to find, employment and,
Se a rooulh, they mill hue rw chive
but to accept lower wages and, poorer
working conditions.
On the other hand, some. people. see. the
impact ef Lechnology in a. more optimistic
light. They view the. future. as a golden
age when more people will be able to enjoy
jobs which offer mach more. variety and
re for more intellechially stinalaliry
because the dull monotonous jobs will
have been automated. They also argue
‘that advanced. technology will enable
emple. tn travel and. were almock whorover
they like in the world,
Although | appreciate that: technology
takes some jobs away from people,
my opinion is that jobs are now more
varied. and. $0 more. interesting
than ever before. 3 Inextended writing, we link ideas to produce coherent
and logical language. What is the purpose of each
underlined phrase in the essay (e.0. to add information.
explain a reason or time relationship, makea contrast,
to refer back to something mentioned previously)?
Points 1-3 and completing the table below.
1 Which two bullet points will you write about?
2 Style: formal/informal?
3 Length?
Your class has listened to a panel discussion about
the reasons for learning English in the modern world.
Beasons for learning Enalish:
| + Increased work opportunities
| 6 helpful for study
|
useful when travelling
‘Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
"Knowing English allows you to do business all
over the world.’
‘Lots of academic books and articles are
vwaitten in Engisn.”
| ‘Wherever you go on holiday you can get by if
| you opeak Englich.’
Write an essay discussing two of the reasons for
learning English In the modern world. You should
explain which reason you think is more important
and provide reasons to support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions
‘expressed in the discussion, but you should use your
‘own words as tar as possible.
Introduction
Discussion of first
Bullet point
Cerne
second bullet point
Perea
‘which bullet point
Comets
Make a plan for the following essay by making notes on
Brainstorming vocabulary
| When planning the main body of your essay. |
| write down the main points you want to |
| include. When you do this, itis a good idea |
| to brainstorm vocabulary and key phrases |
connected with the topic. For example. ifyou
have an essay title which requires you to discuss |
the impact of advertising, you could make
‘vocabulary notes like the following.
Vouabulary ~ advertising
1 Techriques: catchy sloganlingle,
celebrity endorsement, eye-catching
Packoging
2 Positive impact: raise anareness of
Product, enccurage healthy competition
between rwal companies, creative/
entertaining/
