1. How to do a writing task
Flashcards
- What is the first step in approaching a writing task?
- Read the task carefully and identify the type of text.
- Should you write full sentences when making initial notes?
- No, just jot down key ideas.
- What should a paragraph plan always include?
- A clear beginning and end.
- What is the purpose of using linkers?
- To create longer sentences and connect ideas.
Multiple-choice questions
- What should you do before starting to write any text?
- a) Read the task carefully and identify the text type.
- b) Write full sentences immediately.
- c) Panic if you can't think of many ideas.
- d) Choose the worst ideas from your notes.
Answer: a) Read the task carefully and identify the text type.. Reading the task carefully helps you understand the requirements and the type of text you need to write.
- What should you include in your paragraph plan?
- a) Only the main arguments.
- b) A clear beginning and end.
- c) Complex grammatical structures.
- d) Repetition of key ideas.
Answer: b) A clear beginning and end.. A paragraph plan should always include a clear beginning and end to provide structure to your writing.
- What is the purpose of using linkers in writing?
- a) To create shorter sentences.
- b) To confuse the reader.
- c) To create longer sentences and connect ideas.
- d) To avoid using a variety of vocabulary.
Answer: c) To create longer sentences and connect ideas.. Linkers help to connect ideas and create longer, more coherent sentences.
2. A narrative
Flashcards
- What is the primary purpose of a narrative?
- To describe a past event or tell a story.
- Which tense is typically used for main events in a narrative?
- Past Simple.
- What should a narrative have to guide the reader?
- A clear beginning, middle, and ending.
- What is the role of the Past Continuous tense in narrative writing?
- To set the scene and describe longer actions.
Multiple-choice questions
- In narratives, which tense is best for setting the scene and describing longer actions?
- a) Past simple
- b) Past continuous
- c) Past perfect
- d) Present simple
Answer: b) Past continuous. The past continuous is used to set the scene and describe actions that were in progress over a period of time in the past.
- Which of the following is NOT a recommended tip for writing narratives?
- a) Choose a complex story with many subplots.
- b) Give your story a clear beginning, middle, and ending.
- c) Use different narrative tenses to show the order of events.
- d) Describe atmosphere and feelings as well as what happened.
Answer: a) Choose a complex story with many subplots.. It is recommended to choose a simple story for clarity and focus.
- Which tense is most suitable for describing main events in a narrative?
- a) Past perfect
- b) Present continuous
- c) Past simple
- d) Future simple
Answer: c) Past simple. The past simple is used for describing completed actions or main events in the past.
3. A review
Flashcards
- What is the main purpose of a review?
- To give your opinion and recommendation on a book, film, etc.
- What should you avoid including too much of in a review?
- Factual information about the plot.
- What should a review end with?
- A recommendation to the readers.
- What should the introduction of a review include?
- Title, author/director, characters, and setting.
Multiple-choice questions
- What is the primary purpose of a review, according to the text?
- a) To summarize the plot of a book or film.
- b) To provide factual information about a concert.
- c) To give your opinion and recommendation.
- d) To list the main characters and setting.
Answer: c) To give your opinion and recommendation.. The text explicitly states that in a review, you give your opinion of a book, film, concert, etc., and say whether or not you recommend it.
- Which of the following should NOT be heavily included in a review?
- a) The reviewer's personal opinions.
- b) A detailed summary of the plot's key events.
- c) A clear recommendation to the readers.
- d) Reasons supporting the reviewer's opinions.
Answer: b) A detailed summary of the plot's key events.. The 'Tips for reviews' section advises against including too much factual information about the plot, emphasizing that readers want your opinion, not just a summary.
- What should a review conclude with, according to the text?
- a) A detailed description of the main characters.
- b) A summary of the plot's key events.
- c) A recommendation to the readers.
- d) Background information about the author/director.
Answer: c) A recommendation to the readers.. The text emphasizes the importance of ending a review with a recommendation to your readers, which can be positive, negative, or mixed.
4. A formal email
Flashcards
- What type of language should be used in a formal email?
- Formal language
- What is an appropriate greeting when you know the recipient's name?
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname],
- What is an appropriate closing when you know the recipient's name?
- Yours sincerely,
- What is an appropriate greeting when you do not know the recipient's name?
- Dear Sir or Madam,
Multiple-choice questions
- What is the primary purpose of writing a formal email?
- a) To communicate with friends and family
- b) To express personal opinions on social media
- c) To write to a person in an official role for a specific purpose
- d) To share humorous anecdotes with colleagues
Answer: c) To write to a person in an official role for a specific purpose. Formal emails are used to communicate with individuals in official capacities for specific reasons, such as inquiries or complaints.
- Which of the following is a suitable greeting for a formal email when you do not know the recipient's name?
- a) Hey there!
- b) Dear Sir or Madam,
- c) Hi [Department Name],
- d) To Whom It May Concern,
Answer: b) Dear Sir or Madam,. "Dear Sir or Madam" is the appropriate greeting when the recipient's name is unknown, maintaining a formal tone.
- In a formal email, what is the correct way to express a polite request?
- a) Tell me what you think.
- b) I want to know more about...
- c) I was wondering if it would be possible...
- d) Give me all the details.
Answer: c) I was wondering if it would be possible.... "I was wondering if it would be possible..." is a polite and indirect way to make a request in a formal email.
5. An opinion essay
Flashcards
- What is the main purpose of an opinion essay?
- To express your viewpoint on a topic and support it with reasons.
- What should the introduction of an opinion essay include?
- A brief overview of the topic and your general opinion.
- What should each body paragraph in an opinion essay focus on?
- A single main argument that supports your opinion.
- What are linking words used for in an opinion essay?
- To connect ideas and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs.
Multiple-choice questions
- What is the primary purpose of an opinion essay?
- a) To present factual information objectively
- b) To express personal thoughts and feelings with supporting reasons
- c) To narrate a fictional story
- d) To provide instructions on a specific topic
Answer: b) To express personal thoughts and feelings with supporting reasons. An opinion essay aims to convey the writer's perspective on a topic, supported by logical arguments and evidence.
- Which of the following should be included in the introduction of an opinion essay?
- a) A detailed explanation of all supporting arguments
- b) A summary of the conclusion
- c) An introduction to the topic and your general opinion
- d) Counterarguments to your thesis
Answer: c) An introduction to the topic and your general opinion. The introduction should set the stage by introducing the topic and presenting the writer's overall stance.
- What is the purpose of the body paragraphs in an opinion essay?
- a) To introduce the topic
- b) To present arguments that support the writer's opinion
- c) To summarize the main points
- d) To state the writer's opinion
Answer: b) To present arguments that support the writer's opinion. The body paragraphs are used to develop and support the writer's opinion with detailed arguments and evidence.
6. An informal email
Flashcards
- What type of language should be used in an informal email?
- Chatty and colloquial
- Who is the typical recipient of an informal email?
- A friend or relative
- What is the purpose of asking questions in an informal email?
- To show interest in the reader
- Give an example of an appropriate greeting for an informal email.
- Hi there
Multiple-choice questions
- What is the primary audience for an informal email?
- a) Work colleagues
- b) Close friends or relatives
- c) Government officials
- d) Potential employers
Answer: b) Close friends or relatives. Informal emails are typically written to people you know well, like friends and family, allowing for a more relaxed and personal tone.
- Which of the following is a typical greeting for an informal email?
- a) Dear Sir or Madam
- b) To Whom It May Concern
- c) Hi there
- d) Respected Mr. Smith
Answer: c) Hi there. 'Hi there' is a casual greeting suitable for informal emails, while the others are more formal.
- What kind of language is suitable for an informal email?
- a) Formal and academic language
- b) Chatty and colloquial language
- c) Technical jargon
- d) Legal terminology
Answer: b) Chatty and colloquial language. Informal emails benefit from a chatty, colloquial style that reflects a relaxed and friendly tone.
7. A discussion essay
Flashcards
- What is the main goal of a discussion essay?
- To consider a topic from different viewpoints before giving your own opinion.
- Where should your personal opinion be stated in a discussion essay?
- In the final paragraph (conclusion).
- What should the introduction of a discussion essay include?
- A general overview of the topic.
- How should arguments for and against be organized in the body paragraphs?
- Separate paragraphs for arguments for and against.
Multiple-choice questions
- What is the primary purpose of a discussion essay?
- a) To present only one side of an argument.
- b) To consider a topic from opposite points of view before giving your own opinion.
- c) To narrate a personal experience.
- d) To persuade the reader to agree with your opinion.
Answer: b) To consider a topic from opposite points of view before giving your own opinion.. A discussion essay aims to explore a topic from multiple perspectives before the writer presents their own opinion, offering a balanced view.
- In a discussion essay, where should your personal opinion be stated?
- a) In the introduction.
- b) Throughout the essay.
- c) In the conclusion.
- d) It should not be stated.
Answer: c) In the conclusion.. The structure of a discussion essay requires that you present arguments from different points of view first, and then offer your personal opinion in the conclusion.
- Which of the following should be avoided in the introduction of a discussion essay?
- a) A general overview of the topic.
- b) Stating your own opinion.
- c) Engaging the reader.
- d) Providing context to the topic.
Answer: b) Stating your own opinion.. The introduction of a discussion essay should introduce the topic generally, without revealing the writer's personal opinion, which is reserved for the conclusion.
8. An article
Flashcards
- What is the main goal of writing an article?
- To inform, interest, and engage the reader while providing your opinion.
- What should an article's introduction do?
- Generally introduce the topic.
- What should you include in the body paragraphs of an article?
- Your opinions, ideas, and supporting examples.
- What should the conclusion of an article include?
- A summary and restatement of your opinion.
Multiple-choice questions
- What is the primary aim of writing an article, according to the text?
- a) To entertain the reader with fictional stories
- b) To inform, interest, engage the reader, and give your opinion
- c) To strictly follow a set of formal writing rules
- d) To summarize existing research without adding personal views
Answer: b) To inform, interest, engage the reader, and give your opinion. The text explicitly states that the aim of an article is to inform, interest, and engage the reader, as well as provide your opinion or comment.
- Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to involve the reader in an article?
- a) Starting with a personal anecdote
- b) Asking rhetorical questions
- c) Using direct commands
- d) Suggesting hypothetical scenarios
Answer: c) Using direct commands. The text suggests involving the reader through questions and hypothetical scenarios but does not mention using direct commands.
- What should the final paragraph of an article typically include?
- a) A detailed explanation of the writer's research methods
- b) A restatement of the writer's opinion and a summary of the main points
- c) A list of sources used in the article
- d) An apology for any controversial opinions expressed
Answer: b) A restatement of the writer's opinion and a summary of the main points. The text advises that the final paragraph should give a conclusion and summary, which includes restating the writer's opinion.
And 48 more flashcards and 32 more questions in the document.
Document text
1 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop How to do a writing task Adding ideas To begin a sentence: Also, … Moreover, … Furthermore, … In addition (to this), … What's more, … To join words / clauses: … and (also) … , … as well as … , … in addition to … To end a sentence or clause: … , too. … as well. Contrasting ideas To begin a sentence: However, … / Nevertheless, … / Nonetheless, … On the one hand, … . On the other hand, … To join words / clauses: … but … … yet … … although / though / even though / despite / in spite of … Expressing reason To begin a sentence: Because … Since … As … Due to / Because of (+ noun) For this / that reason, …
To join clauses: … because / since / as … … due to / because of (+ noun) / because (+ clause) … Expressing result To begin a sentence: Therefore, … As a result, … As a consequence, … Consequently, … To join clauses: … , so … Expressing reason and result … so (+ adjective) that … … such ((a / an) (+ adjective) + noun) that … Expressing purpose To begin a sentence: In order that … In order to (+ infinitive) to (+ infinitive) To join words / clauses: … in order that … … so (that) … … in order to / to (+ infinitive) ... so as to ... Making conditions To begin a sentence: If … As long as … Provided that … Unless … To join clauses: … if … … ,but only if … … as long as … … provided that … … unless …
Ordering an argument First of all, … Firstly, / Secondly, / Thirdly, ... Next, … Thirdly, … Finally, / Lastly, ... Ordering a narrative To begin a sentence: At first, … / To begin with, … Then / Next, / After that ... In the end, … / Finally, To join clauses: … before … … after … … , then … ... as soon as ... ... as ... ... while ... USEFUL LINKERS A GET IDEAS Read the task carefully and identify what kind of text you need to write. For example, an informal email, a review, etc. Make notes of any key ideas. Don't write full sentences. If you can't think of many ideas straight away, don't panic! Remember, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers.
You will get marks for the way you organize and express your ideas. B PLAN Choose the best ideas from your notes. Think about useful language to include. Organize your ideas into a paragraph plan. Always include a clear beginning and end. For example: Essay: Is homework necessary? Discuss. Paragraph 1 Introduction most students do it – many dislike Paragraph 2 Arguments for helps you to remember info good way of testing progress Paragraph 3 Arguments against can take a lot of time extra stress for students Paragraph 4 Conclusion and personal opinion not too much! overall, good idea C WRITE Use your paragraph plan as a guide. Use linkers to create longer sentences.
Use a variety of language, including different tenses and grammatical structures as well as vocabulary. D CHECK Read your composition carefully afterwards. Have you fully answered the task? Have you used the right number of words (if you've been given a word count)? Is your composition easy to read and logically organized? Have you avoided repetition where possible? Do your grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and word order seem correct? 2 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop A narrative Tips for … narratives Choose a simple story. Give your story a clear beginning, middle and ending.
Use the past continuous to set the scene and to show longer actions, the past simple for main events, and the past perfect for events that happened earlier. Describe atmosphere and feelings as well as what happened. In a narrative you describe a past event or tell a story. Example task: Write about an exciting experience that you've had. Describing feelings I was / felt (terrified, delighted, etc.) It was a terrible shock / wonderful surprise. I've never been / felt so … before / in my whole life. … was so (adjective, e.g. sad) that … Adverbs to comment on events Amazingly, … Incredibly, … Luckily, … Fortunately, … Sadly, … Unfortunately, …
Time expressions I (past simple) while / when / as I (past continuous) for / since / just / ever / never / already / yet (with past perfect or present perfect) Last year / Yesterday / A few days ago (with past simple) Before I (past simple), I (past perfect) After / Because / By the time / When I (past perfect), I (past simple) Suddenly, … / Just then, … / At that moment, … Other narrative sequencers At first, / First, / In the beginning, / First of all, … Next, … / Then, … / After that, … , Later ... Eventually, … / Finally, … / In the end, … Reflecting on events It was the (best, worst, most frightening, etc.) day of my life! It was a day / time I'll never forget.
I'll remember this day / time forever. USEFUL LANGUAGE A GET IDEAS Think of an event or story to write about. Remember, it doesn't have to be true. Make notes to answer these questions: What happened? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Who did it happen to? How did people feel? What happened afterwards? B PLAN Put your ideas in order. What happened first / next / in the end? Organize your ideas into paragraphs.
For example: Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2–3 Final paragraph Introduction to the story The main events (before / during / after) How the experience affected you C WRITE Give an interesting beginning Use time expressions and sequencers to connect events Use different narrative tenses Describe feelings as well as events Say how the event affected you Bring your narrative to a clear end The day of my achievements ceremony at school was the most exciting day of my life so far. In my neighbourhood, we celebrate this day in a very unusual way. Every year, local teenagers hire luxury cars to take them to the ceremony. Weeks beforehand, everyone had been boasting about the cars they would hire.
Unfortunately, I didn't have enough money to do the same. On the big day, I was getting ready, when I heard excited voices from outside. I rushed out to see my brother who was greeting the driver of a black Ferrari. I thought I was dreaming when he hugged me and opened the door for me to get in. I have never been so excited in my life. Riding in a Ferrari was unforgettable and the experience of a lifetime for me. But apart from being thrilled, I also realized how cool my brother is! 3 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop A review Tips for … reviews Don't include too much factual information about the plot, etc.
Don't tell readers what happens at the end! Readers want to know your opinion, not just read a summary! Remember to end with a recommendation to your readers. It can be positive, negative, or mixed. In a review you give your opinion of a book, film, concert, etc., and say whether or not you recommend it. Example task: Write a review of your favourite book. Describing books / films / TV programmes It's set in … It's based on the (book, etc. by … ) It's about / It tells the story of … The main character is … (film / TV) It stars … It's written / directed by … It's a (thriller, comedy, romance, etc.). It's a (science fiction, fantasy, crime, etc.) Giving opinions What I loved / hated about …
was … The best thing about … was … The most memorable part was ... The … could have been better. One criticism (I have) is ... Adjectives + action-packed / believable / excellent / exciting / gripping / interesting / realistic – average / badly-acted / badly-written / boring / disappointing / dull / predictable Making comparisons … isn't (quite) as good as … … is just as good as … … is even better than … … reminds me of … Making a recommendation This will / won't appeal to ... I (strongly) recommend that … I certainly wouldn't recommend … Don't bother reading / seeing … USEFUL LANGUAGE A GET IDEAS Think of a book, film, etc. to write about. Choose something you know well.
Make notes about what you remember about the book, film, etc. Then choose the most essential details. Decide whether you generally liked or disliked it. It might help you to choose a rating: STARSTARSTARSTARSTAR Make notes about what you liked and didn't like, and why. B PLAN Organize your ideas into paragraphs.
For example: Paragraph 1 Introduction, including the title, author / director etc., characters and setting Paragraph 2 Summary of the plot Paragraph 3 What you liked and didn't like Paragraph 4 Conclusion and a recommendation to others C WRITE Start with a general description Use a range of extreme adjectives and / or modifying adverbs to emphasize your opinion Talk about how you / other people felt Give reasons for your opinion Sum up your opinion Give a clear recommendation My favourite book is The Maze Runner, the first book in a futuristic trilogy by James Dashner.
The main character is a brave young boy called Tom, who arrives in the Glade, which is an open area surrounded by huge walls leading to a monster-filled maze. Like the other Glade boys, Thomas can't remember anything before he arrived there. He's determined to become a maze runner in order to find a way to get out of the Glade. The book is written from Thomas's point of view, which can make things slightly confusing at the beginning as he's lost his memory. However, this is what I loved about it as it adds to the suspense of the novel and makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens. In my opinion, it's a very well-written modern classic.
Anyone who's a fan of futuristic novels should get a copy of it. 4 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop A formal email Tips for … formal emails Use appropriate greetings and closing expressions. Use full forms (I am) not short forms (I'm). Use indirect structures to sound more polite. Use formal structures, expressions and linkers. In a formal email you write to a person in an official role (for example, an employee at a company) for a particular purpose (for example, to make an enquiry).
Example task: Write a formal email to Mr Colin Blackwell, Head of Customer Services, to complain about a product you have bought online recently and ask for your money back. Greetings and endings If you know their name: Dear Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (+ surname), Yours sincerely, (your full name) If you do not know their name: Dear Sir or Madam, Yours faithfully, (your full name) You can end formal emails with: Best wishes, (your full name) (Best / Kind) regards, (your full name) (use with either greeting) Giving a reason for writing I am writing to enquire about / apply for / complain about … … which I read about in … … which was advertised in …
Polite requests I was wondering if it would be possible ... I would like to know more about … Would you be able to ... ? I would be grateful if you could … Adding and sequencing ideas In addition, … Moreover, … Furthermore, … Firstly, / First of all, … Secondly, … Finally, … Including other documents I have attached a CV / photo / sample of work for your reference. Next stages Please contact me if you require any further information. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance for your help. USEFUL LANGUAGE A GET IDEAS Think about why you are writing. For example, to find out information (what?), to apply for a job (which?), etc. Make notes of key things to include (e.g.
statements or questions to ask). B PLAN Organize your ideas into paragraphs. Use a new paragraph for each new main idea. For example: Greeting (Dear … ) Paragraph 1 Why you are writing Paragraphs 2–3 Your main ideas and questions Final paragraph What you would like to happen next (e.g. I look forward to hearing from you.) Closing expression (e.g.
Best regards, Yours sincerely, etc.) C WRITE Always include a name if you are given one Use a range of tenses and structures Organize your ideas with sequencers Use formal verbs and expressions Use modal verbs to make polite requests Use an appropriate closing expression to match the greeting Dear Mr Blackwell, I am writing to complain about a games console which I bought recently from your online store. Although I set up the console using the instructions included, it did not work properly. As a result, I called your helpline and spoke with one of your technicians who asked me to send the console back to be tested.
He explained that the company had been experiencing problems with the specific model and that if they could not repair it, they would replace it. I received the replacement this morning and I have attempted to set it up. However, the new console does not work either. I have also attempted to call the helpline again, but I have not been able to get through. Therefore, I would like you to refund my money as I have lost confidence in this product. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, Jan Krakowicz 5 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop An opinion essay Tips for …
writing articles Keep on topic and discuss the ideas in the question – do not introduce new ideas! Introduce the topic at the start. Give background information or say what other people think. Use a variety of opinion expressions. End with a clear conclusion. You can qualify your opinion if you don't 100% agree or disagree. In an opinion essay you say what you think about a statement or a topic, giving reasons for your views. Example task: 'A lot of schools now have CCTV cameras. Is this a good or bad thing for students?' Discuss. Giving background information Some / Many people believe (that) … According to (the media, etc.), … Studies show / suggest that … It is generally agreed that …
Expressing opinions I think / believe / feel (that) ... Personally, I think (that) ... I (strongly) agree / disagree that … / with the statement that … In my opinion / view, … Adding and ordering ideas Furthermore, … / Moreover, … / What is more, … In addition (to this), … Firstly / First of all ... , Secondly ... , Finally ... Contrasting ideas On the one hand, … . On the other hand, … However, … Although … , … Giving examples For example, … / For instance, … … , such as … (e.g. illnesses, such as colds.) … , like … (e.g. illnesses, like colds.) Highlighting specific ideas … , especially … ( + ) / … , particularly … ( + ) … , apart from … ( – ) Concluding All in all, / To sum up, …
In conclusion, / To conclude, … In general, I think … . However, … USEFUL LANGUAGE A GET IDEAS Think about the statement or topic. What do you already know? ( = the background information) Decide what your own opinion is. Remember, there is no 'right' or 'wrong' answer! Think of as many arguments as you can to support your opinion. Choose two or three of your best ideas. B PLAN Organize your ideas into paragraphs. Use a new paragraph for each main subject or argument.
For example: Paragraph 1 Introduction to the topic and your general opinion Paragraph 2 Your first main argument Paragraph 3 Your next main argument Paragraph 4 Conclusion: summary of your opinion C WRITE Use linkers of reason, addition and contrast to connect ideas Give the main idea of the paragraph in the first sentence Use a variety of opinion expressions Give examples or reasons to support your ideas Sum up your own opinion at the end Nowadays, it is becoming more and more common for schools to have CCTV cameras installed in order to prevent certain behaviours. However, the question we need to answer is whether this is an invasion of privacy.
Personally, I believe that CCTV cameras can prevent students from acting badly towards others while they are in school or on school grounds. For example, according to many people, there are some students who would bully others if it weren't for the fact that they were being 'watched' by the cameras. Furthermore, in my opinion CCTV cameras can stop students from damaging school property. For instance, it is clear to me that some students would write on desks or paint graffiti on school walls if it weren't for the fact that they would be seen by the cameras. All in all, I think privacy, which everyone has a right to, is very important.
However, I am of the opinion that if you are not doing anything wrong while you are at school, then you have no reason to feel that CCTV cameras are a threat to you or your privacy. 6 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop An informal email Tips for … informal emails Use appropriate greetings and closing expressions. Use short forms (I'm not I am). Use a chatty style – avoid formal expressions and linkers. Use phrasal verbs and idioms. Ask your reader questions or show interest in what they're doing. In an informal email you write to a friend or relative about personal news.
Example task: Write an informal email to a friend, telling him / her your news. Greetings Hi / Hi there / Hey / Hiya / Dear … Responding to a message Thanks for your letter / email. It's great to hear from you. Sorry it's taken me so long to reply. Catching up after a break Sorry I haven't written for so long, but … I haven't heard from you for ages! Asking about your reader How's it going? What's new? Talking about you All good here. Guess what! I've got some great / amazing / sad news. Asking about others Hope everyone's doing well. Say 'hi' to … for me! Endings Bye for now, See you soon! Take care, Conversational expressions Anyway, … Well … Remember I told you … Oh yes, …
USEFUL LANGUAGE A GET IDEAS Think about who you're writing to and why you're writing. Make notes about the key things you want to include. Think of some questions to ask or some suggestions to make. B PLAN Organize your ideas into paragraphs. For example: Greeting (Hi …) Paragraph 1 A personal message, e.g. How are things? Why you're writing: Right now, I'm … Paragraphs 2–4 The main topics you want to discuss. Final paragraph A closing message, e.g. Let's meet up soon. Closing expression (e.g. Write soon!
Bye for now, etc.) C WRITE Use an informal greeting and closing expression Use chatty colloquial language Ask questions and make suggestions Use a variety of tenses and structures (not just the present simple) Include phrasal verbs and idioms to add interest Just write your first name Hi there, How have you been lately? Sorry I haven't been in touch for ages, but it's been an exciting time here. Did you see the photos of my eighteenth birthday party on Facebook? I wish you could have been there – what a night! I had been feeling down in the dumps as I didn't do so well in my exams this year, but the party really cheered me up. Have you noticed that I changed my status?
Well, Rob brought his cousin Mari along to the party and … it was love at first sight. We were flirting all night, so I decided to ask her out and she said 'yes'! We've been going out now for a couple of weeks and we're getting on really well. How about you and Lauren come double dating with us some time? I'm sure Lauren and Mari'll have loads in common. How are you two getting on, by the way? Call me! Ross 7 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop A discussion essay Tips for … writing articles Just give a general introduction in the first paragraph – don't give your own opinion. Don't mix up arguments for and against in the same paragraph.
Organize your ideas and give examples to support them. Only give your own opinion in the final paragraph. In a discussion essay you consider a topic or statement from opposite points of view, before giving your own opinion. Example task: 'The internet is making people better informed.' Discuss. Introducing the topic Some / Many people think / believe / consider (that) … . However, others … There are (strong) arguments for and against this idea. Adding ideas Furthermore, / Moreover, / What is more, / In addition (to this), … Giving reasons and results … , because / as … Because of / As a result of this, … One result / effect of this is that … Introducing contrasting ideas On the one hand, … .
On the other hand ... . In spite (of the fact that) Despite (the fact that) One (dis)advantage of … is … An(other) argument for / against … is … Giving examples According to … It has been shown that ... (Research) has shown that … Making suggestions or recommendations … should (not) / ought (not) to … Would (noun / + -ing) be a better solution / alternative? Expressing your own opinion In my opinion / view, … Although I partly agree that … , overall, I think … USEFUL LANGUAGE A GET IDEAS What do you already know about the statement or topic? List as many arguments as you can for and against. For Against help to learn language freedom to choose?
Now choose your two strongest arguments in each category. Decide what your own opinion is. B PLAN Organize your ideas into paragraphs. Paragraph 1 Introduction to the topic Paragraph 2 Arguments for / advantages Paragraph 3 Arguments against / disadvantages Paragraph 4 Your own opinion C WRITE Give a general introduction Use linkers of contrast Separate arguments for and against into two paragraphs Give your own opinion at the end Use modals to make suggestions and recommendations Qualify your opinion if necessary Many people believe that thanks to the internet, people are better informed than they used to be. Others, however, argue that the opposite is true.
On the one hand, by surfing the internet, we have access to information and the latest news at the push of a button. As a result, people no longer have to spend a great deal of time researching a specific subject. As a result, they can be fully informed about it promptly. On the other hand, some people say that many websites publish information so quickly that they do not have time to edit it properly. The result of this is that some of the information we have access to is inaccurate. In my opinion, we must be careful when using the internet as a source of factual information. Only by double-checking information on various sites can we be properly informed about an issue.
8 Writing Workshop Key 2nd edition Level 1 © Oxford University Press Writing Workshop An article In an article, your aim is to inform, interest and engage the reader, and give your opinion or comment. Example task: Social media – does it make people better connected? Ordering your ideas Firstly, / First of all, … Let's start with … Another advantage of … On top of that, … Adding ideas Furthermore, / Moreover, / What's more, / In addition (to this), … Giving reasons and results … , because / as / since Because of / Due to ... As a result of this, ... Therefore, … / Consequently, … / , so ... Involving the reader Just imagine … / Imagine you are … Have you ever … ? How often do you … ?
How would you feel if … ? Are you somebody who … ? If the answer is … , you should … Expressing your own opinion (Personally,) I (don't) think / believe / feel (that) … I am of the opinion (that) … I personally believe … It seems to me that … In my opinion / view, … If you ask me, … It is clear to me that … Summarising To sum up, … In conclusion, … All in all, ... USEFUL LANGUAGE A GET IDEAS What do you already know about the topic? Make a list of points or ideas to include. Now choose three of your best ideas. Think of examples to support or illustrate your ideas. B PLAN Organize your ideas into paragraphs.
For example: Paragraph 1 General introduction to the topic Paragraph 2 Your opinions and ideas with examples Paragraph 3 Conclusion and summary C WRITE Introduce the topic State your opinion Order your ideas Give examples Involve the reader Restate your opinion at the end Social media: keeping us connected Have you ever wondered what life would be like without social media? People are social creatures and, over the ages, humans have continued to invent ways to connect with others. If you ask me, I am of the opinion that people are better connected to one another due to one of those inventions – social media. First of all, social media makes us more connected with people that we know well.
Because of Instagram we can send photos to friends and family quickly and easily. In addition, we can use Zoom or WhatsApp to see and talk to them instead of calling them on the telephone. Another advantage is that social media allows us to connect with old friends and classmates. Facebook gives us a way to find people from our past and communicate with them. Moreover, we can use YouTube to upload videos to show them what we have been doing since we last saw them. On top of that, social media lets us connect and make friends with people that we don't actually know. As a result of social media networks, we can meet people anywhere in the world.
What's more, we can find people who share our interests in group chats and chat rooms. It's clear that social media can help to bring people closer together. Personally, I believe that all of us want to be better connected with others, and social media gives us an easy and efficient way to do this. Tips for … writing articles Give your article a title. Organize your ideas and give examples to illustrate them. Support your ideas by giving evidence or thinking about the possible consequences of any changes. Give a conclusion and summary in the final paragraph.