Part 1

[20 marks]

You should spend about 25 minutes in this part.

1. Go Sraight To The Point

“Hi, how are you? I hope you are fine. I am fine here.”

That is considered BAD in the new format. Why? Because it’s NOT NATURAL. 

Think about this,

A:   “What are you going to do this weekends?”

B:   “Hey, how are you? I’m good. By the way, I am planning to go to the library
this Saturday.”
or

A:   “What are you going to do this weekends?”

B:   “I am thinking to go to the library this Saturday.”

Which is more natural in your daily life? There you go. Remember, natural
language wins. 

So in the new format we want to take away all the not so natural greetings and go
straight to the point.

 "Hi, how have you been Alex. I hope you are doing fine. I have read your message
and I want to give you some advice. I think you should choose cooking. ..."

That’s how we all should respond to part 1.

2. Explain All the Good Things and Some of the Bad

Things
One way to help you to elaborate is to get to think about the good things about
your choice and the bad things about what you have rejected.

For example, from the question, lets choose cooking.

"I think you should choose cooking. If you know how to cook, you can always make
yourself some food. It is also cheaper to cook at home. You do not have to go out
and eat at the cafe and restaurants all the time. Plus, when you have time, you
can cook for your family. Oh, and you can cook for me!"
[62 words]

You already have  62 words – only by listing down all the good things about your
choice of hobby.

What if you don’t have so many ideas?

Then, write some negative things about the others

"I think you should choose cooking. If you know how to cook, you can always make
yourself some food. It is also cheaper to cook at home. You do not have to go out
and eat at the cafe and restaurants all the time. I think cycling is expensive,
because you need to buy a bicycle. And if you start painting, you also need to buy
brushes and paint. " [69 words]
3. A Short and Sweet Ending 
Again, write as natural as you can.

"I think you should choose cooking. If you know how to cook, you can always make
yourself some food. It is also cheaper to cook at home. You do not have to go out
and eat at the cafe and restaurants all the time. I think cycling is expensive,
because you need to buy a bicycle. And if you start painting, you also need to buy
brushes and paint. So I think cooking is the best for you. Hope this helps.”
[82 words]
 Example 2

Read a note from your cousin.

To Tasha,

I have always wanted to have a pet. My neighbour just adopted a kitten. It looks so cute and adorable.
What do you think? Shall I get one for myself?

From,
Afrina

In about 80 words, write a note to your cousin, Afrina that owning a new pet is not easy and give
some tips concerning a new pet.

Activity 1

Fill in the blanks with your own words to complete the note from Tasha.

Suggested answer:

Hi Afrina,
Keeping a pet is fun. However, if you want to keep pets, you will be responsible for
providing them with all they need.
It is necessary that you _______________ that is suitable for your particular pet, the
___________ as well as ____________. Pets require love, care and attention like people do.
Keeping pets is not only a hobby, but also a responsibility.
I hope that I have explained well. Do consider all these factors before making a decision.

From,
Tasha

( ____ words)