Discussion Tasks

- What is an essay?
An essay is generally a short piece of writing outlining the writer's perspective or story.

- What is the basic structure of an essay?

Almost every single essay that’s ever been written follows the same basic structure:

Introduction

Body paragraphs

Conclusion

- How do you properly write essay titles in English? Do you capitalise every word in a title?
The title should be centered and should appear under the heading information on the first page and
above the first line of your essay. The title should be in the same fonts as the rest of your essay, with
no quotation marks, no underlining, no italics, and no bold.
Capitalize all words with certain exceptions: Capitalize the first letter of every word in the title, but do
not capitalize pronouns, articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.

- What have you learned about paragraph structure, topic and supporting sentences?
A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single
topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into
paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end,
and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its main points.

Paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information. A paragraph could contain a series of brief
examples or a single long illustration of a general point. It might describe a place, character, or process;
narrate a series of events; compare or contrast two or more things; classify items into categories; or
describe causes and effects. Regardless of the kind of information they contain, all paragraphs share
certain characteristics. One of the most important of these is a topic sentence.
A topic sentence has several important functions: it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis
statement; it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it advises the
reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it. Readers generally look to the
first few sentences in a paragraph to determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s
why it’s often best to put the topic sentence at the very beginning of the paragraph. In some cases,
however, it’s more effective to place another sentence before the topic sentence—for example, a
sentence linking the current paragraph to the previous one, or one providing background information.

Although most paragraphs should have a topic sentence, there are a few situations when a paragraph
might not need a topic sentence. For example, you might be able to omit a topic sentence in a paragraph
that narrates a series of events, if a paragraph continues developing an idea that you introduced (with a
topic sentence) in the previous paragraph, or if all the sentences and details in a paragraph clearly refer
—perhaps indirectly—to a main point.

- What do you know about the organisation of ideas and links between them, coherence and cohesion in
writing? What linking words and phrases can be used to express opinions?
In a coherent paragraph, each sentence relates clearly to the topic sentence or controlling idea, but
there is more to coherence than this. If a paragraph is coherent, each sentence flows smoothly into the
next without obvious shifts or jumps. A coherent paragraph also highlights the ties between old
information and new information to make the structure of ideas or arguments clear to the reader.

Along with the smooth flow of sentences, a paragraph’s coherence may also be related to its length. If
you have written a very long paragraph, one that fills a double-spaced typed page, for example, you
should check it carefully to see if it should start a new paragraph where the original paragraph wanders
from its controlling idea. On the other hand, if a paragraph is very short (only one or two sentences,
perhaps), you may need to develop its controlling idea more thoroughly, or combine it with another
paragraph.
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION

In my opinion, ... In my eyes, ...

To my mind, ... As far as I am concerned, ... Speaking personally, ...

From my point of view, ... As for me / As to me, ...

My view / opinion / belief / impression / conviction is that ... I hold the view that ...

I would say that ... It seems to me that ... I am of the opinion that ...

My impression is that ... I am under the impression that ... It is my impression that ...

I have the feeling that ... My own feeling on the subject is that ...

I have no doubt that ... I am sure / I am certain that ...

I think / consider / find / feel / believe / suppose / presume / assume that ...

I hold the opinion that ... (I form / adopt an opinion.) I dare say that ...

I guess that ... I bet that .... I gather that ...

It goes without saying that ...

- What style should be used in an essay? What are the features of formal style?
In general, a formal essay is at least five paragraphs long and contains an introduction, body
paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction is the first paragraph of a formal essay and should
include three things. The first item of the introduction is the hook, or the part that grabs your reader's
attention.
In a formal essay, all rules of punctuation and grammar are observed. Essays of this style are specific,
focused on facts, and include a standard, template language. An informal essay is a type of essay
written more for enjoyment with the use of vivid expressions and abbreviations.

- What are the main stages of the writing process?

Generally, the writing process can be broken into three phases: prewriting, writing, and revising.

- What aspects do you consider when you edit your draft? How do you improve content, organisation,
and style?
Your final edit should focus on two broad areas: Errors in grammar, mechanics, usage, and spelling.
When you read your essay, you can determine whether you have used these elements well by
considering the following questions:

 Have I adequately developed my thesis or main idea?

Do I use specific details rather than generalities?
 Are my examples and evidence accurate, relevant, and convincing?
 Do I use quotations appropriately?
Is too much of my paper quoted from other sources?
Do I paraphrase carefully?

- Is editing different from proofreading?

It's always essential to check over any piece of work to make sure you have the best chance of success.
But should you edit your essay, or proofread it, or both? Many people use these terms interchangeably,
however proofreading and editing don't quite mean the same thing - and they won't produce the same
results.

Proofreading is the correcting of surface errors such as grammar, spelling and punctuation. While it still
requires a nuanced understanding of the English language, it differs from editing, which seeks to
improve the overall quality of writing by enhancing flow, readability and structure.
40-47 (pp. 22-26) from Upstream Proficiency C2 Student's Book
40. A) an article

b) – a magazine

– students of English

– semi-formal

c) ‘Text messages and e-mails are more fun than letters’ is irrelevant.
41. 1 First of all

2 By this I mean

3 for instance

4 Secondly
5 particularly
6 Finally
7 To sum up
c.

Introduction – C

Paragraph 2 – E

Paragraph 3 – B
Paragraph 4 – D
Conclusion – A
Topic sentences

Paragraph 2: First of all, the increasing use of e-mails and text messages is changing the way we use
grammar.

Paragraph 3: Secondly, it is fashionable nowadays to shorten the spelling of words, particularly in text
messages.

Paragraph 4: Finally, in my opinion, writing English

42.
B explanation: After all many children today ... learning aid

C explanation: School is a place of learning ... (to end ...)

D explanation: In other words ... Even if we take all the precautions available today, we do not know
what to expect in the future.
44.

2 I completely disagree with statement that children should be allowed to take their mobile phones to
school with them.

3 The way I see it, all schools should give basic training in writing e-mails.

4 I am totally against the suggestion that you should judge people by the clothes they wear.

5 To my mind, life would be far better if we did not have telephones.

6 It appears to me that true communication involves the ability to listen as well as speak.
45.
A.‘The invention of the telephone, rather than being a great benefit to society, is responsible for a
breakdown in communication. Because of the telephone, we have fax machines, the Internet, mobile
phones and the death of letter writing – all of the things which have led to the poor communication
which exists between people today.’
B. 2 the telephone is responsible for a breakdown in communication

3 the telephone has indirectly brought about the poor communication which exists today

4 the writer thinks they are bad inventions

5 both mobile phones and the death of letter-writing are consequences of the telephone

6 there is poor communication between people today

Agree: 5, 6
Disagree: 4. 2. 3
46.
1 mentioning background information
2 stating the reason for writing

3 rhetorical question

4 making a prediction for the future

5 making a reference to further action/summarizing the main opinion

6 summarizing the main opinion/making a prediction for the future

47.
furthermore – moreover

role – part

after all – it must be said

rather than – in preference to

such as – for example

is an invaluable aid – provides essential assistance

particularly suitable – especially appropriate

by this I mean – that is to say

I have little doubt that – doubtless

had it not been for – if it had not been for

I have little doubt that the telephone played a major role in the changes that took place in the last
century. By this I mean that, had it not been for the telephone, we would never have had other
developments, such as faxes, mobiles or the Internet. Furthermore, the telephone is an invaluable aid
for businesses and particularly suitable for keeping in touch with friends. After all, most people prefer
to pick up the phone rather than write a letter.
Read the following essays and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Consider content, organisation,
cohesion, and style.

Nataliia Bilinska

Staying in Touch
Nowadays, when spatial and cultural boundaries are blurred due to globalization, we have a wide range
of opportunities for our personal growth and a good life. We move vast distances for new jobs, love, and
education, leaving our relatives and friends behind. We become so busy with our work or studies that
we simply do not have time for them, which leads to us waking up one day and realizing that we feel
isolated. To avoid any such eventuality, we should stay in touch with our family and friends, despite the
distance between us. Let us consider several communication tools which I personally(repetition)
consider to be the best.

First of all, in my experience, messaging applications such as Telegram and Viber are the most efficient
and cost-effective services for instant messaging that can be used on both mobile platforms and
desktops to communicate with text, phone calls, video, sharing of files, in group or one-on-one. I prefer
them to emails(the use of “I” in the introduction and conclusion of an essay is permitted but in the body
of the essay is best avoided in order to maintain an academic tone) because they are much simpler to
use. It takes only a few seconds to text a message in such applications, whereas email systems require
more time. Additionally, messengers can be customized to our needs, in contrast to the tedious email
interface. Personally, I use Telegram to chat because apart from the aforementioned advantages,
messages are kept safe from hacker attacks, and thus reliable messaging can be successfully
accomplished.

In addition(repetition of root words one-by-one to show addition. It is better to say: next, equally
important), it seems to me that social networking platforms such as Facebook and Instagram offer
excellent opportunities for reaching out to friends and relatives. To my mind, these platforms are
incredibly useful, allowing their users, who create free profiles, to share text, images, music, videos, as
well as their own thoughts and opinions. We can follow a person that we are interested in, see their
pictures and updates, keeping abreast of the significant events happening in their life. Furthermore, we
can receive notifications to remind us to congratulate this person on their birthday. Such possibility is
quite helpful for me as I have always had difficulties in remembering important dates and felt
embarrassed about it.

Finally, I personally believe(sounds like a tautology, it is better to say: according to my thinking, from my
point of view ) that sometimes it would be well-advised to send a handwritten letter to a close person.
He or she will definitely be delighted as it feels more personal and intimate. It shows how much we
appreciate, love, and care about them.( great move here) I once received a postcard from a long-
distance friend of mine. He wrote some pleasant greetings on it and sent it from another country. I
appreciate that it took him some time and effort to surprise me, that is what makes that postcard truly
special.

On the whole, close relationships with family and friends are at the core of our well-being. Fortunately,
over the years, it has become increasingly easier to stay in touch. There are numerous ways to
communicate with each other, among which messaging applications, social networking platforms, and
handwritten letters are, in my opinion, the most advantageous in terms of accessibility, cost, and
efficiency. It is advisable that we make good use of these communication tools as they help us to stay
close, being far away.

In general, the thesis comes out clearly. Very good argument, showing good comprehension and
engagement with the topic. The essay makes some viable points, but the points are presented
randomly at times; the essay needs more structure for its argument. Each paragraph is unified around a
clear main point.

Staying in Touch

Communication is an essential part of our life. We converse with our family and friends on a daily basis
because we share common interests and responsibilities with them. It has been proven that people who
communicate more are healthier, happier, and more successful than those who are reserved and lonely.
That is why human connection is extremely important. So what are the best ways of staying in touch
with our friends and relatives?

To my mind, face-to-face communication with family and friends is indispensable. But when it is not
possible, telephone calls can be an effective tool for staying in touch, for connecting. I often used to visit
my grandmother who always greeted me with a smile on her face and was glad that I did not forget
about her. Due to the fact that a ruthless pandemic has suddenly broken into our lives, I now have to
replace our meetings with voice calls so as not to endanger her life. Interesting and sincere telephone
conversations can go on for extended periods of time. It is honestly nice to hear my grandmother’s
voice, her infectious laugh, and what has become her regular phone greeting: “What’s up, angel? When
are you going to get married?” I call her multiple times a month to gossip, share recipes, talk about my
daily routines, or to discuss my plans.
Living in the world of amazing modern technology, we have numerous opportunities to stay in touch
with our dearest and nearest even if they are far away from us. Thanks to the Internet and various
messaging applications, we can instantly connect with those who live in another country. Moreover,
most of these applications are completely free of charge and can be used whenever it is convenient for
us. Despite the fact that my father lives and works abroad, I communicate with him every day thanks to
Viber, Telegram, and Skype. Through video calls, my father shows me where he goes and what he buys
for me. The distance that separates us becomes less noticeable because I see him and hear his voice.
(because of using “I” many times, it gives Iryna’s work a picture of personal thoughts rather than
objectivity)

Finally, the way I see it, social media platforms are absolutely crucial to staying connected with friends
and family. They allow us to correspond in chat rooms, view photos and videos of our friends and
relatives, and share our favorite music with them. My favorite social networks which I use mostly to
communicate with my friends are Facebook and Instagram. I have to admit that social networking is
highly enjoyable. It is quite satisfying to see likes and comments from friends left on my posts, and it is
convenient to be able to see what my friends are doing without having to ask them directly.

To conclude, thanks to modern technology, even a pandemic cannot break our strong bonds with family
and friends. Digital communication tools can effectively facilitate social connectedness when
opportunities for face-to-face interactions are limited. Our ancestors could not have imagined that
instant communication would become a reality. Given that humanity continues to actively develop, I
suppose that even more sophisticated means of communication may be created in the nearest future.
And what do you think?

Iryna Mishtal
Good point to use question, addressed to reader at the end of essay, because it gives them a place to
think up. But supporting discussions( examples) contain many details that need connection to analytic
points.