CÁCH VIẾT MỘT ĐOẠN VĂN TIẾNG ANH

Paragraph Template - Bố cục của đoạn văn: Một đoạn văn gồm 3 phần chính là
1. Topic sentence: câu chủ đề - nêu vấn đề
2. Supporting sentences: các câu phát triển ý - là những câu nêu ý chính,diễn giải,giải quyết vấn đề đã
nêu ở câu chủ đề
3. Conclusion: câu kết: rút ra kết luận/bài học/biện pháp/giải pháp về chủ đề đã nêu.

NOTE: Tuỳ đề bài yêu cầu viết số lượng từ mà số lượng câu phát triển ý ít hay nhiều
A 120-150-word paragraph includes:
- Topic sentence
- supporting idea 1, ______, _______ (3 sent) gồm 1 câu nêu ý chính, 2 câu ví dụ/ giải thích
- supporting idea 2, ______, _______(3 sent)
- supporting idea 3, ______, _______(3 sent)
- Conclusion
Các Bước Thực Hiện
B1: Sau đó ta phát thảo nhanh ý tưởng – liệt kê tất cả các ý tưởng lien quan đến đề bài càng nhiều
càng tốt
Topic: Liệt kê ý Bổ sung ý (
Computers - listen to music -after studying/working hard, feel tired/stress
- advantages - play games
- benefits - chat with friends/relatives - all over the world through a computer linked
the internet
- important/good - make friends
- get/search information - if you want to know about……..
- study - do exercises, check the answers,
- work
- save ,edit, reuse document easily and quickly

B2: sắp xếp các ý trên thành 3 ý chính, nhóm lại thành từng đề mục
Câu chủ đề As you know nobody can deny the benefits of the computers in our modern life. In
deed, the computers bring us the following benefits.
Câu phát First of all, computer helps us enlarge ví dụ / giải thích ý
triển ý our knowledge.
dangers and The second benefit is that computer ví dụ / giải thích ý
troubles brings people in the world closer and
closer. (help us to communicate with
everyone in the world)
Last but not least is it makes our work ví dụ / giải thích ý
and studying become faster and more
convenient.
Câu kết To sum up, computer is such a really important device with many benefits that
every one wants to own one.

Linking words: các từ nối

Mục đích Từ, cụm từ chuyển ý/liên kết ý
first, second, third, also, then, next, in addition, moreover,
Thêm ý
furthermore, beside, additionally.
both…and, not only…but also, also, too, in the same way,
So sánh ý này giống với ý khác
similarly, likewise, in like manner, either…or
however, on the other hand, nevertheless, yet, on the one hand,
Đối lập ý này với ý khác
in contrast, to the contrary, unlike, on the contrary.
for example, for instance, as an illustration, to illustrate, in
Đưa ví dụ
particular, in general.

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Nhấn mạnh ý in fact, in deed, above all, especially, surely, most importantly
no doubt, granted, certainly, of course, surely, naturally,
Thừa nhận một ý nào đó
although this may be true.
Làm rõ ý perhaps, probably, for the most part
therefore, as a result, for this reason, because of this, thus,
Đưa ra hậu quả, kết quả
indeed, consequently, accordingly, hence, as a consequence.
to begin with, before, finally, then, now, later, in the past,
until now, meanwhile, afterwards, at the same time,
Diễn đạt thời gian subsequently, previously, at last, at present, briefly, currently,
eventually, gradually, immediately, in the future, suddenly,
earlier, formerly, shortly, at that time, in the meantime.
here, above, below, further, there, inside, outside, nearby,
Diễn đạt mối quan hệ không gian next to, on the far side, to the east (north, south, or west),
behind, in the background, opposite to, to the right, to the left.
to sum up, in conclusion, finally, in brief, overall, all in all, in
Tóm gọn ý other words, lastly, on the whole, in sum, to conclude,
consequently, eventually.

Sample writing
1. How is computer useful for your work or your study?
Computer currently helps me much in my study. First of all, it helps me format my
lessons effectively. I often type my lessons on the computer and format them to make them
attractive to eyes so that I may learn them by heart quickly and review them conveniently. Next,
computer helps me keep my materials safely for future use. Today, beside the hard drive, I often
bring my USB’s with me and use them to save all what I want at any time and place. Moreover, I often
update my materials on the screen. This enables me to create clear and tidy versions of materials and
save up much time for other activities. On the other hand, computer is the most helpful friend
helping me learn information and knowledge on the internet. Thanks to computer, I often access the
internet and learn many things. In conclusion, computer has made my understanding better day by
day and become indispensable for my study.

2. Why do many people want to study abroad? What do we have to prepare to study abroad?
Studying abroad has many advantages. First, you are better trained because the
education in developed countries is better than that of our country. Second, we can widen our
understanding about another culture. Living abroad is a wonderful opportunity for us to
learn about the customs there. Moreover, studying abroad improves our professional prestige,
keeping us easy to find a well-paid job and to gain prestige in our working place. However, to
study abroad smoothly, we must carefully prepare some necessary things in advance. English is the
first thing for us to master. Without it, you can’t understand anything and your study surely becomes
a nightmare. Next is cultural knowledge which enables you to adapt yourself to
foreign communities and avoid cultural shocks. In addition, you should prepare psychology
against homesickness because you can not return to your homeland right away when you want. In
summary, studying abroad successfully requires you to know about its positive points and how to
deal with difficulties abroad.

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 Một Số Cách vô đề bài
A/ cách vô đề bài chung về thuận lợi, bất lợi, nêu ý kiến quan điểm, nêu lý do, đồng ý, không đồng ý
(benefit/ advantage/ good/ important/ agree/ idea/ opinion/ reason/ why )
 phải xác định kỹ ý đề yêu cầu làm gì . đề cho ý khẳng hay phủ mình ủng hộ cái nào

Ex1: describe the disadvantages or advantages of a big family. Write your answers on the provided answer
sheet.
Many people believe that living in a big family has a lot of advantages whereas the others disagree with
this. In my opinion, I support the first idea because of the following reasons. First of all, …….
The second reason is that …… . Last but not least is…… To sum up, …….

Ex2: Within about 120 to 150 words, state some advantages of the internet
Many people believe that The internet has a lot of advantages whereas the others disagree with this. In
my opinion, I support the first idea because of the following reasons. First of all, …….
The second reason is that …… . Last but not least is…… To sum up, …….
viết về ý kiến, quan điểm, đồng ý, không đồng ý ( idea, opinion, agree, disagree, which do you prefer, )

ex3: Nowadays, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea?
Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
Many people believe that it is good for teenagers to have jobs while they are still students
while/whereas the others disagree. In my opinion, I support the first ideas because of the following
reasons.

Ex4- Married women shouldn’t go to work. Do you agree or disagree. State your ideas
Many people believe that Married women shouldn’t go to work while/whereas the others
disagree. In my opinion, I support the second ideas because of the following reasons. First,…………. .
Second, ………. .

Ex5 / Why is it necessary to learn English?

Many people believe that it is necessary to learn English for some reasons. First,…………. .
Second, ………. .

PARAGRAPH WRITING

QUESTION: Why do we say computers always play an important part of our life? Write a paragraph of
about 150 words, using explanations and examples to support your answer.

 Brainstorming: (This stage can be skipped)

- play games, watch movies, listen to music
- learn English/languages,
- do calculations, type letters/documents, design buildings, draw pictures, edit photos/ videos
- search for any information, prepare lessons / lectures
 Making an outline:
 The computer plays an essential role: It appears in every part of our daily life
+ At work: It helps us: - do calculations
- type and store documents
- design buildings, do stock transactions
- operate high-tech plants and machines

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+ In education: We can: - learn languages, search for information
- prepare lessons or lectures
+ For entertainment: We can relax by playing games, watching movies or listening to music.
 It goes without saying that the computer is very important in our life.

 Writing a paragraph:
....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................
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EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH:
[1] In our modern time, the computer appears in every part of our daily life. [2] It plays an
essential role at work, in education as well as in entertainment. [3] First of all, at work, the computer
helps us, in just a few hours or even seconds, type documents and do calculations, which may take a
normal brain a life time to finish. Besides, with computers people can do businesses like stock
transactions or design buildings, operate high-tech plants and run machines efficiently. [4] Then, in
education, with a computer connected to the Internet we can search almost any sort of information
we need for our study or learn languages more effectively. [5] [Also, teachers or lecturers can make
their lessons or lectures more lively and interesting with programs such as Powerpoint or other types
of slide-show]. [6] Lastly, for entertainment, after working hard we can get relaxed by playing some
computer games or listening to our favorite type of music with the computer. When we want to see a
movie, staying at home, we can search for it on the Internet just in the matter of minutes, without
having to go to the theater or anywhere to buy video tapes or CDs. [7] It goes without saying that the
computer plays a key role in every part of our daily life, from businesses to education or
entertainment. [8] Without it, everything in life would slow down and life would no doubt be much
more dull.

Notes:
 PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE:

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[1]: Intro/Lead-in (Before the Topic sentence) or Bridge (after the topic sentence)
[2]: Topic sentence
[3], [4], [5] and [6]: Supporting ideas
[5] can be left out to make the paragraph a little shorter to meet the word-limit.
[7]: Conclusion (No connective is used here as a kind of flexibility)
[8]: Going further

 PREPOSITIONS, CONJUNCTIONS AND TRANSITIONS:

+ Because, since, as, Now that, on account of, due to, thanks to
+ Although, though, even though, in spite of, despite, in spite of the fact that
+ However, but, yet, therefore, so, Nonetheless, Nevertheless, On the other hand, On the contrary,
By/In contrast
+ First, firstly, second, secondly, last, lastly, Last but not least
+ Next, Then, Also, In addition, In addition to …, Besides, Beside…, Furthermore, Moreover,
Another…, other…
+ In sum, In brief, In a nutshell, In one word, In short, In conclusion

B/ Một số mẫu thường dùng (nếu không muốn dùng mẫu trên)
B.1 - Đề bài cho liên quan đến thuận lợi của các phương tiện giải trí, phương tiện lấy thông tin
kiến thức : Book/TV/computer/Music/internet…..
1/ Within about 120 to 150 words, state some advantages of the internet
2 / Within about 120 to 150 words, state some advantages music can bring to our life. Write your answers on
the provided answer sheet.
3/ Write a paragraph to discuss the advantages of television.
Mở đầu bài
a/ As you know nobody can deny the benefits of the internet in our modern life. In deed, the internet
brings us the following benefits.
b/ Television is one of the most popular sources of communication. In fact, it brings us the following
benefits.
c/ TV is /books are a wonderful source of knowledge and pleasure so watching Tv /reading books /
Surfing the internet brings us many advantages. First of all, watching TV help us know news about
our country and other countries in the world. For example, we can get information about traffic, weather,
economic. The second advantage of watching TV is we can relax . In fact, after studying hard, we can
watch our favourite programes such as MTV, comic, music….Finally, TV is available, cheap and
convenient device . We can buy it easily and put it anywhere in our house . To sum up, TV brings us
many benefits that other device can’t do.

4/ Why are good books considered good teachers and friends?

Books in the home are a wonderful source of knowledge and pleasure . Good books are
considered good teachers and friends for some reasons.

B.2 / Disadvantage of the internet – bất lợi của internet

Nobody can deny that the internet brings us a lot of advantages. However, it also gives us lots of disadvantages

C – Đề bài cho về các phương pháp,biện pháp, cách thức thực hiện một vấn đề gì đó (ways/
measures/ methods/ solutions )
1/ Write a paragraph about measures for protecting endangered animals. Write your answers on the
provided answer sheet.

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(- Write a paragraph (120-150 words) suggest possible solutions that should be taken to protect wildlife
from extinction.
- Within about 120 to 150, suggest ways to protect wild animals and your responsibilities of the rare animals’
extinction. Write your answers on the provided answer sheet. )
2/ Write a paragraph (120-150 words) suggest possible solutions that should be taken to reduce the
pollution
3/ Within about 120 to 150, suggest ways to study English effectively
4/ What should we do to keep fit and stay healthy?
 1/ There are a number of measures that should be taken to protect endangered animals. Firstly,
2/ There are a number of solutions to reduce the pollution. For me, there are 3 things that should be done
to deal with this problem.
3/ There are a number of ways to study English . Each person has their own ways to do this. For me,
there are 3 things I am doing to study English effectively.
4/ There are a number of ways to keep fit and stay healthy. Each person has their own ways to do this.
For me, there are 3 things I am doing to stay healthy and prepared for those life challenges.

D – Describe something you like (best ) Within about 120 to 150, describe a film/ book/ friend/ holiday/
subject that you like best.
Among the books I have read, I like reading Doremon best . It was written by Fujiko Fujio .
Among the subjects I have studied at school, I like studying English best because of the
following reasons.
Ex1: describe a book that you like best.
I would like to introduce you Frankenstein, a horror story. It was written by Marry Shelley in 1818. A
student from Geneva, Frankenstein, collects bones and bodies from graveyards, and constructs a creature
which is more like a monster than a man. People are frightened of it. The poor monster feels lonely and
depressed because he has no friends, so it asks Frankenstein to make it a wife. He refused to do this.
Then the monster attacks and kills Frankenstein’s friend and his brother. Frankenstein is heart broken
and is determined to kill the monster. However, he is killed first by the monster, and then it kills itself.
Frankenstein is really an interesting story due to the strange character of the monster.
Ex2: write a description of one of the popular celebrations in Vietnam
You may write about:
- name of the festival
- time of the festival
- purpose of the festival
- main activities of the festival
- your feeling about the festival
Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most popular celebrations in Vietnam. It falls ( is held / is
celebrated ) on the 14th day of the 8th lunar month every year. It’s the time when Vietnamese people
celebrate the largest full moon in the year. On this day, children have parties with special cakes and lots
of fruits. They also parade in the street with their beautiful lanterns, which come in all shapes and sizes.
Adults sit outdoors, drinking tea, having moon cakes and admiring the fullest and roundest moon. I
myself enjoy this festival very much because it’s a great time for not only children but also adults.
Tet holiday is one of the most popular celebrations in Vietnam. It often runs from January
to February. …..

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TOPIC: Write a letter to a pen-pal to talk about a person who has great influence on you.
……………………., March 26th, 2015
Dear Linda,
I am sorry for not writing to you for so long, but you know we are all busy with preparing for the
coming GCSE. I am writing today to tell you about my greatest ever idol who has great influence on me.
Everyone has his variety of acquaintances, friends, relatives, teachers, or partners among whom
one may have the one that creates greatest ever impression on him. For me, I must say that my life
would not have been as good as it is today if I did not meet Mr. Jimmy. It happened to me when I was a
lower secondary student. I remember well that I was a very bad boy at that time. I always got bad marks
for school subjects as well as I got fined daily. My teachers got very disappointed, my parents felt
ashamed as I was very often mentioned as a bad example at school. My classmates found ways to keep
away from me. I felt so lonely and hopeless. Then Mr. Jimmy, my new Maths teacher appeared. After
having had a talk with me and my parents, he agreed to be my private tutor. It was so strange that he did
not teach me lessons right away, he made ways to be my friend instead. He spared time to get to know
my difficulties, helped me to gain me confidence, let me believe in what I could do. Gradually, I realized
what to do, how to do. He encouraged me when I felt tired, lonely or daunted. He gave me belief and
strength to stand right on my own feet. Finally, I got to know the meaning of life.
To tell the truth, I feel so happy to have a great teacher like Mr. Jimmy. I really hope that you
will spare time to let me know about your idols in life. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Love,
Tom.

TOPIC: Write about the formal school education system in Vietnam.

The current formal school education system in Vietnam, as we all know, consists of three levels;
pre-school, primary and secondary educations. Secondary education is divided into lower and upper
stage. Now, in some provinces especially in cities, there are two parallel school systems in pre-school,
primary or even secondary education; state and private schools. Tuition fees are different very much
from state to private schools. In both systems, the academic year, from early September to late May, is
divided into two semesters consisting of four to five months each.
Children usually start their pre-school at the age of three, when they go to the nurseries but this
stage is not compulsory. When children reach the age of six, they must go to primary schools. The
primary education lasts five years with 5 grades; from grade 1 to grade 5. After having finished primary
education, children can go to lower secondary schools from grade 6 to grade 9. Children who complete
lower secondary may be accepted to upper secondary schools which last three years with 3 grades; ten to
twelve. It depends on the locality that children have to take the entrance examination to be upper
secondary students. Children finish the school education when they finish grade 12. Often, at the end of
upper secondary education, student have to take the General Certificate of Secondary Education
(GCSE), the requirement to go to university or college, The GCSE used to take place in early June, but
this year in early July.

TOPIC: Write a letter of request to UCAS to ask for information about the admission requirements to
the university.
475/57 Le Thanh Ton St. District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
March 15th, 2008
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’ve read a lot about tertiary study in the UK and very impressed by the reputation of many famous
universities there. I am writing now to apply for the course and to ask for the admission requirements to
the university.
Now, I am in the last year of the high school and will finish secondary education in 3 months. I am very
much interested in an undergraduate course in economics in Birmingham University. At school I have
learnt English for 7 years now, and my English is good enough to communicate with English speaking
residents. Moreover, I am rather good at natural science subjects, and I am also very much interested in
social activities. My family income is absolutely good enough to pay for my life and study abroad, too. I
have good health and am willing to live on my own. What my family and I want to know now is the
detailed admission requirements to the university and the degrees I will be granted after finishing the

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course. Could you please send me some information about the admission requirements, tuitions fees,
accommodation and details of the course? I am ready to supply any information about myself if
necessary.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Hoang Thanh Nam.

TOPIC: Write a letter to Vinatour, applying for the job mentioned in the advertisement in a
newspaper.
Flat 3,324, Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi
October 16th, 2014
Hanoi Vinatour
250, Nguyen Du Street, Hanoi
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in reply to your advertisement in the Vietnam News for experienced English-speaking local
guides to accompany foreign visitors on trips throughout Vietnam. To tell the truth, I am very much
interested in the post and hope to get it.
After reading the requirement for applicants, I can say by sure that I meet all of the qualifications that
you specify. I was awarded High School Certificate two years ago with flying colours. After leaving
high school, I worked as an accountant in a small travel agency for one year, where I was given a
training course on tourism. Then I had one year of experience as a tour guide so I know many tourist
areas in Vietnam arid have a basic knowledge of Vietnamese culture, history, geography and the people.
Moreover, I was a good student at English at school and achieved some prizes for English-speaking and
English-in-use contests, so I can say that I speak English fluently and be able to communicate
effectively with English speaking partners. In addition, I am a sociable and confident person and can
work hard for long hours. I would like to work for you and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss
this position with you in person.
I am looking forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Nguyen Quoc Anh

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