'

Essay W riting

Techniques for introductions & conclusions

·:~ . .. ·:.: ,~_.\, _: ·:·:..: ....
:;:;;) :_To get the feader's atten\idl) :?.pd:make .~hem want to To;:2~!1.~ ~<;>~n ~s~e¥:-?J:l.~i!f~¥'~,t_6~r~-~d~r with
~continue:re'ading, the' i_ritfp~u(tiori ·should use ·one of SOIJ.lel h.i@ ,t_o·•_con~(d~.i'~~tlj~~.fqfig~~Hjr~1.~h9yld use one
rthe following tech~iquesL . ·•· . ._ -~~- :~.~ !~~-~~wM~"t~~~~~~~~~;;:·>~:;d;;.; .··~ ~; ...
:·:r rnrr:-6allctltilirs·,_ ,
~--~--~~-------------L------------~
- · · ,\. . ~-'"·-·'·y :c~~Ci~~tons~-'1t:~:~::.::· . -.
• e.g. Have you ever
Address the reader directly. • Give the reader something to think about. e.g.
I• wondered what life will be like in 50 years time?
e.g. It has
Start with an objective statement.
Hopefully, the situation will be very different in
twenty years.
I been proven that diet and lifestyle can directly
affect our health.
• End with an objective statement. e.g. Many
people believe that solar energy is the best
J.·.

Start with a quotation. e.g. It was Albert

I. •
Einstein who said "The true sign ofint~J_fjgence is
not knowledge but imagination." - · ···
solution to the energy crisis.
• End with a quotation. e.g. To sum up, I must
agree with Albert Einstein who said, "We cannot
:..:

I
l
• 's tarrwith a rhetorical question (i.e. a question
that does not require an answer) e.g. Is global
solve our problems with the same thinking we
used when we created them."
l
l•
warming really happening?
Start with a problem that needs a solution. e.g.
1"1 j• End wit~rical question . e.g. After all, it
is common sense, isn't it?
The number of homeless people in the world is on tr;. • Summarise the points made. e.g. All in all, it
l
1
•
the rise.
Make reference to a strange scene or
seems that we have to ...

. situation. e.g. The sight of hundreds of people

1j dressed as aliens is disturbing. ~:

~--~------~~~~~~am-.~.a~~~ ... . ... ..

~. ~•-~ '··~~j'.. - -"1;~~-:.:~-~~~:~~·-~~~~~'~!-~=~-~~~~-~'~~~~'·~~-~~:.-~~~••~r~~-~~-~- ~~ ~~-•-
D Match the introductions to the conclusions. Which techniques are used in each?

Introductions
of
: .,T:_iJLl!frf ·}.t se_ern~--~~~t}.~~~f.:..c::l?:~~ t9·o ma_ny
·people thmk success must mclt.ide fame.
' [IT],i'~~ ·P~~sen'c€{ at w~u5~r~s·sed· - ~~6ple in the
queue at a soup kitchen is a common sight
the~e· days and. shows that poverty is now
an issue that can affect people from all
walks of life.
Conclusions
a To conclude, it seems that the only way to encourage
more young people to become booklovers is to
introduce them to reading at a very young age.
Otherwise, many children will grow up thinking that
only screens can offer entertainment. ·.:.
b If something is not done soon, an alarming increase
in the number of people with serious weight-related
illnesses is inevitable. This will undoubtedly have a
harmful effect on the next generation.
c All in all, the importance of taking swift action
against global warming can be summed up by the
environmentalist David Suzuki who said, "It's foo
late to stop it now, but we can lessen its seveHty ·
and impacts."
d Taking everything into consideration, although .·
working from home sounds wonderful, often it is
not. In many cases, it can be far more difficult than
it seems and requires a great deal ~f determination.
e To sum ·up, we should all take measures to help
those in need regardless of their appearance. After
all, you should neyer judge a book by its cover,
should you? ·
· there are many ways to be .successful
f In cone Iuston, .d .
without being famous As Charles Church I 11 sat ·
"Fame is nothing but ~n empty name".

Style
j .r::-.~ . -·;,.: '• .
w,;;.-:-:.-.,_· ..1=;....=:..~==!~=~~~~-'=-""""~~~'--~-';;, ~~~~~~t!z0i;;;.,;;~i;i£;~~~~~~~~~i.L..L~~
· e simple sentence structure (e.g. These days, both
young and old people use the Internet because it's
a fast way to get information.)
• simple vocabulary (e.g. We should all keep the
environnj_
e nt safe.)
• colloqufal phrasal verbs (e.g. We've got to find
ways to come up with improvements.)
• contracted verb forms (e.g. It's important to have
a good knowledge of Maths.)
• informal-linking words/phrases (e.g. And when
yoi.iuseyoi.ii bi/(e-to 'travel ii:iwork, you are .--
actually saving yourself money.)
I • friendly personal tone (e.g. It's great to
encourage people to use public transport, isn't it?)
• colloquial idioms (e.g. It costs a smafl fortune to
educate your child privately.)
• use of active forms (e.g. People can waste a lot
of time surfing the Internet.)
• colloquial expressions (e.g. It's high time we did
something about stray animals on the streets.)
·' ···~'!~- : . :· .... ... . .
0 Study the elements of formal style in the
extract below.
Secondly, JOining an after-school sports
club can be beneficial for children socially.
For example, as well as gaining essential
physiqal exercise, they can come in contact
with people of . similar in.ierests and make
new friends. As
a result they will develop
their. personalities by . interacting · ·and
cooperating · with others. skills that will
prove usetul later ori when they enter .. the .
· ~ ·
--·workforce·.-~ -complexsenteri'cesfrifctifre- ': -- -- -- I
· 1mpersona
formal idiom / tone
formqi,...On the other hand.j it is believed that
li~ker students are hard pushed to deal with their
.d d studies, let alone engage in extra curricular
a vance t' T
phrasal ac lVI 1es. For instance, they have to keep
verb 'ahead of deadlines for assignments and
advanced~prepare
adequately for exams.
vocabulary Therefore, it is not advisable to take on
formal-the extra burden of participating in after-:~~~
expression school sports. For this reason , students' form
sporting activities are often postponed until
-==-rs-it_y_l_e-ve_l_i_s_r:ac~~-·_':"''_:;c~----J
• Internet but it's not always useful or reliable .
Essay Writi ng
· ...: . •
• complex sentence structure (e.g. Nowadays, due to
increased availability of the Internet, a great: number
of people, regardless of age, are using it to gain speedy
access to information.)
• advanced vocabulary (e.g. It is everyone's
responsibility to protect the environment.)
• advanced phrasal verbs (e.g. It is essential we find
ways to bring about improvements.)
~ • full verb forms (e.g. It is essential to have a good
' .. , . I£~P"Y.~9g~ pf fy1£t!J!!L . .,~ _.., ___ . .. . .... .
' , • formal linking words/phrases (e.g. What is more,
commuting by bicycle means that you make personal
economies.)
• impersonal tone (e.g. It would be a good idea to
encourage everyone to use public transport.)
• formal idioms (e.g. Educating a child privately can be
quite hard on the parents' pockets.)
• frequent use of passive forms (e.g. A lot oF time can
be wasted surfing the Internet.)
• formal expressions (e.g. We need to take action now
to reduce the number of stray animals on the streets.)
·
fJ Rewrite the informal sentences using a
formal style. Use the prompts in brackets.
1 It's a great shame when you don't pass an
exam. (be/extremely disappointing/fail/pass/
examination)
2 People are .used to having electricity and so
they miss it when it's cut off. (people/rely/
electricity/therefore/great in·convenience/
cause/when/be/power failure)
3 Children get spoilt when they get too much
pocket money. (an excess/pocket money/
results i.n/spoilt ch!ldren)
. - -- 4 --+he council-needs -to -save ·l:lp --some-money - · ··
for a new town hall. (council/should put
aside/funds/new town hall)
5 There would be less need for police patrols
if people obeyed the traffic rules . (fewer
police patrols/be/need/if/traffic rules/obey)
6 If you ask most people, they will tell you that
smoking is bad for you. (it be/widely agreed/
I
smoking/jlarmful to health)
7 Cycling is good for the environment. It is
g6'od for your health, too. (not only/cycling/
beneficial/environment/but it also/have/
number/health benefits)
8 We've got loads of information on the
(we have got/vast amount/information on
the lnternet/buttitinot always be/useful or
reliable)
5
 Essay Writing
D Rewrite the sentences using the passive
and the word in brackets.
1 People do not stick to the rules. (follow)
The rules are not being followed.
2 The council turned down previous proposals.
(reject)
3 They built up the business over many years.
(develop)
4 Town planners need to go over the report.
(review)
5 Social workers have to think about the
emotional needs of the children. (consider)
6 The townspeople have forgotten about the
building for many years. (neglect)
7 We should make efforts to make our city a
healthy place to live in. (made)
8 By doing this we can cut down on expenses.
(reduce)
IJ Replace the-phrases in bold with more
formal ones from the list.
• punctuality • in addition • positive
• for example • paid employment
Firstly, 1) working for money gives young
people real life work experience. 2) What 1
m.ea~ is, chi ldren will nave to learn that 3) to
be on time is important . and being
responsible is necessary when they work for
other peopl~. 4) And they. have to learn to
take care of themselves and how to co-
operate w.ith otl}ers at work.
• be taken • guarantee • moreover
• community service • I strongly believe
• further
@ In conclusion, 1) if you ask me criminals
should 2) go to prfson, as the best way to
3) make sure of people's safety is to re'move
the law-breakers from society.' 4} Also, it
serves as a harsh lesson to deter them from
committing more crimes on their release. To
me, other forms of punishment such as
community service aren't a strong enough
.. deterrent.
o fully understand o is also badly affected
• there is no doubt • polluted
" however e therefore • is responsible for
1) -It goes without saying that people only
feel responsible when they 2) totally see the
consequences of their actions .. 3). But, many
people believe that because they pay taxes,
the government 4) has to. do the ~leaning up
litter and reducing pollution . 5) So, the
government has to educate ,people so that they
can understand that when the environment is
6) dirty, their health 7) gets bad.
• strongly believe • participate • provides
• with their future careers
~ .
I 1) reckon that university education 2} has
many benefits for young people. Not only do
they get the opportunity to learn more, they
can also 3) take part in a range of clubs and
societies. This can give young adults
invaluable life experience and social skills that
will help them 4) get jobs in the future.
• dispose of • possibly harmful • however
QJ 1) But, one downside of reducing deforestation
is that people will need to use other, 2) maybe
bad, materials instead of wood. Furniture can
be built out of plastic, but plastic can take
thousands of years to decompose. If we can't
3) get rid of plastic properly, it will become a
serious issue in the future.
~~ Rewrite the paragraph in an appropriate
formal style.
Everyone knows that computers save time. They
can find answers to problems and work out results
ten times faster than the amount of time it would
take a person to do it. Next, they are miles better
at doing stuff than we are. We make mistakes but
computers don't. So they are way more accurate
than humans.
 . . ·: - --· -~ -::;-- - - - - -- - - - .

Opinion Essays
- = -:--·

0 Read the rubric and the essay, then list the viewpoints in
the table. How many paragraphs: support the writer's
0 a) Replace the underlined
phrases in the model with
opinion? oppose the writer's opinion? other phrases from the Useful
1 In your English class you have been talking about education. Language box.
Now your teacher has asked y~u to write an essay.
Children should never be educated by parents at home. Do you agree? b) Underline elements of
formal style in the model.
Notes
Write about:
1 lacking teaching qualifications Useful Language
2 making friends
3 ........... ....... .. .. .. (your own idea) Giving opinion
Write your essay (140-190 words) giving reasons for your point of view. • I strongly!firmiy believe/think/feel ...
• In my opinion/view, ...
• To my mind, ...
• It seems/appears to me (that) ...
• My opinion is that ...
• I (do not) agree that/with .. .
• As far as I am concerned, ...
• I (completely) agree that/with ...
• I (strongly) disagree that/with •..
• I could not agree/disagree more
that/with... ·
These days, some parents choose to educate their children at home rather
Usting viewpoints
than at school. 1) I think homeschooling is not as good as a school
education. • Firstly, ... • Moreover, ... • Also, ...
• In addition, ... • Furthermore, ...
2) To start with, most parents are not qualified teachers. 3) This means that
they have not had the proper training and do not know how to teach. As a Introducing opposing viewpoints
result, they may not have enough knowledge to cover all the subjects. • However, ... • On the other hand, ...
4) Secondly, the children do not have any classmates. 5) This way, they
may miss developing important social skills. As a result they won't have I=• Introducing reasons/examples
• For example,/For instance, ...
s~ch as ... • In this way, ...
competition from classmates to encourage them to try harder.
6) On the other hand, some people believe children who are educated at
home can proceed at their own pace and in their own time. This means .i_• In' particular, ... • because/as/since ...
Introducing results
they cannot fall behind because the parent-teacher will not continue until
the student is ready.
7) All in all, I strongly believe that although students cannot have a tailor-
made lesson, classroom-based education is better than a home education. .
1
I
.·
• Therefqre, ... • As a res~lt, ... • Then ...
• Consequently, ... • In th1s way ••.
Concluding
c All in all, ... • All things considered, ...
The child will be taught by professionals and will have the benefit of making .; • To conclude,·... • In conclusion, ...
friends with people their own age.

7
 - - - -""='=
- "'·- ------ ·' _,..._

Opinion Essays

D a) Read the rubric and the model. Find and

replace the topic sentences with other
~~ Look at the underlined key wor'ds in the
rubric. Answer the questions.
appropriate ones.
In your English class you have been talking about
books and films. Now your teacher has asked you t o
The Daily Reporter write an essay.
Government Targets Sport in Schools
No matter what the circumstances are, when it comes to It is better to read a book than to watch the story
school budgets, there are those who consistently bring as a film . What do you think?
up cutting sports programmes. Sports are essential to a
Notes
quality education that can provide students with a well-
Write about:
balanced background for their future.
1 entertaining
2 being easily portable
Some parents and teachers believe that sports in'
3 ... .. .. .......... .. . (your own idea)
schools are not as important as school subjects such as
Maths, English and Science. Others disagree. Do you Write your essay (140-190 words) giving reasons for
think it is a good idea to remove sports from the your point of view.
curriculum in favour of academic subjects? Explain your
point of view, giving reasons and examples. 1 What are you going to write? Who for?
2 Which points should you include?
3 What style should you write in?
4 How many words should you use?
According to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, "Physical fitness is 5 How many paragraphs should you write: to
not only one of the most important keys to a healthy bogy, support the writer's opinion? to express the
it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity." · opposing viewpoint?
So, sports have been a part of the school curriculum for
mai]y~-:y~~ry;. f-!oWever, recently :p,eople are questioning
~~ Use the completed diagram to write your
wlj~!_~lf&ot?.-dr9.8~them.~n· favq~r <J.f rn9r~:~cademic subjects.
I disagt~e with this viewpoint tor ~- number of reasons. essay.
To st~rt with,·sports are ,important for the generalfitness
and good'· tie;:ilth ·of chih;fren. 111: particular, being a:ctive is
. the best way to keep fit and stay in shape. As a result,
..,._ Films are not able to
With a book you get a explain the character's
children ayoid problems of obesity arid related health better understanding inner thoughts and
issues. of the characters' feelings from his or her
Secondly, spq~ ..encourag~. p.~.r.sonal dev.elopment. For motives. point of view the way a
~ team $ports e·nC:odi,~g~·de?m ~§pirit and ·co- book can.
operation. Also, individual spo.'~s .help people to show Consequently, the
determiriatior1 .to win .:·and, aecep.f
failure <if they lose. reader has a richer
Therefore'. chiidr~ri ~- I
~de~Ji8ii'imp0rlant
. .. .. . :. ! ;-.'·. . : ·.
• ' ';, . . • •l-·: .life skiils.
~ ; ~. i ': . ~ j . ·. • .:' . •
experience of the story.
~r. some people believe ·.t.tJat)eamii}g litera?Y. and:'
~cy is much more important than playing ··games.
This means time spent doing sports at school takes time ou a
away from acad~mic subjec~s. Moreover, :sports can still screen, electricity or
. be played outside school tfours. Therefore, sports could be You can read a book batteries of any kind
excluded from' the' school curriculum. )-' ' anywhere without any asbooks are
In conclusion, although some people think that sports at : ; equipment. completely portable.
school take time away from academic subjects, I strongly As a result, reading a
believe they are an·lmportant part of the s_chool curriculum book is more practical
than ·watchin films .
and should not be cut. They help stud~nts to ~Jq.t.fl!3Dd
healthy and they help them develop useturlife .skills.
"' • .,..,_...,s"'n!Re!"·s.. ~•
Eiam~"~I~Ji_~ ..:--""""'·"-ll:.!"
,_~r:,.,. _ .

This means that you

b) What techniques has the writer used to
However, watching a
...,._ can simply sit back
film is entertaining due and be entertained.
begin/end the essay? Rewrite these to the visual effects, Therefore, it requ ires
paragraphs using other techniques. sound effects and little effort from th e
music. viewer.
 Opinion Essays

_II Read the rubric and underline the

key words. Answer the questions.
~~Read the rubric, then the first draft of an essay. Check it
against the Checklist and rewrite it to make it more
appropriate.
The Daily News In your English dass you had a discussion about notebook computers.
Longer school days mean better Now your teacher has asked you to write an ess-ay for homework.
grades, studies say
Underperforming schools are raising Should students' textbooks be replaced by notebook computers?
student performance levels by
Notes
lengthening their school day from six-
Write about:
and-a-half hours to eight. Concerns
1 using more interesting material
over how to successfully improve
2 saving money ·
failing schools have led researchers
.. to look-at-the benefits of longer days - _-~ __··::···:····.. ·~ :···- (yg~f.C?Y.VQ__i_!)_ea) _______
with a more varied curriculum. Write your essay (140-190 wo_rds) using all the notes and giving
reasons for your point of view.
Most schools have a standard 6.5-hour
Technology is playing a greater and greater -role ;is education every
school day. Some people feel this is
day. Some people have eiten suggesteo that stuciE~nts·:shouldn't use
too short. Do you think it is a good
textbooks anymore, but be given notebook computers instead ....,..·.
idea to lengthen the standard school
day? Explain your point of view, giving ·_ To ~gin with, co"rhputets ~puld allow't~~~he~ t~ . ose·mqre:i~teresting
reasons and examples. • materia!~ , fpr exan)PI~, . ~i\J~e-nts. cqplcf watch _yidt;JpS, l(steq.:to .news
· reports -Qr;read articlesoiilihe. ·· · · ·· · ·
. . · ~ .. .. . . · . . .. .. .
1 What are you going to write? : Also the' sciloof ·wouid ·:save'
~not ofmoriey. This because tfiey - k·
2 Who is going to read it? wouldn't tiavei'tB b'uf~~w_:b00k5 year.: llieretore' ili~ycoi.itd spend everY
3 Which points should you include? more monefoncitherthings like sp6itSequipmerit · ._,._.
4 What style should you write in? · But, there are:people who·believe stlideiltsNtiiiilg no~eboOk eoritp.tit~rs .
5 How many words should you a
in class.isn't gooq idea; since they'\iioi.il<f]ustplaygam~·s qn'ffiem-.or.
use? surf ;ttl~ : l~tem.~t instead --of paying:;attention! COnseq-uently; 'it._wo~-~4 ~;1, ·.
6 How many paragraphs should hay~: a negative eff~ct_on theirsch_oo)work, . . . Ji~ --~-
you write to support: you; ' A,ll_'j~~ji,·J .~tr6_ng)~~~lf¢~e sllldent~,wolikfb~Q$fitJ[(,)ryi;u_sjng llQt~QOok .
. ··.: .. ,~ '· ,,.: • · ,~ .. ..... ,,,, .,'.l, .... .. •h . , . "'- · · , .· - :'t• ,~ .,•· ., :-. 1 . , • . ·· ~ < •,. . .. ,, \ . ., •. 1· . l-- · · . ·--.: ~, •I,

opinion? the opposing viewpoint? comput(:}rs Instead oUeXtbooks. Th¢YWolild b~fa .ppv(erftJI, ctlf?ap,'ahd
·eat&iHonal toot : · · · · · · ··· · · · ---' ' · - ·- · ~ --- ·
. :• :. . _... : ::-.:. .;: .. . ~ :::'S ·>: . . . . . • . . . . .. : ; • • . ,; .·>.. . ._.; ·.:··: -."' . :.: :. ·:.' .._~ .; .

fJ ~r Match the viewpoints to the ;; 4 C 0 . p UP &! Ct ¥401 CAP. Q4Udt4Cdtiili • AAJSP4<CU61i(iJ14ifl!!$LWt l aqi

justifications. Now write your

essay. Follow the plan on p. 7.
Justifications/Results
. .'.
~Checklist
When you finish writing your essay check for the following:
• word length
• inclusion of all main points
• appropriate style -
., correct gra~rnar, spelling and punctuation
• use of full verb forms
• use of linkers to join ideas
• well structured paragraphs (make sure main body paragraphs
~.

a broaden students start with appropriate topic sentences which are supported by
education; develop a examples, reasons and resul~s)
deeper understanding of • two paragraphs supporting your viewpoints with examples/
topic
reasons/results and another parl:!graph with the opposing
b enjoy school less; grades
may fall viewpoint supported by examples/reasons/results
c miss.out on other • introductioiJ that clearly states the topic & your opinion
activities; no time for fun • conclusion that clearly summarises all the points and restates
and relaxation your opinion
a variety of techniques to start/end the essay
-----------------~-· 9
 For-and-against essays

·~~~~~~!')~F- ~f.~.a~: i_s ;a~ ~or:n~l :?_s~r_:i~; ~h!chw~ ~!~~~~s th~ a~~~.~t.ages .~~d ~isa~vantages of a topic. ,·
.• ,~!~lifTI!?~~ 9!1 o.qw,~.l~:l_~s :of:th.e top1~ pre presented·accoramgly tn equal detail mseparate paragraphs. Our
~:-. op\?}~r;~ ,is~·~·F~~ in the condusion. II Each 'rhain :body :paragraph should begin..w!th_:a_~opic sentence that
0/· ~um.in~ri~es t~e content of the paragraph. It is followed _
by supporting sentences ~h~tf.u~h!=!~ ~wlain the idea
~ - · ·'irl'ftoe~lopiitis~r:iten~e.}We·ialw~ys·· ~iY~-~easoni~or'j~stifiditiorl's' and results f()r,~)~r.~f,~:y_{n~~~: · · Y'{edon't use
7' cO?tra~~; ~~i9Jgr.T,~rrff.¥~.w.~a.Y.:·P:Ht~.&s/ in.)pera~ives:~~~,'.: do not omit woras,'·'eii~~r~~~~~i?1§,rmai!.Y . w,rite
,.. :·d1;~~~%s.t~~~P~~~~{;~pY:~$~l~f.:!i.?M~· ~g~~J X?~RHI~,fY· full verb forms a_n~ p,~~~~f.~.~~~-~: , J . ·. . . . .
, ··. ,,... ., ,~> · ~· ' ' 1'-(..,.._,. ..., .•••• t•9• , : P.• r.·.·.·· ,.,., .... - .• · · " . . · , , . .•. -~ .• . - •. , .

Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Paragraph 4

s0~Tfn1:!tW~~o'ic-~· ·,;~rijum~n't5:~·~~?ft
.7·B -,~n::· J"";'· ·"l ·· ..
.-... ..
::. ~ : ~ ... ~---:. ·, .-.· -~· .·· '~-.~!~,li:: rea~?.h~~;l:
;.

~:~.~~~~-~- ·~~~~~:~.~ ~;..~..:~~- -_~;.. .~- . ·just)fitations/r~~ults

· lfl..'ri.JJ~~q~d ~.rg~r:ry~~~ativ~. e~Sf.Y~ Y'{~;~ar!'! .:~i,~g~r f~r Or(;lgainst

a topic. .Note that there ·should be more
arguments.t() sLiP.port
.
ciur opinion
. .
th~n
..
:givin~nhe
-. :
opposing viewpoint. · · · ~ .

. ·- ·. : .~·. ~- ..
!?...
Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 . Paragraph 4
::9..PP9~iqg ~~~.Hf!lt~t ·
,,, '-'{it.~ ~~~sqn'V· ':C
.jiJstificat[o.ns/resultS
. '' . ' . - \ . . . ... .
~

0 a} Underline the. key words in

the rubric. Read the _essay. List
In the age of the Internet and home computers, many people are able to work

the arguments for and against

\
·. ~:eh::: ~un~:~:~:~:~~~~oa;o:~:~::!e~o:~. ~~s;~~:~~~~:~~~~;~n·
and their justifications in the decide their own working hours. 2) In particular, they can start their day earlier
table. Is it a balanced or a or later than usual rather than work the standard 9-5 office hours. ·3) As a result,
one-sided essay? they have more freedom and flexibility. 4) Secondly, they do not have to travel to
work. 5) This way they can avoid the inconvenience and the expense of
In your English class you have been commuting. 6} As a result, working fro.m home can save you time ana money.
talking about work. Now your teacher 7) On the other hand, there are also a number of drawbacks. 8) To start
has asked you to write an essay. with, they are alone at home. 9) This means that there are no co-workers to
tum to for help or exchange ideas with. 10) Consequently, home-workers
What are the pros and cons of may become anxious. 11) Furthermore, they can be easily distracted. 12} For
I working from home? example, friends, family members and salespeople may interrupt their work.
13) As a result, they may not get their work done. ·
i Notes
Write about: 14) All in all, there are both good points and bad points to working from
1 making your own hours home. 1think each person must decide whether it is a good option for them or
2 being alone not. After all, as Confucius said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never
3 .................... (your own idea) have to work a day in your life".

Write your essay (140-1 90 words)

giving reasons for your arguments.

b) What techniques has the 1 ···························· ····· ··· ..... .. ....... . .. . ......... .. . . .... ... . ... I

writer used to start/end the 2 ......... .. .. ... ...........................

essay? Rewrite them using
other techniques. Arguments against Reason's/Justifications/Res\JJ~s
'<:-··.. "\1'; · ·-~- .. . ..

c) Underline elements of 1 ·· ······ ··· ··· ········· ·

formal style in the model. 2 ···· ·· ·············· ··· ····· ···· ··

10

fJ Replace the linkers in bold in
the model with others from
the Useful Language box.
Useful Language
Topic sentences to introduce
advantages
• There are a number of benefits to ...
• There are a number of arguments
in favour of ...
Topic sentences to introduce
disadvantages ..
•.Tfiere are anumb·e·r of arguments
against/disadvantages of ...
• A serious drawback/disadvantage
{ot) ...
Listing points
• In the first place,/Firstly, ...
• To begin/start with, ...
• Secondly/Furthermore/In addition/
What is more,
Introducing examples/justifications
• Fqr exampl~nstance, ... • Since ...
• In particular/Particularly, .. .
• This is because of/due to .. .
• This means that ... • This way ...
• This is due to the fact that ...
I.
• This may lead to/mean that ...
So/As ... • ... like ... • ... because ...
I
:
Introducing results
• Consequently,
• As a result/Therefore,
•
""" Showing contrast
I • However, • Although, • ..., though
I1..
On the other hand,
Concluding
• All in all/To sum up/
In conciusion/AII things considered
Expressing an opinion
iii • I thin!<
it I believe • In my opinion,
,. • As far as I am concerned,
IJ Which of the following can
replace the topic sentences in
the model?
1 There are a number of
disadvantages io working
from home.
2 Working from home can be
very lonely.
3 There are arguments in
favour of working from home.
4 Some people really enjoy
working from home.
Far-and-against essays
IJ-underline the key words in the rubric. Read the model. Is
It formal or informal? Give reasons.
The Daily Gazette
Taking a Gap Year is a Growing Trend
In recent years, a new trend has emerged: students leave their current
lives at home and take a 'gap year' before college. They can travel the
world doing volunteer work or simply pursue a passion separate from
work or school. Some teachers, students and parents think it is a bad
idea. However, others are strongly in favour of it.
Many students choose to take a year off from their stucii~s in
.
·between 'secondary school·uhd university. Some pe-ople feel this is ··
beneficial, while others believe it has a negqtive effect on their
education . What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking
a gap year? Give specific examples to support your opinion.
1:1 a) Complete the gaps with these words: I believe.
This means, Firstly, Secondly, In conclusion, In my opinion,
In this way, Consequently, Furthermore, However, For
example, To start with, In addition, As a result (x3). Is it a
balanced or a one-sided argument? Give reasons.
·· ·····---- ...... .. . ·- --- -
.- ~ -· ·.... .-.- .. ·------- ·---- ------- .... --· ..
--~ .. ,.. , ___-- - .
- - -~ --
It has been noticed that taking a year off before going to university is
growing in popularity with young people. Undoubtedly, there are
advantages and disadvantages to this. 1) .......................... it is a very
good idea.
There are a number of benefits to taking a gap year. 2) ......................,
the student may need a break to relieve the stress of the intensiVe stw;:ly
they have just done. 3) ...................... focusing on other things can be a
relief. 4) ......................, the student retums to their studies refreshed
and eager to leam again. 5) ..........................., young people can have
new experiences and leam to rely on themselves. 6) ....... ,... ~ ...............,
they build maturity and character. 7) .~ .................~ ........ , they are more
ready to study when they retum. 8) .............................., many gap year
students spend their time working. 9) ............................. that they gain
valuable work experience. 10) ...................... ,it may be easier for them ·
to.find employment once they complete their stt.idies.
11) .................. :....... ,there are some drawbacks. 12) ...................:.... ,
young people will be a year behind their peers. 13) .......................... ,
they may lose their study skills. 14) ....................................,they may
find it difficult to go back into education.
15) ........................... ,·although students might find it hard to-return
to study after a gap year, they will have gained in maturity and
experience, which will benefit them both at university and beyond.
16) ............................... that it is ? good choice to make, particularly
if it includes a structured programfne of work and travel. As Euripides
said, "Experience, travebthese are an education in themselves".
b) Find and replace the topic sentences in the model
with othet appropriate ones.
c) What techniques has the writer ·used to start/end the
essay? Rewrite the paragraphs using other techniques.
11
 For-and-against essays

II a) Underline the key words in the rubric.

Answer the questions.
r=~~~~~~~~
The Westside Herald ;
Are cities getting too big?
In your English class you have been talking about Urbanisation seems to be the defining trend of the
package holidays. Now your teacher has asked you to 21st century. In 2011 , there were 23 megacities with
write an essay. populations over ten million. By 2025. there are
expected to be as many as 37 megacities and 4.9
billion people are predicted to be living in African and
jwhat are the pros and cons of package holidays? I Asian cities by 2030.
Notes Many people choose to live in a big city rather than
Write about in a town or village. Some people feel it is very
1 being convenient stressful while others believe it is exciting . What are
2 costing a lot the pros and cons of living in a big city? Give specific
3 ..... :.............. (your own idea) examples to support your opinion.
Write your essay (140-190 words) giving reasons for b) Match the arguments to the
your arguments.
i justifications/examples. Are you going to
1 What are you going to write? write a balanced or a one-sided essay?

'lt\f~i~~~; ~JiiiiilJ~~j~i?~~~~~}•i. . • :
2 Who is going to read it?
3 Which points should you include?
4 What style should you write in?

JU'"fltR~~~~·~:.:·
5 How many words should you use?

b) Match the arguments to the

justifications/examples. Are you going to
write a balanced or a one-sided essay? J Justifications/Results
~t,f
~ ;: a cities have a high crime rate; may
'·~~
become a victim
:;;· b shops, restaurants, museums, parks; · i.;
plenty to do
c housing costs a lot; may pay a lot of rent
d there are plenty of job opportunities; easy ~
0 to find a well-paid job ~
'.:.;.~:.:~\:.~~~:;>-:;;:~··.
~·:. -.~:. ::u.!~R·~-..~-~ ·:·. . ·....·
. ........,.·.,...N-1t~·~~~
. -· - ...:ttt1
1:'y,:
c) Use the viewpoints and justifications to
Justifications/Results write your essay. Follow plan A on p. 10.
a you cannot change your plans; lack of
flexibility
b everything is arranged for you; more ~Checklist
relaxing
When you finish your essay check it for:
c independent travel can cost less; pay
more money · • spelling/grammar mistakes; punctuation
,.
d you only see the pre-arranged places; ·•· • correct word order
miss out on foreign experiences • appropriate formal style and use of formal linkers
• arguments for/against in separate paragraphs
c) Use the viewpoints and justifications to supported by reasons/justifications/results
write your essay. Follow plan Bon p. 10. • inclusion of all points in the rubric
• introduction which presents the topic
fl a) Underline the key words in the rubric. • conclusion which summarises all the points &
Answer the questions. (re)states your opinion
1 What are you going to write? Who for?
• variety of techniq ues to start/end the essay
2 Which points should you include? • topic sentences to introduce each main b~~~--- J
3 What style should you write in? paragraph -------·-··--······---· · -- ·
12 ~·- -~-·---· - ·---
 -
•
-- ---- --·---- ------ - -- ---- --- -• --- -·------- ------ _- _ --------------------- .::-·- - - -- - - - .- <

.
Essays providing solutions to a problem

0 a) Underline the key words in the rubric. Read the essay.

Replace the phrases in bold with phrases from the Useful
Language box. Introducing suggestions/solutions
• To start with, ...
• One possible solution is to ...
b) Find examples of formal language. • One way of solving the problem ...
• Secondly, ...
In your English class you have been talking about obesity. Now your i1 • Another helpful suggestion/
teacher has asked you to write an essay. solution would be to ...
• We/People should ...
Childhood obesity is a growing concern these days. How can we • It would be a good idea to ...
solve this problem? Giving examples
• For example,/For instance,
Notes • In particular, • This means that ...
Write about:
• like/such as
1 having healthy meals in schools Introducing expected results
2 exercising • As a result,/Consequently,
3 ....... .. .... ....... (your own idea) • By doing this,/ln thisway,
Write your essay (140-190 words) making your suggestions. • Therefore, • Then,
• If (people) ..., the (situation)
• • - ··· - - - ·•• • • ·---- - · -·•·'· -·~- ·-· ---- ........ '" •-•-'• • ••- ~ _.,. _ _ _ __ , ,., •· .. ~ - ,,, , '·-•••••r•• ,,,.. -..,_ ... r•·••·-- ··-•••··---• · •--_.,.- will/would... ·
It was Tom Vilsack who said, "The rise of childhood obesity has Concluding
placed the health of an entire generation at risk". Childhood obesity·is • To conclude/To sum up,
a big issue these days. Solutions must be found or those affected may •All in all,
suffer a number of health problems including diabetes and heart • On balance, I would say (that)
disease when they grow up. Expressing an opinion
- · -- 1)·0ne possible solution is to introduce healthy meals in s~hools. • In my opinion/view,
2) This means that we should replace processed food in the school • I believe/think/feel (that) .. .
canteen with fresh fruit and vegetables. 3) Then, students will have a • It seems to me/is obvious (that) ...
balanced meal during the day that is low in fat and sugar.
4) Another possible solution is to make sure that children get plenty
of exercise every day. One way to do this is to encourage children to
join a sports team outside school. 5) By doing this, children will be
0 a) Find and replace the topic
more active and less likely to put on weight.
, sentences in the main body
1 paragraphs with other
6) Another helpful suggestion is to change children's eating habits.
If we teach healthy eating and good nutrition in schools, children will appropriate ones.
be more able to make healthy choices. 7) As a result, the younger
generation will not develop obesity. b) What techniques has the
8) In conclusion, there are a number of things we can do, such as writer used to begin/end the
change children's eating habits, provide them with healthy school essay? Rewrite these
meals and make them get plenty of exercise. 9) In my opinion, these t paragraphs using other
changes can reduce childhood obesity. ~
techniques.
. . --·-- ·- -. - ~ ~ -- --. ~-- 'l 13
 Essays providing solutions to a problem

II a) Underline the key words in the rubric. b) list the solutions, examples and
expected results in the table.
Read the model. Underline the correct
phrases.

/ ,_________T_h_e_W_e_e_k_ly_R_e_p-ort_e_r________ _,l l
I
City Launches Clean-up Campaign
Cardiff City Council has been giving out leaflets this
week warning people that dumping rubbish in public is
a crime. The council spends a lot of time and
resources clearing up after people which could be
avoided if individuals took more responsibility. During
the campaign they will be offering helpful tips on how
residents can support their work and make use of their
waste services.

I.some people are very concerned about helping

· their community and looking after their local
environment. Others do not get involved. What can
be done to attract more people to clean-up c) What techniques has the writer used to
campaigns? Discuss your opinions, supporting them start/end the essay? Rewrite the two
with examples. paragraphs using another technique.

·--------... -- ~-- ---......._....-w-_ . . . . . .______ h---··- -·-·-··- ···-···-· .. . -

Clean-up days can benefit a community greatly.
· · ·· - - - ~· -· · . ..
0 Read the rubric then the suggestions,
However, sometimes 1) it is difficult/it's tough to examples and expected results.
generate the support for these events. We need to
( In your English class you have been talking about
2) find ways/get a way to attract more people to them 1
living in the city. Now your teacher has asked you
in order to keep our town clean.
to write an essay.
3) One possible solution/1 think it's a great idea is to
have a celebrity sponsor the event. For example, we 1
' Noise pollution is a growing concern these days.
could invite a TV personality or a sports star. This would
attract more attention. As a result, more people would 1 How can we reduce it?
1
want to attend. Notes
4) I think a fantastic tip/Another helpful suggestion Write about:
would be to ask local businesses to donate supplies. 1 making quiet areas
5) For examph~/Such as; · they could provide gloves, 2 introducing fines
bin bags, water and snacks. 6) This would mean/Let's 3 ........ .............. .. (your own idea)
do this and. then volunteers would not need to bring
their own, which may have been a reason not to attend Write your essay (140-190 words) making your
previous clean-ups. suggestions.
7) Another way/Another trick to solve the problem
would be to advertise everywhere. For example, we
;: ·. · - · : ..... · · · · · : :·expectc~d -: ·~
; _Suggesttons Examp.les . Results _ :~
could put ads in newspapers, shop windows and ' .. . -- - ~ • •' :.-_,.. . .~.,.- .., !t':

schools as well as o_n the local radio. 8) So/ create sound plant trees they will absorb
Consequently, more people would learn about the barriers along roads sound from
event and come. traffic near
9) At the end/To sum up, there are a number of things create silent especially near houses
we can do to attract more people to a clean-up day. We zones schools and people can
can have a celebrity sponsor, get local businesses to hospitals study/recover in
provide supplies, and advertise everywhere. 10) In my move noisy relocate them peace
opinion/If you ask me, these actions would attract industries outside fewer heavy
more people. towos/cities vehicles and
introduce fines particularly for noisy factories
for noise car horns, loud people will
music make I ess noise
-
0 Use the ideas in Ex. 4 to write your essay.
4
 ------- -·------· -- ·-·· . -- =--=--~-=--=-.==:=:=:::=:=:======-:-=::--:===:--=-:-:-= . =___=
- ----- __=
__======~~------

Essays providing solutions to a problem

B Unde~line the key words in the rubric. Answer the ~~ Use the completed diagram in
Ex. 7 to write your essay.
questions.
Follow the plan on p. '13.
- The Daily Post
We are able and willing, so why are we not playing more sports? ~~Check your essay against t he
A recent report by the Sports Council showed that a total of 25% of the Checklist and correct it
population between 14-65 years old were currently not members of
sport clubs, but expressed interest in joining one.
accordingly.

What are some of the reasons why many people do not go to

5 ports clubs, and what can be done to encourage people to join?
Discuss your opinion, supporting it with examples. ~Checklist
When.you.finish your essay check it"for
1 · What are you going to write?
the following:
2 What is the main question of the essay prompt?
3 What else does it ask for?
• Have you stated the problem in the
4 What style should you use? introduction?
• Have you summarised all your
IJ Use these examples/expected results to complete the suggestions and stated your opinion
in the conclusion?
table.
• Have you used formal style?
Examples • po the main body paragraphs start
with an appropriate topic sentence?
• provide information (website, posters, flyers, direct mail, social
media} • Do the supporting sentences further
• free trials, reduced fees, introductory offers explain the main idea of the topic
• emphasise it is open to everyone of any age, gender or skill level sentence?
Expected Results • Have you presented each suggestion
together with its result?
• everyone will feel welcome • Have you used appropriate formal
• people will find out how to join
• people will sample the activities and be more likely to continue
linkers and phrases from the Useful
Language box on p. 13?
• Have you used full verb forms?
Suggestions Examples Expected Results • Is your essay within the word length?
• Are there any spelling/grammar/
make iteasy to join
punctuation mistakes?
• Have you used appropriate
techniques to start/end your essay?
• Have you included all the points in
ad vertise that club is the rubric?
no t exclusive

II!J Check your partner's essay for

cr eate opportunities i Ex. 5 agai nst the Check iist .
for people to try the
fa cilities and
ac tivities

15
 Essay W rit ing - Revision

IQuotations I
0 Match the quotations (1-10) to the rubrics (a-j).

a A lot of people prefer to use cred it cards rather than

cash. In your opinion, what are the advantages and
disadvantages of using credit cards?
b Travel is thought to be a great way to experience other
lifestyles. What are the advantages and disadvantages
of travelling abroad? Give specific examples to support
your opinion.
c Our planet is suffering from the effects of global
warming. Do you think this problem can be solved?
d More and more of our lives are being lived online. What
are the benefits and drawbacks to using the latest
technology? Give examples to support your opinion.
e A lot of people think the city is too stressful and want
to (llove away. In your opinion, what are the pros and
cons of living in the countryside?
f Some people believe that the public do not get enough
exercise these days. Explain your point of view, giving
reasons and examples.
g Every year, the fashion on the street is different. Is
fashion a good thing or a bad thing?
h Homeschooling is growing in popularity these days. What
is your opinion of parents teaching their own children at
home?
Some children watch television for over four hours
every day. Is television a good thing or a bad thing?
A lot of countries are having problems with obesity. Do
you think th is problem can be solved?

jlntroductions/Conclusions I
D Expand the notes to write complete introductory .paragraphs. Which of the rubrics (a-j)
does each match? What type of essay is each introduction about?
in Ex. 1

ITIJ A lot/people prefer/use/credit cards/rather [}I] Species/disappear/ice caps/melt/climate/

than/use/cash/these days. Th ere be/benefits
and drawbacks/but I believe/credit cards
encourage people/spend more/get into debt.
[ [ [ ] Many people decide/travel abroad/ What
be/pros and cons/travelling/anoth er country?
[ [ [ ] NowadayS/lot/teenagers/not lead/active lives./
often spend/too much tim e/front! compute r
screens./ln/opinion/teenage rs/be encouraged/
do more exercise/get out/fresh air.
change./clear/global warming/destroy our
planet.!! feel/solutions must/find as soon as
possible.
[I[] In recent years, some parents/decided/take/
children out/schools/educate them at home./1
beli eve/homeschooling/notlgood idea/both/
parents/children .

16

IJ Expand the notes to write complete
conclusions. Which introduction from Ex. 2
does each match?
rn::J In conclusion, I believe/teenagers/too many
modern gadgets/important/encourage them/
get more exercise/home and/schooL This/not
only benefit/physical health, but also help/
keep/minds healthy.
[ [ [ ] All things considered, although homeschooling/
work/some people, I think/better/majority/
children/attend state schools. These schools/
give/more varied .education/teaoh valuable
·-· ---- ~- -~ - j --,- ~;~s;:;;~s~:~~s :~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-i~-~-:-:~-~~~-
9
do/solve the problem/global warmmg./ln my
view/these steps need/taken before/too late./
Global warming/problem/cannot afford/ignore.
[ [ [ ] To conclude/there be/advantages/
disadvantages/traveling abroad.
It/give/people/chance/ experience/other
cultures/However/it be/expensive. I
believe/people/decide/if/be/good option/
them/or not
[[0 To sum up,/although/credit cards/be/practical/
provide financial backup/case/emergency/
they/make/people/spend more/cost/in
interest/ fees. I strongly believe/credit
cards/use wisely/or else/they/be/destructive.
IJJ Which of the following (1-2) is an
introductory paragraph/conclusion? Write
the matching conclusion or introduction.
Use techniques mentioned on p. 4.
-QJ ···';"<> · . .- · ,:;:_:~:;:·\~','+S~};/f
The number of people in the world livii:ig;".i fri':.:i
poverty ori the increa~e. this_.· miTJi~ff~~;.,
is .
addressed :>oon topreyent lost gerierati~ij~~o~ ·~,
have neither the rrieafi's
~ hor the iilotivciti0n'1tt:>'; ) .
· ·. ·.· • .. . . ·, .·.:-·· . ·=- ·- :
break out of the ·· problem. · Solu_t1on~ -must 'J;re?' : :
found.
-~.?-------~~--~~~~
s·-~ All in all, I believe that films and television
can have a negative effect on children's
imaginations. Children should instead be
encouraged to discover the written word.
After all, as Carl Sagan said, "Imagination
will often carry us to worlds that never were.
But without it we go nowhere."
-. ·--:-.- -- - .- .- -- - - - -
Essay Writing - Revision
ITopic - Supporting s:ntencesj
~~ Read the supporting sentences. Write
appropriate topic sentences.
1 .. ..... Therefore, it would benefit these
children to make sport a compulsory part of
their education. As a result, they would be
able to keep fit in a safe environment.
2 ........ A great way to do this would be to set up
a neighbourhood watch scheme in the area.
Then, residents would be more interested in
keeping their neighbourhood safe.
-- --- -- OReacf-trth~toPic-tselrtences:wriie ·aJ>pro-P"riat~-- ----- -- ----------
- suppo mg sen ences. -
1 To start with, the country air is better for our
health than the smog of the city.
2 There are a number of benefits to studying
for a degree before entering the workplace.
jldentifying the type of essay I
a
Read_the rubrics. What type of essay is each
asking for?
1 More people ' are choosing to go · on a
'staycation' for their holidays. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of holidaying
at or near your own home?
2 Online shopping is proving more and more
pppular. Is this a good or a bad thing?
E?<plain your point of view, giving reasons
and examples.
3 Since the invention of cars they have
bElcome an essential .part of life ~ This has
re~ulted in the problem of heavy tra:tfic in
> ·:-·-- ._..·,_ ~
our cities, which causes an increase in
pollution. How can we solve the problem?
a
. .... ·•·... ;;: . ~: ·.!.. ::::·~.,·~:-:!'_~~;~~-'r-~:.~~ - .. .-.
IBrainstorming & Organising ideas I
· -·. ·
mJ Use
Brainstor~ for ideas fore.ach rubric_in Ex. 7.
your 1deas to make d1agrams. your L1st
[_r· points and the supporting details (reasons,
examples, j~stifications, resuits).
IDeveloping t he writing task I
mJ Use your not es in Ex. 8 to write your essays.
17
 ,, ' - ' f

:,lU::-~- . :~ . ~ ~:-Writing
~----·-·
• -l-t.-- ..... ~ - .. - - - :.~- __ , .::.
Stories
"'ft ',..: . ·-·~ 'k~..__,r~ ,·i.

Paragraph 1

• the use of past tenses e.g. It was raining when I set out. I put on my raincoat, opened the door and vvent
outside. When I reache~ the bus 5;;p) realised I h_C!!I_f!_~t!_E!.._ckTd the front door.
• linking words/phra}es that show time and sequence of events e.g. first/at first, then/next, after/before that,
during, while, meanwhile, as soon as, at that moment, by the time, in the end/finally, etc
• a variety of descriptive adjectives/adverbs to make the story more interesting e.g. elegant, pleasant~
breathtaking, fast, etc.
• direct speech to make the story more dramatic e.g. "Please help me!" she begged.

/.-~ ... ·-.

D a) Look at the photo and use
~r'~
- - ~~W---~~~----~~~~~~~~~~~ the prompts to write
We start a story by setting the scene. To do this, we imagine that
·~
sentences setting the scene.
we are looking at a picture and we try to describe the place· .f Think about: weather, place,
:-; . (where), the time (when), the weather, the people involved time, people, clothes, aefivities,
::-.
(who); their activities, their clothes and their feelings.
feelings.
~~: ~ 1
It was a bitterly cold winter's night and it was raining heavily.
Jane was walking along the empty street. Tears were falling ,. ·
down her face. Her coat was wet. She felt miserable and lonely.

a look at the photo and read the text. Answer the questions.

• John • scared and lonely

• deserted train platform
• late at night
• cold and foggy evening
• jacket and cap

b) The sentences below

start a story. Comp lete the
paragraphs setting the scene.
1 James ran down the stairs as
fast as he could.
1 What was the weather like? 4 Who is the main character?
-~ Peter was lying in his bed ,
2 Where did the story 5 What was he wearing?
trying to fall asleep.
happen? 6 What was he doing?
3 Jane was getting ready to go
3 When did the story 7 How was he feeling?
ou~ when the phon e rang.
happen?
8
 Stories

It is important to have a good beginning to your story to make the reader want to read it and find out
what happens. It is also important to have a good ending to your story so that the reader feels satisfied.
Beginning Ending
creating mystery or e.g. Tina had a strange feeling that e.g. He would never know for sure what
suspense something unusual was about to happen. exactly happened that day.
addressing the reader e.g. I am sure you have all been to a e.g. Was it real or did he imagine it all?
directly wedding before.
asking a rhetorical e.g. Have you ever had one of those days e.g. Wouldn't you have done the same?
question when nothing goes right?
e.g. It was getting dark and Kelly started e.g. I was so relieved that everyone was
getting scared. safe.

describing people's e.g. Sue looked at him angrily as he entered e.g. We all decided never to go back into
reactions the room. the woods at night.

IJ Match the beginnings to the endings. Which

~riting techniques have been used? Rewrite
the beginnings/endings using other techniques. Stories include how the characters feel (e.g. angry,
happy, relieved, lonely etc). Describing a character's
feelings makes the story more interesting to the
CIIJ Why is it that something good always happens, reader.
just When things seem to be at their worst? I
was at a low point iii iny life with no job, no
money and few friends when suddenly
<nn:>niTning changed. .
IJ Read the following endings and complete
the gaps with the correct adjective in the
list.

• sad • proud • happy • frustrated • relieved

When Tom woke up, the paJeinents were
shi_hing with the tr.esh rain ..Th.e smell of
.· :fr~sl)fy.cutgrass :>.t:i.ll htjng in t_be air. He
was .in a .good mood, but he had no idea.
itiat this would be the best da/ot-his Iife.
• lonely ~ angry • scared
1 My sister had become the hero of the day. I
felt extremely ···········~············ of her..
2 l .knew they had do_ne their best but they
hadn't found the boat. I felt really •...... ........
3 I still couldn't believe it was over. I felt

4 She looked at me and smiled. I felt very

A
Kevin ran outside as fast as he could. He was
incredibly relieved to see there was a police
officer there. Finally, he felt safe and almost
hugged him with delight
........................ I had found her cat.
5 I could see the police officers take the
burglar to the car. I knew I was safe but
was still :>haking like a leaf. I felt very
.. .. ......... ).......... ... .
S tf~: looked everyvvhere but he couldn't find
a way out. He felt .............. ............ .
7 She got her 9uitcase and left the house.
She knew she would never return to this
place. Suddenly she felt very ..... .......... ..... .
8 Everything she had told me was a lie. I was
very ......... ... .. .... ....... .. ... with her but
mostly with myself for believing her.
19
 Stories

~~ .....· .· ---"--"-""-'-'---~__:_...........:.!.:.::.:__L__.:.::..:~-'-"· .~
·· '·:J.;..;• .
II Join the sentences using present or past
rA participles.
To make your story more interesting to the 1 He arrived home. His dog jumped up to
.•'
reader you should use: greet him.
· • a variety of adjectives and adverbs, such
········ ··· ··· ······ ·· ··· ·······4·····40040·······················
as wonderful, carefully, gigantic, etc instead 2 She was annoyed. She grabbed her coat
;) of simple ones such as nice, good, well, etc. and left.
"' .a variety of verbs such as explained,
1
•

whispered, shouted, etc to avoid using 'said'

3 They stood on the balcony. They watched
all the time.
the beautiful sunset.
• present or past participles to join two
similar sentences into one longer sentence.
4 She was wrapped in a warm blanket. She
(She sat on the sofa. She was relieved. ---.
.!'"-r felt relieved to be safe .
. ,., Relieved, she sat on the sofa.
She smiled and invited her in. ---. Smiling, she 5 He grabbed his friend by the arm. He pulled
invited her in.)
him to safety.

IJ Complet~m adverbs
the table with the adjectives and
the list: horrible, minute, delightful,
6 She was terrified. She screamed for help .

, successfully, terrible, wicked, evil, absolutely,

huge, great, happily, extremely, fabulous, lovely,
II Replace the verbs in bold with: explained,
whispered, shouted, asked, demanded.
gigantic, attractive, tiny, remarkably,
extraordinarily, minor, splendidly, charming. 1 "Ssssssh, be quiet or the others will find
us." said Freddie quietly.
BIG 2 "Hey Hannah! We're over here! Hey!" said
l itlii.~ •. . ~ -- .... ~,., .~ ..
Kyle, trying to be heard over the crowd .
3 "If you press this button, you'll save the
BAD . document to the hard drive." said John to me .
.,_H ~~~;~;...\ .......-: '":.;.. ,i:!jo·f ~:l.a,:
4 "I insist on speaking to the manager, go and
GOOD/NICE<.
. . .. :· . ~: get him now." said the customer rudely.
5 "Can you pass me the salt please?" said
Bonnie.
WELL
IJ
IJ;. ~-,. ,-, _, ~'- . • •.

Read the extract and underline the correct.

II Replace the adjectives/adverbs in bold with

~"t.i&-=
past tense.
~·~Jt.mt;;;'~.~if:,
-~ ;,~~Jm'.'P.'fi·~~~-!m~S!i~~g
"'~:m#! . ~;L\E,•;;
ones from the box in Ex. 5.
. ·, ,~~~itt 1> wasn'tl_~ttij~~Bj~~:~w~:'scar~~
by the

.f) It had been a 1) bad experience. He was 2) very

·~ ~fV
, - ~:l •·· .
noise as he ' 21~~~~~i;'in'king/thought it
· · · -· ~ · r ,'1 • ~ ·

., }Lv.'as/~ad ~-~en ;ust ·· · rain

4) was which
happy to return home to his 3) nice cottage and
relax in his 4) ve_ry comfortable armchair. He "- -~~~pj~_gf.~-~~~~#,~;()h'. othe window panes. ThEm he
5) ~~~ 4 ' '~:·f:r~~V~/froze when he . 6) had
hoped he would never have to face such ? 5) big
danger again and felt relieved that his injuries
realised/realise~f.~.h,<!t it 7} wasn't rainj!lg/~idn't l
rain. He 8) pulled/had pulled his covers u~ to his
were 6) small.
', chin and closed his eyes/ but after a few'minutes he
9} decided/had decided to be brave and pull back
r '

the curtains to see ~;hat 1 0) had made/was making ),

~ Laura had had a 1) good holiday. She had met
"
the noise. He 11 )Jook/had taken a deep breath,
some 2} nice people and as she got on the 3)
12) was standing/Uoodin front of the window and (
big plane to go home she smiled 4) well to
13) had pulled/pulled the curtains back. It was ;
herself. She would remember this 5) good trip
for a 6) very long time .
then that he 14) saw/was seeing his older brother !
who 15) had locked/wa-s locking himself out and /
i
16) was trying/tried to wake him up to let him in.

20 "----./
f
f
 ..

Stories

.· ·:·.~ -~~ -;~ :- -~. . ·;. . . .: ~~·.. -.:..... .. .:; "" . . ~· - ..-=.-t~i-:i:."r..\"
~~"r. ..· Expanding sentences .·,:.;:,:,
~ Try to expand the sentences by
adding descriptive and/or specific ,,
-· ' details: Think of who, what,
where, when, how, why. This
helps create more informative
') .'i
sentences that make our writing
·_:!:: '
more interesting to the reader.
e.g. He went to a hotel.
!:'-:~·
WHO: John
fJ[~ WHERE: seaside
WHEN: yesterday afternoon
~_,(-
_:.·_

f1 i••·•
HOW: by car ''
-~':~ WHY: meet his friend, Jerry
Yesterday afternoon, John went
to a seaside hotel by car to meet
his friend Jerry.

lliJ Expand the sentences using

It wasn't until we V:.~W. ·. . . . . <t . ·V . • • . _
two to three of the points
above. ·. realised .~y bas ;vf.a~"'~~i~~:; ;J~v~~Mo ':eU;;r~8.~~t: :J-fs R-~d;; .1llY ·
money and my return tram tit.Ket m 1t. We wereJUSt-about
{·c.\·h-:..·1 ·' ' 1·~ o~~ l) t~-s,.....•-l . . .f .- f\ t '-':;.t;. !'li ~ ;)~·'-+- ' I&~ · .
to
..go
· t o th e po1'tee SLa ·+';.;u ···lon ·-" ·'~ '' •t· ._ h.u. · ·' l.n 'd I '"'''k'
. IJ •..t·<r~-repo~- ~ : , 1 ''w en.1-'a· ~goo . ~ .o!'> mg
..
1 They stayed at a cottage.
:-:;·· • . - ~- . .. ~~v)r·-~:,-: ~ ... ,-._ ~·() •rl~... ·- · ~;: t ::1- h ('~v b ,. ...r .... . ";A-!1 .,
2 He went sightseeing. stranger pbhtely . app·r<;>.acl:t¢4 )~; ::::'~h~r.e you· are!· l've been
3 . He went sailing. looking all over foryoul'-' -he: said; -lnhis- hand~he.:h.ad ,.rnY_~ag. : ;
4 They were at the beach. :'"You left:it on the nver'bh.ili2;,;:-fie"e:i ,.Hl.llted ny(ffiU' ~ -u·o :~.e_ :s;i?,t~.:
·.. ...-.-" ......----·-:~ · '·-·-·....." ·--· P-.. ~---- ,_ g __..~Y.-~ -~- ,i-,_,_,_,J .
5 She -got in ·her car. I was so grateful a~d:i~fiev~d·'tli~hhis kind strllfig~~ h~ci~~alfe~
. ... ··-·· -..-- · - ····- . . ······ .. ............, .. -... ---·---.......... ... ...... _.-- ..... .
{ ~ .... ~- -.
l.
~

,_to the trouble to Joobfor. ,•me, and .' t¢t~rn- ' my,~ tb.ag-.-~{li':~hy_LY:!l. ;
ID a) Read the rubric, then the
story, and number the events
''offered to·buy hitii;a~<inrtk; :b,ut-:}fe·W~$jq~t7klat{ :~\5:\i;~vb~mitr~:~:~"{
• , ... ; \ • • 1 , , ~

'·
• • •,.. ..... ~ .r t

in the order they happened.

[EIJ The girls went to a cafe
Which is the climax event? Is it
a first- or third-person
[]'I] The man found the bag on the river bank.

narrative? @I] They went to Cambridge tor a day trip.

[.[[] She realised her bag was missing.
You have seen this notice in an [ [ [ ] He return_ed the bag.
international magazine for
[ [ [ ] The girls went on a boat ride.
schools.
@I] She left her bag behind.
~::s~Q~~~~~~~~;;~,;-,] p ~ A stranger approached them .
., . W~ ar,~ i !~Q~~~;~~if&Jj(• ;e:;~~l~ ;~ '.
~ storiesJodour~new.... ·.. ·
• " ,"••'" ""~~""t1f"" •'.l \ ! r .!'{> •
: EnglishHangiJ~--~· · 9 '&'' ·' · · b) How has the writer set the scene?

m
~ H 1 •' • • • , , ; ._ • &
· ·'"''·f'"'" · .,,. .. -· ., .,' .;
, t ;'
~ maga· '
-~ . ZIJl!;! ·; OP·' . _
1 ~, stLJdentS:'_You_r sy:>ry Which adjectives has the writer used to describe the
1 ~ ~ustbegm w1th this .
r sentence: following: j
~ I had a terrible feeling
• feeling • day " frie·nd • stories • stranger
!; when I realised my bag
-' wasgone.

Your story must include: I

m Write the adverbs the writer has used to describe these
verbs. •
• a stranger • a boat ride 1

Write your story (140-190 ~ord~_j • passed .. approached • explained • offered

21
 Stories

Descriptions of people in stories IIiJ Fill in: selfless, charming, determined, gentle,
nervous, loyal, disorganised, dull, easy-going,
blunt.
• Stories can contain descriptions of people.
To describe physical appearance we can include 1 Five minutes after we met, I was la ughing at
details of height, build, age, facial features, his jokes and enjoying his company. He's
hair, clothes. • To describe a person's so ......................... !
character we should justify the qualities we 2 Mary takes things very seriously. She
mention. 8 Negative qualities should be written doesn't laugh much , is easily upset and can
using mild language (e.g. He tended to be lazy at be rather ......................... .
times. rather than He was lazy.) 3 Paul's ....... .......... .... When Jane dropped
his computer, he said not to worry - he
needed a new one anyway.
4 For instance, I asked her where her keys
II] The following adjectives describe people's were, and she spent ten m in utes looking
physical characteristics. List them in the table. through her bag. She tends to be

• old • in his/her early/late 30s • short • green 5 Steve looks tough , but the other day I saw
• smart • average • athletic • stylish • frizzy him rescuing a kitten from a tree. He's
• ginger • casual • tanned • grey actually very calm and ......................... .
• middle-aged • clean-shaven • straight 6 Louise is polite, but not very exciting. To be
honest, she can be a little ............ .. .. ....... .. .
• brown • pale • curly • thin • teenager
7 Who's my most ....... ......... ......... friend? I'd
• elderly • stocky • overweight • slim • crooked •
say it's Abbie . She's always there for me.
tall • round • bald • hooked • blond(e) 8 When Fred puts his mind to something, he
• heavy • dyed • old-fashioned • sports • chubby does it. I don't know anyone who's more

Age old, 9 The word I'd use to describe Gustave is

Height short, ...................... .. .. He does so much for th e
poor and those in difficulty.
Build thin, 10 Jon can be rather .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. . . He
Face round, always says what he thinks and doesn't
Eyes green, care about being polite.

Nose crooked,
Hair ginger, lfJ Fill in: caring, arrogant, bossy, messy,
Clothes smart, imaginative, outgoing, loyal.

1 Claire was a very ......... ... ... .. . person; she

m Read the paragraph. Underline the words

that describe appearance and circle the
always considered herself the best at
anything she did.
2 Peter really enjoyed telling the others what
to do; in fact, he was so .. .. .. - ........... that
words that describe character.
some people started complaini ng.
3 My grandma was a very special person; she
: . . .. .. . ·'- ~ ..: ·.. . : ·-.:~_.:'~ t~ C.:
Jenri'{ ·Was ·•a ' tall,·· 'ffiiCIOI&'aOE~ was .......... .... .. .. and full of compassion for
woman.
. :.. :
·stie'bacf .
: ~' .': :..: :. ~ ' '! l.: : ~. ~-~ ·r • .;.
everyone.
; _• . ,
4 John was a highly ...... .. ... . . .. . .. boy; he
large, brown·eyes. She
could create stories within minutes.
straight brown hair and ·. a
5 Our nanny was a very .................. person,
smile. Whenever .we met,
al ways showing her friendship and support
was polite and ch~rming, alw~yt ' ..
to our family.
asking how I was. She often wore a ·:.
6 Paul was extremely ............ ...... ; his room
gold necklace and green dr~, · w~·,k,~·, ·· a f was so untidy he often lost his things in it! ·
made her look stylish and relaxed. Sometimes, she
was a little impatient.
\ 7 Jenny was a very .. ................ person; she
really enjoyed QC?ing out and meeting new
\
people.
22
 m Look at these photos. Describe the person's
appearance and character. Use the ideas
1 Which paragraph contains the description
of a person?

below as well as your own ideas. 2 What does the person look like?
3 What character adjectives has the author
.o used?
4 What verb has the author used instead of
'say' in the third paragraph?

b) Put the events in the order they

happened. Use them to retell the story.

[]I] He heard a voice shouting.

Vicky - tall - early 30s - !]I] He told the police what happened.
selfless - ·charming · Mr Harris - tall - late
[ [ [ ] He saw the robbers.
a
Vicky was tall, thiii 70s """ polite - easy-going
woman. She was in her ... [[[]He walked to town.
~ The police arrived.
1m a) Read the rubric, then the story and
answer the questions.
[ [ [ ] He got to the front of the queue.
[]::[] He went in the bank.
You see this announcement in an English-language ffiiJ He saw the teller.
magazine for young people.
.. -· . .. ·· ·- -· - -· · ·- Stories wanted
We are looking for stories for our new English-
fi!J Find ~h-e adjectives the-v11rite"i"
describe the following:
uses to
language magazine for young people. Your story
must begin with this sentence: • morning •. br13eze • bank • queue • voice
It was a beautiful morning and I had no idea what
• robbers • the day
was about to happen.
Your story must include: Thlr. k of two more adjectives for each noun.
• a trip to town • a robbery Cher.k in your dictionaries.
Write your story (140•190 words).

~ lt- ,w~~·- ~;- ti.~~~~~Ylr~~:t~~~R~x2.~.d :_,~J:h:a~ ;r.;?.}~.~,~·~~~at:

.
.m a) What techniques has the writer used to
begin/end their story? Suggest a different
wa~
.. .
ab_py~
·.· ·. to 11appei(!,W~~c'd.
·. . . : · ·.··... -· ·-··-·
i
~~ .....
fmy.: w .~N9"t9~~.JS>,/~.
·-· . . .......
~-
a·
uy:
,. ·,· : ·.......... .._, .. .. .....·.
;~--- _
way to begin/end the story.
gift. It was a ~i..Jriny ·.day and ·· a : genU.~. b_feei~ 'was . .
blowing sb 1 decid~~-t~ ;~~lk. · ,:·· <;, ~--:~' .-. · ·· . b) Find examples of direct speech in the
~I . walk~d· to tW~ ':@.¢6t aihcc>n~itioAe~~-h~Hk to get story.
some money .·out.. The. bank t~uer wk~~ ~1lii · oid, grey-
haired rli'a:il ~-ith a ki~d face. H~ looked tired already,
even though it was still early in the day and I instantly
felt sorry for him. The bank was very busy.
m How would the story change if it were told
from the point of view of the bank teller?
Rewrite the story and think about:
~ Soon the long queue had gone. I was about to step
up to the counter when I heard a loud voice shout, "This • wha,t the teller saw and did
is a robbery!" I turned around and there were two angry • how the1teller felt
masked robbers behind me. I was terrified. They took
money from the scared teller and quickly left.
~ Minutes later the police arrived and I spent all
afternoon telling officers what I had seen. Luckily, the
teller was all right, but he admitted he was a little shaken
up. Leaving the bank, 1 felt relieved no one was hurt.

23
 Stories

Descriptions of places in stories

-:-m
m Read the extract. Underline the p hrases
that relate to the use of the senses (smell,
,- • In stories we can describe a place using static taste, hearing, sight).
~~ and moving features.
P1 Static features: on top of, behind, under, Walking through the forest, I felt completely calm and
l beyond the city, here and there, from the
harbour, near the lake set ainong pine trees, in
relaxed. 1 took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh scent ,
of flowers on the warm breeze as it rust led the leaves '
the background there was, at the foot of the
_on the trees. All along the pathway 1. could see the
II mountain etc
Moving features: a river flowed down the
mountain, the fields stretched, the hill rose up
'footprints of deer and rabbits. I could . fe~l the sun ,.
beati~g down on my shoulders ancj wa~ming the top of
from, road crossed the valley, a path curved ~Y head. I pas~ed a blackberry bush atld stopped to -
around the hill, the road wound through the sample some of the small sweet fruit. I accidentally \
woods, an alley led to etc
,• We can also describe the place from near or
pricked my finger on a sharp thorn so I wrapped it in a

I!
!
far, from a central point, from a high point,
etc. e.g. In the distance we could see tall trees
soft cloth. As the sun went down, the forest turned '
golden and the sound of birds singing drifted through

I high up on a hill.
the tree tops.
-~ ~- · - ~~ ~

m
·"" "" / • ..- · - · ••• • • _, . -- -- -- /' · · '. .,.. / · -· . , i-o

1 • When we describe particular details of a

place, we can use our senses (sight, sound, Look at the picture. Imagine you are
I smell, taste, touch). e.g. He lived in a house
surrounded by fragrant pine trees that you
writing a story set in this place. Use static/
I
I could smell as you approached the driveway. We
moving phrases and adjectives from the
theory box to write a paragraph similar to
: can use a variety of adjectives to describe the
I place. the one in Ex 24.
! city: active, busy, crowded, noisy, clean,
cosmopolitan, industrial, lively, polluted, dirty,
I windy, bustling, historic
. . .I buildings: tall, old, modern, beautiful,
brick/stone/marble/glass/steel
traffic: congested, heavy
people: friendly, smiling, hurried
streets: busy, crowded, quiet, winding,
., cobbled, narrow
" ' village: quiet, peaceful, unspoilt, picturesque

m Read the extract below. Highlight the static

features and circle the moving features.
Which adjectives has the writer used to
describe: the city, the park, the lake, the
tower, the houses?
Describing events in stories
Standing at the top ofthe hiii,,Eteaoor l~o~ep d~~n
on \
~ a Stories can contain descriptions of events
the busy city. The rows of buildings.stretphed away to (
~ e.g. a graduation day, a festival, an anniversary.
the horizon. To her right, she could see a large ~
11 We describe the event in as much detail as
beautiful park. In it there was a small lake set among
possible to give the reader a vivid image of
trees. A path led from it to a glass tower, which rose what it was like. We can use a variety of
above the nearby brick houses. To her left, she adjectives and q.dverbs to make our descri ption
couldn't see the road, which .r:10w curved behind the more interesting.
hill. Above her, clouds seemed to fill the sky.

24

f1il Complete the gaps with words
from the list. Then underline
all the adjectives and circle the
adverbs the writer uses.
• waiting • brought • playing
• screaming • sparkling
0 As I walked slowly onto the festival
grounds, it 1} ....................... back
sweet memories of my childhood.
There were bright lights
2) ........... ........ .. and loud music
was 3) .... ;.............. . Crowds of
excited people were 4) .... ::....~ .........
- In line for -a tum -on -the -fairground
rides, watching others laughing and
5) ... ..... ..... ..... .. with excitement as
they spun round and round. The
atmosphere was. _ electric. Then
suddenly we he.ard; ' someone
. (see)
' 11) ....................... (show) him my foot. He quickly 12) .... :... : .. : .......... ..
o enjoymg • brightly-coloured
• <;fisplay • lit up • having
0 We had been· loo~ing forwa_rd to
tne4tli of July paradeiil.i year:'
we .; .were excited' as _ w~ happily
Now ·
watct\ed the 1) ..... : .......... floats go
by ~,.w~ving ,our .-flags at them
enthusiastically. Johri was eating a
delicious hqt .dog while. Claire 'was
2) ............. , .......... a sugary snack.
We were 3) ..._. .......... a_wonderful
time as we waited for the fireworks
4) .............................. to start Half
an hour later, colourful fireworks
5} ........................ the sky over the
river. It was awesome!
m Think of an event you
attended. Write a short
paragraph about it as if it was
part of a story.
Stories
fliJ a) Underline the key words in the rubric, then read the
model and put the verbs in the correct tense.
You have seen this announcement in a new English-language
magazine for young people.
Stories wanted
We are looking for stories for our new English-language magazine
for young people. Your story must begin with this sentence:
I'd never seen anything like it; the music and colours were absolutely
incredible.
Your story must include:
• a festival • an injury
Write your story (140-190 words).
11) ........................................... (never/seen) anything like it; the music
and colours were absolutely incredible. People on the street
2) .. ............................... : .... (dance) in the bright sunshine, while the
smeH of barbecued food 3) ........................ (fill) the air. I was at the
Netting Hill Festival in London for the first time and I was really enjoying it.
The festival celebrates Caribbean culture in the UK and over a million
people parade through the streets in spectacular costumes covered in
anythinQ from glitter to feathers. As I 4) : ................................. (dance) ,
happily along with the crowd, I suddenly 5) .. ................ ........ . .. .. .. (feel)
a pain in my foot. I 6) ........_. ............................. (step) on broken glass
and I 7) ...................................... (bleed) through my flip-flops.
"Are you OK?" 8) .: ................ ~- ............ :. (ask) ·a deep voice from·behind
me. I 9) :.... :......... :..... (turn) around nervously and 10) ....... : ...... ;........ .
one of the athletic dancers standing over me. I f_
!
(help) me on to one of the decorated buses that are part of the parade t,
and 13) ......................... (take) care of my foot. ~
For the rest of the afternoon, my new friend and 114) ..................... (ride) \ .
___
the bus around Netting Hill. It was the best day of the summer I've never
felt so h?ppy!
.,.....,....-...----------~---...-
b) list the events _in the order they happened. Which is
..........,...,....,....,.....,.. ...........
__
the climax event?
c) How did the writer feel in the end?
m a) Read the story again and answer the questions.
1 Has the story been written in the first or third person?
2 How has the writer set the scene?
3 Which adjectives and adverbs has the writer used?
4 What time words has the writer used?
5 Has the writer used dir~b speech? Underline it.
6 What techniques.has the· writer used to begin/end the story?
Write another beginning/ending using a different technique.
b) Give the story another ending.
·:-
c) Rewrite the story as a third-person narrative.
d) Imagine you're one of the danc~rs. Write the story
from their point of view.
25
 Stories

~:-:.
~~';·--~~~--~~~~~~~~-----------------------------------.
When we describe objects, we can use a variety of adjectives in the following order:
I Opinion, Size/Weight, Age, Shape, Colour, Country of Origin, Material -noun
!Instead of saying 'He was holding a briefcase' we can say 'He was holding an expensive, Italian, leather
i briefcase.' We do not normally use more than three adjectives to describe a noun.
j We can add more information in a prepositional phrase after the noun. e.g. He was holding an expensive,
1 Italian, leather briefcase with a brown handle.
' .

em a) The following adjectives describe objects. Use them to complete the table.

• ugly • large • little • ancient • rectangular • emerald • rare • modern • square • wooden
• green • big • flat • new • brown • ~;.:pensive • grey • tiny • Chinese • American • European

Opinion Size/Weight Age Shape Colour Origin Material Noun

beautiful, small, old, round, grey, Indian, woollen (carpet)

......... .......... ...................... ................ .. ....... ........... .................. ··· ······ ······· ·· ········ ·· ·· ·· ··-·
.......... ... ..... ....................... .................. ··· ··············· .............. .... ·················· ....................
..... ............. ................... ... ...... ..... ... .... ·················· .................. .................. ............ .. -.-.

b) Find pictures of various objects. Write sentences to describe them, using up to three adjectives.
e.g. It's a small, square, blue box.

m Read the following extracts from stories

and put the adjectives in the correct order.
m Look at the picture. Use t he prompts to
write a short paragraph similar to the ones
in Ex. 31. Put the adjectives in bold in the
~ As I entered the 1) stone/huge/old country correct order.
· house, · my whole view was taken up by the
2) square/beautiful/wooden dinner table in the
middle of the room. On top of it were seven
3) gold/expensive/Italian candle holders. •
walked past it to the bedrooms where there
were 4) antique/comfortable/big beds with
5) Egyptian/luxurious/cotton sheets.

0 Entering the restaurq._nt, I saw two peopl~ 1 sat at

a 1) round/small/woo~en tabl~ in the corner
laughing at a private joke. I sat on a(n) 2) old-
fashioned/leather/brown . chair, . covered in ~ I waitlinterview/1 look/around me. Sitting on
3) metal/small/shiny buttons . to wait for my (comfortable/small/white) sofa/1 read through/
friend. There were 4} colourful/interesting/
magazine/left on (curved/brown/elegant) table/next/
paper posters all over the walls and 5) modern/
glass/white lights on the ceiling. I was hungry (tall/new/black))amp. Eventually I get/bored/start/
and cou ldn't wait to get the meeting started . look through/(large/glass/modern) windows Why/this
take/so long/1 wonder.

26

II Underline the key words in the rubrics.
Answer the questions.
I!J You have seen this notice in an English-
language magazine.
- Short Story ·tompeti't.lori
·, Send '-!? a story ~andyou could win
€1.00. .. . • At first, we didn't notice ...
- Your story must begin with this
sentence: Lisa had already left the
airport when she realised she had the
wrong suitcase.
.. .. , ...... . . ~ . I' . ··- .-
Your story must include:
• an address • an accident
Write your story (140-190 words).
Your teacher has asked you to write a story for
the school magazine. Your story must begin
with this sentence: !looked at the map and
decided to turn right.
Your story must include:
• a forest
• a helicopter
Write your story (140-190 words).
1 What are you going to write?
2 Which rubric asks for a first-person/third-
person narrative?
3 Who is going to read your story?
4 What should your story include?
5 How will you start your story?
m a) ·Make notes for each story under the
headings: ·
• characters • time • place • activities
• weather • events in the order they happened
• climax event • what happened in the end
• characters' reactions/feelings
b) Use your notes to write your stories.
Follow the plan on p. 18. You can use
phrases from the Useful Language box.
---;----- .. ---·-.--·..,...---
Starting o story/Setting the scene
• He felt (tired) as he had been (working in the
' '
garden all morning).
• It was (raining heavily) when I (woke up that day).
Leading up to the main event
• The (party) had only just started when ...
· • The next thing she knew, she was ...
The main event/climax of the story
• They started (shouting desperately).
• I f~lt sure (the car) was going to (crash).
Qescriblng peopteiptaceslfee/fngs ..
· • The young man near the door ...
• We walked (down the street) trying to .. .
• To-their (surprise/disgust/horror, etc) .. .
• Imagine our (disappointment) when .. .
Ending a story
• I've never felt so (relieved/scared/embarrassed, etc)
in my whole life.
• We knew we would never ... again.
• It was the most (embarrassing/exciting/amazing)
moment I've ever experienced.
. ~· Checklist
When you finish your story check it for the following:
Story organisation
• Has your story got an introduction, main body and
conclusion?
• Are the paragraphs clearly laid out? .
• Is the sequence of events clear to the reader? Do
the events lead to the climax event?
Structure ·details ·
• What tenses have you used?
• Have you used appropriate linking words?
• Have you used a variety of adjectives and adverbs?
• Have you used direct speech and a variety of verbs?
• Are there any spelling or grammar mistakes?
• Have you punctuated your story properly?
• Have you set the scene as described on p. 18?
• Have you usedrny of the techniques on p. 19 to
starVe~.qyour story?
• Have you described t.he characters' feelings in the
conclusion?
27
 letters/Emails
General Introduction

L£~~~~~!~,J~~;~~tg~aY.~~-~i~f.~&i~J..q(!-~.t~rtnal dependi(19 91! .~~~:W~~~~~:w~tti.n9.;.~9,;.;_ · · ._ ,. .

Reason~ ~or writi.ng them in~l~de:· ~i~i~9 -: ~~~~~ givi~g J.b.¥!t~~!g:~~!~~~~~~~~J.~~~toJ-:~~Etf~~J~.~ j~y~tati~~s1 ..
complarnmg, askmg :fo~ or:g1vmg·; info_nnatu>n;r(applymg:.for -~ -,pp~!f.~o'Q.r:;S~:If~~p r,e$~trfgt"~f)Qiogy;· 'askmg "' ·
for/giving ·aa.v,ic~:: ~JfP.f~i.?-ing~~~M~~~i:2.~~:~!"i'l9_: ~~~s,., ~ii~~$~H'~~~~~l~~)~a:l~~~£g-~~~i~~.-::'-'ii-s~; ..... .. ; ;
• ' <:1 · ~ ·"'""":"'~ --!..-:o:..~ ..J; •. t ~ .!:·~"':}"'.. ........:.~:·p.;•t"!":.i :o· ~JOtt.t~:..~ ... . .. · • :. • ·•. ~ . .: · . . '-~:. ·. .\ •• ~ ·_ ·• i.,. -: ·• •

General outline or letters/emails · ::;.., ' ~;::: · · •. -: ··;· ._·.:i-,~,.~,;;:,_\ .; ); :·~\.~'_.:#~-~,.,..{,0~K*'~~~'*S~..k:c_.>':~ >.~.....~:': · ·. •.·"
< .~ <"f.',•'O: 'rJo'...- ::· ,~, ,.· -..,.. ... ~ !il<lof: ·• • . ,._ s t~ 1•. · -.. .• ,cy:,. ·· - - , ~:..>"• ~ f. "\oOL.- ..,)1."~ - ~

greeting ~~ sign off

. ~-~ :

Greeting: Dear John/Uncle Jim/Mum, Greeting: Dear Mr Harris, . Greeting: Dear Sir/Madam, -

I• etc
friendly, relaxed, personal style (e.g.
• polite respectful tone (e.g.
I would like to thank you for ~ •
Dear Mr Smith,
serious, impersonal style (e.g. I was
I Thanks so much for your last letter.) -your help.) pleased to hear that you are in good
I• frequent use of colloquial • use of less colloquial health.)
expressions, idioms, phrasal verbs, language (e.g. Thank you so :• complex sentence structure -
short verb forms (e.g. It's been ages much for your letter. instead of frequent use of passive voice-
since we last saw each other.) Thanks a million for your letter.) formal linking words - no colloquial
1 • pronouns are often omitted • less frequent use of short English- advanced vocabulary- no
j (e.g. Thought I'd drop you a line.) verb forms, linking words, short verb forms (e.g. The item in
1 • chatty language (e.g. I hope you're phrasal verbs (e.g. Also, I question, which I received last week,
i doing well.) was wondering if you had a was damaged in transit. I would be
! • simple linking words (e.g. and, computer I could use while I grateful if a replacement could be
but, so) am staying with you.) dispatched as soon as possible.)
I! Sign off: Best wishes,/Yours,/Regards, Sign off: Regards/Kind regards, : Sign off: Yours faithfully,Nours sincerely,
(our first name) (ou r full name) (our full name)

a a) Match the beginnings to the endings. Which are: formal? informan Give reasons.

[[[] I am writing .with regards to last Friday's meeting. A

I would like to apologise for not being able to attend. you've been up to!

[I[] Hi there! Just a quick line to let you know B I hope to see you soon. Please ~all and let
ho~_ l've been on. me know if you will be joining . us.
[]I] I have just read your advertisement in the Hatton Daily C Please find (lttached my curriculum vitae. If you
News and am writing to ~ request further information. have any questions regarding rriy application,
I am writing to apply for the IT position as please do not hesitate to contact me.
'---'---'---' advertised on)'our website. As a computing
· graduate with five years' experience as a technician, D I hope my advice has been usefu l to
I believe I am the ideal candidate for this job. you. let me know how eve~hirm goes.

E I look forward to your reply.

Thank you in advance.

F Please accept my sincere apologies for

any inconvenience caused .
am m your wedding. G I am truly serry to miss such a special occasion.
Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend due to prior I hope you both have a memorable day and
commitments. wish you the best of luck in the future.

b) What type of letter is each?

28

Style
D Match the informal phrases (1-10) to their formal equivalents (a-~) . ...
fJ Complete the sentences with the correct
phrase in the list.
1 . apol()gjse/say how sorry I am
a) I am writing to ........................................ for
not being able to attend your presentation.
b) I'm writing to ..... ::.: :........·..................... .
for missing your party last Saturday.
2 Could you give me some information about/
Do you know where I can find
a) ........................................ a cheap hotel
to stay in?
b) .................................. suitable hotels we
could book in your area for our students?
3 would like to thank youffhanks for
a) ..................................... putting me up.
b) I ............................................... for your
hospitality.·
4 looking forward/Can't wait
a) ...... ............................ to hear from you.
b) I am ..................................... to hearing
from you.
5 hesitate to contact me/call me
a) Do not ........................................ if you
have any further questions.
b) You can ........ ..... ........... .... ............ if
you want to ask something else ..
6 am writing in the hope/dropping you a line
a) I thought of ..... ..... ... ....... .... .......... ...... to
ask for some help.
b) I ....................... .. ........... . that you could
help me .
LettersiEmaiis
.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
a Please find my CV enclosed.
b 1 look forward to our meeting!
c I reQ_ret to inform you I will not be able to
attend.
d Do not hesitate to contact us if you require
further information.
e Could you give me some more information
about the course?
f We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
g I really appreciate everything you have done.
h ' I apologise for not getting .in contact with you
earlier.
We were delighted to receive your invitation.
I was pleased to receive your letter.
IJ Rewrite the sentences in a formal style
using the words in brackets. .
1 For more help, send us another letter.
lf.you require further assiste1n9e, . do not
hesitate to contact us (assistance/
·hesitate/contact).
2 I will use lawyers to get what I want.
I .......... ......... ; ............... ............. .............. .
......... ......... ...... (be forced/legal action).
3 We'll give you all your money back.
We would be happy ................................ .
................................ (refund you/in full). ·
4 Wow! I'd love to come!
It gives ··························~·········· .............. .
.·.................................. {pleasure/accept)
your invitation.
5 I want you to know I'm angry about this.
I am writing ............................................. .
. ............................................. ... (express/
disappointment).
6 I want you to write back to me soon.
I ···· ········· ·················································
(look forward) .. ............ ................ reply.
7 'vVe really want you to come to the reception.
w·e ......................................................... .
(be/delighted/you/attend).
8 I want the job that you're offering.
I ............. ........................... ....... ........ ...... .
(interested in/apply/position).
29
 letters/Emails
~r-Re~a~d~t~h~eru~b~ri=c~ca~r~ef~udll~y·''-an~d~un~d~-e~rl~in~e~t~h~e~
, --· --· ·--------.... -- ....... ................... ··-
p key words/phrases. These indicate:
• the imaginary situation you will write
about, who you are, and the reason you
are writing.
• the imaginary reader who is going to
read your piece of writing.
This will help you decide on the writing
style you should use (formal, semi-formal
or informal); the type of writing task; the
specific topics you should include in your
piece of writing.
Study the example below.
• My parents are visiting your area next
month for a weekend. They want to visit
some places of cultural interest. 4) Can
you tell me which places they could
visit? What's the best way to travel
i around?
;I Em1y'I
!
1) This is part of an email you received
from 2) your English-speaking friend, 3)
Emily.
Write your 5) email (140-190 words).
1) imaginary situation, 2) writing style,
3) imaginary reader, 4) specific topics,
5) type of writing task
0 Read the rubrics. Underline the key words.
What information do they give?
Q] This is part of an email you received from your
English friend, Luke.
I'm planning to visit your country this
summer. Which places should I visit? Also,
what's the best way to travel from place to
place and where should I stay? Any advice?
Luke
Write your email (140-190 words).
0
~~~JfYou have seen th is advertisement for a job in the /
local newspaper.
·x·
Wanted: social media manager
for successful bicycle shop
We have many customer~ and also
organize cycling eventS and tours, so we
need to keep our Facebook and Twitter
accounts up to date. The person we're
looking for must be creative, have
experience with modern technology,
and be enthusiastic about pedal power!
The job is part-time, so it would suit a
student. • . ... _. . I
Write your letter (140-190 words).
[2] You have received this letter from your Eng lish
friend, Kathy.
Hi,
I haven't heard from you in ages! The last I
I
heard, you were going skiing in Italy, and )
I,, then to study at an English-language school
in Oxford. Unless I've got it wrong?! Anyway,
you must have a lot of news to tell me. I (
really want to hear all about it! ,
I. Yours,
I
I Kathy
I~o-u-r-le-t-te_r_(-14-0---1-90_w_o..,.r~~
[3] 1 You own a crocodile farm in Australia. Jamie
Forester, a volunteer, has written to you to ask
for information before he arrives. Write him an
email (140-190 words) telling him how much
work he will be doing each day, what the
weather will be like, and what sort of clothes he
should have with him .
~ I Write a letter (140-190 words) to your best
I friend's dad, who ~ook you both on a two-day
mountain hiki ng tnp. Thank him for driving you
both to the mountain, arranging the
I
1
accommodation at the hostel, and lending you I
1 some equipment. Describe the experience of
I climbing the mountain and express a wish to do I
j it again. · _j
 - I ~· ~ -- --·

Informal Letters/Emails- Giving news

IJ a) Underline the key words in the rubric.

Useful Language
Answer the questions.
Opening remarks
You have received an email from your English- • Hi, how's everything? Hope you are well.
speaking pen-friend. • Thanks for your last email.
• I wanted to drop you a line to tell you my news.
I How are things? Are you enjoying your holiday? • Sorry for not writing sooner, but I was busy.
• Just a quick email to tell you what I've been up to.
1 What are your plans for tomorrow? Write back
• I'm sorry for not getting back to you earlier.
I and tell me about it.
; Closing remarks
! Sally
~ • Looking forward to hearing your news.
!

\/Vrite_Y<?!Jf email (14Q-190 _yvon:ls).__

i• Got to go now or I'll be late.
.• .- • . Give. my regardstoyour.parents: __
,. . • It was good to hear from you. _ .
1 What are you going to write? ' • · 1hope to hear"frain you socin.
2 Who is going to read it?
3 What should you write about?
4 What style should you write in?
5 How many words should you use?
IJ a) Underline the key words in the rubric.
Answer the questions.

You have received an email from your English-

b) Read the model and choose the correct
speaking pen-friend .
tenses.

How is it going 6-n-your English course in ·NeY., -

York? Wf.i'ere are you staying?, How long will you
Dear Sally,
l;>e there? :What is the c;::ol)rse l ike? Po you I ike it?
· .... Great to h.e;:trc.fr6m y9u'!' S_orry it's taken so Wdte soon,
long .to reply, butJ) l'.m being/l've been really Mark __ -----. .. - - .. . _.,
-·· -.........
.. . --- ..- ~ ~

. busy at work recently. Anyway, now ttiaX I'm on I . . , ~~ ~

~ ,
holiday I thought 2) I've dropped/l'd drop you I Write your email (140-190 words).
a line to let you know how I'm getting on.
~I'm spending tv:.o weeks in Rome, Italy. I 1 What are you going to write?
arrived two days ago, and 3) am having/had a 2 Who is going to read it?
really great time! So far, I 4) am seeing/have 3 What should you write about?
seen the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the 4 What style should you write in?
Pantheon. They are all really spectacular sights. 5 How many words should you use?
.... Tomorrow, I have quite a busy day planned!
b) Make-notes under the headings:
I 5) haven't been/didn't go to the Vatican City
yet, so I'm going to spend a whole day there. PLACE- LENGTH OF STAY-
Afterwards, 6) I'd meet/l'm meeting a friend for COURSE DESCRIPTION-
dinner before heading to the Roman Opera FEELINGS/IMPRESSIONS
House. The performance 7) is starting/starts at
7 pm. I can't wait!
P...Well, I'd better get going. Write back soon
0 U~e your notes to write your email. Follow
tlie plan.
and let me know what 8) you've been/you
were up to since the last time 1 heard from you.
: I"U!llt;",~-. ' ' ' . ' '.'·····y .'""'""IV\''>·lll
Yours, r . . ' ·1 . ·_. ;:·; -~- ~ ·_/~_._
. ;._:_-;. ·~-'(~\· -.'~_._._"-_-._.-_ :·-_.}-:~,:_. ~.',-,~- ~_:·_-~:. _ l_!:r_._~-,·-~_: i:;~_,-.,~ ,j~l
iJ~~0~~i%:: -~·; :I.:..•. - :\:-,.-. , ,._,,," •..:~-;-".:,;,;:,-~~-~~. -: :~ ~ {:1
__ _

Emma ,; f.
,, ; (P<mr1J · · · ope(IITJQ remarks,' reason)orwqtmg ·
'-------~------------____!1 · (Par~\2f'' ' · , ; Jvf7eFeiY.oti;;Ji~n9.''ii&Wll.Qij'Q':} ' \~;.- . ~I
(Parii 3) desc;ript[on q(p_o_u_i$e; :(if;'j]_(~$_5_lfin~ ?- · ~ ( !
fJ Find and replace the opening/closing
\_~ (Para 4)
Yours,
closing remarks ·- .. .... ";~ . ---~~
.J
remarks in Emma's letter in Ex. 1b.
: (your first name)
··---- - - - -- - · · -· - .. · - - - ·- · - -- · ·-· · ·- - · -·-- ·- ·---· ·- - - - - · -- ---- ~ ---·- · · - · ___ __________ J
i
31
 I Informal Letters/Emails- Giving advice

.J
D Underline the key words in the rubric. Then read the
email. Use phrases from the Useful Language box to
EJ a) Underline the k ey words in
the rubric. Answer the questions.
replace the phrases in bold.
You have received an email from your J'

English-speaking pen-friend.
You have received an email from your English-speaking pen-friend.
-------~~
. I've put on weight. I need to get in
1 want to earn some extra money in my free time, but I don't j shape. Any ideas?
know what to do. Have you got any advice on what I can do ! Jane
to earn extra money?
Walter Write your email (140-190 words).

1 What are you going to write?

2 Who is going to read it?
3 What should you write about?
4 What style should you write in?
Dear Walter,
5 How many words should you use?

~I just got your letter and I think I can he.lp you. Here are some b) Match the advice (1-5) to the
ideas you could try to earn some extra money.
results (a-e). Use phrases from the
~ 1) The best thing would be to find a Saturday job. This Useful Language box to make
would mean a stable income for you every week. If I were you, I'd
sentences, as in the example.
check with the local shops and businesses for job openings. That
way you won't waste time travelling to and from work. A
- ~ 2) Another good idea is to try babysitting, gardening or dog ~join a gym
walking in your neighbourhood. This will allow you to earn some ~ avoid eating sweets
pocket money. [![] eat small meals
~ 3) Have you thought about selling some unwanted items [!I] find someone to exercise with
online or participating in a car boot sale? If you do this, you will ~ walk as much as possible
get rid of your unwanted things and earn money·as well .
8
~ 4) I hope my advice helps. It won't be easy to find a job
immediately, but don't give up. 5) Let me know what happens. a prevents hunger build up
b get in shape- tone muscles
Regards,
Jess c will motivate you to stay in shape
d get easy daily exercise - save
money on transport
e won't gain weight

If I were you, I would join a gym.

Opening remarks
This will help you to get in shape
• Thank you for your letter, and of course I'd be happy to help.
and tone your muscles.
• I'm sorry to hear about ... but I think I can help you.
Giving advice
•
•
If I were you/In your-position, l'd/1 would(n't) ...
You should/shouldn't ...
0 Use ideas from Ex. 2 t o write
your email to Jane. Follow the
• It would(n't)/might be a good ideq (for you) to .. .
plan.
• (I think) the best th ing would be (for you) to ...
• Why don't you ...? • Have you thought of/about ... (+-ing)? ' · :' ··: :.. ·.·· .
·~-,
1

I
-
-
• Another good idea is to ...
Expected result ..·.·..· ~ .:; .~ .::_. ~ -~ ..
!;
i
j!

II •
• • This will/would mean that ... • This/That way ...
If you do this, you will ... so that you can/will ...
Closing remarks
· • I hope that this/my advice helps.
I • !/Let's hope th at things get better/that everything turns out all
• right. • Let me know what happens.

I
32
 Informal Letters/Emails-
Making/ Accepting/Refusing invitations

D a} Underline the key words in the rubric.

Read the email and match the paragraphs t o
the headings. IMaking invitations I
Opening remarks/Inviting
You live in England. Your family is planning to go on a • I'm writing to invite you to ...
camping trip this summer. Write an email to your
• I'd love it if you could come.
English friend Emily telling her all about your trip and • It would be great if you could come with me/us
inviting her to come with you (140-190 words). etc. • We're having a ... and would love it if you
would come. • Why don't you join us ...
[![] closing remarks Closing remarks
~ invitation and activities to do • I hope you'll be able to make it.
• I hope you can come. • Can't wait to see you.
~ description of destination • Please let me know as soon as possible ...
(EIJ opening remarks and reason for writing
~r~ - .
I,~~~ ··
Opening remarks/Accepting
• Thanks (so much) for the invitation (to ...) .
. Hi Emily,
• Thank you for inviting me (to ...). • ... sounds
........ How are you? Hope everything's OK. The last lovely/amazing/ ... seems like an incredible place.
week of August, I'm going camping with my family. • I'd love to come. • It would be (really) great to
1) i'd love you to come with us. Are you free then? come with you. • It's (really/so) kind of you to
~We are going to camp in the mountains this year invite me.
at a new campsite at a place called Pine Mountain. Closing remarks
I've heard that it's very good and it isn't too far away. • See you then. • I can't wait to see you.
~ 2) I really hope you can come. I'm sure we'd • I'm (really) looking fo!"«~rg t<;>_it. ... .
have a lot of fun there ·together. We could go hiking ·• Tlianks.again for invi~il)g me. ..
and exploring iri the forest and there's a lake next to ~ Thank 'you once again .for the invitation.
the campsite thatwe can swim in.-There's also a river !Refusing invitations I ··
ne~rby where we could go rafting. In the evenings, we Opening remarks/Refusing
can make a campfire, and sit around it telling stories. •· Thanks (so'm-uch}forthe invitation but ...
~ 3) Write back .soon and let me know if you can • Thanks for inviting me to .:. but I'm afraid I can't
come. It seems ages since we've seen each other! come. • I'm sorry but I won't be able to make it.
Best wishes, • Unfortunately, it won't be possible for me to come.
Closing remarks
Judy ··
• I hope we can get together soon.
• Again, I'm really sorry I can't make it.
b) Replace the underlined phrases with • I'm sorry I'll have to miss this.
phrases from the Useful Language box.

IJ Complete Emily's reply to Judy's email

accepting the invitation. IJ Now·write an email to Judy refusing the
invitation giving reasons (140-190 words).
Use phrases from the Useful Language box.
Hi Judy, _ Follow the plan.
~ Great to hear from you! Thanks so much for the
invitatio~ to go camping with you and your family. Pine f
Mountam sounds amazing! I
~ I was wondering what to do in August, so I'd really ~
love to ........................................................ ........ ................ r
............................................................................................ ;f.'
~ I'm sure we're going to have a really great time there. ~
···························································································· ;
i'
;
P..,. Well, I'd better go now. ...............................................
See you soon, (your first name)
Emily
33

0 Read the extracts 1-4. Which are: beginnings?
endings? Which: expresses thanks?
congratulates? apologises for something?
expresses sympathy/regret? Underline the
words which helped you decide.
1 Hi Janet,
Thanks so much for having me round for dinner
last weekend. It was a great evening and the
food was delicious!
- ---
2 Once agai_n, I'm so sorry that I can't make itt; j
the weddmg. I hope that you have a great
day and I look forward to seeing the photos }
at some point in the future.
Best wishes,
Bill
-· .- --· ~- ·--·- - ···- ·· · · - ~ - - ~ - -- · ---- ~- -·- -· ·-- · ··· · ~ · - ···~· · ····- · · · ·· --· ~ - - · -- - -· ·- -
3 Dear Helen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your recent illness.
B~ing _
in hospital is terrible, but .I'm glad that
Y<;>t.(re at home now and '1hope that you get
well quickly. .
-~~-~--~--~--- ------ --~ ------- -- -----...1
4 Anyway, I have to go now, but once again - well
done! I knew that you'd win the competition,
you're the best musician out there!
Yours,
Nathan
0 a) Read the rubric, then complete the letter
using the phrases below. ·
(Your_ Eng_lish f:iend Christine threw you a
surpnse btrthday party last weekend. Write a
letter (140-190 words) thanking her for
Iplanning the party and t he gift that she bought
Ifor you .
• So much hard work
• It was a great surprise
• I also wanted to thank you
• I'll never forget the party
• Thank you again
• I wanted to write to you
• It's absolutely perfect
• It was also really nice
34
Informal Letters/Emails- Thanking- Congratu lating -
Apologisi ng - Expressing regret/sympathy
Dear Christine,
ITO 1) ..... ......... .. ........................ ....... ....................... .
to say thank you for the party last weekend.
2) ....................................................................... and I
really had no idea what you were planning!
~ You put 3) ............ .............. ......... .. .. .:: . ~ ~ ........ .....
into it, it must have taken you ages to organise
everything. The cakes were delicious and the
decorations were lovely. 4) ........................ ..................... .
to see all of my family and friends together in one place!
--- -- - -- -- -~ - ·
[!0 5) ......... .. .... .. .... ..... .............. .. ............... ............ ..
for the lovely bracelet you bought me.
6) ........................ ............................................... and a
i very thoughtful gift. Thank you so much.
~?) .. ................................................. .......... .. ... .. ..,
l it was one of the best days I've ever had. 8) .. ............ .
I
l
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. for all of your hard work and
thoughtfulness.
Yours,
Becky
b) Match the headings (A-D) to the
f paragraphs (1-4).
i A
8
Thanking again, closing r~marks
Opening remarks, reason for writing
C Thanking for the gift
D Thanking for the day
I
\ IJ
Suggest opening and closing remarks for
the letters below, as in the example. Use
phrases from t he Useful Language box.
1 Thank your English friend Daniel for lending
you his tent for a camping holiday.
Dear Daniel,
Hope you're well. I'm writing to say thanks
I'
for letting me borrow your tent fast week.
Anyway, I'd better go, but once again,
thanks so much. Our holiday woufdn't have
been the same with out your help!
All the best,
Jim
2 Express sympathy to your English friend
Una for failing her science exams.
3 Congratu)ate your English friend Anna on
graduating university.
4 Apologise to your English friend Hugh · for
missing his birthd ay party .
 inforrnai LettersiEmaiis- Thanking - CongratulatinQ -
Apologising- Expressing regretisympatny

Your English friend has lent you their laptop to do your

homework with, but you spilled orange juice on it and broke
it. Write a letter (140 -190 words) to your friend explaining
jThanking I what happened, apologising and offering to pay for r~pairs.
Opening remarksflhanking
• I'm writing to say thanks for ... / You have received a letter from your English pen-friend . I
last ~
• I just wanted to drop you a line to
thank you for ... We had a great time when you came to stay with us
• Thanks so much for ... week. I hope you did too. What did you enjoy about your trip? .
• It was so kind/good of you to ... Sam ·
Closing remarks ~ --.iiJiiii/I'I':A$A!ri'.s4;crr -· - 4Jj!I'Olt t ; . S:MIU$::U>JRIIJQ&!l!'l "'*~¥.1«1~'-4Stllf!J!\:,{ . :J"'!.» . '

• It meant a lot to me.
• Thanks once again!
jApologising I Your English-speaking friend hns-just won first prize in a
Opening remarks/Express apology
• I'm so sorry about/for ...
• I just wanted to say sorry for/
apologise for .. .
• I'm afraid I ... . I'm so sorry!
Closing remarks ·
• Please forgive me.
• I really feel terrible/awful about it.
• I (really) didn't mean to do that/upset
you, etc.
• I hope Y?U_aren't too upset with me.
!Expressing sympathy/regret I b) Read the answer to rubriC A. Rewrite the underlined
-Opening remarks/Express sympathy/regret
• I'm {so) sorry to hear about/that ...
• It's too bad that..> :
• You must be so disappointed about ...
• You must be feeling (really) fed up/
upset, etc ...
• Try not to worry/feel bad, etc.
Closing remarks
• If I can do anything (to help), please
let me know.
• Once again, I'm really sorry.
Congratulating
Opening remar /Congratulating
• I've just heard that (you passed your
exam etc) ... and I wanted to
•
Write your letter (140 - 190 words-) thanking him for letting j
you stay and stating what you enjoyed. I
local art competition. Write an email (140 -190 words)
congratulating them and asking when you can see their 1
artwork.
I
j You have received an email from your English-speaking friend . I
! I just failed my important maths exam. I feel really upset.
; What do you think I should do to do better next time?
J Yours, Karen
Write your email (140-190 words).
sent~nc~s in;the correct'"st:Yii{
u-sing ph-rases -from the
Useful Language-box and your Qwn idea_
s. --· -
DearJean, •
1) I'm writing to offer you my sincerest apologies for a little accident I
had with your laptop. 2) Please accept my apology; I know that it was
nearly brand new.
I was doing my English homework and researching the subject on the
Internet when I decided to take a break and have an orange juice. On
my way past the laptop I tripped on the wire and spilt orange juice all
over the keyboard.
3) I sincerely regret what has happened. I think that the laptop can be
repaired at a local shop near me. 4) I would be grateful if you would-let
me pay for the repairs to say sorry. ·

·-•
I•
congratulate you.
I was so happy to hear that ...
Congratulations on ... (+ -ing form)
5) Once again. I deeply regret that this has occurred. 6) I truly hope that
you can forgive me.
7) Yours sincerely,

1I •
· • Well done for ... (+ -ing form)
• You must feel really proud/thrilled/
excited, etc.
You should be proud of yourself!
Closing remarks
Tom

IJ Write your answers for rubrics A, B, C and D in Ex 4. Use

phrases from the Useful l<}nguage box and fc!!cw the plan.
• • Once again congratulations.
• I'm really proud of you.

~~ Read the rubrics A-D and

underline the key words. What
. (~~-r~~~-~~) ____c/!!__~etop__y0:'!_J9E~~ -· _ ------------ --------- -- -----·-- .
__(?_~r~- -~)_ __ _____(J}9_sinf!__~~~"!~k.~-------------=·--------------- ---
- ____________________j
type of email/letter does each ask ~~ i
for? What could each be about? (your first name) '
35 '
- , L.- - . I

/--. _·_-:_- -~ ·-:-Writing lnformalletters/Emails -

I •
. l
4 J
"" .
I
··- -
~~·;" -·:-· ,._ ~- : ·- - _ _.

J
Asking for/Giving information

D Underline the key words in the

rubric, then read the email.
Replace the underlined
Asking for information
phrases in the email with
• I want to find out .... • Do you know ... ?/Is/Are there ... ?
other appropriate ones from • I also need to know ... . • I imagine you'll be able to tell me ... .
the Useful language box. • 1was wondering if you would know ... . .
• 1heard that .... Is this true/correct? • Could you tell me ... ?
• Can you let me know ... ?
(Your family is planning a summer • 1would like you to tell me/give me some information about ....
holiday in Brighton on the south
• What's/Where's etc. the best (place to stay/way to travel etc)?
coast of England this summer. Your
• I was wondering (what/where ... ). Do you know if ... ?
English pen-friend Julian lives near
Giving Information
there and you want to ask him for
• I'm sending you ... which will help you ....
some information about your trip.
• To answer your question about ....
Write an email (140-190 words) to
Julian asking him about where to stay,
1
i
I • You asked about/So you want to know about .. . . Well, ....
- • This is what I found out (about ... )
what tourists can do there and how to
get there from the airport. • • Here are a few tips for ...

I • As far as ... is concerned, ...

Hi Julian,
~How are you? My family is planning
a holiday to Brighton in .July and 1) 1
want to find out a few details before we
get .there. 2) I thought you'd be the best
person to ask as I know you live quite
close.
~First of all, 3) do you know a
reasonably-priced hotel or bed-and-
breakfast to stay in? We'd really like to
be near the town centre but also not too
far from the:beach.
~Also, 4) could you tell me what
there is to do for tourists? I read on the
Internet that the Brighton Music Festival
takes place there the week we are
coming. I'd love to go! I don't think my
parents would be interested in going, so ' ·
would you like to come with me? g plan. Use phrases from the Useful language box.
• As for ... , the best thing to do is .. ./you should ...
~ • If I were you, I'd ...
,. • You could (book tickets online).
fJ a) Underline the key words in the rubric. Answer the
questions.
1
Your English pen-friend Steve is coming to stay with you and your
family soon and has sent you an email to ask you for some
information. He would like to know what activities you will be doing
·during his stay, how much spending money he should bring and what
kind of gift he could bring for your parents. W~ite a reply
1':'. (140-190 words) to his email answering his questions . .
1 What are you going to write?
2 Who is going to read it?
3 What should you write about?
4 What style should you write in?
5 How many words should you use?
b) Write Steve an email giving information. Follow the

p...
Finally, 5) 1 need to know what the I'
best way to get from -Gatwick Airport to
Brighton is using public transport. How ~
long does the journey take? K
~I really hope you can help . I'm ~
looking forward to the trip! Hope to hear ~:
from you soon.
Best wishes,
i
Mario L

t--------·~----· -------··-------·------'

36
 Informal LettersiEmaiis - Describing peopie

.0 Read the rubric and the model.

Match the paragraphs to the
fJ Complete the tab le w it h words from the letter i n Ex. 1.

topics.
Age: teenager, in his early thirties, ..................................... . ....... ....
You have received a letter from your Height: short, of medium height, ········· ·························-· ············
English-speaking pen-friend.
. .. . .... ~ ··~--- - ~-~ .. . - ---····· .. · --------. ...._ Weight: thin, slim, overweight, ................ ......................... ........ .....
Can you describe your favourite
Face: long, oval, square, .......... ........ . ..... ...... ...... .... . ......... ....... ... ..
teacher? Tell me what he/she is
like and why you like him/her. Is Hair: long, short, spiky, black, red, white, blond(e), ........................
there anything special about him/
her? I'd love to hear about them. Eyes: small, round, almond-shaped, blue, brown , .......... ... ...........
Laura Nose: big, button, hooked, ................................................. ...........
Write your letter (140-190 words). Lips: thin •. ..... , .............................~ ....................................... .........
Special .taatures; freckles, wrihkles.; 'befird, ;rriousta.ohe; . .. ~·... :.....
CHARACTER: funny, honest, clever, hardworking, impatient, shy,
Dear Laura, impolite, encouraging, .................................................... ...............
..... Thanks for your letter. My favourite NOTE: When we describe negative character qualities we use mild language.
teacher is Mrs Siddall. She's my English Instead of saying: He's disorganised. we can say: He's a bit disorganised.
teacher at secondary school and she's
really had a positive effect on my
education and school experience.
IJ Fill in: respectful, funny, creative, greedy, irresponsible,
stubborn, selfish, courageous, practical, sociable.
~Mrs Siddall's a tall and plump woman
in her late forties. She's got a round face 1 He can be ................ ; he's never satisfied with what he has.
. with rosy "cheeks: a small nose and full 2 She's very .................. ; she Cfin e·asily develop new ideas .
. . lips. She's also-gotbr,9~ cuny hair, big 3 .. Ae'.s·rattier ............~ ..<...:: . ;: you:da~t"r~ly.:-oh'~ t1iin . · ··
green eyes and she wears glasses. 4 He's v~ry ... ... ................ ; he always makes us laugh.
~Mrs Sidaaws· a· very happy . and 5 He can .be ......... .".... ::·.... ~ at. ti~~~; he d~es~'t cha~ge his
cheertur pe ~s c,:-;. l've never seen her mind easily once he has decided on something:
without a smile. She's a very kind and 6 Ann's very ............ ......... ; she's always polite to everyone.
caring person, too. ·she's always 7 Mary's a very ................. person; she likes being with others.
available to talk and she's really helpful 8 Sue can be .......... at times; she doesn't care about others.
with my schoolwork. However, she can 9 John is very ....... ........ ; he always makes sensible decisions.
be a bit impatient at times.
10 Mark's quite ..... ................ ; he isn't afraid of danger.
~ I like Mrs Siddall because she really
loves English and she's made me love it,
too. We often talk about the books we are
II Read the rubric. Make not:s under the. headin~s~appe_arance,
character, why speciaL Use your notes to wnte your letter.
reading. She's really helped me to
You have received a letter from your English pen-friend, Peter.
appreciate books and I'm sure I read as
much as I do because of her. She's a ~. I'd like to know who your . favo~rit~ family member .is. ·~~at do~~ j
wonderful person and I feel lucky and : . he/she look like? What is he/she like? Why is he/she special to you? <"
grateful to have her as a teacher. What
about you? Who's your favourite teacher? Write your letter (140-190 words).

Write soon,
Lisa

[!0 the person's appearance

[ [ [ ] the person's character
@I] who the person is
[ [ [ ] how you feel about th e
person/closing remarks
37
 Informal Letters/Emails- Describing places

B a) Underline the key words in the rubric.

Answer the questions.
You have received a letter from your English-
speaking pen-friend.
A friend of mine is thinking of visiting your country.J
Which place would you recommend for them to visit?
_ What is special about it? Write back and let me know .
~ Thanks,
Jane
Write your letter (140-190 words).
1 What are you going to write?
2 Who is going to read it?
3 What should you write about?
4 What style should you write in?
5 How many words should you use?
c) Replace the adjectives in bold with
adjectives from the list: local, huge, deep,
spectacular, thick, high, top.
D Use the adjectives in the list t:o r eplace the
adjectives in bold in the paragraph.
• heavy " clean • lively • modern • historic
( • crowded
J
0At over two and a half thousand years old, Rome
is an 1) old city. It is known as the 'Eternal City'
and it is situated next to the Tiber River. With
over 7 million tourists a year it is often 2) full
with people · and experiences 3) bad traffic
especially in the centre. However, it is a 4) good
city with a great atmosphere and as the people
take great pride in it, it is very 5) good.

b) Match the paragraphs to the headings.

• unspoilt • friendly • narrow • quiet
What tenses does the author use? Why?
• picturesque • beautiful

Dear Jane, ~ ~T~~~t~d in. ;;,;· :; ,.c;.,J.r<E.<~;;; , :. t;~;

England is ·
~It's great to hear from you. The place I'd character ·
recommend for someone to visit in my country is the ~~ that
. ::h !<..
~~

Lake DistriCt in Cumbria in the north of England. It's a . £ !,~ .··

truly beautiful place.
~The lake District has 1) nice scenery and places
to visit. There are 2) nice mountains, 3) big woodlands,
4) good forests, 5) nice valleys and beautiful lakes.
There's lots of wildlife to see, such as deer, wild ponies
and lots of birds. There are also places of interest to
II Think of a place in your country. Make
notes under the headings: reasons, location,
visit; such as the Beatrix Potter Museum, the ancient activities, sights.
ruins at Furness Abbey and Rydal Mount.
~There are plenty of fun activities to do. You can go
sailing, cycling, mountaineering or hiking. You can also
IJ Use your notes from Ex. 3 to write another
letter to Jane based on the rubric in Ex. 1a.
go for a cruise across Lake Windermere, or take a ride Follow the plan.
on a vintage steam train. There are many festivals to
attend that take pla~e in the summer. There are also a
number of 6) good restaurants with 7) good specialities.
~All in all, a visit to the Lak~ District is a ~ must for
anyone who's never been there. It's a wonderful place with
amazing scenery and lots of things to do. Write back.
Yours,
Rachel
· ... .·

~ How you feel about th e place & your

recommendation ;·. for visitbfs~:to:d() :y~ ..~~ '!-~~' -.:, ' . : ; . .

[[[]Things to see , jf_~a 4) -----~~!f!.~i!!_!J.~!_!~E~~rjj_end~H;E:ci6j{fjg.:r~~~~i·

Yours,
[fi] The name & location of the place
(your first name) .
[ [ [ ] Things to do -- . ~ - ·· .. ··--···· ·-· ·- -··· _ : ··-··· •...::..- . -·----- ------- ---- -------
 I f t• ,_
I I.• D .. . .
m orma1 Le terstt:maus- escnomg events
II _W_rjtiilJg ~~~:':.~::~:~~~~-\ l~
__ - - - - · - - ------..:..__ I
- • __ :_ • ~ t
,;

--- ------- . \:.,_ :;;;,.,J.. ~-..-.::

Note: An event can be a festival, a sports match, a IJ a) Underline the key words in the r ubric.
celebration, an exhibition, a lecture, a ceremony, etc. What are you going t o write? Who for?
What t enses should you mainly use? Why?
D a) Underline the key words in the rubric.
· Answer the questions.
You have received an email from your English friend.
. .. . --- ·- ·-
(ou have received a letter from your English- ' Did you have a nice time- the music festival? What aT j
speaking pen-friend. _ was it like? Did anything special happen? Write back . .
· Tony · }
< Can you tell me about the best annual event in your {
· country? What do people do? What is special about; 1
-- --
Write your email (140-190 words).
~

" it? Write back and tell me about it. (

~Mark _ _j b) Put the verbs in brackets into the correct
tense. How does this email differ f r om the
Write your letter(140~ 190 words). lettedn-Ex. 1i- - ·
• • ' '. . .. • ' . _l j : - . - . . .• ~

1 What are you going to write? Who for?

2 What should you write about?
3 What style should you write in?
4 What tenses should you mainly use? Why?
b) .Read the model. Replace the opening and
closing remarks with other appropriate ones.
Dear Mark,
~Thanks for -y~ur letter. One of the most famous
Dear Tony, _
iP-
It's great to hear from you! In answer to your
, question, we had a wonderful time at Glyndebourne .
; Festival Opera. It 1) ...................... {take) place in ·
• July, at a big house in Sussex, not far from the coast.
: ~ A lot of people 2) ·...................... (work) hard for
: months to get ready for the event. The singers and
l orchestra 3) ....................... (rehearse) for months
' before. Meanwhile, designers and artists4) ...... ;..........
i (prepare) i he costumes and stage scenery.

_ annual ·events -lrfrj)Y 66tintry is Glastcinb(iry Festival. It
takes place at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset in June
and lasts for five days. -It's a fantastic music festival that
also has dance, comedy, theatre and other arts as part of
its entertainment.
~ Preparations for the festival start months before. The
organisers book top-name bands and entertainers to perform.
The festival is mainly run· by volunteers who help to set up
various fadlities and organise transport for the festival-goers.
~ During the festival, there are a lot of things to do.
People listen _to music from famous pop and rock bands
and sjngers. They also enjoy other forms of entertainment
suCh as comedians, circus acts and displays of traditional
and environmentally-friendly crafts. Visitors can eat food
from some of the 400 different food stalls around the site as
well. as buy things from the market stalls. ~~Y of the
festiVal-goers stay on the site in tents or campe'iV'lms.
~ Overall, going to Glastonbury Festival is an amazing
experience. If you ever get the chance to go, don't miss it!
Best wishes,
Graham
fJ Fill in: exciting, unforgettable, miss.
1 If you get the chance to go, don't ............. it!
2 This is the most ...... .... .. . event I've been to.
3 It's a truly .... ...... .... .... experience fo r the
whole family.
~-A lot of pe9pl~ s) -.. ,.;·:, ....:...... ::.:·..:·::. (ai tend} the ·
event. The opera 6) ......... .................. (start) iri the
early afternoon, and the -~InterV-al was ·long, so we
7) .......................... (have) time to relax while we
! 8) ........................... (eat) our picnic. in the gardens.
: We also 9) ..................................... (meet) the owner
I of Glyndebourne.
1 pt.. The visit to Glyndebourne Festival Opera
: 1 0) ...................... (be) a unique experience. The music
was world-class, the surroundings were traditional, and
the atmosphere was relaxed. I think you'd really enjoy it.
. Best wishes,
Derek
IJ Think of a festival in your country. Make
notes under the headings in the plan. Use
the notes to write your letter for the rubric
in Ex.1.
QJJf~Q~:,::···· · . ,
:. . .
-~;_,;~; , 1
r-rr~}~1r=· a'PjTfil!;g~&s;}h&H~-rr;g~ttNitrertirmi?!~'!
·• ~· an8;wRlire/wh~n1t: t~kefrP.1~-qi ,__ ", •-::.-;, !
:_ JP~~ar:£L_:::~Vitfl~t~n?Be,-;as#~Ci{r4P.f{~P,~rw~gl!{~ff29?~!
i--- (P~J:~.?L..~IY..~§_t~~!?~irl~;i{Pfi!}j)~t:Wit~~t~~$JT~~t[fTlre_&J
, '_ _(~~~-~)___ (~€!~'!_[}_5/re_r:_g!!)iii~n.(!atiof!; &·pf6t>,1rig i(e_ri)aiksi
Best wishes, ·
(your first name)
39
 lrnformalletters/Emails.:. Narratives in letters/emails

D Read the rubric and the model. Put the ~~a} Underline the key words in the rubric.
verbs into the correct tense. Answer the questions. ·

(You have received a letter from your English-

You have received a letter from your English-
speaking pen-friend.
speaking pen-friend.
. What is the best experience you have ever had
· on holiday? What happened? Write back and tell
J'
Can you tell me about the worst experience you
' have ever had while on holiday? What happened?
jI
' me about it. ( How did you feel? Write back and tell me about it.
' _Ja_n_e--------------------~------___j
Write your letter (140-190 words). I Best wi-sh_e_s_,
Victoria ------~----_j( _
! Write
- your letter (140-190 words).
1 What are you going to write? Who for?
· Dear Jane, 2 What should you write about?
~Thanks for your letter. The best experience 3 What style should you write in?
1) .......................... ........... (ever/have) was when 4 How many words should you use?
2) ........ .. ........ .... ... (go) to the island of Santorini in
Greece with my family last year. b) Make notes under the headings.
~When . we 3) ............... : ............ (arrive) we were
amazed by its beauty. To get to the main town from the
port there was a cable car or donkeys. My brother and I
.
_.·; . · .::..... ·. .,~ .- ...
· .. ; _: ,,:;:::;·
4) ............................ (choose) the donkeys. It was ·a. bit
scary, but funny at the·same time. The path was narrow
't.nd the donkeys 5) .................... (go) close to the edge.
~Although I was a bit nervous, my brother, who is
older than me, was terrified and 6) .... ...................... ..
(~eep) ·sc.reaming. When 'we..7) .. ,............ ... .... (get) to
the tQp, my brother :was as ~hite as a sheet. I don't
think he will ever go on a donkey again.
~The rest . of the holiday was fabulous. We had so
much fun. We 8) ......................... (~wim) in the
morning an~ . 9) ......................... (try) delicious local
dishes in the evenings while we were watching the
unique sunset. On the way back, we 10)
............................ (take) the cable car down to the
port. It was a wonderful holiday full of great memories.
g Use your notes to write your letter. Follow
. the plan.
What about you?
Write back,
Andrea

D List the events in the order they happened.

.closing (8.rJifl.r~£;, , r . ~ .. ·. ; .. ~ -~-.

~ .• -••• .•·
...' 'w :

IJ Add a funny element to the letter and Best wishes,

(your first name)
~-

: ~~~
.

suggest a different ending.

~---~ ----·-- - -- .- ------ ..:! : _______________________________________________ __ :.,._ ____ _

40
 Semi-formalletters/Emails- Thankin~~
D Match the sentences. Which is: accepting an invitation?
refusing an invitation? thanking? apo/ogising? asking for
information? giving advice? asking for advice?
Informal Semi-formal
[I[] See you next Sunday, A 1 really appreciate everything
then. you have done. • 1 appreciate • I'm very grateful
[II] It's a shame that I can't 8 Please accept my apology. • your hospitality
come.
c I look forward to seeing you. ~ ------------------·-.--·

m=J Thanks a lot for D I was wondering if you

l Dear Mr and Mrs Smith,
everything. i l'd like to thank you for 1) maki!Jg me feel
knew ...
rn=J I'm really sorry. E Have you considered ... ?
i at home. i
2) can't get over !3Verything
[}I] Do you know .. .? ; you did for me. 3) I owe you a lot for all
F Unfortunately, I will be
1 your help.
[IT] ljow.a.R_out..,? unable to attend.
[II] I thought I'd drop. you a G I am writing to request
line to ask you about ... information about ... ~ Underline the key words in the

D Read the rubric~· then the email. Replace the phrases in bold
with more po,ite ones from the list.
liil rubric. What information do they
give you? Write your email. Use
language from the Useful
Language box. Follow the plan.
You attended a course in the USA and you want to thank your host
family, Mr and Mrs Peterson. Write an email (140-190 words)
You have just completed an English
thanking them for letting you stay with them and explaining how
language course. Write an email
much you enjoyed your stay.
(14Q-1,9Q:- :words). -- to ·. your English
teacher, Mr Higgins, thankir::tg him for
• Thank you once again • What helped me most • to thank
all J1i~. hglp_ _·~md explain how the ,
· you very·much • very kind • I really felt • shall always · cour5€f nash~erped yot.L '- ·•.,._ ·.,. · ·
remember · • As :far as my English is -concerned· • I am writing
• Perhaps -you c'Ould · • Best regards, • all your efforts ·· · .

Dear Mr and Mrs Peterson, Opening remarks

..... 1) I thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that I have • I am writing to ... • I'd like.to •..
Thanking
arrived home safely and 2) to say thanks a lot for your hospitality
• Thank you so/very much for •.•
during my stay with you. • I just wanted to tell yoi.l how much I
~It was 3) really great of you to let me stay in your home. I enjoyed/appreciated etc ...
really appreciate 4) all the stuff you did that made my stay in your • 1can't tell you how much I appreciate ;..
home a happy one. 5) You made me feel like part _of your family. Closing remarks
. • Thank.you c>nce again (for) .. .
My room was very comfortable and every meal was delicious.
• It was very kind of you to .. .
~6) Now about my English, I think it improved considerably • I shall always remember .. .
during my stay with you. 7) The best thing was the opportunity to
practise English with you every day. I 8) won't forget our great
conversations after dinner.
~ 9) Again thanks a million for all your kindness. I hope we will
keep in touch. 10) Why don't you come and visit me one day?
11) Lots of love,

Carla Hills
- ~---- ---- - --· ------ - ------------- ----- - -- ---- - - ---- --- ---~ --- -----

II Replace the informal phrases with phrases from the iist.

0 •reply • Thank you very mu_ch • I ap_ologise for

• I am looking forward to seemg • It wtll be an honour to attend (your full f!<J0eJ · .·
41
 Formal l etters/Emails

Paragraph 1 Paragraphs 2,3 · Paragraph 4 sign off

\ ' ~"'\ A I " \ ("", o' ·. : e I •;.. < ..... " I •:-, ~"'; -: · :

0 Read the rubric, then the letter. Replace the informal fJ a) Underline the key words in
language in bold with the phrases in the list. the rubric. Who are you going
to write to? What about? Which
,~---------------------------------------------,

j You have seen this notice. of the following (A-Q should

you use to start/end your email?
i ' FREE 3-WE~K INTENSIVE MUSIC COURSE .
Open to all mus1c students and young mus1c1ans.
You have seen t his advert.
Places are limited . Apply in writing to
Jamieson 's Music School by 9th July. MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY
Three-week English course for
Write a letter (140-190 words) applying for a place on the course. adults. Apply to Mrs Harris.
Write an email applying for a place on
• I look forward to your response. • commences the course (140-190 words).
• Yours faithfully, • It would be extremely rewarding
• studying for • Additionally, I participate [~Joearsecreta-ryMrsHarris, ·
• . consider my application • go on to apply for : Yours truly, ..
• a wonderful oppo rtunity • further improve my music skills ! Angela Smith.
! .... . :0 : ; .:.:· ..
• I am writing to apply for a
place on
• I am fully aware of the fact that
only a few places are available
[!If Dear"Mr.s l;larris, 1 C Dear Madam,
1 Yours .sincerely; , ·, ! · Yours faithfully,
• Please find enclosed
i -Ang~l,i~.:~mit~;, ~-,.; ;
. ..
Angela Smith
.
l
!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .!l!ll'di!IIP

b) Write your email. Use

sentences from the Useful
Dear Sir/Madam, Language box. Follow the plan
...... 1) I want to go to the intensive music course which 2) starts in above.
July at Jamieson's School of Music.
~ I am sixteen years old and I'm 3) doing my GCSEs at secondary
school. I've been playing the violin since I was nine and practise for
two or three hours every day. l.!ast year, I passed the Royal Schools Opening remarks
• I am writin·g to apply for a place on ...
of Music exams for set pieces and scales at level five with a
• I am interested in the course ...
distinction. 4) I al.so play in the school orchestra.
Qualifications .
-~This music cour~e would be 5) a great chance for me to 6) get • I have completed my (third year of
even better at music. I hope to pass exam level six in the future and college/school, language exams, etc)
to 7) then get a place at university to study music. 8) I think it would • My qualifications include .. .
<
• I have experience {of) .. .
be great to become a professional violinist one day and play in a
Reasons
string quartet. • ... would be a wonderful opportunity for
P.... 9) I kno~ that you only have a few places on the course , but I me. • I would benefit greatly from .. . .
hope that you will 10) think of me. 11) You will see with this letter Closing remarks
_ • I would be grateful if you would consider
my CV and contact details as well as a reference from my violin
ii my application. • Find enclosed my CV
teacher. 12) I can 't wait to hear from you . I 9nd contact details/a letter of reference
13) Thanks!
.•
• from (my teacher).
I look forward to hearing from you. ·
Michael Jones
1 • Do not hesitate to cont act me if you
requir~ further informat ion.

42
 Formal Letters/Emails - Applying for a post

IJ Read the rubric, then complete the letter. fJ Underline the key words in the rubric. What
Use the phrases below. are you going to write about? Who for?
Write a letter applying for the post, using
You have seen this job advertisement in the Hackney phrases from the Useful Language box and
Gazette. Write a letter (140-190 words) applying for ! he plan above..
the post .
. . . . -······ .

~- WANTE_D -: Camp Lead~~s .. ~· \' --~ You have seen this advert for part-time animal care
workers i!l the Week(y Gazette and you are interested
Camp leaders wanted to organise games and I :=.;; in applyin~i for the post. Write your letter
·, activities for children at Sunnydale Camp. ~L
Apply in writing to Mr Douglas Wright. ~ (140-190 words) of application.
1 WANTED ·.:_-;.:~i;;,~(:~~~wo~kers ·! A
Furry Friends is an ofwnisationfor'stray cats
• please do not hesitate • I am writing to apply and dogs. We are s'eeking ~nergetic and
for • progress to • as advertised dedicated people to work with'6ur animals.
• I have had no formal work experience ·...: Re.~ 8?,~ibili~i~s,include f~e?ing, bathing and
generallyt?ktr:lQ ca~e ofan1mals. . _
• currently.studying ·. Apply tO' Mr Evans by em.ail to .
• I am a highly reliable worker FurryFrier\ds@msn~co . uk · ·; · · ·
• I look forward to 'l · ~;·~ -~·i,,_. h;: ~13 . t·:.:_~
..
• if you WOljld consider my application ..
M • ,. - • - -----·· ··· 0

Useful Language
!!~ear Mr Wright, ·
~1) ................................................................ ;............ Opening remarks
the position of camp leader 2) ....................................... . • I am writing to apply/I am interested in applying for
~ ~~ .•. :: ....·.;;:.;;,....... :.::•..... ::: .. . in the Hackney Gazette. I am the position of ... advertised in (yesterday's) •.. .
.very interested in this job. · · • I am writing with regards to your advertisement
which I read in ...
~~ 1~~!J( ak 1a.~year"~*r·~tuCI~nt a> ................. :.: ........... ~
.. .• • . • -~ ,l. · - . ' .;. . . . . .. . . •. '• . . •. . •
• With reference to your advertisement in ... .
•if. ........... ~.;: foY 'riiy A .leyels.at scho.6L I hop.e to pass my Work exper'ience
~xams - ·this 'term· Witt!' high' grades ·and : 4) .~ ... ~:.. :....:·;; · • I have ... years' experience ofworking ·(as) ....
:J!.. ·.. :~::·::·~··::···~:·~ .. ····:,::.~···..,. ...Yri~~(~Jty :.i.D.:~9Yd6.( .tq ,s!uciy • I have been working as a ... for the last ... years.
prill].ary., ley.e! . .teac~lpg .. Therefqr~ • .,e~ploy.ment in a • ... years ago I worked (as)/1 was employed (as) .•. .
children's summer,camp particularly appeais to me. Personal qualities
~Although 5) ...............................,., ........... .-............... , I • Despite my lack of ... experience, I feel that I would
believe I am an ideal candidate for this position. I have been be an ideal candidate ....
a volunteer at Qu~en Eii~~beth Children's. Hospitaf f~r 8 • I am considered to be a (hardworking and ...)
months where I assist in hospital playrooms and read books person who is also (reliable, ...).
• I consider myself to be (punctual, ...).
to · the children. 6) ................................... :...... ·
Closing remarkS · -
.................. .................. who has an excellent relationship
I • I enclose my CV Qnd a reference from my previous
with the children as well as members of staff.
h....·I WOUIO
~ · · ·06 mos·I grate · fUi 7) .. .............. ..... .. .. .. .. ... ... ..
I
•
employer. • ! v.:du!d be grateful if you would
consideLI'JlY application. • I will be available for
............................... I have enclosed a reference from my : interview ... . • Please contact me on ... regarding

I•
hospital supervisor. Should you require any further 1 any queries you may QpVe.
information regarding my application, 8) ..... .. ............. ... I am available for an interview any weekday
....... ........... ..... .......... to contact me on 22233343 during • morning. • I would be glad to attend an interview
morning hours. 9) ...................... .. ........ hearing from you. I at any time. • I would appreciate a reply at your
• earliest convenience
Yours sincerely,
• I look forward to hearing fro.m you.
Rachel Henry
43
 Formal Letters/Ema ils- Asking f or/Giving information

0 Read the rubric, then the model. Replace 1

2
What are you going to write?
Who is going to read it?
the informal phrases in bold with more
3 What should you write about?
polite ones in the Jist.
4 What style should you write in?
oI look forward to hearing from you 5 How many words should you use?
• I would be grateful if you could provide me
with some further details • could you let me b) Write an email giving information. Use
know • I am writing with regards to phrases from the Useful Lang u age box.
• I was wondering whether the sports centre Follow the plan.
offers • it would cost • Thank you in advance
for your assistance. • Could you please
provide me with • I would like to enquire about
the possibility of hiring Useful Language

You have seen an advert for a sports centre and are 1

thinking about joining it to train with your local
1 • I am writing to enquire about/in connection
hockey team. W rite an email (140- 190 words)"to /
the manager asking for information on: the times of I
the group classes, hiring the sports hall, how much it
would cost and discounts available for students.
Dear Sir/Madam,
~ 1) I wanted to get in touch about the
advertisement I saw last week for your sports centre. I
am very interested in joining, but 2) it'd be great if
i you can answer some of my questions.
~ Firstly, I would like ·to take part in some exercise
; classes. 3) Can you send me a timetable with details
of the classes that you run?
~Also, 4) I want to know if I can hire the team
sports hall. I currently play for a local hockey team and
we are looking for a new location to train in. If this is
possible, 5) will you tell me how much 6) I will pay per
hour? Finally, 7) do you give any discounts for
students?
~ 8) Can't wait to
for your help.
Yours faithfully,
hear from you. 9) Thanks a lot
Carl Worthing
'
Asking for information
Opening remarks
with/with regards to ... • I would greatly
1/
appreciate it if you could provide me with some ·
information/further details on ... • It would be
useful to have information concerning ... • Would
it be possible to let me know ... ? • I'm really
interested in finding out ... .
• I was wondering if/whether ....
Closing remarks
• I look forward to hearing from you/receiving ...
• I would appreciate a response at your earliest
convenience. • I would be grateful if you could
reply as soon as possible {regarding) ...
• Thank you in advance (for your cooperation/
assistance/help). • Than\< you for your attention
regarding this matter. ·
1
. Giving information
Opening remarks
I
..-
• I am writing in response to your email requesting
information on ... • I am writing to inform you ...
-.""" • Regarding your request for ... • The following
. . information may prove useful. • Please find
I enclosed ... • Following your recent letter ...
Closing remarks ·
- · • I hope I have been of assistance. • Please do not
~ hesitate to contact me/us if you have any further
• questions. • Please infonn me/us if Vwe can be of

fJ a) Underline the key words in the rubric.

Answer the questions. .
any further assistance.

You volunteer at an animal shelter. Yo u have s-a711i---r-·. .------;;. - -· ---~,;~:::lid·:} ::·::-l\: ;-~ -~-:-i
received an email from M r Harris.
~SSt..,..~ ..~~.,
I P,JiM! I 1Y.,':, , ,, ,,;,t;~~J;~:t~fr;;:;, :;,; I
i I am interest ed in volu nt eering. I woul ~ like some !j : ,_: ;(f:?i!ra:;1t.f.)::/op~[!in§':'feF/iark"S:~-tre.~'s/3hff.@rnV!tftfns:r ~'~li
i mformatton about w hat dtfferent acttvtt tes !, I; ~~~·2), ;,:~··,·'·' first _qufi?.t(oriwiihr$i)/]P.Prtlrr;,:@malts.: _,_· · j
volunteers can get invo lved in, if any previous
experience is req uired, and t he nu mber of hours
!.
[.
:.~(Para sr·__·_
..
. ~tli:~r-qu~§jfoBSJ/ftN
....... ..... ... . ,.
.•,
'suppbnmgde"&iis ~- :!
. ....... .
.. . --···-
:.J!'ara:-4)_ · blosing:t~mark$.·,: ,· ··-·· "· ··: ·
volu nteers should be avai lable for. t 1j
Kind regards, ~ Yours sincerely,
Mark Harris fI (your full name)
w~it·~ --~--~~-r;-i;-·-t; -iVi-~--H-~;;i;:~~-~i- i-T14o~-1-9o-~~-;d~): ___ , 1
44 ....__________ _____ --- - - - - - -- - - ·- ---- -
 Formalletters/Emails - Describing objects

'i; ·;·
'~ greeting
.- - - - ·
~
~··· .' ..
Paragraph 1 Paragraphs 2,3 Paragraph 4
t •.
~,.. sign off
;"

~%~.-.f, i;!\~t~h~;~
:f

. ,~~~·~;,;~k:~~, m"'. :wiij~&§:l

fJ You recently took a train journey and left your bag on the
seat. look at the pjcture and the prompts, then complete the ·
To describe objects you should use a letter to the train company. Make sure that the adjectives
variety of adjectives. Always list you use are in the correct order. What type of letter is it?
opinion adjectives (e.g. pretty,
cheap, strange) first, followed by
fact adjectives. They are normally
listed in the following order:
size/weight age, shape, pattern,
or a-
small, square, silver box).·Any special ·
featureS are added afterwards (e.g . . · ~(strif:>ed1JiWelcolou rtul)
... with stickers on its side), .. · ··'wallet ·· - ,... ·:·.---

a
' T .
(smal rri/blue)
Fill in the table below with shoulder bag,
words from the list. handle

• Asian • blue • square • spotty (modern/expensive/black)

• dark • metal • old-fashioned mobile phone
• flat • African • tartan • trendy
• light • beautiful • white •:~ ·•.· .·

• modern • cotton • round

Opinion

Size/
, Weight

Age

Shape
Yours faithfully,
· JenhyHughes
· Pattern

Colour II Underline the key \fJords in the rubric. Then write your
letter. Follow the plan. ;·
Origin
( You recently took a bus journey and left your hand luggage behind
i on the seat. Write your letter (140-190 words) to the bus company
Material i describing the hand luggage and the items inside it.
! - .

45
 Formal l etters/Emails- Making a complaint

sign off

0 Underline the key words in the rubric. Then read the

email and fill in the missing words/phrases with ones
fJ a) Read the Useful Language
box. What tone is the letter in
from the list. What is each paragraph -about? Ex. 1 written in: strong? or
mild?
·• take further action • make matters worse
• express my extreme dissatisfaction b) Rewrite the letter in a mild
• incredibly unhelpful • extremely annoyed tone using appropriate phrases
• to my frustration • an error had been made from the Useful language box.
• refused to amend my flights

You recently paid for a holiday, but the travel agency booked the
wrong · dates. You contacted the travel agency to correct the Useful Language
mistake and you were promised that someone would contact you .
You are still waiting for a reply. Send an email (140-190 words) to Opening remarks
the travel agency explaining the reasons for your dissatisfaction and Mild
saying what action you expect them t o take. • I am writing in connection with/on
--------------~
the subject of ...
• I wish to draw/bring to your attention
j Dear Sir/Madam, to a problem which arose due to ...
Strong
J ~I wish to 1) .................................................. with the appalling • I am writing to express my strong
1 inefficiency of the staff at your travel agency. dissatisfaction with the disgraceful
I ~On 21st May, I booked a holiday to Tenerife departing on 5th treatment I received/the attitude of
I June. Checking my ticket, I realised that 2) .................. .............. ..........;
your staff.
• I am writing to complain about the
I my outbound flight had been booked for 5th July. appalling behaviour of .../the shocking
. ~ When I returned to amend the details of my trip, I was told, quality of ...
1._ 3) ................................. .... ........... .., that the dates could not be changed Closing remarks
I without charging an e~ra fee.
.
Mild
• 1feel t hat I am entitled to a refund/
i P... To 4) .... .............. .......... ..... .......... ....... , when I asked to speak to replacement/compen sation in the
I the manager, he was 5) ······· ·········;······························· ·· . He insisted form of (vouchers) .
i that I had made an error when booking and 6) ... .................... . I • 1hope/! would appreciate it if this
.... .......... .. ..... .. ..... ......... .. ....... .. until he had investigated the matter. I matter could be dealt with promptly.
!!! Strong
However, I have heard nothing for two days.
i • I insist on/1demand a full refund/an
~ As you can imagine, I am 7) ........................................ ... .... ... with
the service I have received at your agency. I demand my flights be
changed within the next 24 hours or I shall be fo rced to
I immediate replacement.
• If the matter is not dealt with
I prompt ly, I shall be forced to take
8) .... .... ..... .. .. . ......... ... .. ........ .. .. .... .. . , :- legal action/take t he matter further.

Yours faithfu lly,

Jonathan Young 1
~
· · · ~- ---·-·-· ·- · ··-- - - -- --- - - -- - - ------- ---- - ------- - ------ - ------- -------.--- - --

46
 Formai letters/Emaiis - Making a complaint

D a) Rewrite the sentences using a strong/

mild t one accordingly.
You recently ordered aT-shirt online. When it arrived
it was the wrong colour and. poor quality. Write a
letter (140-190 words) of complaint to the company
1 1would like to express my strong dissatisfaction explaining the problem and what action you expect
with the shocking quality of your rooms. to be taken.

2 1 was completely appalled by the rudeness

of the assistants in your store.
3 1 must insist on an immediate refund for the Dear Sir/Madam,
goods I ordered from your site.
......1) 1 thought I'd drop you a line to 2) tell you all
4 I am writing to complain about the items I
about a T-shirt that I recently ordered from your
ordered which arrived in an appalling
condition. website.
~ 3) Now, ·the J-shirt that 4) I got was nothing like
' --. - -........... I;J) .WIJ!it. i~
- :7:-··
~-::. ~:-"':':::.-:-· ~ ·:-
-~!_- <·,!_..t-ell).~~~-
each;:- ... . .,. ... . ~b-~"u_t~--"
. .. ······· .. . the"T"shirt+ thought':l"had ·ord.~red:: Ther'j:iicti.Jre .on your
:· website ·~a; bright blue, but 5) the shirt I got was a

fJ Read the complaints. What product does

each refer to? Circle the correct answer.
very light blue.
~ 6) Another thing, the quality of the T -shirt is
appalling. The fabric is extremely thin and has lots of
1 It is not working well because the bag threads hanging off it.
compartment keeps falling off. vacuum ~7) The worst thing of all is that the lettering on
cleaner/camera : the front of the T-shirt is already coming off. It will
2 There is a number of nails sticking out of it -
I therefore t!e ifT!QQ.§§jQ!~JQ!...!lL<U,Q.
.,
~--1 - ·-- -·· ---:-.t-~·-·~"- ·~ ~"
Y/.~!:lr.th_e_J~~hirt ..··-· ---
--- -~---=~-~...- -and ·the·cushion·is•ffa~~med:.. be~/clialt· · ---=:·- · : 1. -~!LY.9.1!. -~~Q··:'·.P.IQP.~~bly _,Q!JI:!SS , that 1. am 9) not
-3.c.: Jt leaks-water. washmg·machme/book ! :hap.py;with my ord~r. l _am se~g~~Q ;t~e T~sh1rt b~ck and
4 · There are sparks· flying out of it whenever I · ·1.0)1 t~ink.J ;shouid get ·a full refund. I ~lso _1 1Jthink
use it. toaster/cup _yQ'u~~tlQ.uld_.etl.e.ok,.that y.our ..website 12) really ·shows
5 - Two buttons arc missing and there is·a .. ':the proCiucfyou"are se!ling. 13) it would be great if you
stain on -the sleeve. shirt/skirt
could write back soon.
6 The lens gets stuck while extended.
sunglasses/camera Yours faithfully,

7 The zipper was stuck and the strap was Alison Smith
broken. heels/handbag
8 The buttons were missing and the sleeves
were of uneven lengths. trousers/coat II a) Underline the key words in the rubric.
Answer the questions.
9 It was chipped in multiple places. dress/vase
10 The heels had scratches and they came off
You recently bought a book online but you received the
when I put them on. shoes/gloves
wrong book by mistake. You asked for a replacement ..
and there has been a delay with delivery. Send an ema1l
IJ ~ead the rubric, t~en the e~ail. Replac: the
mformal phrases m bold wtth more pohte
(140-190 words) to the online bookshop explaining t he
reasons for your dissatisfaction and saying what action
you expect the bookshop to take.
ones in the list.
1 What are you going to write?
• 1am writing • express my dissatisfaction with
2 Who is going to read it?
• hope that steps will be taken to ensure
3 What shof11d you write about?
• more accurately reflects • To begin with
4 What style should you write in?
• the garment I received • I would appreciate it
5 How many words should you use?
if this matter could be dealt with promptly
• was delivered to me • To make matters worse,
b) Write your email of complaint. U se
• As you can imagine, • I feel that I am entitled to
phrases from t he Useful language box on
• extremely disappointed • In addition,
p. 46. Follow the plan on p. 46.

47
 Formal letters/ Emails - A pologising

0 Read the rubric, then read the letter. Un derline t he

correct phrases (1-9).
Opening remarks
You recently did some voluntary work w ith a local environmental • I'm writing to offer my sincerest
apologies for ...
group to help clean up your local parks. The mayo r of your t own,
• Please accept my deepest apologies
Mr Williams, decided to present the group with an award for this,
(for ...).
and invited you to an awards ceremony and dinner. You couldn't
• I'm writing to say how (very) sorry I am
go, but you forgot to refuse the invitation . Write a letter
for ...
(140-190 words) of apology.
• I would like to express my regret for ...
• I sincerely regret (+ing form) .. .
Explaining
• It was not my intention (to/for t hat to
Dear Mr Mayor,
happen) ... • I believe the situation
~I'm writing to 1} say sorry/offer my sincerest ~pologies for
1

resulted from ...

not attending the awards ceremony that you recently invited the Apologising
I • I'm (extremely) ashamed of (my
members of my environmental group to and for not 2) letting you
know in advance/telling you before. I would have 3) liked very
I
•
behaviour)/(truly) sorry for not ...
• I understand how inconven ient}
much to attend/really enjoyed going.
I annoying it/this must be/have been
~Unfortunately, 4) I couldn't come/it was impossible for me for you.
to attend. I am currently in yeaH 1 at school and was sitting my
GCSE exams during the week of the ceremony. I 5} had every
II •
»1
Closing remarks
Once again, please accept my sincerest
apologies.
intention ot writing to you/meant to drop you . a line to turn
' • I am really sorry for the inconvenience
.down the .invitation a few week? qefore. I was 6) under a great caused .
. deal of pressure/really, stressed 01,1t during that period, however,
and 7) I totally forgot/it just slipped my mind.
·~ 8) I was extremely honoured/1 felt good that you presented 0 a) Underline the key words in
the rubric. What are you going
our group with this award. Once again , 9) I am extremely sorry
for missing the ceremony/sorry .that I missed the ceremony. to write? Who for? What about?

Yours sincerely, You borrowed a book fro m the local

Alicia Brown library to read while you w e re on holiday
and you forgot t o bring it b ack home
· with you. W rite a letter (140-190 words)
to the library t o apologise for losing the

D Read the following letter of apology. Rewrite it in formal

book and to offer to pay for it:

style. Use phrases from the Useful Language box.

b) Write y o ur letter of
apology. Fo llow t h e plan.
· Dear Mrs·Hughes, ·
1 \va~t~~ !qA,r;oP:Y<?.~ a _Hn_e,.to s,~Y t~?t.fr:n. .sorryi for breaking your
.
win99\V.Tro'sp
. . ; : . . sqrry
.·. ·.
: ·.. .th~
t(;)r. .
d_a·."
.
ni;lg~.l
.: ·. ·
catised.
·::·· ·.:;{;-'
.. .
.. .: .- .
:-' ·
.· ..,
Let me ~~plain what happened: I threw- a . rock to. try to ·get a
basketb?-11 down from the tree beside your hqusei but it hit the
window. I really didn't mean to do it. I owe you ,an apology for not
owning up immediately, too. I was afraid that you ·would ge( angry. I
feel terrible!
To make up for it, why don't you let me help you out with . some
chores? I could mow your lawn or help you with some gardening.
Let me know what you think. Also, my parents say that they will pay
for your new window. Again, I really am very sorry and I hope that
I
t
i' ?l·:c/~) ··.::.~ ::
i ·yours
you can forgive me.
Yours,
Tom Granger
I t
i
i (your tui1 .

48
 Forma! Letters/Emails - Recommending/
Making suggestions

O a) Underline the key words in the rubric. Read the letter b) R~place the underlined
and fill in the missing topic sentences. phrases with phrases from the
. Useful Language box.
You have recently visited a museum on a school trip and your
teacher has asked you to write a letter on behalf of the class to the
cura~or giving your opinion on the museum and making suggestions
for improvementS for visitors. ~rite your letter (140-190 wordst o_ . __ _
:·- making younecoirime·ndations~· ·· .. · -- -.. ---- ·- · - - --

a I 1) feel that there are some _improvements that could qe ·

. made to . . the.-.vr'''"""n
orne ...
b . 2) First of all, I w.o.uld iike to say that the staff members Mcif(ingsriggestions
were extremely helpful. • I would suggest ...
• One suggestion would be to ...
• ... would be useful
Dear Sir/Madam, _ • (I think) it would be a good idea to ...
.,...._I recently visited your museum .~s part of a school trip~ I am writing Listing points
ort'tl~half bf my·cla~~from Blackthorn Coilege to say ttiat we enjoyed our • In the first place • To start/begin with
vi$it verY much. · • Firstly • First (of all) • For one thing
Actding points ·
~ 1}:;.:..• ~:........................................................................... -:.. ·· :~_.... :·:. . ·• FurthEmnore •-In addition
....._....;.;•.. · '-· ~~·-· .. ,·:·.- ~~·····....,...... ,... ,...... ~.. .. ......... ........ . They were able to • Additionally • What is more
answeraJI_ O~f: QU.esti9QS andwere yery knowledgeable about the exhibits. • Moreover • Second • Secondly
Also, the exhibits themselves were very interesting ..arid enjoyable, Introducing reasons/Expected results
especially the interactive Viking exhibit. · • This way ..., This would mean ... ,
~ 2) ............... :.... :........ ...... ,, . .- ................. .. ................ :................... . As a result, ...
........................................... ........... .................... ............... . 3} Fiffitly, a cafe
offerill9 drinks and light snacks would be useful tor visitors to the museum.
4) This ' way, they could enjoy a refreshment and rest during the visit.
5) Additionally, it would be a good idea to add a selection of affordable
souvenirS to the gift shop for students such as postcards, pencils or
magnets. 6j Tnis would aiiow them to take home a small reminder of their
visit, and, as a result, make the whole experience more memorable.
Thank you for an enjoyable visit.
Yours faithfully,
Sarah Brightman

49
 Formalletters/Emails- Recommending/
Making suggestions

' '
fJ Fill in the gaps in the extracts (A-C) with the phrases
from the list.
Recommending a person
• on account of her • leads me to believe • I am writing (on behalf of ... ) to
• she deserves to be considered • the ideal candidate nominate/put forward ... for .. .
• ... is an ideal place/candidate/choice
for ...
• ... makes him/her/the perfect choice
(for ... ).
• On account of his/her/the ....
• I firmly believe he/she deserves ...
• I would {highly) recommend ... for ...
• I hope you will take my/our
nomination into consideration.
Recommending a place
• !'am writing (on behalf of ... ) to
recommend ·... for .. .
• ... is the ideal place for ...
• take my comments into consideration • the right decision
• I highly recommend • I am convinced that
=• I firmly believe that ...
I • The ... is (conveniently
I
.
C!) •Therefore, 1)-.: .....•...... ;; ..................................... Kieran take on located/reasonably priced/within
the role of ·chairman. 2) ....... ...... ... ..... ........ ... ...... .. ..... ... .. .. . he walking distance of. .. etc.)
has the . skills necessary to do the job well. I hope that you ~ • Taking everything into consideration,/ln
summary, ...

I
3) .................................................... and that the board makes
• IM/e hope you will consider my/our
·4j :·... ·:...... :.. ;.,.·.....:•. .'.::... .:......,........ 0

recommendation.
.. . . ~.

• Please inform me/us of your decision

• the most suitable • I have no doubt on the matter.
• very attractive proposal

0 All in all, Jarrow Castle is 1) ........ .. ................ .. ............... location

for
.
the. next
, . _,, •
...charity
. ,, . .
1'-!n.draiser.
. ·. • . 1 .
2)
.
............................
. -
.... ...... ...... .. ..
a a) Underline the key words in
the rubrics. What are you going
that the facilities and price combine to make this a to write? Who for? What kind
3) .............................. .-..................... . of recommendation does each
rubric ask for?

IJ Use phrases from the Useful Language box and your own You have recently visited a local
sports centre on a sc~ool trip and
ideas to rewrite the letter below in a formal style.
your teacher has asked you to
·.·-r~. . . . l •. • ' . ... -~·\ • • . ••. ·.~ •
write a letter on behalf of the
17!1 MrParkm; · ; ;:;, ';. ;~; - ·.
class to the manager, giving your
;i}jn ~rJt~-~~:!O.):;o~-.t? -~~~g,est ~~~t~!:~h~_rd Th9m·~~·~HJg~t~,,!~e :@.~-~ . . opinion on the local sports centre
qt . 'Student· of the. Year' at the ·end .· qf term "~v.~,~r9 ;~c~remony. I and making suggestions for
: ,j-eckori 'he' really deserve.s jt. . . ' :' . . . . . . i . . improvements for visitors. Write
: ·:. ·. : ·.:~~.-:~-~·:: :. : ' ''-..'·; : .,·.·. . . . : c' ;- ...: · I · "
i rst off, . Rich~rd's ch{lract~r m.ef;l.n~ :that he should get the award.
· f:_ your l~tter (140-190 words).
He always ta~e~ th.e time to tielp }iciunger· stud~nt~'\~h~n ~6gf<ire '
lost or ~onfused and he spends a lot of his time-.:t~toring' studerlts • [!] Your best friend is applying to
who. ~re~'tdoing \v~11 in maths and' science. ,,. ,.... . . ·.. . ·•· .
work at an animal shelter and has
Another thing is, he volunteers at.the weekends .a t .t be io.ca_i sports asked you to Write a letter of
centre t~ help disabled children pl ay a r~~a·; ' 'o f sports. ' He recommendation . Write your
dedicates all of his time to others and doesn't ask for anYthing email (140 -190words) explaining
back. ; · ., why your friend would be good
Clearly, Richard is both a great student and a good person. He for the job and what qualities they
really deserves the student of the year award. I hope you agree J have that will help them.
with me.
All the best, b) Write your letter/email. Use
Gemma phrases from the Useful Language
-- .. ------ ---------
~- . - -~~ .... - .. . ..... ·- -~---- ----- ----- . -- -- - ------------ -----~---- --.----~ · - - -- · ··-- -- -- --.--~-- - box. Follow the outline on p 49.
50
 Formal letters/Emails -
Inviting/Accepting/Refusing an invitation

. p
• Letters/Emails in"•iti,ig/aq.~p,~,~~g·~r~f~l~i
authority (e.g. a teacher, .·
• We do not use

D ~) Underline the key words in the rubrics.

What are you going to write? Who for?
What should you write about?
Your teacher has asked you to write a letter of
invitation to the mayor, Mr Green, to ask him
to present the prizes at the School Open Day
on 1st June. Write your Jetter (140-190 words).
You have rec(:!ived . an invitation from your
piano teacher, Mrs Taylor, to attend a concert
~-~~ . is 9iving on.. 8th May, qut. you cannot
attend. Write a·Jetter ( 140-190 words) refusing
the.-invit~tiorr :giving reas0ns. •. - ·· · · · · ·
You have received an invitation from your
neighbours, Mr & Mrs Nixon, to attend their
daughter's wedding. Write an email (140-190
words) accepting the invitation and expressing
your feelings about the event_
b) Which task (A-C) does the model match?
Replace .t he sentences in bold (1-3) with other
sentences from the Useful Language box.
Dear Mrs Taylor,
1) I was very pleased and grateful to receive your kind
invitation to attend your concert on 8th May. I am
honoured that you thought to invite me. ·
2) Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend due to a
prior arrangement. I am afraid that I will be away from
home visiting my aunt on that date and I am unable to
change my travel plans. I am very sorry to miss what 1
am sure will be a very enjoyable evening.
3) Once again, thank you for the kind invitation. 1
hope the evening is successful and I wish you all the best
for your performance.
Yours sincerely,
Jenny Parsons
Opening remarks
• I was delighted to receive your invitation ...
• Thank you for your kind invitation to ...
• I am very grateful for your invitation to ...
Inviting
• I wish to invite you to attend ...
• It would pring me great pleasure if you could attend ...
• It is with (great) pleasure that I invite you to
attend . .-.- --
.I wo.uld like to invite you to iittend ...
· ltw9ul~ _be.cm honour t<fhaveyou as a guest at; ..
Accepting ·
• I am pleased/happy to accept your invitation to ...
• It gives me great pleasure to accept your invitation ...
• It will be my pleasure to come to ...
Refusing
• Unfortunately I will be unable to ...
• I regret to inform you that I will be unable to . -.
.• I am afraid that I will be unable to ...
• Please accept my apologies as I will not be able to ...
Closing remarks
• Once again, thank you for the kind invitation.
• Please Jet us know if you are attending the event or
not by (date)
• Hoping for your presence on that day.
• Please respond promptly.
• I appreciate your kind invitation.
fJ Choose one of the other rubrics in Ex. 1 a
and write yobr letter/email. Fo!!c~N the plan
above. Use phrases from the Useful
Language box.
51
 Letters to the editor
/,:;::: ~ ;::: ~.y~~t{ · · ;,{~'. .. ' . . . . . . . .
&;·L--f-~~~~~~1~:r.~i~?r;-~;ra· rri·aga4ne_ ~~ ~.~J-~spaper' ~~~- .!~~~r re~er~ we: s~nd to_a · public~~~?,n.:·ab-6ut
~:r ISS~~~ ~.~~f~T,~~2.·~~-:./~a~ers (~suaHY, ~?~lo~lr1~ _ the ~u:~h-~~,t1o~ ~.~ -~~ .a-~~cl~'.~ewsr~por~ on_the ~~~1c)We
can e><pre.ss;th~ p~os and cons of a topiC, g1ve our op1_mon or d1scuss a problem arid suggest solut1ons .
. .. • . : •·.·-·:-·· . . .
IFor & Against I
D a) Underline the key words in the rubric. Read
the letter and replace the topic sentences with
other appropriate ones.
The Daily Herald
Women Keep Having Kids Later and Later
The number of women having children after age 35 is on
the rise, according to a CDC report. Given what we know
about the risks associated with pregnancy at later ages,
should we be worried? The new report also shows that
first-time older mothers are generally more educated and
have higher incomes than much younger women.
Should women delay having children until later?
Write a letter to the editor explaining your view.
Give specific reasons and examples of the
advantages and disadvantages. Begin your letter,
"Dear Editor."
Dear Editor,
~Cam wrlting regarding the article in Tuesday's edition
of The Daily Herald concerning older parents. Many
couples today choose to delay having a family and this
raises a number of issues.
~Clearly, there are some advantages to having a family
later. 1) Firstly, older couples will be emotionally ready for
children. · 2)For example, they will be iri a · lori?J-tenn
relationship ~nd in their chosen careers. 3) As a result, the
child will ·have a · stable environment to grow up in.
4) Secon~ly, they will be more finanCially · s'ecure.
5) Theref~re, they will be able· to manage ·the cast of
having children. .
~ 6) However, there are some disadvantages to
consider. 7) To start V{ith, older parents may find it more
tiring. For example; ttiey may.not have the same amount of
energy as when they were younger. 8) Therefore, they may
not be able to play with the children 'much. 9) In addition,
there are health issues involved. 10) For instance, the risks
related to pregnancy and birth increase as the parents get
older. 11) Consequently, the mother may lose the child.
~ 12) All in all, having children at an older age can
provide a stable and financially secure environment for
children to grow up in, however, it can be tiring and risky.
13) I believe every couple must decide when the time is
right for them to have a baby.
Yours faithfully,
Jane Hargreaves
52
. . .
b) Replace the linkers in bold with suitable
alternatives from the Useful Language box.
Introducing points
• In the first place • To start/begin with • Firstly
• First (of all) • For one t hing
Adding points
• Furthermore • In addition • Additionally
• What is more • Moreover • Second • Secondly
Introducing the opposite point of view
• However • On the other hand • At the same time
• That being said • Then again
Introducing examples
• For example, For instance, etc
Introducing results
• As a result, • Consequently, • Therefore,
Expressing opinion
• In my view, • The way I see ... • I believe/feel (that) ...
Concluding
,... • In conclusion • In short • All in all • To sum up
• To conclude • All things considered
• Taking everything into account .
0 a) Underline the key words in the rubric.
What are you going to write? What style
should you write in?
You read an article in Sunday's Morning News about
working parents and you have decided to write a
letter to the editor discussing the pros and cons of
this issue. Write your letter (140-190 words).
b) Match the pros and cons to the examples.
Then write your letter. Follow the plan.
1 have a higher family income
2 childcare can be a problem
3 set a good example
4 parents only available evenings -and weekends ·
- .
·,.- ••;':t-,:~~ ·f,~~~:· .·_,·,::~: ;~iJJ;:;;;£~~~;,::#~i~~0·c~_(;:.;;,£; ~<~):: :~·.:
~ ;show it is.:po:s.sible'Jo.have .a ) :::areer and .a ,
cm1t]~~~~i:;~~&~~~r~;::~~ ,;~ ·,~~~~\·
~ ~P.~it_~r ~t-~_np_?rp :af living e.g . .ca~ ·aff9r,d : ..
family holidays
~ need to find a trustworthy caregiver when
the children are young ·
 Letters to the editor

Beginning
• I am writing to express/give my opinion on ...
• I am writing with regard to lin connection to ...
Expressing opinion
• 1(do not) feel/believe/think ... • In my opinion, ...
• I am (totally/completely) opposed to/ in favour of ...
• I (strongly) agree/disagree with ...
Listing viewpoints
• Firstly, • Moreover, • In addition, • Furthermore,
Introducing reasons/examples ·
• For example,/For instance, • such as
jopinion • In particular, • because/as/since • In this way,

· --IJ -Und~rlinethe key words'in.·the rubric-and read

the letter. Complete the gaps with
Introducing T6!sults
-• AS:a.·r~~yJt.·· · .Then ·
• Conse<.Juently, • In this way
words/phrases from the Useful Language box. • Concludlrig
• To sum up, • All in all, • In conclusion,
You read an article in Friday's Weekly News about the
local council's plans to introduce a park-and-ride IJ a) Read the rubric. Match the viewpoints to
scheme in your town . You have decided to write a the examples/reasons/results.
letter to the editor expressing your opinion on it.
Write your letter (140-190 words). The Daily News
Town May Get New Shopping Centre
Town planners are considering a proposal for a new
Dear Editor, shopping centre to be bum. The developers believe that it
will hcwe·a beneficial impact on the local economy. Local
~I · am writing ..concerning , Burton , Council's business owners are worried about the competition. The
decision to introduce a park-and-ride scheme fn our . pajfy{'{~W~,'Nan.~ .to, l<noWhow Its reapers fe~l apout this.
town which I read about in Friday's edition of the .' ..
Weekly. News. I completely agree with this decision · Should the town
build a new shopping centre? Write a
and I believe it will have positive effects on th~ town. letter to the editor explaining your view. Give specific
reasons and examples. Begin yqur letter, 'Dear Editor.'
~ 1) ..................... , 'it will . greatly reduce the
amount of traffic in the town centre. 2) ..................... ,
as ' p~(iple ' park . outside · the town and use ·public 1 [IT] create jobs -:. :

transport, then traffic congestion will" be re·duced.- 3) [[[]put local shops ·out of business
..... ~: ... ,: ...... , it will make it easier for people to get
[ [ [ ] give consumers more choice
around as well as reduce the amount of air ahd noise
pollution. . . . .
~·4) _
..................... ,this scheme will mak_e people's
lives easier. '5) ..................... they can ·avoid the
difficulty and expense of parking in the town centre
by using the buses. 6) ................ :........ , people will
experience less stress and save money.
b) Write your letter. Use the Useful Language
~7) ..................... , the park-and-ride scheme will
reduce the amount of traffic in the town centre and box and the ideas in Ex. Sa. Follow the plan.
will make people's lives easier. I am fully in favour of
the council's decision as I believe it will be beneficial
for our town.
Yours faithfully,
Margaret Brown

II Find and replace the topic sentences in the

model with other appropriate ones.
..._JP.~E~-~)--·--------~·--'-·--c..-:-:;;;J:;.:.o:,::..x:.:.:::..:.~~:..;;~:_.:::~:~~~'-.:­
. Yours faithfully,
. . (your full name)
53
 letters to the editor

j Making suggestions I
~~ Read the rubric, then read the letter.
' Replace the words/phrases in bold in the
model with suitable alternatives from the
Useful Language box.
The Daily Gazette
Stray Dogs are a Growing Problem
The number of stray dogs on the streets is on the rise
according to local police. The city council has also
received complaints about noise and mess from dogs.
Given the dangers associated with unvaccinated
animals roaming the streets, something needs to be
done soon.
What can be done to solve this problem? Write a
letter to the editor explaining your view. Give
specific examples of solutions and their expected
results. Begin your letter, 'Dear Editor.'
Stating the problem
• Evidently • Clearly • It seems that o Recently
Stating need for action
• It is necessary that ... • Action must be taken ...
• Something must be done ... • Steps/Measures
should be /must be /need to be taken ...
Solutions/Suggestions
• A possible solution is ... • One/Another way to
solve this problem ... • One/Another solution
would be to ...
• To introduce expected results/examples
I •By doing this, ... . • This way ... • Consequently, ...
j - • As a result, ... • Therefore, ... • In particular
. i • The effect/consequence/outcome would be that ...
1
I •Expressing an opinion
~
This would mean that ... • For example/instance
1 • • In my opinion/view, • I believe/think/feel (that) ...
I'
• It seems to me/It is obvious (that) ...

B a} Underline the key words in the rubric.

Match the suggestions to the examples/
expected results.
Dear Editor,
You read an article in Saturday's Daily Reporter
··~I am writing in response to the article in
about the problem of litter in you r town, and you
Thursday's edition concerning the stray dogs in our have decided to writ e a letter to the ed it or making
town. 1) Clearly, stray dogs are dangerous as they suggestions about how to solve it. Write your letter
may carry disease, they may bite people and their 1 (140-190 words).
barking and ll):~.~l1 ..?.r~. ,a,
•.n· , . :.
.!luis<HJCe.
-. • · .
We need to find
ways to deal with this prob.lem. ITIJ inform public about recycling
~2) One soh.iti~n would ·be to set up dog a m=J introduce fines
shelter in the town. 3) For example, the stray dogs [ [ [ ] install more bins
could be vaccinated and cared for until permanent
homes can be found . 4) This way, they could not
transmit any disease to people.
~ 5) Another possible solution is to sterilise the
stray dogs. 6) This would mean that fewer puppies
would be born. · 7) As a result, the stray dog
population would be reduced. b) Write your letter. Use phra ses from t he
Useful Language box and the i deas in Ex. Sa
~In conclusion, there are a number of things we
to help you. Follow t he plan.
can do to solve the problem . We can set up a dog
shelter and sterilise the stray dogs. In my opinion,
these actions would make it safe to walk the streets. I
hope that the local council will take my suggestions
into consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Brian Stafford

(P~ra 4) summarise your suggestions, state your

fJ Rewrite the first and the last paragraphs o f _ o.Binion__ _.--~---------.- - - ---.
Yours faithfully,
the letter using yo ur own words.
(your full name)
54 -· - ~ - - - ---· ------ -- ---- -- -· ··-· ... -- ------- - -. - - ---- -- ---- --- - - ------

:'' '
,D
,-
a) Rea~ t~e ·rubric and _~ ,
underhne the key words;- --- --- -- --
You have read the foi!owing notice on
your English language school notice
board. r
Film Reviews wanted
English language magazine
We would like students to send in
reviews of a film they have recently
watched . Your reviews should
--. ·tfim is -directedJ)y the famous director Martin scorses~. ,
include information about the type
of film, the plot and your
recommendation .
Write your review (140-190 words).
b) Read the film review. What
is each paragraph about?
Complete the paragraph plan.
c) Which adjectives does the
writer use to describe: the
plot? the cast? the directing?
-- - - - _. _ --- ---- ...-.
___
l_;_r=
Reviews
_Writing = ~:::3:~~
. - - ----~~---- --....,~~~=-:!:_~___-~,- ~-~""";::~
'~ - - -
· ..... Hugo is a drama adventure film based on the Para 1
•best-selling novel The .Invention of Hugo Cabret. It is
sefin.a Parisian railway station in the 1930s and stars - .
Asfi Butterfield, Ben Kingsley and Chloe Maretz. The
~Hugo (Asa Buttertieid) _· s~cretl~ li_v.e~ .~.a.11d _
maintains the clocks in a Parisian train -sta~i(_)h. The
Para 2
only thing Hugo has from his dead father is a robot that
they were both trying to repair before his father's
death. Hugo continues the repairs on the robot.and at
the same time searches for a key that will enable the
robot to work. Little does he know _that the key will
uncover an even greater mystery.
Para 3
~Hugo is a tale full of imagil)ation and adventure. • - •• • •• • •• 0 ....... . ...... . . . .
The plot has unexpected twists Jth both touching and ... .................... .. .....
funny moments. The cast'is exceilent and the directing . ......................... ....
is superb. .
P... This film is well worth seeing. The story is clever Para 4
......... .................... .
and will keep you entertained right to the end. It's a
must-see! ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . l
--· ··················· ···· ··
55
 Reviews

D Choose the cprrect words/phrases. :··a :~;~~-- ~~;·~--t~-;-~t--i~~~-- -~his·-~~-j;;-~m --~--------~

1 Christian Bale tells the story/plays the ) ... for you. It's both
00000000000 0 00
"
00
•••

part of Batman in The Dark Knight Rises. sm.ooth : and 5) ... a perfect oooo • • oo • • • : . o o . -

6) to ~nybo.dy's colledion .
0000 0 00
"
00 000000 00

2 The -Hobbit is a spectacular film; it's bound • 0

!.... ____ ,______ ...__.~--------:- ___ _ -~_ ...... -----~-----~-~~---···~-~

to be a hit/flop.
3 Many celebrities walked down the red carpet
~-$ -Despite its excellent graphics, it lacked
at the finale/premiere of the film.
I creativity. Each level felt 7) ................... .
4 The novel had a dull/tragic ending that i What's more, it isn't 8) enough oooo-oo • • o o . . . . . . . .

brought tears to my eyes. j for experienced garners and can be

5 The main character/actor in the film is played l completed too easily. .
I . ~---........--- ______.
by Kristen Stewart. !..___ _,_..____..--..._~-----------.......-- .

6 The film has an all-star script/cast.

7 The King's Speech is a touching film based
on/set in the life of King George VI.
O Read the reviews. Which is a review of a
video game? a music CD? Write an
8 Although I found the novel quite dull/thick, appropriate recommendation for each.
it ended with a surprising twist/script.
9 I was completely absorbed in this book and
couldn't put it down/throw it away.
CD In Brain Abort, you take on a character who has
lost his memory. You must travel through a
ruined town, finding out what happened - and
who you are! You meet friends and enemies, but

D Match the adjectives to the nouns in the

. list.
it's not very obvious which is which. The
gameplay is excellent, with clever puzzles to
solve, realistic challenges, and very life-like
• film • novel • plot • album • success graphics: Indeed, it's a pleasure just to walk
, • game • character . . ..virtua.
.around Brain Abort's .. l landscape
. . . . . . ..
.
.. ..-~.~· ...
1 slow-paced/gripping/shocking
2 blockbuster/award-winning/animated
3 best-selling/paperback/hardback
(~}Rqb~~tship's newcalbumrBooster is .mostly new
.· :.; rilatej ial, ·though·-most people will ·have heard
.·:.· ...{..f)!.~~?>·...e . J. .
4 admirable/heroic/believable/strong · »:>-u)e' tiit single 'Meteorite' on the radio. However;
5 varied/latest/fabulous/solo of
t~~ rest it is just ~s good, w.ith o~ly_ a: ~ouplfr1
6 international/box office/record-breaking .of .tracks that feel like they nef3p. mQr~ :work;/
iiBoster finishes ,with ,a_, , reg~r:<;i_i.jg :.;~?t · a' live
7 virtual reality/interactive/single-player
perlormarice, and. _Y.Ol! f~<3.D __r~~lly feel ~he .
en~rgy and . ttw ·atmqsphere , for wh1ch
Recommending · R.otketship ·ha:s be_ come ·t~rrimis~ ·
IJ Fill in: spectacular, definitely, repetitive, soulful,
edge, addition, challenging, suspense.
. , ... .. .. .

~~ R:ead the rubric, then the email and check it

against the Checklist on p. 57. Rewrite the
:---------- - ----------------------------:--------1
0 The film is filled with 1) as the ooooooo oo oooo · o o o o o
recommendation using phrases from the
crew race against time to' land on Earth. Useful language box on p. 57.
The speGial effects are 2) and 000 00 0000 oooooo oooo

bound to amaze the audience. If you like You have received an email from you r
English-speaking pen-friend.
excitement, this film will keep you on the
3) of your seat.
.oo.oooooo . . . 00 . ...

i I'm lookmg for a good book to read . Have :_

. .·---. ~-- -......... .------~~----··.....__ ___ _ __ _..... _____ .... -~------:- - - -- - ·· · ·· -- ........ -
j you read ;~my good books late 1y? Te 11 me
l about it. 1

!Thanks, .1
i Mark _.
. ,,. , ,.~-J . " . "··' ·'··· . _,.. .. .... --..,-.~-.-- 1
I
Write your email (140-190 words).

56
, ~ -. ·. -. :-- .

Reviews

fl Underline the key words in

the rubrics. Answer the
Hi Mark,
questions, then write your .
~ Thanks for your email. You aske~ me about~ good b_ook to
reviews. Use phrases from the
read. Without doubt, it's The False Prmce by Jenmfer A Nielsen.
Useful Language box. Follow
This is the first book in the new Ascendance series. It is an action-
fantasy novel which follows the adventures of a young man called the plan on p. 55.
Sage, an orphan who finds himself fighting for his life. 0 You have received a letter
~ The story is set in the kingdom of Carthya, which has recently from your English-speaking
lost its Royal Family. Together with three other orphans, Sage pen-friend.
r-------------------~
is forced to compete for the throne. However, only the winner's life Have you seen any good
j will be spared. Finally, sage rises above the rest and Is crown~d -- -- ~ .films _ lately.L~I.eJLm.e_dll.o_ut . ---- - -- ---- -
.- ,. -:t th'inew,Kingof.Carthyal :. ~' :.' ', '""'-~ ~ ~-~---~-:--:-::c-;-.~~ ,.· --·- · one you would recommend.
Paul
i ~ Overall, It Is a very memorable book, with a thrilling plot laced
1 · ·· ·
~._____________________,
1 with unexpected twists and turns. The characters are Write your review ( 1 40-190
! extremely well-developed, especially Sage. He is sly and rebellious words).
f
J. but also clever and charming.
~ This is one of the most exciting novels I've ever read. If you You have seen this
only read one book this summer, make sure it's this one. I announcement in an
guarantee you won't regret it! international teen magazine .
.J Best wishes, Write a review of a favourite
i
i · John book of yours including
~~~------~~---~~-=--------~----------~~ details about the plot and
• your . recommendation. The
bestarticle will be pwblished
next month.

Background Write your review (140-190

words). .· . · ' ·.. ·· ·
• It is a spy/adventure/fantasy/sci-fi etc story.
• The film/book tells the story of... • The film/story is set in ... 1 What type of review do you
• The film is based on : .. by ... • The film was directed by ... have to write?
· General comments
2 What do you need to include?
.!Positive
3 What language would you
• The cast is excellent./The film has a quality cast.
use to recommend the
• The script is exciting/fast moving/clever.
film/the book?
• The plot is thrilling/grippinglinterestJng!has an unexpected twist
• The special effects are {absolutely).stunning/sensational/ amazing. ·
• It is beautifully written. • The costumes are magnificent.
• The characters are very convincing/ very well developed.
• It has a(n) unexpected/ shocking/predictable ending.
~Checklist
Negative When you have finished your review, check
• The cast is awful/unconvincing. • The script is dull/boring.
that you have included:
• The plot is boring/predictable/unimaginative. • correct grammar, spelling, punctuation
• The special effects are unimaginative. • the correct tense(s) & style
• It is badly written. • The costumes are plain. • background information in the first
• The characters are poorly developed/weak. paragraph
• The ending is disappointing. ~ t~e main points in the second paragmph
Recommendation • general comments in the third paragraph

;., ; •
- • It's well worth seeing. • It's bound to be a box-office hit.
It's a highly entertaining read. • It's a must-see.
• your opinion with reasons & your
recommendation in the conclusion

I • I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

. • I wouldn't recommend it because ...
• It is a dreadfully boring/brilliant/exciting read.
• appropriate opening/closing remarks
(letter/email)
.. a variety of adjectives
• all the points mentioned in the rubric
• not revealing the end
-·-· .. ---------
57
 Articles

trf~ndjy; q~ ~eutral
· '· · i~ :pe.r5oril

Paragraph 4

Opening and closing paragraphs should make the reader want to read more of our article (int roduction) or
leave the reader with something to think about (conclusion). These techniques include:
• . offering a general thought or objective statement e.g. The real problem these days is not diet but lack of
exerdse.
• addressing the reader directly e.g. Can you imagine ... ? Would you ever ... ?
using a quotation e.g. As John F. Kennedy said "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you
can do for your country".
• asking a rhetorical question e.g. What defence do animals have if we don't protect them ?

U a) Re~dJ:he paragra~~s .below. •Which are introductions and which are conclusions? W h ich
techmques has the wnter used m each parag raph? ·

All in all, I respect and

admire Angelina Jolie not
only for her successful
acting career and family,
but also for her hard wor~
for a variety of charities
and causes. If only all
celebrities would do the
same.

At the end of the day. what

.
The. ~~9]~~~1~:~~i~~~~~~;t~;~,: ~(·;. '1; !~·;:;;:=~~~~~~;]_{.;;
1

Samu~!.J.ohf)sqn, de'sdribeo 'it ·0~{:

really counts is the Qualio/ of
. be~t wti'enJte ;saio~Wti€Wa · ·:'·j
learning. Online and
ma'ri is:tir~'cf6HOnd6ri; lie is·· ;11
interactive multi -media
tired of:lif~;;toHhere is in . . i~
lea rning tools all ow students
·Lo"hdoii ·ilflthat life ~a~~.&flord:':·;:
to lea rn at their own pace.
So whafrrkike·s an'oiictay.tn~i~':r
Now. is n't that the goa l of so special? ' '. · 1
every ed ucational programme?

b) Rewrite t he paragraphs using other t echniques.


Model analysis
fJ a) Read the rubrics. Wh!ch
rubric asks you to: descrtbe and
explain? explain and suggest? ·
SPORTS!
• Why do you enjoy your
favourite sport?
• What advice would you give
to someone starting it?
The best article will be published in
wimi~t: :will _rec~ive . :nso... .Wnt~· .
your article (140~190-words): ·· --··
You have seen.the following in a
travel magazine.
SPECIAL PLACES
• Where in the world do you
thin k would be the perfect
place to live?
• What amenities does this
place have to off~r?
Write an article (140-190 words)
· describing the-plat e Ci nd-saying·.. --- ·-., --~lf!lll...iiili!llliliilllliiiilliiMii.ft!iiM!!ililillilllllillliiillillllliiJ
why you wou-ld like to live there.
b) Read the models and match
them to the rubrics. What plan
does each model follow?
D Read Model 1 and replace the
adjectives in b~l~ with
adjectives from the list.
• sunny • most popular • natural
• tropical • beautiful • warm
• most attractive • spotless
II Rea_d Model 2 a~d replace the
· top1c sentences m paragraphs
B and C with other appropriate
ones.
o Which technique~ have been
· used in the openmg and
closing paragraphs in Models 1
and 2? Write opening/closing
paragraphs using different
techniques.
. .•
Articles
··&W····- ---·
, P... Of all the places in
l the world, I would most
! like to live in Hawaii. Mark
j Twain described it as "the
! loveliest fleet of islands
II that lies anchored in any
! ocean".
: ~located in the eastern
Pacific Ocean it is one of
. iving·there: ·trinvarm;--with--n~mperatu'fesriin-giiig between-
! 20°( and 30°C all year round. This 4) nice weather is the main reason
· it attracts so many visitors each year. ··
1
~Hawaii is a 5) nice place with many things to see and do. It has '
miles of 6) nice white sand beaches which are perfect for sunbathing
and 7) nice waters that draw surfers from all qve~ the wq~ld. In
addition, it is an ideal place for watching wildfife .and . exploring a
variety of 8) good wonders.
~-All in all, I believe_that Hawaii would be the perfect place for me
to live. With its natuniliJeauLy and amenities, who wouldn't want to
settle down there? ·
· ' ~H·~~~ 'you ever thought . abo~i ·
taking up snowboarding? More than
any other sport, I enjoy snowboarding ·
the most. Despite the fact that
equipment can be expensive, the thrill'
of the sport makes it well-worth the .·
money. -: ··
-- ~There are a number.~of" .CO:.- .
enjoy about going snowboarding.
·Firstly, it is an exhilarating experience;
Nothing beats the feeling of gliding
down a slope while breathing in the
fresh mountain air. Moreover, it is a 1
great form of exercise that builds leg
muscles and improves balance. .. .
~If you are thinking about goi~g snowboarding, yoo ne-ed· take to
care of certain things. You should infest in waim, waterproof clothing
to protect you from the cold. I would also recommend you enrol in
indoor lessons before taking"'f~the slopes,.As well as being cheaper, the
conditions in a snow dome are regulated, making it a much safer
environment to learn the sport.
~To sum up, ~owboarding is an excellent way to stay fit and
healthy. It is the most exciting sport I have ever participated in and I
would highly recommend you try it for yourself.
 Articles

D a) Underline the key words in the rubrics (A-C). Answer

~~---~~~~------- the questions.
An article should have a title
You have seen the following announcement in an entertainment /
.; ·• which summarises the main topic
magazrne. ,
, in an interesting way. The title i
... j should be eye-catching because FILMS WE LOVE I
· 1 its purpose is to attract the Tell us what you think! II
·1 reader's attention. Titles should
~--:~ ..
~ ....
be short and contain key words.

.. . . . . . . -. ~.-
- ~
, ~--.~

~~ a) Read the following titles

.. ~~~~~
. ·. . .. ~- ~
What types of films do you like and why?

THE BEST ARTICLE WILL BE

PUBLISHED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE!
I

Write your article (140-190 words).

I
and choose the ones which
best match the articles below.
I
You have seen the following announcement in a teen magazine. j
fA . r.1Y. P~RF~Cf :.HOtiQAY }
B POPULAR SPORTS AND
. .IMPROVEMENTS TO THE§~-
J What is your favourite school subject?
Tell us about your favourite school subject and why you 1
,II
1

like it. Do you enjoy school? Why/Why not?

fmtg~RBRi1 G~Effl5;·~.
~... ~. -··'ll.,.,_~,..,..,.,Jll ~;-.1;.';' The top three articles will be published next month.
. .. . . . . . . ' . .SPIRIT
I

,, COMMUNITY
1Q., ·-~_____..)
i
Write your article (140-190 words). I
.. ··· ···· · ...... .. .. ..
E MY IDOL i
You have seen this announcement in an international travel
magazine .
.-
The Perfect Holiday!
OIJ._Hobf?y
I• What kind of holiday do you think would be perfect?
I
and Recreation magazine ,. I"- • Where would it be and what activities would you be able
.
h<!S ask~~:f.its . r<~ader~ Jor articks,•.a):?put their
•• I •. • ·· - ~ ·':"••: .. :.:· ·. - •• • • • ~ ' .• ·; ·~ ·_
': -~· 1:,:- · ''1(' • • • .
to do there?
favourite hobby and why they enjoy doing it. • Write an article describing the holiday and .say why you
They want to know what advice you could think it would be perfect.
give someone taking up the hobby. ... THE BEST ARTICLE WILL WIN £100!
Write your article (140-190 words).

1 What type of article is each asking for? Who for?

2 What can you write about?

b) Write your articles according to the rubrics (A-C).

.~~t · .~;,~;-..:~ -·~:~·;-;"·:.;. , -~.::;:r'7·<:-...~;i,~if:it*;

- ~. : ~_. - .,_ , ·:. r.
Follow the plan on p. 58 .
qrn.e~i·l6c:aH<:O.i:.ih'6il"· ~"'·-'>:~itasked ~its;,, · l1
·,s:~~-~,,r.·, ·.~~~?t~~~~~i~~i~j~:~ ?rt5·::th~y,: · ~Checklist
·!~~(ljoy6Tl}ey:, yjafjt~tot;kn§W7£wH~t ,the
:~_-:~. -~ ... ._,.,l.· •. ';.:; .~ : · ...... -1-
jJopular sports . are and· wh~~ ..~tii}jges . '_You .
··: .. i- .0:..::\r.."~-~;-.~~<-'.-~·t'· ..,\!
rJlost
.
·. I
I
wou!Chuggest for the.lochl gym>> .. When you finish your article check it for the following:
~ w.a:w:: ~>h4&k . ; 4 1 =:s:s .
• Does the article answer the rubric? l
[II] Your local newspaper is running a {
• Does the article have an interesting title? r
writing competiti on and has asked its 1 • Is the article divided into paragraphs? i
readers to write an articl e about a celebri ty I • What techniques have b'een used in the opening/closing
I
they admire. You should describe the person I! paragraphs?
and say why you admire him/her. • Is the style appropriate to the reader?
• Has a wide range of vocabulary been used?
b) Now think of suitable titles
e Are there any grammar/structural mistakes?
for the articles in Ex. 5.
Cf\
 Reports

::;: , ..
...
..

0 Underline the key words in the rubric. Read the model

and write the headings (A-E) in the gaps (1-5).
A Location
B Services
c Purpose
Your teacher has asked you to visit Cl pla.ce and write a report about
D Recommendation
it assessing its suitability as a venue for a party for school leavers.
Write yGur report (140-.190 yvords) listing its good and bad points. E Facilities
. · • .. :.. - .. c . .• . -. .

......

To: Mr Smith (teach er)

From: Peter Oliver (studer.t)
Subject: Venue for a party To introduce
Date: 15th May 20 ... • The purpose of this report is to .. .
1) ............................................ . • As requested, this is my report on .. .
To list points
The purpose of this report is to assess the suitability of Secrets • Firstly, • In the first place,
nightclub for hosting a student graduation party. • To begin with, • Secondly, • Also,
2) ............................................ . • Furthermore, • Finally/lastly, etc
Secrets nightclub is located on King Street in the centre of town
~To eicpress opinion
• I feel .. . • I believe .. :
and is easily accessible by public transport and by car. However,
• I am convinced ...
there is no parking available nearby.
• I am confident ...
3) ............................................ . To make
The venue consists of a large function room on the ground floor with a suggestions/recommendations
capacity of 300 people and a smaller function room on the first floor • I (would) (strongly) recommend/
with a capacity of 150 people. Both rooms have wooden dance floors suggest ...
and comfortable seating areas, although the d~or is slightly outdated. • One/Another suggestion would be
to ...
4) .... .. .............. ........... ..... ......... j It would be a good idea to .. .
Secrets has a staff of 25 who serve as waiting staff, bartenders and 1:0 express cause/effect
security staff. There is a food service available that offers snacks • By doing this, we could/would ...
• Doipg this would (solve the
and light meals. The menu is limited, but outside catering is
available. I
•
problem, etc) ...
e In this way .. .
5) ......................... .. ......... .... ... . . ,. • We could ... as a result ...
In conclusion, Secrets nightclub is a suitable venue for the school • If we (did.t his/were to do this) ... etc
graduation party. The large function room meets our requirements
~nd we can arrange our own caterers.
61
 Reports
fJ Rewrite the following sentences using the
words in brackets to make formal
sentences. Make other necessary changes to
the sentences.
1 To finish, the hotel is OK.
In conclusion, the hotel meets all our
requirements { meets/requirements).
2 If we're talking about money, then lnstacom's
offer is the cheapest.
With regards .... .. ... ... .. ... .. .. ..... ...... .... ...... .. .
.................................. (price/competitive).
3 People should ~ be able to read the site in
English if they want.
Viewers .... ................... .... ..... ................... .
... .. .. ... ............... ...... ...... ..... (have/option).
4 Ever:ything I've seen has made me think
that lnstacom's offer is the best.
In conclusion, .. ................... .. ... .. ... .... .... ... .
............. .......... .... (highly/recommended) .
5 In Berkshire is where you'll find Bracknell.
Bracknell .. ............. ..... ........... ........ .. .. ..... . .
..... .. .... .......... ................ ...... ...... (located).
6 The highway police will get these motorcycles.
The motorcycles .......................... ........... ..
.......... .............. .. .. .. ... ........ ........... . (used).
7 Several other companies chose the place.
The site .................. , .. ... : .......... .. ............. . .
.. ~ ... ........................... .. ... .. ....... (selected).
8 Some people call Bracknell the centre of
the UK's IT industry.
Bracknell ............... .................. .......... ...... .
...... .... ......... ... .......... ... .... ...... {described).
9 I wrote this report to check out three models
of motorcycle.
The purpose ..... .. ... .. ... ................ ......... .... .
... .. ... .................. ..... .............. ..... (assess).
10 The website has got some attractive
graphics. -
The website ... .... ... .............. .................. .. ..
.. .... .......... ... ...... ... ... .. .. , ..... .... ... (feat ures).
11 There are very few activities to choose from .
The choice ..... ... .... ..... ....... .... .. ...... .... ...... ..
... ........................ ..... ... ........ ....... (limited) .
12 So then, I do believe this is the best place
for a family day out.
To conclude, I strongly .............. .. ... ... ... ... ..
........ ................. .... ............. (recommend).
Cl
B The paragraphs below are w ritten in the
wrong style. Replace the ph r ases in bold
with phrases in the list t o make the
paragraphs formal.
• is open • an extra fee is charged • can be
found • a staff of twenty people
0 1) 20 people work at the hotel, which offers
lots of services. · International dishes are
se'r ile9 'and ' 'tne" ' iesfad'r~'fif'~2j--:·(tdesil't close
. . ,~!f~~H!~rr~g&\ght" '"'Y.{lJ.t!~R:~!<;ff."i-~l~,~~~r:~~iti ng at
cthe:,re·ceptlon butt4) -,y ou ,need .to : pay~extra for
the.ir?serviC:es: · : · r.,;,,,
• however • features • attract • are only
readable • have the option of reading
0 The website t) has attractive graphics which
load smoothly and quickly. 2) But. some pages
3) only come in Arabic. To · 4) bring in
customers from abroad, viewers should 5) be
able to read it in English.
• in conclusion • it is recommended • high
• most competitive • with regards to • is keen
G 1) To e~ci.•: 2) . I sugg~t that . we p.wa~~_the
contract -'to lristacom, · Not only._.is lnstacom's
off~r the 3) best 4)'because of .price, the . t>Jt
reputation of the company is 5) good. While
lnstacom may be younger and smaller than its
rivals, it 6) wants to prove itself in the
marketplace.
• there is no maid service • consists of
• have a view of • fully-equipped
e for fiv~'.tBE~iXi.rrp~9p;IJ?\1~~~\'~~~r8ai'
accdrrith6d~tiori~·1 )~h'as,~ig~th1ig
The apartments
'a 2>,~'9a.'d
.·kiicff~n-·~"ctna:!llf~~\w:~ 3jl.:"!N&V.:'fc:lile!' clean~\\~ilie ..
apartments. only tWo .,8-i>a'rthlentS 4) ' look:~f~tiie •
. •. ·.:. . :: . ~ :
. ·. : ,,.; .·· ~·
. ··..;_-:;•:: : : ~ ·~ ·
f i Rewrite the extracts in the correct style.
~ .1.... vo~ . -c.an·.tinci .i3r~~kneii_...i-;,-tl1e·--to~niy ot
! Berkshire. It's near London. and well-served
' by rail and road networks. People call it the
I
centre of the UK IT industry, and it's where
you can find several company headquarters.
• 2 1 think.that the place is OK forthe schools
end-of-year event. It is a bit expensive but it
is near bus and train stations and the food
is super.
 Reports

..a a) Read ttl~ rUbric. Then read the comments -and-

complete the table.
[K) · · You- have-a ·Part-time . :.j ob
travel agent's and your .en;~ploYer
in-a- ..

has asked you to visit a lcx:::<31 hotel,

You recently visited a museum with your class. Your teacher has The Doric, and decide if it is
suitable for family holidays. Write 1
asked you to write a report on the museum assessing the good
and bad points of it and making recommendations for any I your report · (140-190 words) 1
improvements. Write your report (140-190 words) commenting recommending the hoteL
Wri~e about
I
on the facilities, the staff and exhibits.
facilities for children; prices &
rooms for families.

The interactive displays ·

very interesting and fun . .. You have just completed a I
summer language course at a
.·.srWsh colleg-e:'''Y9urteacher has
I
asked · you to , 0rite a report
assessing the course,_ and the J
facilities of the school and i
giving your recommendatiqn as I
: to whether it is suitable ··for
/ other students from your school.,
' to attend next year. Write your 1
report (140-190 words)_ I
Write about: . _ 1
location; course & facil~_ _ f
-@} Your teacher- has asked you to -.
I visit a local leisure centre and
assess its facilities with a view to
taking- the .class" there for a
school trip _ Write your report 1
(140-190 words).
Write about:
. facilities; sports & activities.

IJ Write your reports. Follow the

plan on p. 61.

~Checklist
When you finish your piece of writing
check it for:
• appropriate introduction of the topic
(stating purpose and content clearly).
b) Now write your report using the following headings: • use of subheadings to introduce
Facilities, Staff, Exhibits, Purpose, Recommendation. each part of the report.
• appropriate formal sty. v.
II Unde~line
questrons.
the key words in the rubrics. Answer the '• appropriate use of formal I inkers.
• spelling/grammar punctuation
1 What are you going to write? mistakes. t
2 Who is going to read .it? • correct word length. I
3 What should you write about? • appropri~te con~lusio~ (summarising f
4 What headings can you use? all the·pomts & mcludmg your 1
5 What style should you write in?
recommendation/opinion) . __ .J
--------·· __. . ------- -------------·---·-··-- 63