MODULE 4

(4.1) STRUCTURE (4.2) CONJUNCTIONS (4.3) IMPERSONAL STYLE

WRITING TASK
Some people believe that all children should have a pet or an animal to look after. Other
people disagree, however, saying that this depends on a child’s circumstances.
Consider these opposing views, and give your own opinion. / How far do you agree with
proposal
ESSAY
It is often said that children benefit from caring for domestic animals, especially in
today’s technology focused world. However, the issue is not entirely straightforward and
arguments can also be made against the idea (Paraphrase question). This essay will discuss the
debate and give a concluding view. (Outline statement)
On the one hand, those who support the ownership of pets cite the various benefits that
the activity can bring to a child. These range from understanding nutrition, to learning about
biology and daily routines. For example, food selection and exercise activities contribute to this
strand of development, which adds greatly to a child’s all-round education. Another argument
is the emotional support that children receive from pets, meaning the child feels more secure and
thus more confident.
By contrast, opponents of this view point out that not all children live in a situation
where pet keeping is advisable, or even possible. Examples can be seen in less affluent countries,
where the expense of maintaining a pet may be prohibitive. In addition, many children live in
unstable family environments, due to such issues as unemployment or political turbulence. For
these families, pets would probably suffer neglect, meaning that it would be unfair to keep them,
or possibly even dangerous. Finally, it must be said that not all young people actually want to
keep a pet because their interests lie elsewhere. For these youngsters, animal ownership should
not be encouraged (by parents or someone).
Overall, it seems advisable that the decision to keep a pet should be based on a child’s
interest, ability and family circumstances, rather than on a general view that ‘all children’ should
have animals. It would appear that this serves the interests of both the children and the pets
involved.
MODULE 4.1 STRUCTURES
This essay follows a classic Academic English structure for Opinion>Discussion Tasks
and the examiners will expect you to use something similar to this.
The introduction paragraph gives some background to the topic (Paraphrase question),
and emphasizes that this is an issue with differing arguments which the essay will consider
(outline statement). Because this is an Opinion>Discussion type essay, the candidate does not
give an opinion in the first paragraph. Remember that in any Task 2 essay, two or three sentences
are sufficient for the introduction (+thesis statement)

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 The main body is divided clearly into two large paragraphs, each one presenting one side
of the debate. Each paragraph has two or three ideas to support the view being presented. There
is continuity between the second main body paragraph (which is against the universal keeping of
pets) and the conclusion (which is also against this.) Because this is an Opinion>Discussion type
essay, the candidate only gives his opinion in the final conclusion. In the IELTS Academic test,
this Task type is the most common, so you should practice following this model structure.
MODULE 4.2 CONJUNCTIONS
Conjunctions are linking words (+just one word) or phrases (+2 words) which connect
ideas and sentences. This essay uses some of the most important academic conjunctions to
inform the reader that the ideas are changing:
However- Introduction paragraph/ LW
On the one hand- MB I.1/ LP
Another argument- MB I.2/ LP
By contrast- MB II.1/ LP
In addition- MB II.2/ LP
Finally- MB II.3 / LW
Overall/ In conclusion/ In summary/ To conclude/ To summary/ To sum up/ Overview-
Conclusion / LW
There are also conjunctions to show that the ideas are being illustrated with examples:
This range from . . . to . . .
For example / For instance- Active Voice
Examples can be seen in- Passive Voice
When writing this type of essay, try to keep these words and phrases in mind, and use
them in the way that this model essay uses them.

MODULE 4.3 IMPERSONAL STYLE

In Academic English, it is possible to say ‘I think/I believe/I feel’ etc. to give your
opinion, if the Task asks for your view. However, you will increase your score if you show that
you can use impersonal ways to express a view in the conclusion. ‘Impersonal’ means that you
don’t refer to ‘I’ but you use alternatives. This essay uses:
Overall, it seems advisable that
It would appear that

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 The examiner will recognize that you are giving an opinion in an academic, impersonal
way, and will be impressed by this. In Opinion type essays, try to use one of the following
phrases at least once (in order to achieve high band score), to express your view:
It seems that- Present Simple
It would seem that- Future Simple (would)
It appears that
It would appear that
It is logical to conclude that- Overall
It is sensible to conclude that- In conclusion, To conclude
Informal language= Emotional Academic language= Non-emotional

1. I will write about A. This essay will discuss

2. I Think… B. It is my belief that/it appears/ it seems that
3. Everyone is worried [B1, A2] about… C. People are concerned about the issue of/
4. … but this is wrong. [strong language] Those who are concerned [C1]
5. This is a good way to do things. Those who concern
6. Everyone knows that… D. …however, this may be incorrect. [mild
7. I don’t know the answer to this. language- intense]
8. Today, we all use machines all the time for E. This process has many advantages such as..
many things. F. It is clear that/ it undeniable/ it cannot be
denied
TODAY= THESE DAYS G. The solution is not immediately obvious.
WE ALL= MANY PEOPLE H. These days, many people depend on
USE= DEPEND ON technology for various aspects of their
ALL THE TIME= WORK AND work and social life.
SOCIAL LIFE
MANY THINGS= VARIOUS ASPECTS
MACHINE= TECHNOLOGY

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Module 4 Practice Task 2020.03.22 Sunday
Some people feel that boarding schools- ДОТУУР БАЙР (where students or pupils live at the
school during the term) are an excellent option for children, while other people disagree for a
number of reasons.
Consider both sides of this debate and reach a conclusion.

Type: Discussion
Introduction: Living in dorm has some advantages, but some parents think differently.
Main Body I (Those who oppose live in boarding school)

 Outside the control usually for parents or guardians

 Get some mental problems [home-sick]
Main Body II (Those who support living in dorm)

 Focus on lesson fully

 Less- cost [socialize]
Conclusion: I agree who support living in school while studying.
OPINION: A. PERSONAL VIEW POINT B. DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION
ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE: 1. TRAD 2. OUTWEIGH 3. OPINION