1.

DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS

USEFUL VOCABULARY FOR WRITING TASK 2
1. Vocabulary for the Introduction Part: Another point worth noting
a. Start the essay: is...
Many people believe/It is believed that… Another factor to consider is...
There is a notion that… d. Examples and evidence:
It is true that… For instance,...
Nowadays/In recent years, (situation) For example,...
b. Vocabulary for the opinion part: Particularly,.../In particular,...
Personally, … To illustrate,...
From my perspective, ... ...could be a good/ideal
In my opinion, … example here.
I agree with/advocate/support the former/latter Research has found that...
opinion… According to…
c. Introduction part (Optional) e. Vocabulary to show
The following essay takes a look at both sides of the reason & result:
argument. This is because…
Discussed below will be several explanations and … stem from/result from…
evidence to support writer’s claim. As a result...
2. Vocabulary for the body paragraphs Due to...
a. Body 1: (đoạn không chọn) ... has led to/ ... has resulted
It is true that... in...
Let us take a look at... Consequently, ...
Some people believe that... Therefore, ...
Many people think that... 3. Vocabulary for the
Many support the view that... conclusion part:
On the one hand... In conclusion.../In summary...
b. 3rd paragraph: (đoạn chọn) To conclude.../To sum up.../To
On the other hand... summarise.../
On the contrary... Taking everything into
However... consideration,…
Nevertheless.. Weighing up both sides of the
Meanwhile... argument,...
Despite above arguments, I strongly believe that…
c. To put more main ideas: In the future…
Furthermore,... In the time coming…
In addition,... In a positive prospect…
On top of that,...
Besides,.../Also,…
(1) Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful
career, while (2) others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 
Sample:
When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their
education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that it is
better to go to college or university.
 
The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. Many young people want
to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they can become independent, and they will be
able to afford their own house or start a family. In terms of their career, young people who decide to
find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to
gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to
promotions and a successful career.
 
On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies. Firstly,
academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is impossible to become a
doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. As a result, university graduates have
access to more and better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer
qualifications. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are
hundreds of applicants for one position in a company. Young people who do not have qualifications
from a university or college will not be able to compete.
 
For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in
their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.
(271 words)

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BAND 5.0 AND BAND 8.0

Topic: More students are travelling abroad for further education. Do you believe the
advantages of this experience are greater than the drawbacks associated with it?
BAND 5.0 BAND 8.0
Introduction

Since the last ten years, there are many There have been an increasing number of
 more students who travel abroad to study
to international universities. I will
investigate the advantages and
disadvantages on this pattern in this essay.
students travelling internationally for
further education in recent years. Whereas
some people argue that studying abroad
is a very positive experience, others
suggest that there are several problems
associated for it. I believe that the
advantages of a study-abroad experience
outweigh the drawbacks.

Main idea

First of all, studying abroad is exciting and
you can meet a lot of persons from other
countries. You can find opportunities to
study new subjects you are not finding at
your home town university. Yet, you can be
feeling lonely and feeling homesickness
from time to time. As example, I have had
this experience when I visited The United
Kingdom for my study experience three
years ago.
First of all, a study-abroad trip offers the
opportunity to experience education in a
new culture. For example, the Erasmus
program allows Spanish students to
attend university in The United Kingdom.
These students can develop English
language skills of the country they are
visiting. Furthermore, they can learn in a
system that is different to that of their
home country. This is a truly invaluable
experience for any person wishing to
enrich their education.

(1) Some people think that childcare centers provide the best services for children
of preschool age. (2) Other working parents think that family members such as
grandparents will be better carers for their kids. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.

In the modern world, families with both working parents are becoming a norm, so the
responsibility of child-rearing often falls on the shoulders of grandparents or day care
services. Many people think the facilities and the professionally trained personnel that
childcare centers offer are the best option, while others and I prefer the nurturing nature and
cheaper price that grandparents require to look after the children.
(ĐOẠN KHÔNG CHỌN) (1) On the one hand, childcare services are professional in taking care
of children and can provide them with a suitable environment for their development. 
(1-a) These centers are usually equipped with facilities such as playgrounds, labs and
gardens (example) that allow their young clients to learn about the natural world as well
as engage in a range of physical and intellectual activities (explanation). The exposure to
principal knowledge and activities could help the children to develop their characters and
physical well-being thereby helping them prepare for the world (consequence). 
 (1-b) While they partake in said activities, their essential needs are taken care of by
professional caregivers who are experts in child psychology and various pedagogical
methods. 
By and large, the facilities and services provided by such centers are often thought to be
better compared to amenities at home.

 Main idea: 1 sentence 

 Supporting ideas: 1-3 sentences 

 Examples-Reasons-Consequences-Comparison-Evidence-If-not -(Refutation) 

(ĐOẠN CHỌN) On the other hand, I would argue that it is better to let a child be taken care
of by their grandparents. 
(2-a) The key objective of child-rearing is to assure the children of a place of total safety to
grow and learn. Grandparents could usually provide undivided attention for their
grandchildren. Besides accommodating the essential needs, grandparents could also watch
out for potentially dangerous situations in which the children may injure themselves. In
contrast, the sheer numbers of children at a childcare center makes it difficult for the
caregivers to monitor every child at any given time (comparison). 
(2-b) In addition, this choice is often more cost-effective as parents can avoid incurring
extra fees often required by the centers (explanation), which can be suitable for households
with a restricted budget. 
Therefore, while lacking certain facilities and services, staying with one’s grandparents is the
better option.
In conclusion, childcare centers are best at providing facilities and services that, in theory,
would allow the children to develop to their full potentials whereas they cannot match the
safety at home or the individual care grandparents could accommodate. For these reasons,
I think that grandparents are better caretakers for preschool-children. 
Simplified version:
In the modern world, it is common that both parents work, so they must rely on grandparents
or day care services to look after their children. Many people think that childcare centers are
the best option, while others prefer grandparents. I assert that the latter is the better choice. 

On the one hand, childcare services are professional and they can provide children with a
suitable environment for their development. These centers usually have facilities such as
playgrounds, labs and gardens that allow children to learn about the natural world as well as
take part in a range of physical and mental activities. These activities could help them to
develop their personality and health to be prepared for the world. Moreover, they are taken
care of by professional caregivers, who are trained in child psychology and many teaching
methods. By and large, the facilities and services which are provided by such centers are often
thought to be better compared to amenities at home. 
 On the other hand, I would argue that it is better to let a child be taken care of by their
grandparents. The most important goal is to make sure the children have a safe place to grow
and learn. Grandparents usually provide attention for their grandchildren only, so besides
meeting basic needs, they could also watch out for dangerous situations in which the children
may hurt themselves. In contrast, the large numbers of children at a childcare center makes it
difficult for the caregivers to monitor every child at any given time. In addition, this choice is
often cheaper as parents do not have to pay extra fees, so it can be suitable for poor families. 
Therefore, staying with one’s grandparents is the better option even though there are not
enough facilities and services. 
In conclusion, childcare centers are best at providing facilities and services, whereas they
cannot match the safety at home or the individual care grandparents could give their
grandchildren. For these reasons, I think that grandparents are better caretakers for preschool-
children. 

1. Some people spend a lot of money for their wedding ceremonies. However, others feel
like (2) it is unnecessary to spend a lot. Discuss both viewpoints and give your own
opinion.

Nuptials = wedding

(1) Spend much money (2) Not necessary

to have a memorable waste money

moment
(supporting) Instead of spending in the
wedding ceremony, the money can be
saved for marriage life, especially after
having kids

wedding is the most

important event in life so
people should prepare it
carefully

raising their wealth status these money may be used for a future
for the public and other important plans instead using
for a moment

weddings have contribution they can spend money on sth else such
in generating employment as their honeymoon, their children

Tradition only the important and close people

should be invited, no need to set up a
luxurious ceremony
 - Creating pressure

- Food waste

Another reason not to organize a lavish wedding is the great pressure that
couples would have to encounter. Expensive ceremonies often require
meticulous supervision, such as whether the event follows the agenda,
whether all the guests are comfortable, or whether the venue is decorated as
planned... As the wedding owners, the bride and the groom may have much
more things to worry about other than just enjoying their happy moments.
With many people, weddings remind them of chaos and stress rather than joy
or happiness.

2.ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

3.AGREE OR DISAGREE

Introduction: 2 – 3 sentences
 Background statement: 1 sentence – Rephrase the topic => Situation
 Thesis statement: 1 sentence – Writer’s opinion 
(Outline statement: 1 optional sentence)
a. Background statement: 
 D2V: People have differing views about whether + clause
 D2V: Views often differ on whether + clause
 D2V: Whether + clause + has been debated for years
 A&D: (Topic) has gradually/rapidly become a trend among societies in recent years.
 A&D: Over the past few years/Since the 2010s, many people have increasingly Pii (topic)
 A/D: Many people believe that + clause
 A/D: It is believed that…
 P&S: In recent years, (topic) has been a detrimental phenomenon in many countries/over the
world.
 P&S: Over the last X years, we have clearly seen the negative impacts to the
environment/education… caused by (topic).
b. Thesis statement:
 Personally,…
 According to me...
 From my perspective.../From my point of view...
 I agree with/advocate/support the latter opinion…
 It is true that…
 Undoubtedly/Undeniably,…
 Conclusion: 1 – 2 sentences
 Re-affirm writer’s thesis statement
 Prediction/expectation
a. Re-affirming: 
 In conclusion.../In summary...
 To conclude.../To sum up.../To summarise.../
 To draw the conclusion...
 All in all.../On the whole.../By and large...
 Taking everything into consideration,…
 Weighing up both sides of the argument,...
b. Prediction: 
 In the future, …
 In the time coming, …
 In the positive prospect, …

2. Advantages and Disadvantages:

OUTLINE: Listing

 Introduction
 Background statement
 Many pros and cons
 Outline statement (optional)
 Advantages
 Many advantages
 Advantage 1
 Explain/Expand
 Advantage 2
 Explain/Expand
 Disadvantages
 Many disadvantages
 Disadvantage 1
 Explain/Expand
 Disadvantage 2
 Explain/Expand
 Conclusion
 Many pros and cons
 Prediction

OUTLINE: Outweighing 
 Introduction
 Background statement
 Many pros and cons
 Outline statement (optional)
 Disadvantages
  Many disadvantages
 Disadvantage 1
 Explain/Expand
 Disadvantage 2
 Explain/Expand
 Advantages
 More advantages
 Advantage 1
 Explain/Expand
 Advantage 2
 Explain/Expand
 Conclusion
 More advantages than disadvantages
 Prediction

 Pros and cons

 ADVATANGES: benefit, merit, upside (singular)
Advantageous, beneficial, positive + factor, feature, aspect
 DISADVANTAGES: drawback, harm, detriment, damage, downside (singular)
Detrimental, harmful, negative + factor, feature, aspect
Sample 1: More and more people today are moving away from where their friends and
family live.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Some feel the growing tendency for individuals to move away from where their friends
and family live is a decidedly negative phenomenon. In my opinion, the perceived
downsides related to social disintegration are overstated and do not supersede the
benefits for individuals.

On the one hand, living apart from friends and family weakens social bonds. An

individual living together with their family or a close group of friends will naturally spend
time with them talking, preparing meals, doing housework, and generally being together.
Strong bonds develop and the inverse is true as time apart typically leads to more tenuous
emotional connections. For instance, a person who moves to a new country after university
is likely to make new friends and may stay in touch with former connections as
a formality. Over time, this person might feel lonely and struggle to maintain long-term
relationships.

On the other hand, moving is often a catalyst for individual growth. Someone who moves
to a new country for work or study is likely to encounter people from different
backgrounds with a greater number of viewpoints and experiences than their former
friends and family. Interacting with new people can lead to a broader
range of interests and a keener understanding of other cultures. Moreover, many
individuals leave their hometowns in order to escape toxic situations. Families can
be controlling and limiting, either intentionally or unintentionally, and moving to a
new location allows a person to choose their friends, break old patterns of behavior,
and achieve better mental health.
In conclusion, despite the threat of weakened familial and friendship bonds, there
are significant benefits for the individual that make this trend positive. A balance is needed
but this change is not inherently objectionable.
Sample 2: Today, many people use the internet and smartphones to transfer money to
friends, family, and businesses. Is this a positive or negative development?

An increasing number of individuals today take advantage of online

applications to transfer money to friends, family, and various businesses. In my opinion,
this is a largely positive development though there is greater potential for
fraud, particularly among less internet-savvy segments of the population.
Those who oppose sending money online point out the potential dangers. When
transferring money online, there is a chance that one’s password could be exposed to
hackers, the transaction may be fraudulent, or the senders themselves might make a
mistake in how much money is transferred. Most younger people are able
to avoid these complications but older users are particularly vulnerable to fraud. For
instance, every year thousands of retired citizens fall victim to identity theft after opening
phishing emails and naively clicking on the links inside. Many of these individuals
are unable to recover their money afterwards as cybercrime is a complex, international
problem.
However, online transfers are tremendously convenient for the vast majority. In the
past, a person who wanted to make a transfer to a family member, friend, or business would
have to make a trip to the bank, wait in line, and fill in various forms. Not only do online
transfers save time but they also allow for greater flexibility. Users can transfer sums to
multiple parties, monitor their transactions, cancel them or ask for refunds, and keep
their own records with ease. All these features would previously require additional
trips and phone calls with a physical bank. In the aggregate, the time saved is a
significant factor for individuals and business and the main reason online banking has
become the de facto norm in recent years.
In conclusion, individuals must be mindful of potential fraud; however, transferring money
online is a clearly beneficial technological advancement. There is little doubt that it will
only become more pervasive in the future.
3. Agree or Disagree:

OUTLINE: 100% AGREE

Sample 1: Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a
waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people argue that it is pointless to spend money on the protection of wild animals
because we humans have no need for them. I completely disagree with this point of view.

In my opinion, it is absurd to argue that wild animals have no place in the 21st century. I
do not believe that planet Earth exists only for the benefit of humans, and there is nothing
special about this particular century that means that we suddenly have the right to allow
or encourage the extinction of any species. Furthermore, there is no compelling reason
why we should let animals die out. We do not need to exploit or destroy every last square
metre of land in order to feed or accommodate the world’s population. There is plenty of
room for us to exist side by side with wild animals, and this should be our aim.

I also disagree with the idea that protecting animals is a waste of resources. It is usually
the protection of natural habitats that ensures the survival of wild animals, and most
scientists agree that these habitats are also crucial for human survival. For example,
rainforests produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and stabilise the Earth’s climate. If we
destroyed these areas, the costs of managing the resulting changes to our planet would far
outweigh the costs of conservation. By protecting wild animals and their habitats, we
maintain the natural balance of all life on Earth.

In conclusion, we have no right to decide whether or not wild animals should exist, and I
believe that we should do everything we can to protect them.

REFUTATION IN WRITING TASK 2

Sample 2: Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and
historical attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local
residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.

The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or
historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means
that the resident population already pays money to these sites through the tax system.
However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the
economy of the host country with the money they spend on a wide range of goods and
services, including food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and
inhabitants of every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and
encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.

If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural
attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on
holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely
on visitors coming to the country to see places like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul’s
Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price regardless of nationality, and this helps
to promote the nation’s cultural heritage. If overseas tourists stopped coming due to
higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these
important buildings.
In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas,
and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.
Sample 3: Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later, and it is
often argued that these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the dangers of
committing a crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is true that ex-prisoners can become normal, productive members of society. I
completely agree with the idea that allowing such people to speak to teenagers about
their experience is the best way to discourage them from breaking the law.

In my opinion, teenagers are more likely to accept advice from someone who can speak
from experience. Reformed offenders can tell young people about how they became
involved in crime, the dangers of a criminal lifestyle, and what life in prison is really
like. They can also dispel any ideas that teenagers may have about criminals leading
glamorous lives. While adolescents are often indifferent to the guidance given by older
people, I imagine that most of them would be extremely keen to hear the stories of an ex-
offender. The vivid and perhaps shocking nature of these stories is likely to have a
deterrent impact.

The alternatives to using reformed criminals to educate teenagers about crime would be
much less effective. One option would be for police officers to visit schools and talk to
young people. This could be useful in terms of informing teens about what happens to
lawbreakers when they are caught, but young people are often reluctant to take advice
from figures of authority. A second option would be for school teachers to speak to their
students about crime, but I doubt that students would see teachers as credible sources of
information about this topic. Finally, educational films might be informative, but there
would be no opportunity for young people to interact and ask questions.

In conclusion, I fully support the view that people who have turned their lives around
after serving a prison sentence could help to deter teenagers from committing crimes.

4.PROBLEMS/CAUSES & SOLUTIONS

Topic 1: Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century,
and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates. What problems are associated
with this and what are some possible solutions.
Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century, and ocean
levels are increasing dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problems
caused by this phenomenon are the loss of land and the flooding of homes and then argue
that pollution reduction and building flood protection are the most viable solutions.
The foremost problems caused by climbing sea levels are that land is being lost and
peoples’ residences are often flooded. As water levels rise, low-lying land is submerged
and many countries become smaller. Furthermore, millions of people all over the world
live in coastal areas, and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they are inundated with water
and lose their property. According to The New York Times’ projection, by 2050, if the
sea level continues to rise at this rate, around 150 million people in the world will be
seriously affected.
Possible solutions to these problems would be to reduce the amount of pollution being
created and to build flood barriers. If each person reduces their carbon footprint, the
negative effects on the environment will be reduced and this will mean that the water
level will stop rising. Furthermore, flood defences, such as dikes, dams, and floodgates,
could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching
populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also
one of the most vulnerable to flooding and they have successfully employed various
flood defence systems.
To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one
of the foremost challenges we face and it will ultimately lead to some countries losing
landmass and many of the worlds’ cities being left underwater, but possible solutions
could be to protect our environment and to utilise the flood prevention techniques already
used by countries like Holland.

Topic 2: Many students find it difficult to focus or pay attention at school nowadays.
What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?
Recently, it is has become notoriously difficult for students to focus on their lessons. This
is a partly natural phenomenon that has been exacerbated by technology and the solutions
lie in strict restriction and supervision.
The causes of a lack of concentration at school are both the pervasiveness of technology
and human nature. Firstly, people have always struggled to focus. Very few students
enjoy concentrating on tedious lessons and completing endless assignments at school.
However, this has become worse as corporations exploit fundamental human
characteristics. Research has shown that the number of hours one spends on a laptop,
smartphone, or tablet has a direct correlation with a shorter attention span. The reason for
this is that technology supplies passive, immediate gratification. Therefore, students
cannot focus because of a combination of human susceptibility and predatory consumer
electronics companies.
The most feasible solutions are for parents and schools to monitor students strictly. This
begins with parents. They must either approve or purchase a child their first smartphone
or tablet and manage their early interactions with technology. Many parents consciously
gift young children these devices to help them learn how to use technology and aid their
cognitive development. By waiting until later in life to approve a smartphone or limiting
daily screen time, this issue can be greatly mitigated from the onset. Schools also have a
role to play as they must enforce strict rules banning the use of smartphones at school.
For example, in many Asian countries, students’ phones are confiscated if they are found
using them during, or even between, classes.
In conclusion, a lack of focus at school is driven by human nature and modern
technology, and parents and schools must work together to curb the worst excesses.
Government regulation would also help but should not be expected.
 2-PART QUESTIONS:
CAUSES & EVALUATION

Many adults nowadays prefer spending their free time playing computer games.
Why do they do this?
Is this a positive or negative development?

A large proportion of adults now enjoy playing computer games during their free time.
This is a result of developments in mobile technology and in my opinion, the trend is
decidedly negative since computer games encourage passivity.

The primary cause of increased interest in games is their availability. In the past,
computer games could only be played on desktop computers at home. Now, it is possible
to play the same essential games on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This means that
individuals are more likely to become addicted over time as research has shown the
strength of intermittent rewards in forming addictive habits. For example, the average
worker can play games on their phone while on the commute to work, during work on a
desktop or laptop, and throughout the day whenever they have a break. This creates a
powerful feedback loop in the same way as other drugs.

In my opinion, the entertainment value of such games pales in comparison to their impact
on sedentary lifestyles. Before computer games became pervasive habits, individuals
were more likely to spend time talking with friends, reading books, participating in
physical activities, and being generally more productive. All these habits were better for
mental and physical health. Computer games, on the other hand, require a minimal level
of mental activity and feed users small bursts of dopamine that keep them occupied and
entertained for hours. The cumulative effect, particularly when coupled with other
passive activities such as using social media and watching streaming sites, is a generation
of less active and creative individuals.

In conclusion, adults play computer games more often these days because of the
availability of mobile technology and this is harmful as it fosters passivity. It is therefore
important for adults to set limits for themselves.
OUTLINE: 
1. Introduction
 Background statement; Situation
 Reasons + Positive [or] negative
2. Causes
 Cause 1
 Expansion
 Cause 2
 Expansion
3a. Evaluation: Positive
  Benefits/Good result
 Expansion
[or]
3b. Evaluation: Negative
 Drawbacks/Bad result
 Expansion
4. Conclusion
 Recap
 Prediction

PROBLEMS: issue, trouble, negative effect, Consequence, harmful/detrimental results

CAUSE: REASON, origin, root; explanation
Factor, element, aspect, source
SOLUTIONS: measure, methods, steps, answer 🡺 Tackle, handle, solve; mitigate,
alleviate, improve (situation, consequences…)
 Government: ENACT a new law; impose/LEVY higher tax on sth; ban/fine;
subsidize, sponsor…
 Companies, schools, universities: educate, create movements, supervise, orient…
 Individuals: raise awareness; boycott; collective actions…