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    11 views8 pages

    Writing Guide Advanced

    Uploaded by

    Crissie Torre
    guide

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 8
    Writing reference What to expect in the exam Part 2 ‘The Writing paperis Paper 2.Itlasts 1 hour 30 minutes. You do two tasks, + In Part 1, there is one task which you must do: an essay. + In Part, you choose one of three tasks Part 1 You are asked to write an essay on a given subject or proposition, together with input text inthe form of notes made during some form of discussion on the subject. These nates consist of three general topic areas and some quoted opinions from the discussion. In your essay you ‘must cover two of the the topic areas. You can make use of the opinions if you wish, but you don't have to do so. Lengths 220-260 words Time: approximately 45 minutes This part tests your ability 0 «© develop an argument on 2 particular topic ‘express your apinions clearly and support your dese with reasons and examples ‘+ write ina style that is appropriately formal for an academic essay ‘organise your answerin a logical way write accurate English, How to do Part 1 11 Read carefully through the instructions and the ‘accompanying input text that you ae given, (2 minutes) 2 Find and underline the points which explain the subject ‘and context ofthe essay and the key points that you must write about. (2 minutes) 3 Decice which two ofthe thr focus on and whether you want to refer to any ofthe ‘opinions. (2 minutes) 4 Make briaf notes on what you will putin your answer |” andorgonise yournates into plan. When vrting your plan, decide how many paragraphs you need and what youwill sayin each one. Ifyou are planning to use any ‘of the opinions givan in the task, think about how you ‘can express them in your own words, (5-7 minutes) 5 Write our ansiwor, following your plan. 25-30 minutos) {6 When youhave frished, check your answer for mistakes. (6 minutes) siven topic areas you wil In Part 2 you must choose one writing task from a choice ‘of thee, The tasks you can choose from willbe three of these: an email, letter, a proposal, a report, a review. For each ofthese tasks, the instructions are much shorter than in Part 1 (a maximum of 80 words). They tell you who your text isto be written for, what is purpose is and what areas it should cover. You answer the task with your own ideas Length: 220-260 worde Time: approximately 45 minutes ‘This part tests your ability to * organise and structure your writing + use an appropriate range of vocabulary and ‘grammatical stuctures| Use an appropiate style + compara, make suggestions and recommendations, ‘express opinions, justify your point of view, persuade, ‘tc, dopending on the task How to do Part 2 1 Read the questions and choose the task you thinks ‘easiest for you. (1-2 minutes) 2 Re-rand the tak you have chosen and undedine ‘+ the points you must deal with 1 vino wil ead what you write ‘anything else you thinks important. (2 minutes) 3 Decide what styles appropriate. 4 Think of ideas you can use to deal with the question and write a plan, When writing it, decide how many pperagraphs you m (minutos) 5 Think of useful vocabulary you can include in your 1d and what to say in each one answer and noteit down in your plan (2-3 mints) 6 Wite your answer folloning your plan. 25-80 mites) 9 Wihen youve inhed,checkyoutanwer for mistakes Grn) Preparing for the Writing paper ‘When you do a writing tsk as homework or exam preparation follow these procedures, Set aside the time you need Inthe exam you il have about 4 minutes todo each task. [Atha beginning of your couse, spend longer doing the tes and working on the witing skis needed to produce a good answer. Nearer the exam, practise answering the Question within the time allowed Before writing 1. Brainstorm your ideas, make notes and write a plan. Your plan should have a clear structure, divided into paragraphs or sections. 2 Study the model answers inthe units and inthis Writing reference. Pay attention to the structure and layout ofthe answers, underline language you can use and read the suggestions and advice accompanying the answers. 3 Compare your plan withthe model your plan is different, do you have good reasons for answering the question ina diferent way? 4 Use the resouress at your disposal + Try to use some of the words/phrases you have underined inthe unt, copied into your notebook 1 from your photocopiable word ist, Take the ‘opportunity to use new language in your answers if you use it correctly, then youve leant something and ‘made progress you make 2 mistake, your teacher wil give you feedback so that you can use it corecty next Use & good learner's dictionary to check spelling, meanings and usage. recently Ths will reinforce your learning, 5 Inyour plan, include vocabulary and grarnmatical structures you want to use. 6 Road and incorporate your teacher's advice and suggestions on other pieces of writing you've done. When writing 1 Foliow your plan so that when you wrt, you concentrate €n producing language to express ideas you've akeady generate. ‘Avoid repeating the same words too often —use ‘synonyms where possible (a good learners cictionary wll help you find some ofthese. Ifyou need to corect someting, cross out the mistake and continue writing ~ you won'tlose marks as long 35 your corrections are clear Inthe exam you wont have time to copy out your answer again Try to include grammatical structures you have studied After writing 1 Check what you've written: ask yourself, Have | expressed. mmyslf leach? 2 Chock for mistake, partcualy mistakes you've made in previous writing tasks, and correct them (se belon). ‘When your teacher hands back your written work 1 Go through it carefully, checking your mistakes and your teachers suggestions. 2 Keep a section of yout notebook or computer le for noting you mistakes and the corections. Asan example, Took at this extract from a student's work and the table in her computer file where she notes her mistakes. ete THEI of ou opting spec beceuse curator the first bad impression made on our quests couldn't come was the first bad impression our guests had I think it would be a good idea during our next activity inte day to st Colin rig, the famous footaler, This would please the kids and many oftheir parents as well Mistake [Detail (Correction canceling | Should use the noun | cancellation i hen text, not verb ing the fisibad |The colocation [ihe fetbad impression ou |is make a bad impcession made [questshad | impressiononsb’ Jon our guests host "Host (verb) means | invite ‘talntreduce guests orpertormers.on a radio or television programma’ [eT resis informat—_[entaren —= <= 3 Update your list after every writing task. When a mistake disappears from your writing, remove from the list. "When you do the Wrting paper inthe exam ital, check forthe mistakes you know ars or ware on your list in the ‘exam youre mor likly to repeat mistakes you've made bore than make new ones Essays An essay isa piece of academic writing, produced fora teacher or lecturer, in which you have to discuss isgues connected with a topic. You may previously have discussed this topic in class, You should express your ‘opinions on the topic and the reasons for them, You studied how to write essays in Units 1,3, 9 and 14 Exercise 1 Look at this writing task. Underline what you consider to be the main points and then answer the questions below. You have watched a television discussion about methods governments could adopt to encourage people to take more exercise. You have made the notes below. ‘Youhave watched a television decussion about methods governments could adopt to encourage peopeto ake more veri You have made the notes belo How can governments encourage people to ‘ake more exercise? + better eduction freefaciities = ‘Some opinions expressed inthe discussion: “People already know the benefits of exercise butdon'tdo enough aboutit” “Many forms of exercise are free’ “Employers would benefit fram a healthier workforce” Wirite an essay discussing two ofthe methods in your notes You should explain which method you think is more important for governments to consider and provide reasons insuppor of your opinion ‘You may, fyou wis, make use ofthe opinions expressed in ‘the discussion, but yu should use your own words a ar as possible 1 Do you agree, on the whol, that governments have a role to play in encouraging people to take more exorcise? If you do, shat your main reason? If not, why not? 2. How could education ba used to achieve this aim? ‘+ Who should be targeted by an education programme? Childeen? Adults? ‘+ Where should this education take place? In school? On TV? Online? ‘3 What kinds of facilities could be made free? 4 How do you think employers and employe tothe idea of 'xerciza me at work’? 5 Do you agree or disagres with any of the three opinions | ‘oxprossed? would react Exercise 2 Which two ofthese three plans are appropriate forthe essay ‘task in Exercise 1? What are the problems withthe other plan? Plan Para 1. Introduction: the importance of taking exercise = otherwise, heart problems, obesity People of all ages need faclities that are freely available Para 2 Para 3_ Idea of introducing exercise classes in schools, = problems, why it won't work Conclusion: providing free facilities is the best thing governments can do Para 4 thing goverriments cin do lan 2 Para 1 Introduction: the general consensus on ‘exercise and the idea ofa government role to play Para 2 Wow schools can do more to help solve the problem more PEand spar Para 3.The part parents might playin supporting these initiatives Para 4 Benefits of more free facilities, e.g. swimming pools, bike paths Para 5. Conclusion: why education is more Important lan 3 Para | Introduction: the exercise did as a child and how it has benefited me Para 2 Teaching young people about exercise: Inadequacies in the current education system Para 3 Advantages of having free exercise facilites, Para 4 Exercise time at work - impractical: loss of productivity Para 5. Conclusion: need for better education and free facilities Exercise 3 Read the sample ansver below. 1 Which method in the notes does the writer not address? 2 Which of the wa mathodt described does the writer generally agree vith? 3 Why doesnt the miter agree with the other method? 44 What reasons does the wit give for aisagrening with ‘one ofthe methoos? 5 Doos the writer include any ofthe opinions included in ‘the tsk desertion? Iso, whieh? {tis generally accepted that people today take insufficient exercise, This, combined with @ oor die, can lead till ealth and a poor ‘ualty of lif, In view of this, ithas been sugested that governments should act to encourage more exercise. | shall consider two of the proposed methods. irre shor frst paragranh Ineoducing the pic and your ale on Probably the most important action fovernments could take would be to introduce ofthe ther methods iated Inhernotee in| the om 2% addition to publicising the benefits of exercise, this would make exercise a compulsory part of the school curriculum and get young people used to following an exercise regime. In my view, however, fr this to be truly successful, there should be a coresponding programme aimed at adults, If parents took pat in an exercise programme put on by the schoo, they ‘would be supporting what their children were being taught an education programme into all schools. In [ee] on your opinion on this ‘thas been suggested that if exercise facilities were free, there would be an increased pubic take-up. In theory, this seems an excellent way of encouraging adults to exercise, but Discus anther ofthe methods, {gain ging Inala Gant his ed onthe foeecenae, whereas in fact walking and cycling, two very effective ways of keeping fit are free and can be fitted corweniently into most people's daly routine. Therefore, in my opinion, providing exparsive entra faites fs unnecessary and [Write would be a misuse of public mone concluding ‘ c ersgreph In view ofthe above arguments, | believe surmmersing fs your opinions governments should introduce education programmes aimed at people ofall ages because this is the most cost-effective means of achieving the desied goal, {Give earons for ‘When you write an essay you need to make sure that ‘the argument you are making is claarto the reader This means that paragraphs shoul follow on clearly from each ather and that sentences within paragraph should be linkedin a logical, e88)-to-fllow sequence Below are soma ofthe ways you can help the reader ta fellow your thinking. Examples are from the sample essay Sentences which guide the reader Include sentences or phrases that act as signposts to guide the reader through your assay. These often ‘come st the beginning of paragraph | shall consider two ofthe proposed methods. Probably the most important action would be Ithas bean suggested that. In view ofthe above arguments, believe Linking words and phrases {In addition to publicising tho benefits of regular ‘exercise, this would This seems excellent, but in practice |am doubtful Itis based on the assumption that exercise costs ‘money, whereas in fact walking and cycling are fee. Therefore in my opinion, providing expensive facilities Js unnecessary ‘Governments should introduce education programmes because Pronouns and other reference words to avoid repetition This, combined with 2 poor diet Ja my view, for this tobe truly successful If parents took part they would be supporting what their children were being taught. Its based on the assumption that In view of the above arguments, Lexical links Lexical inks include synonyms, near synonyms and words from the same root. governments should act the mast impartant action ‘governments could take beneits of regular exercise - used to following an exercise regime ‘get young people used to following = what their children were being taught 2 programme aimed at adults ~ f parents took part Exercise 4 Rewrite the second sentence using reference words or syranymsto ved epeting the words in bod 1 When you engage in physical exercise, you burn calories, “The move intense the physical exercise, the mors ealories you burn 2 Do you nsedto relax ater a stressful day at work? You ‘can relax after a stressful day at work by taking regular 3 Exercise can be fun, Exercise gives you a chance to unwind, by engaging in actvities that you find fun. 4 Find an activity you enjoy, and just doit. the activity bores you, try something new, 5 Vigorous aerobic activity means you're breathing hard and fast. f you'r breathing hard and fast, you won't be able to speak more than a few words. Exercise 5 Find sets of three words or phrases from the box which have similar meanings. Example: sim goal - objective sccompiah chieve ative an attain encourage ‘endurance energetic gost inadequate inspire insfcient mtiate objective scarce. starina ee eet Exercise 6 Consider how you could organise these ideas for a ‘paragraph about exercise time at work forthe essay task in Exercise 1, Think about the ordering and linking of ideas and ways of avoiding repetition, + Lam notin fayour cf the idea of the governments requiting employers to provide exercse time at work Consider how you could organise these ideas fora paragraph about exercise time at work for the essay task Other useful language Introducing your opinions (Personaly,) Ibeleve/think/fee that. From my point of view Inmmy view / opinion Joule argue that {As for a8 |am concerned, Interestingly, Arguably, Introducing other people's opinions Itis often 2 good ides to show the reader how your own ideas contrast withthe opinions of other people (0.9. ‘Some people say the Interet has ruined our ves, but in ‘my opinion, the Internet has vansformed the word for the better) Some people suggest/believe/laim that Itis often/sometimes said/argued/suggested that Itcan be argued that According to many/some people Ithas been suggested that Pointing out that something is obvious When you need to express an obvious point as part of an argument, itis often useful to show that you are aware that youre not saying anything unusual obviously cleary undoubtedly of course Without a doubt, Needless t say, It goes without saying that in Exercige 1, Think about the ordering and linking of ideas and nays of avoiding repetition ‘© Lam notin favour of the idea of the governments, requiring employers to provide exerese time at work, ‘+ Employees would probably benefit from having exercise ume at werk. '* Employers cannot be forced to provide time for exercise, + Some people say thet the government should require employers to provide exercise time at work ‘+ The idea sounds attractive. ‘© Workers must take resconsibilty for their own health and fitness, * The idea is impossible to implement. Reviews ‘A review wll require some descristion followed by a recommendation Ina roviow, usualy for an intemational ‘magazine or newspaper, you are expected to express your opinion about something which readers may be thinking of seeing, doing oF bwying, 0. a fi, 3 concort ot an exhibition, You can assume that the readers are people with similar intoreste to yours. You usually ave to make 2 recommendation about the thing you are reviewing. Sometimes you willbe asked to ‘write about two things ofthe same type and to express your preference for one or them. You studied howto write @ review in Unite and tl Exercise 1 Read the wring task bolow. 11 What things should you des with in your 2 Who wil ead it and what style would be suitable? ‘You see the announcement below in an International magazine. Where to buy clothes Our readers are interested in Clothes shops to visit when on holiday or travelling. We invite you ‘to write a review for vistors to ‘your town comparing two clothes “shops. Please describe what sort of Clothes they sell, comment on the quality of the service, the value for money and how fashionable they are, and give recommendations, white your review. Exercise 2 Read the sample answer below. 1 Does the writar cover all the points mentioned in tho writing task? 2 How does the witer start the review? 3 What adjectives does the witer use to describe * the clothes? the staf? 4 Doeghe witer use a formal r an informal sy? 5 Sv younete both out SRA he wits ecommencations in yous own words Shopping in Linz Buying clothes might not be the fs thing you think af when visting Lira, But there ae some attractive boutiques inthe ald town and you can come away looking fashionable and stylish. Here ae my favourtes Make your teview sound SStherteas Porssle ocdrose ‘hevesder ove an Intiosucton and Melanie's Melanie's sells clothes for wemen and while itis 2 sal sop, is aide an of sys. ow tant ook realy fashionable, i's catanly wth a || Tink about the visit. The shop has @ selection of formal and casual | derais the rsader Clothes trom some ofthe world’s top designers, so [| ndincu en. they te not cheap. However, you can cecasonaly pickup a bargain. The staff are attentive an they hep you to combine elothes and accesories so tat | [Younes youl eave the shop ooking like 2 milion dallas, —F-|-tyehumou ‘even though it may cost you a fortune! (ders nteest. The Parallel It you dont fel tke spending so much, The Parallel isa gocd alterative. This shop belongs to some local designers and sells ther unique range of clothes for women at competitive prices. The Clothes fen tobe in estinetve Bright colours, but the quality is generally good, so the shop represents ‘value for money. You'll have to lok ater yoursel as, apart from the security guata, te only staff you'll find are onthe cash desk. While they'e polite and frianly, they don't ave time to give much help, My recommendations To sum up, for something really special, go to Melanie's, but be careful or your ereit card will, suffer. For bright clothes at reasonable price, The Paral isa beter bet. Youcanuses You can divide thereven nto ‘Summarising To summarise,... Allinall.. Tesumup,..._ Insummary, Proposals and reports In both proporals and reports, you are expected to wnite in clatly organized sections and include factual information leading toa suggastion, recommendation cor cancluson, Proposals When you write a propasal you are tying to persuade readers to folaw a course ot action. Your reader may be someane in superior postion ta you, in which case youwill need quite a formal style; oryou tay be writing for ealleagues or fll members of lub, in which case the style willbe a ite lege formal - you can Sasa your eaaRTE Rare BeTRSAT, ‘sing contracted verb forms In both cases the format should be the same. You have to make 2 persuasive case for action(s) thet should be taken, based on factual information. You studied how to write a proposal in Units, Band 12 Exercise 1 Reed the weting task below. 11 Undertine the things you must deal within your answer. 2 Who is going to read the proposal? What ‘would ne a suitable style? You are a member ofthe Students’ Council atthe college where you study. The principal ofthe college wants to ‘make it easier for frst yoar students from other counties to ft into callege life and has invited you to sendin a ‘proposal with practical suggestions. You have been asked specifically to consider improving the range of socal activities ‘on offer and appointing student advisers tohelp new students, ‘Write your proposal Exercise 2 Read the sample answer 1 Has the writer dealt with al ports of the tsk? 2 Find examples af where the writer has aves repeating vocabulary from the exam task by rephrasing or using synonyms (eg, make it easier facilitating) Way is this a goad approach? 3 Underine phrases used to introduce suggestions and ecommendations, ‘2g. would suggest. Proposal for integrating new students {rom other countries ‘Where possible, rane using your ‘oun vacabulty, pol the words Ueedin the exam {ek Planning| Before you wite shel th th Introaueti ‘The purpose of this propose! is to suggest ways of {aciltating overseas students integration into this college o ‘There are two difficulties which newly artved students have. Firstly, they ae unfamiliar withthe academic system in our county. Secondly. they often find it Gifficut to integrate an a social level with other students and the general population here. ‘Social activities ugg by recent figures it is clear that socal activities ‘organised ty the college are not wel attended. It has been noted that very Tew new students from other z= countries atend, especially in thei fst year. This may | of propos ie. be partly due to poor public, but, more seriously, it || athe, sectors may be because there are is nt a wie enough variety | [headings on of actvties attractive to foreign students. I would re ——_ recommen asking new students themselves for their ‘gees on the kinds of social activities they would enioy and | suggest we should invite these students to take pat in organising new activites ‘Student advisers It would also be a good idea, in my opinion to instigate ‘new advisory system. Thi, more than anything, would overcome students’ problems with both the ‘academic system and social aspects oftheir ite at the college. A more experienced adviser or mentor would be responsibie fr helping new students from other countries to understand our system by giving them guidance and advice, while also introducing them to other students and helping them to make frends. Conclusion | suggest that we ask fr volunteers to help with all the areas mentioned above Bont spend longtime counting words, but hoop wishin the word im you wit too tle you ae probably messing Enporane pains you wre too uch, you tsk Being relevant Reports When you write a report your reader may be, for example, your manager at work or ‘teacher, in which case you will need a more formal style; or you may be writing for your colleagues or members of your club, in which case the style willbe a litle ess formal - you can address them more personally, perhaps: using contractions. In both cases the format should be the same, You will have to give some actual information and you are often asked to ‘make suggestions or recommendations. You ‘must organise your report carefully and one ‘way of doing this isto divide it into sections with headings. You studied how to write reports in Units 24 and 10, Exercise 1 1 Read the task below. Underline the parts that tell you what points: report and who wil 2 How formal should this report be? 3 When you write about what you lke and ike, do you thing you shoul rafer mainly to ‘educational matters, to personal experiences, orto beth? ‘You have been studying in an English ‘speaking country for some time as part of ‘an educational exchange. The director of the exchange programme is interested in improving the experience for future students, He has asked you to write a report outining ‘why you have been dong the exchange, He has asked you to write a report outlining ‘why you have been doing the exchange,

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