Writing

A letter of application
Key success factors
 Conveying a positive image of yourself without appearing arrogant.
 Using appropriate professional-sounding language.
 Appropriate sentences to open the letter.
 Organize the main body of the letter into paragraphs.
o Give relevant personal information.
o Talk about relevant experience and qualifications.
o Explain why you think would be suitable for the job.
 Don’t use contractions or very informal expressions.
 Use formal vocabulary: “require” instead of “need”; “as” instead of “because”.
 Don’t oversell yourself.

Useful language
 I am writing to apply for the post of…
 I am a final year student and I am doing a degree in …
 I have a high level of written and spoken English.
 I have some relevant experience.
 I would welcome the chance to be part of…
 I think I would be suitable for this job.
 If you require any further information, I would be happy to provide it.
 I would also be grateful if you could send me some information regarding…
 I look forward to hearing from you.

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 An article
Key success factors
 Getting and keeping the reader’s attention.
 Using rich and precise vocabulary.
 Using synonyms or similar expressions. This will make the text more varied for the
reader and help the article link together.
 Give your article an interesting title.
 Use clear paragraphs.
 Use discourse makers to link your points or arguments.
 Use a suitable style, neither very formal nor informal.
 Make the instruction reasonably short. You could use a question which you then
answer in the article.
 Try to engage the reader by referring to your personal experience.
 Two or three main paragraphs saying what the situation used to be like, and how it
has changed.
 A conclusion, which refers back to the question in the introduction, and say whether
the changes are positive or negative.

Synonyms
 At the present time: these days, today, nowadays.
 Children: youngsters, young people, boys and girls.
 Alone: on your own, by yourself.
 Games: pastimes.
 In a big way: enormously.
 Hazardous: dangerous.
 Not very often: scarcely.
 Happy: idyllic.

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 A review
Key success factors
 Being able to express a reasonably sophisticated opinion.
 Using a range of vocabulary to describe what you are reviewing (plot, dialogue,
characters,…).
 Being able to summarize.
 Choose a book/film that you know well.
 Organize the review into clear paragraphs:
o The title of the book/film, the author or director, where and when it is set.
o The plot including information about the main characters.
o What you liked about the book/film and any criticisms you may have.
o A summary of your opinion and a recommendation.
 Make sure you use a suitable style, neither very formal nor informal.
 Use the present tense when you describe the plot. Using participle clauses will help
you to keep it concise.
 Try to use a range of adjectives that describe as precisely as possible how the book or
film made you feel. Use adverbs of degree to modify them.
 Remember that even a good review will usually include some criticism as well as
praise.

Participle clauses
 The writer uses participles (devastated, convinced, keeping) instead of a subject +
verb.
 Past participles replace verbs in the passive; present participles (-ing) replace verbs in
the active.
 The subject of the clause is usually the same as the subject of the main clause.
 Participles clauses can be used:
o Instead of a conjunction (after, as, when, because).
Ex: Devastated by the fact that …
o Instead of a relative clause.
Ex: Carefully keeping …

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Useful sentences
 §1: *name of the book/film* is…
 §2: In this book/film …
 §3: The great strength of this book/film is… / My only criticism of the book/film
would be…
 §4: Not only is this…, but it also… / For all lovers of …, this … is a must.

Adjectives
 Uplifting: qui met de bonne
humeur
 Masterful : magistral
 Depressing : déprimant
 Heavy-going : difficile
 Entertaining : divertissant
 Implausible : implausible
 Fast-moving : évolution rapide
 Intriguing : intriguant
 Moving : émouvant
 Gripping : captivant
 Haunting : obsédant
 Thought-provoking : qui fait
réfléchir
 Action-packed : plein d’action
 Atmospheric : évocateur
 Clichéd : banal
 Compelling : fascinant
 Credible : crédible
 Disappointing : décevant
 Excruciating : atroce
 Exhilarating : exhaltant
 Impressive : impressionant
 Innovative : innovant
 Memorable : mémorable
 Overhyped : surexcitant
 Powerful : puissant
 Predictable : prédictible
 Sentimental : sentimentale
 Stunning : stupéfiant
 Tedious : chiant
 Unconvincing : pas convaincant
 Appaling : épouvantable,
effroyable

Commenting critically
 … provides a fascinating/valuable/revealing insight into…
 I found the plot rather predictable/disappointing.
 The acting is very impressive/convincing.
 She gives a compelling/memorable performance as…
 One particular strength/weakness of … is …

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  The design/characterization/production is second to none/is not its best feature.
 This is a clever adaptation of the original story.

Encouraging others to read/watch or not

 Don’t be put off by the title/critics/cover.
 It will have you roaring with laughter/rusting out to buy the sequel.
 It is a definite must-see.
 I would definitely give it a miss.
 It would highly recommend it to anyone interested in…
 I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and buy/see it.
 My objection/support to the movie is that…
 My most heartfelt support for the movie/book is…

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Discursive essay: a balanced
argument
Key success factors
 Being able to construct an argument
 Being able to link points together in a logical sequence
 Using appropriate discourse makers to connect, contrast and balance points.

Introduction and conclusions

In an essay, it is important that the introduction engages the reader’s attention. It should
introduce the topic, but should not include the specific points that you are going to mention
in the body of the text.
A good introductory paragraph describes the present situation and gives supporting
evidence. It should refer to the statement or question you have been asked to discuss. This
can often be done in the form of a question to the reader which the subsequent paragraph
should answer.
The conclusion should briefly sum up the arguments you have made, and can include your
personal opinion. The opinion you express should follow logically from the arguments you
have presented.

Useful language
 Expressing the main points in an argument.
o The greatest benefit is that
o First and most importantly
o One downside of… is that
o Another drawback is that

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  Adding supporting information to a main argument, or introducing other related
arguments.
o In addition
o Not only that, but
o Another point in favour of
 Describing cause and effect.
o Result in
o Lead to
o Because of
o Due to
 Weighing up the arguments.
o On the whole
o On balance

Tips for writing both sides of an argument

 Brainstorm points for and against and decide which two or three you think are the
most important.
 Use a neutral or formal style.
 Write a clear introduction, which engages the reader. You can end with a question
you are going to answer.
 Link your ideas together with varied discourse markers and linking phrases because
an essay should show the development of a logical argument. It is not just a list of
random ideas and opinions.
 Make sure your conclusion is a summary of what you have previously said and refers
back to what you were asked to write about. It is important that this is not just a
repetition of your arguments. It is a summary of what you believe your arguments
have proved.

Writing
 Draft your essay in four paragraphs
o §1: introduction
o §2: arguments in favour
o §3: arguments against
o §4: conclusion, saying whether you think the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages or vice versa.
 Edit the essay, cutting any relevant information and making sure it is the right length.

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 Check the essay for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation and register.

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 A report
Key success factors
 A suitable heading for each section of the text.
 Putting an introduction and a conclusion.
 Formal language:
o Passive instead of active sentences
o Avoid “I”
o No contractions (we’re  we are)
 Making sensible recommendations based on your observations:
o We suggest + -ing
o It would be advisable (+ to + inf)
o We propose + -ing
o We strongly recommend + -ing
o It would be far preferable + to + inf
o The best place for … is …
o … is an opinion worth considering.
 Look carefully at who the report is for and what they need to know. This will help you
choose what information you have to include.
 The introduction state: “The aim of this report is…”
 For each paragraph state the situation (strengths and weaknesses) and then make a
recommendation.

Expressions for generalizing

 Generally speaking
 In general
 The general view is that
 It is generally considered
 It is generally thought
 Overall

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Describing amounts or quantities
 A wide range/selection/variety of
 A large number of
 A large amount of
 A great deal of
 Plenty of
 Several
 Numerals

Writing
 Draft your report, using headings and suggestions.
 Edit the report deciding if there is any information that should be left out and making
sure the report is the right length.
 Check the report for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation and register.

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 Discursive essay:
taking sides
Key success factors
 Organise your essay into paragraphs with a clear introduction and conclusion.
 Begin each paragraph with a clear sentence and then develop the idea.
 Use synonyms to avoid repetitions.
 Use a variety of phrases for giving your opinion, or introducing an opposing argument
and refuting it.
 Sustain your case with examples.
 Showing that you have considered the opposing viewpoint.
 The first sentence of a paragraph establishes what the paragraph is going to be
about.

Giving personal opinions

 I feel that
 I believe that
 In my view
 In my opinion
 Personally, I think that
 It is probably true to say that
 There can be no doubt that
 It is simply not the case that

Expressing opposite arguments

 Some people argue
 It is often claimed that
 There are those who say

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Commonly held views
 It is widely believed that
 No one would dispute the fact that
 Few people would contest/ dispute the fact that
 It is generally agreed that

Refuting opposite arguments

 This may have been true in the past, but nowadays
 There are a number of flaws in this argument
 This is simply not the case

Saying what other people think

 There are those who argue that
 It has been suggested that
 It is often claimed that
 Opponents/supporters/proponents of… argue that

Referring to sources
 All the evidence suggests that
 A recent survey proved that
 Judging by the comments made by…
 Interview with … have revealed that

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Writing
 Draft your essay in 4 paragraphs
o An introductory paragraph where you introduce the topic and state your
opinion.
o Three or four paragraphs giving your reasons.
o If relevant, a paragraph stating a common counter argument, and refuting it.
o A conclusion, stating what your arguments have shown.
 Edit the essay making sure your arguments link together and making sure it is the
right length.
 Check the essay for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation and register.

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 A complaint
Key success factors
 Summarize the issue clearly.
 Maintaining an assertive but respectful tone.
 Being clear and reasonable about what you expect to be done.
 No contractions.
 Occasionally use passive form to make it more impersonal or to make it clear that
you are not accusing individuals.
 Avoid emotional language and phrasal verbs.
 Use a formal style, be clear and assertive but not aggressive.
 Try to use a variety of expressions for generalizing and making suggestions.

Opening the email

 Dear Sir/Madam: we don’t know anything
 Dear Mr Smith: we know the surname
 Dear Mrs: we know it’s a married woman
 Dear Miss: we know it’s an unmarried woman
 Dear Ms: we don’t know if she is married or not
 Dear Mx: we don’t know anything

Closing the email

 Yours faithfully: if we don’t know anything
 Yours sincerely: if we know something

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Useful language
 I am writing to complain about
 According to your website,
 I feel strongly that
 I look forward to hearing from
 I am afraid to say
 It did not live up to my expectations
 To our great disappointment
 We are owed an apology

Writing
 Draft your email, explaining why you are writing, what the complain relates to, giving
the details, asking for some action,…
 Edit the email making sure you are happy with the content and tone throughout, and
making sure it is the right length.
 Check the email for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation and register.

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 Proposal
Key success factors
 Write a relevant title
o Proposal for
o Proposal:
 Write brief paragraphs heading, including the introduction and the conclusion.
 Appropriate formal register.
 In the introduction, say the general background.
 Conclude by a positive comment.
 If it’s a proposal to resolve some problems, here is how the central paragraphs
should be
o §2: reason for one problem + suggestion
o §3: reason for one problem + suggestion

Useful language
 Introduction
o Over the last few months
o In the beginning of

 Central paragraphs
o Firstly
o In addition
o A further idea would be
o I propose that
o I suggest that
o I recommend
o In this way

 Conclusion
o I feel that the current problems we are experiencing with… can be resolved.
o I believe… could attract a wide…

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 o We feel sure that if …, it would be a resounding success.

Formal letter/email
Key success factors
 Plan carefully what you will say for each part of the question. Organize your ideas
into logical paragraphs.
 Be persuasive but not aggressive. Write your answer in an appropriate register.
 Use a range of relevant vocabulary, grammatical structures and linking devices.
 Begin and end your letter in a suitable way.
o Dear Sir or Madam / Dear Mrs Jones
o Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely

Useful language
 Reasons for writing
o I am writing on behalf of
o I am writing with regard/reference to
o I am writing to express my concern about / disappointment with / disapproval
of / apologies for…
o I would like to draw your attention to / point out
o The aim/purpose of this report is to examine/evaluate/describe/outline
o It will also include/consider/suggest/recommend
o The report is based on a survey conducted among

 Introducing points
o I feel I must also (dis)agree with
o I should also like to point out that
o Your states that …. However,

 Request for actions

o I trust/very much hope you will
o I look forward to receiving/seeing
o I would appreciate it / be grateful if you would

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 Informal letter
Key success factors
 Use advanced vocab but not too formal.
 Beginning the letter:
o Great/lovely to hear from you (after so long).
o Thanks a lot for the letter.
o Sorry to hear about …
o Sorry I haven’t written/been in touch for so long.
 Persuading:
o You’d get so much out of it
o It’d be a wonderful/marvellous opportunity for you to
o Just think of
o Just imagine how it would …, not to mention…
 Advising
o Whatever you do, make sure you
o It’s (not) worth; there is no/little point
o I’d (not)… if I were you
o You would be much better of + gerund
 Ending the letter
o Write back soon and let me know how it goes
o Looking forward to hearing from you
o Can’t wait to see you again
o Give my love/regards to
 Signing off
o Friends
 All the best
 Best wishes
 By for now
o Close friends/relatives
 Lots of love
 All my love
 Love

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