Professional Documents
Culture Documents
In some IELTS Writing tasks you need to give arguments for and against the topic. If you
do not do this you may only be answering half the question and you will lose marks.
Test tip: You must keep the main topic in
mind while you are writing and refer back to it all
the time. You will lose marks if you do not
address the issue raised in the question.
Re-Writing or summarising the question
1 Read the task 2 question below and summarise in your own words what it is that you must
agree or disagree with.
Some governments try to control the way a national language is used. For example, they may restrict the introduction of
foreign words, or the use of dialects, or they may demand that a certain language be used in schools.What are the benefits
and disadvantages of these policies? Do you think they can ever be effective?
2 Write your summary in the middle of a clean page and put a circle round it. ‘Brainstorm’
some ideas on how to respond to this question.
Making notes agreeing and disagreeing with the question
3 Organise your thoughts about the ideas in the task by writing them in your own words, and
thinking of points for and against the argument.
Example:
FOR
Culture is maintained through AGAINST
language so it’s worth keeping it Language is a living thing you
pure. can’t stop it changing.
One country needs one Restrictions on a national People have the the right to use
language. language are justified their own language.
Think of two more points to add to the notes. one for and one against the main topic in the
circle.
Organising you answer
4 Now you need to make a plan for your answer. Here is an example.
Introduction
Expand the summary to re-phrase the question in your own words OR start
with a clear statement of your own about the policy.Useful expressions:
The question of whether or not …
I feel that language is …
Paragraph 1
Expand the first point on the ‘For’ side about the link between language and culture.
Balance it with a counter argument on the ‘Against’ side.Useful expressions:
Some people think …
It can be argued that …
However, …
Paragraph 2
Express an opinion on having a national language. Give your own view. Make it
clear to the reader where you stand or express an understanding of both points of
view.Useful expressions:
While …, there may be an argument in favour of …
Paragraph 3
Include another point of your own based on your idea above.Useful expressions:
I tend to think that …
Generally speaking, …
Conclusion
End with a clear statement on how you feel about the issue OR summarise the two
main sides of the argument.Useful expressions:
To sum up …
Ultimately, it is important to consider …
Write a complete answer
5 Write a complete answer to this question, following the steps above.
Test tip: ‘To what extend do you agree’ is another
way of saying ‘Do you agree … if so, how much?’
It invites you to agree and disagree.
2 Which salutations and endings would you use with paragraphs a-f in exercise 1?
Salutation usage sign off with
Use only when you are writing a formal or
Dear Sir, official letter and you do not know the person
Dear Sirs, you are writing to, or their name. Yours faithfully,
Use the title with the family name when you are
writing a formal letter to someone you know or
Dear Mr Joe, whose name you have been given. Use this
Dear Ms Park, salutation for people you don’t know very well Kind regards,
Dear Dr Yong, or where you need to show respect. Your Sincerely,
Use given names only with people you know
quite well. In business this is sometimes
acceptable, but if in doubt, use the family name. Kind regards,
Dear Rose, Always use given names when writing an Best wishes,
Dear Yoko, informal letter to a friend or relative. Lots of love,
Opening and closing letters
3 Match the opening sentences a-e with the closing sentences i-v below.
Underline the key words that helped you to do this.
Opening sentences
a) It was lovely to hear from you after all these years.
b) I was really sorry to hear about Aunt Mary’s accident.
c) I am a student at your college and I am writing to ask a favour.
d) Thank you for your letter regarding the position of office assistant.
e) This is just to thank you for your marvellous hospitality last week.
Closing sentences
i) Give my regards to your mother and best wishes for her speedy recovery.
ii) I hope you are able to help me and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
iii) I hope one day to be able to return the warm welcome.
iv) We look forward to seeing you at the interview.
v) Please stay in touch.
In General Training Writing Task 1 you will have to write a letter of 150-200 words.
You must cover all three of the bullet points in your letter and begin and end your
letter appropriately. You also need to write in paragraphs and use the right tone.
Step 1
Read the task opposite and decide what type of letter is required, e.g. formal or
informal. And what the purpose of the letter is. Underline the key words that help you
decide.
You have recently heard that a friend of yours has had some problems as a
result of some unusual weather. Write a letter to your friend.
In your letter
• Express concern (i.e. say you are sorry to hear what has happened)
• Tell them about a similar experience that you once had
• Give some advice or offer help.
Step 2
Brainstorm some ideas about unusual weather and the damage it can cause.
Complete the table to help you and note any other useful vocabulary.
Step 3
Complete the following notes with some ideas and words that you could use in your
letter. You have to write 150-200 words so you need to use your imagination.
Test Tips:
Note how the three bullet points help you organize your letter
into clear paragraphs.
Step 4
Take 15 minutes.
Expand the notes into a complete letter. Remember you are writing to a friend, so
the letter can be quite informal and friendly in style. You could use the expressions in
the boxes.
Step 5
Read your letter carefully to check the grammar, spelling and organization.
Summary
Remember to follow these steps when you do Writing Task 1.