WRITING UNIT 2

TASK 1 – PIE CHARTS

TASK 2 – DISCUSSION
(EDUCATION)
TASK 1 HOMEWORK
CORRECTION – LINE
GRAPH
The graph illustrates the number of stolen vehicles among every
thousand cars in four countries over the course of 9 years
starting in 1990.

Looking at the graph, it is immediately obvious that while Sweden

witnessed a steady increase in car thefts, the figures in the other
3 countries fluctuated, with Britain more so than France and
Canada. Also, Britain consistently reported the highest rate of
stolen cars throughout the period.
In 1990, about 17 among 1000 cars in Britain were reported
stolen. This figure fluctuated in the range between 15 and 20 in
the subsequent 9 years, standing at around 15 at the end of the
examined period. Meanwhile, the number of car thefts per 1000
vehicles in Sweden rose progressively over the years from about
8 in 1990 to nearly 15 in 1999, a nearly twofold increase in 10
years.

At the beginning of the period, the number of stolen car cases in

France registered 5 for every thousand vehicles. This figure
remained relatively steady at this level until 1999. Canada’s theft
rate also only witnessed mild fluctuations, staying at around 6 per
1000 cars for most of the period.
TASK 2
HOMEWORK
CORRECTION
 Task 2 Assignment – Public Transportation
(Pros & Cons Essay)
I. Opening
1. It is believed that public transport is the optimal mode of
transportation, and thus the government should encourage
citizens to take buses and trains.
- It is believed … = Some people believe …
- public transport = mass transit
- mode = means = form (of transportation)
- the term ‘public transport’ has been replaced by ‘buses and trains’ (technique:
specifying)
2. In this answer, I will examine both the pros and cons of mass
transit.
- examine = look at
II. Body
Body 1
1. On the one hand, public transport has several disadvantages.
2. First, buses and trains do not take passengers to their exact locations,
which means they often have to walk to their destinations.
3. This could cause great inconveniences for public transport users and
require them to adjust their schedule accordingly.
-> accordingly: in a way that is suitable
-> collocations: pay/ act/ adjust/ punish/ … accordingly.
4. Second, because public vehicles tend to be crowded, especially during
peak times, criminals may have a chance to commit illegal acts, directly
jeopardizing the safety of the passengers.
criminals = wrongdoers
illegal acts = wrongdoings = crimes
jeopardize = threatening = endangering = compromising
5. India is a case in point. Sexual harassment is rampant on buses, which
discourages many women from taking this mode of transport.
rampant = prevalent
II. Body
Body 2
1. On the other hand, I believe the aforementioned drawbacks are
eclipsed by far greater benefits.
eclipsed = outweighed
2. Because public vehicles have significantly greater capacity than
personal cars or motorbikes, they could help reduce the number of
vehicles on the road, thereby alleviating traffic congestion.
alleviate = mitigate = curb
3. Simultaneously, emissions could also be cut down, contributing to an
improvement of air quality.
emissions = exhaust fumes = carbon footprint
4. Another argument in favor of public transport is that it is extremely
economical.
economical = cost-efficient
5. Car owners have to cover numerous costs such as gas and
maintenance, whereas bus fares and monthly passes are heavily
subsidized, making them a lot more accessible to the masses.
cover a cost = pay a cost
accessible = affordable
III. Conclusion
In conclusion, while public transport has
certain limitations, I believe the benefits that it
offers more than make up for these setbacks.
more than make up for = are far greater than
TASK 1 – PIE
CHARTS
 1234 structure
Paragraph 1 – 1 sentence
Paraphrase the question
Paragraph 2 – 2 sentences
Overview
Paragraph 3 & 4 – 3-4 sentences
Body – Report & Compare

No conclusion is needed!
Paragraph 1 – Opening
The pie charts below compare water usage in San Diego,
California and the rest of the world.

(1) The pie charts below

Þ The charts
(2) compare
Þ illustrate/ demonstrate
(3) water usage
=> water consumption/ how water was consumed
(4) in San Diego, California and the rest of the world.
Þ in two regions in America and other parts of the world.
(5) anything else?
=> for 3 purposes, namely ...
Paraphrase – Full Paragraph
The pie charts illustrate the amount of water
consumed in 2 regions in America and other
parts of the world for 3 purposes, namely
agricultural, industrial and residential
purposes.
Paragraph 2 – Overview

Lead-in:
“As can be inferred from the data, …”

1. Trend
Is it an upward / downward trend?
2. Order
Which group has the highest figures?

But what if there are no trends?

Þ both sentences about Order
Paragraph 2 – Overview – Order

1. Order 1 – residential use– SD + CA

As can be inferred from the graph,…
residential purposes/ domestic purposes/ households
register the highest water consumption in San Diego
and California.
2. Order 2 – agriculture – ROW
By contrast, the most significant amount of water used
in the rest of the world is recorded for agriculture/
farming/ agricultural activities.
Paraphrase + Overview
The pie charts illustrate the amount of water consumed in 2
regions in America and other parts of the world for 3 purposes,
namely agricultural, industrial and residential purposes.
Looking at the graph, it is immediately obvious that residential
use registers the highest water consumption in San Diego and
California. By contrast, the most significant amount of water used
in the rest of the world is recorded for farming.

(69 words)
Paragraph 3 + 4 – Body
- Report
- Compare

Structure:
- Sentence 1 – list info
- Sentence 2 – compare with other categories
- Sentence 3 – compare with other charts
Paragraph 3 + 4 – Body

- Sentence 1 (list) – SD – Residential use – 60%

- Sentence 2 (category) – Agriculture – 17%
- Sentence 3 (chart) - Worldwide
 Body 1 – Water consumption in SD and ROW
- Sentence 1 (list) – Ở SD, sử dụng cho gia đình
chiếm đa phần lượng nước sử dụng ở mức
60%.
In San Diego, accounts for the majority of
residential use makes up water consumption
constitutes at 60%.
comprises

- Sentence 2 (category) – Trong khi đó, nông

nghiệp chỉ chiếm một phần rất nhỏ ở mức 17%.
Meanwhile, agriculture only makes up a meager
proportion at 17%.
- Sentence 3 – Rest of the world – ngược lại
- Sentence 3 (chart) – Một xu hướng ngược lại được
nhìn thấy ở các nước còn lại trên thế giới.

An opposite allocation can be seen in the rest of the world,

where household and farming purposes account for 8 and
69 percent respectively.
- Sentence 4 (chart) – SD + ROW – industry

The figure for industrial use of water is the same for both
these regions at 23%.
Body 1 – Full paragraph
In San Diego, residential use accounts for
the majority of water consumption at 60%.
Meanwhile, agriculture only makes up a
meager proportion at 17%. An opposite
allocation is seen in the rest of the world,
where household and farming purposes
account for 69 and 8% respectively. The figure
for industrial use of water is the same for both
these regions at 23%.
(62 words)
Body 2 – Water consumption in CA

Sentence 1 – general comment on CA

• Such significant discrepancies across
categories are not seen in water consumption in
California.
(discrepancies = differences)
• Comparatively, the distribution of water consumption
in California is rather uniform.
Sentence 2 + 3 – List
In particular, the amount of water consumed
for farming and industry constitutes roughly the
same proportion at 39 and 33% respectively.
The figure for residential use is only slightly
lower at 28% of total water consumption.
Body 2 – Full paragraph

Such significant discrepancies are not seen

in water consumption in California. In
particular, the amount of water consumed for
farming and industry constitutes roughly the
same proportion at 39 and 33% respectively.
The figure for residential use is only slightly
lower at 28% of total water consumption.

(47 words)
Full essay – 178 words
The pie charts illustrate the amount of water consumed in 2 regions in
America and other parts of the world for 3 purposes, namely agricultural, industrial
and residential purposes.
Looking at the graph, it is immediately obvious that farming registers the
highest water consumption in San Diego and California. By contrast, the most
significant amount of water used in the rest of the world is recorded for domestic
purposes.
In San Diego, residential use accounts for the majority of water consumption
at 60%. Meanwhile, agriculture only makes up a meager proportion at 17%. An
opposite allocation is seen in the rest of the world, where household and farming
purposes account for 69 and 8% respectively. The figure for industrial use of water
is the same for both these regions at 23%.
Such significant discrepancies are not seen in water consumption in
California. In particular, the amount of water consumed for farming and industry
constitutes roughly the same proportion at 39 and 33% respectively. The figure for
residential use is only slightly lower at 28% of total water consumption.
 
 Task 1 – Recap – Pie Charts
1234 structure
1. Paraphrase
• show -> illustrate
• the number of ... -> the changes in the ... number
• between x and y -> over the course of ... years starting in x
2. Overview (no trend)
• Order – [group] register [number]
• Order – [number] be recorded in [group]
3. Body (3-4 sentences/ paragraph) – Report + Compare
• List – account for / make up / constitute
• Compare categories
• Compare charts
TASK 2 –
DISCUSSION
EDUCATION
What is a Discussion question in Task 2
- Gives you 2 opinions, and ask for your
personal view
- Structures:
50/50 60/40
Unit 1 Unit 2
Þ easiest + most
useful!
50/50 Body structure
- Body 1: Why do other people think that way?
• Topic sentence
• Explain
• Example (if possible)

- Body 2: Why do you disagree? (There’s a better

way)
• Topic sentence
• Explain
• Example (if possible)
60/40 Body structure
- Body 1:
a. Why do other people think that way?
• Topic sentence (It is understandable why …)
• Explain (The rationale is …)
b. Flaw? (However, I think they are wrong)
• Explain (The reason is because …)
• Example (Just look at this …)
- Body 2: Alternative
• Topic sentence
• Explain
• Example (if possible)
Some people think that schools should reward
only students with the best academic results,
while others believe it is more important to reward
students who show improvements.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion

2-sentence Opening
(1) Some people believe schools should reward only
the best students while others argue that
rewarding students who try to improve themselves
is more necessary.
(2) Both views are justifiable, but personally I agree
with the second one.
4-sentence Opening
1 – Context (What is the topic being discussed?)
“rewarding students/ encouragement/
motivation”
There is no doubt that encouragement
has a considerable bearing
_______________________
on student
performance.
2 – Narrow the topic (for ‘Discussion’
questions)
However, people remain divided over ...

However, people remain divided over how

to effectively employ incentives and praises
in the classroom.
3 – Paraphrase
While it is traditionally believed that rewards should
excel
only be given to students who ______ in their study,

some argue that teachers must also motivate

make progress
individuals who _____________.
4 – Answer
I agree with the latter view.
Opening – Full Paragraph
Opening – Full Paragraph

There is no doubt that encouragement has a considerable

bearing on student performance.
Opening – Full Paragraph

There is no doubt that encouragement has a considerable

bearing on student performance. However, people remain divided
over how to effectively use incentives and praises in schools.
Opening – Full Paragraph

There is no doubt that encouragement has a considerable

bearing on student performance. However, people remain divided
over how to effectively use incentives and praises in schools.
While it is traditionally believed that rewards should only be given
to students who excel in their study, some argue that teachers
must not neglect individual who make progress.
Opening – Full Paragraph

There is no doubt that encouragement has a considerable

bearing on student performance. However, people remain divided
over how to effectively use incentives and praises in schools.
While it is traditionally believed that rewards should only be given
to students who excel in their study, some argue that teachers
must not neglect individual who make progress. I agree with the
latter view.
4 – sentence Opening practice 1
”Some people believe there should be strict rules about how
houses are designed. Others believe that people should be free
to design their houses however they want.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

1 – Context?
2 – Narrow? What are people fighting about?
3 – Paraphrase 2 viewpoints
- Strict rules?
- Be free to do something?
4 – Do you agree with the former or latter?
4 – sentence Opening practice 2
“Some people think the government funding should not be used
for supporting art and culture, while others think supporting
cultural activities may be beneficial for the population.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”

1 – Context?
2 – Narrow? What are people fighting about?
3 – Paraphrase 2 viewpoints
- government funding should not be used
- be beneficial for the population
4 – Do you agree with the former or latter?
4 – sentence Opening practice 3
“The range of technology available to people is increasing the gap
between the rich and the poor. Others think it has an opposite
effect.
Discuss both views and give your opinions.”

1 – Context?
2 – Narrow? What are people fighting about?
3 – Paraphrase 2 viewpoints
- increasing the gap between the rich and the poor
- has an opposite effect
4 – Do you agree with the former or latter?
50/ 50
Body 1 – Why reward the best
students
Ex: Top students have applied
themselves to get good
grades.
Ex: It can inspire hard work in
other students.
Ex: Top students help lift the
school’s profile
Body 2 – Why rewarding
students who improve is better
Ex: Rewarding progress
benefits the whole school and
not just good students.
60/ 40
Body 1
Ex: It can inspire hard work in
other students.
 Flaw: however, in reality
other students become
discouraged.
Body 2 – Why rewarding
students who improve is better
Ex: rewarding progress
benefits the whole school and
not just good students.
Body 1 – Multiple Ideas (50/50)
1. Một mặt, có rất nhiều lý do thuyết phục tại sao học
sinh đứng đầu nên được thưởng.
2. Thứ nhất, các học sinh này đã nỗ lực hết mình để
có điểm cao, nên những nỗ lực của họ không nên bị
phớt lờ.
3. Thứ hai, thưởng những cá nhân khủng nhất có thể
động viên các học sinh khác học chăm hơn.
4. Cuối cùng, thành tích của những học sinh top có thể
nâng danh tiếng của trường, và cũng công bằng là
những đóng góp của họ nhận được những sự công
nhận.
Body 1 – Multiple Ideas (50/50)
valid/ compelling
1. On the one hand, there are many _________________
elite students should be rewarded.
reasons why the _______
applied themselves to ________
2. First, these students have __________________ earn
go unnoticed
good grades, so their efforst should not __________________.
3. Second, rewarding the most outstanding individuals could
inspire hardwork in others.
top percentile
4. Last but not least, the _______________’s achievements help
just
lift the school’s profile, and it only seems __________ that their
contribution receives recognition.
Body 1 – Single Idea
a. why do others think it’s a good idea?
- Sentence 1 (Topic) – succinct

Có thể hiểu được tại sao một số người ủng hộ việc chỉ
thưởng cho học sinh giỏi nhất.
- Sentence 2 (Explain) – clear and logical

Những học sinh này đã nỗ lực hết mình để đạt được

thành tích cao nhất, vậy nên cũng hợp lý là họ xứng
đáng với những lời tuyên dương và đặc quyền hơn
những bạn có thành tích không bằng.
Body 1 –

a. why do others think it’s a good

idea?
- Sentence 1 (Topic) – succinct

It is understandable why some people

elite
advocate rewarding the ________ students
only.
- Sentence 2 (Explain) – clear and logical
applied themselves in
These students have __________________
order to achieve top performance,
and it seems sensible that they are more
deserving of the praises and privileges
compared to those with lesser achievements.
b. point out the flaw
- Sentence 3 – Counter
Tuy nhiên, chính sách này có thể có ảnh hưởng
xấu tới những học sinh khác.
- Sentence 4 – Explain
Bởi vì chỉ có một nhóm ít học sinh đứng đầu các
bài thi, những học sinh khác sẽ cảm thấy quá sức
và dần dần trở nên nản chí
- Sentence 5 – Explain
Kết quả là, thành tích của toàn trường có thể sẽ
suy giảm.
b. point out the flaw
- Sentence 3 – Counter
have an adverse effect
However, this policy may ______________________
on other students.
- Sentence 4 – Explain
Because only a small group of students can top
exams, the rest would feel overwhelmed and
gradually become _____________
disheartened (discouraged)
- Sentence 5 – Explain
As a result, the overall performance of the school
may ___________.
deteriorate
Body 2 – support the other way
Sentence 1 – Topic
Sentence 2 – Explain
Sentence 3 + 4 – Example
Sentence 5 – Meaning of example
1. Thay vì cách tiếp cận kể trên, tôi tin rằng không chỉ học
sinh giỏi mà cả những bạn nỗ lực có thành tích cao hơn
nên được thưởng.
2. Điều này sẽ khuyến khích mọi học sinh cần cù trong việc
học và khuyến khích cạnh tranh lành mạnh trong nhà
trường, và điều này có thể có lợi cho sự tiến bộ của mọi
người.
3. Lớp đại học của tôi là ví dụ điển hình.
4. Khác với các trường khác nơi thường chỉ những học
sinh khủng nhất mới được thưởng, học sinh trường tôi, dù
thứ hạng là bao nhiêu, đều được khen trước toàn trường
hoặc cho những phần thưởng nho nhỏ miễn là họ có cố
gắng cải thiện điểm số.
5. Những hình thức động viên này tạo cho mọi người cảm
giác tự hào, và kết quả là họ cố gắng học chăm hơn.
1 – Thay vì cách tiếp cận kể trên, tôi tin rằng không chỉ học sinh
giỏi mà cả những bạn nỗ lực có thành tích cao hơn nên được
thưởng.

1 – Instead of the aforementioned approach,

I am convinced that
___________________ not only outstanding students
aspire to
but also those who _________ better performance
should be rewarded.
2 – Điều này sẽ khuyến khích mọi học sinh cần cù trong
việc học và khuyến khích cạnh tranh lành mạnh trong nhà
trường, và điều này có thể có lợi cho sự tiến bộ của mọi
người.
incentivize
2 – This would _________ all students to be
diligent in their study and promote healthy
competition in the school, which would
be of tremendous benefit to
_____________________ everybody.
3. My university class perfectly
exemplifies the effectiveness of this
policy.
 As opposed to
4. _______________ most other schools
the norm
where _________ is to reward the elite few, in
irrespective of
my school, students, ______________ their
publicly
ranking, will be ________ commended or
given small incentives as long as they make an
effort (to improve their grades).
5. These forms of encouragement gives all
a sense of accomplishment
students _________________________, and
endeavor
they __________ to study harder as a result.
Closing – 1 sentence
• Tip: Paraphrase the last sentence

Idea: While good students deserve to be rewarded,

students who improve should not be neglected.

Closing: In conclusion, while there may be reasons to

support rewarding only the best students, I believe it
would be more beneficial for schools to also reward
those who show signs of improvement.
Full Essay – 299 words
There is no doubt that encouragement has a considerable bearing on student
performance. However, people remain divided over how to effectively use incentives and
praises in schools. While it is traditionally believed that rewards should only be given to
students who excel in their study, some argue that teachers must not neglect individual who
make progress. I agree with the latter view.
It is understandable why some people advocate rewarding the elite students exclusively.
The key rationale in favor of this view is that these students have applied themselves to attain
the best performance, and thus it is sensible that their efforts earn them the praises and
privileges over those with lesser achievements. However, this policy may have an adverse
effect on the rest of the students. Because only a small number of smart individuals can top
exams, other students may feel overwhelmed and gradually become disheartened. The
implication of this is that they may lose the incentive to study, and the overall performance of
the school may deteriorate.
Instead of the aforementioned approach, I am of the opinion that not only outstanding
students but also those who aspire to better performance should be rewarded. This would
incentivize all students to be diligent in their study and promote healthy competition in the
school, which would be of direct benefit to everybody’s progress. My university class perfectly
exemplifies this principle. Every time a student gets a higher grade than in the previous
exams, he or she will be praised in front of the whole class. This form of encouragement gives
everybody a sense of accomplishment and they endeavor to study harder as a result.
In conclusion, while there may be reasons to support only rewarding the best students, I
believe schools must also reward those who show signs of improvement.
 Task 2 Recap
I. Opening (~ 2 sentences)
1 – Paraphrase
• synonyms
• grammar
• specify  generalize
2 – State your view
60/40: While this may be true to a certain
extent, I would argue that ...
 Task 2 Recap – 60/40
II. Body (~ 2 paragraphs)
Body 1 – counter-argument
Topic – succinct
“It is understandable why some people advocate...”
Explain – clear and logical
“The key rationale in favor of this view is that ...”
Counter – reflects all components the idea
“However, this may have an adverse effect ...”
+ Explain/ Example

Body 2 - Alternatives

III. Closing (~ 1 sentence)

Paraphrase – 2nd sentence of the Opening