MODULE INTRODUCTION: WRITING 4

WRITING 4

Main content:
 Writing a problem solving essay
 Writing an opinion essay
Progress test 1
 Writing an advantage/disadvantage essay
 Writing a report
Progress test 2
 WARM UP:
WRITING EXERCISES
Choose the best answer
Writing exercise:
Fill in each gap with these words: in spite of/ despite/ though/ in spite of the fact that/
although/ even though

1.They never made much money, __________their success.

2_________________the pain in his leg, he completed the marathon.
3.__________having a headache, I had a great birthday.
4_________________he worked very hard, he didn't pass the exam.
5.____________I wasn't keen on the film, I thought the music was beautiful.
6. I enjoyed the course, ______________I would have liked more grammar practice.
7.______________we saw each other every day, we didn't really know each other.
8___________she spoke very quietly, he understood every word.
9.She didn't get the job, ____________-she had all the necessary qualifications.
• INTRODUCTION TO ESSAY WRITING
 1. WRITING A PROBLEM SOLVING ESSAY
Writing a problem-solving essay involves several key steps.
1.Identify the Problem: The first step is to clearly identify the problem you are
addressing. This could be a societal issue, a personal challenge, or any other problem that
requires a solution. Clearly define the problem and its significance.
2.Research and Understand the Problem: Once you've identified the problem, conduct
thorough research to understand its root causes, its impact, and any existing solutions or
attempts to address it. Gather relevant data, statistics, and evidence to support your
analysis of the problem.
3.Propose Solutions: Brainstorm potential solutions to the problem based on your
research and understanding. Consider various approaches and strategies that could
effectively address the problem. It's important to come up with realistic and feasible
solutions that are practical and achievable.
4.Evaluate Solutions: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each proposed solution.
Consider factors such as effectiveness, feasibility, cost, potential risks, and ethical
considerations. Compare and contrast the different solutions to determine which one(s) are
most suitable.
 1. WRITING A PROBLEM SOLVING ESSAY
5.Choose the Best Solution: Based on your evaluation, choose the solution that you believe is
the most effective and appropriate for addressing the problem. Provide clear reasoning and
justification for why you believe this solution is the best option.
6.Develop an Argument: Structure your essay around presenting and supporting your chosen
solution. Clearly articulate the problem, explain why it's significant, and present your chosen
solution in detail. Use evidence, examples, and logical reasoning to support your argument.
7.Address Potential Objections: Anticipate and address potential objections or
counterarguments to your chosen solution. Acknowledge any limitations or drawbacks of your
proposal, and provide responses to potential criticisms.
8.Conclusion: Summarize your argument and reiterate the importance of the problem and the
effectiveness of your proposed solution. End with a strong concluding statement that
reinforces the significance of addressing the problem and implementing your solution.
9.Revision and Proofreading: Once you've completed your essay, revise and proofread
carefully to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for grammatical errors, typos, and
inconsistencies, and make any necessary revisions to improve the overall quality of your essay.
• WRITING A PROBLEM SOLVING ESSAY
⦁ Signal words of a problem and solution essay:
Common questions related

•What are the problems associated with this …? (Các vấn đề liên quan đến điều
này … là gì?)
•What are these problems, and how can these problems be solved/ tackled?
•What are the most significant of these problems?
•What are the causes/reasons?/ Why is it the case? (Các nguyên nhân/lý do là gì?
Tại sao nó lại xảy ra? )

•What can be done to…? / What measures should be taken to…? (Có thể làm gì với
vấn đề …?/ Những biện pháp nên được thực hiện để … ?)

•What action can be taken to prevent people having this problem? (Hành động nào
có thể được thực hiện để ngăn chặn mọi người gặp vấn đề này?)
 OUTLINE:
Introduction
- Rephrase the question
-This essay discusses (problem and solution)
- It seems to be an increasing widespread problem/ concern that …
- I think. that A and B are responsible for this.
 BODY
(Problem signal words: because/ since/as/ resulted from/ was the result of…)
What are the problems?
1st problem:
•In the past ….
•This is no longer the case that …
•Dues to something, …….now……So …….is the root cause of this
phenomenon.
2nd problem:
•Another important factor contributing to this problem is that ...
•For example…
(Transition sentences: However, there’re still solutions to these above
problems.)
 BODY

•What can be done to…?

•What measures should be taken to…?

1st solution:
•In order to solve this problem
•More importantly…..
•Besides/ last but not least…
2nd solution:
•Of course, this issue is bringing some negative effects to sb/sth/...
•To solve this problem, we could………
 CONCLUSION:
1.Summary of problem and solution
2.Give opinion

In sum, several factors lead to….

We should take effective steps, including… and …. to tackle this modern-day

problem.

To sum up, ………..

MODEL Example: Problems and solutions of Childhood Obesity
Intro:
Childhood obesity has become a pressing public health issue in many countries around the
world. This essay explores the problem of childhood obesity and proposes a comprehensive
solution to address this growing epidemic.

Problem statement: Childhood obesity poses significant health risks and has long-term
implications for the well-being of children and society as a whole. Factors such as unhealthy
eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental influences contribute to the rising
prevalence of obesity among children.

Analysis of the Problem: Research indicates that childhood obesity is linked to various
health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. Additionally,
socioeconomic factors, such as access to healthy food options and safe recreational spaces,
play a role in exacerbating the problem.
Proposed Solution: A Multi-Faceted Approach
1. Family and Community Involvement:
Engaging parents, caregivers, and community organizations in efforts to promote healthy behaviors and
provide support for families. Establishing support networks and resources for families to navigate challenges
related to nutrition, physical activity, and overall well-being.
2.Promoting Healthy Eating Habits:
•Implementing nutrition education programs in schools to teach children about the importance of balanced
diets and portion control. Increasing access to affordable and nutritious foods in underserved communities
through initiatives such as community gardens and farmers' markets.
3. Encouraging Physical Activity:
Incorporating physical education into school curricula and promoting extracurricular sports and recreational
activities.
Creating safe and accessible outdoor spaces for children to engage in active play and exercise.
4.Regulation of Food Advertising and Marketing:
Enforcing stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages targeted at children/kids.
Promoting positive messaging and role models in marketing campaigns to encourage healthy lifestyle
choices.
Evaluation of Solutions: Each component of the proposed solution addresses different aspects of the
childhood obesity problem and leverages a combination of education, policy, and community involvement to
effect meaningful change. By implementing these strategies in a coordinated manner, we can create an
environment that supports healthy lifestyles for children and prevents obesity-related health issues.
Conclusion:

Solving childhood obesity requires a multi-faceted approach that

addresses the complex factors contributing to the problem. By promoting
healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, regulating food
marketing, and fostering family and community involvement, we can work
towards reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity and improving the
health and well-being of our Vietnamese future generations.
PRACTICE
Read the model below. Underline the linking words/phrases and replace them with synonymous ones.
WHAT COULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE ELDERLY?

For many elderly people the latter part of their life is not a time to relax and enjoy retirement, but rather a
difficult and unhappy period, owing to financial worries, falling health and loneliness. As life expectancy
increases, the average person lives well beyond the age of retirement. As a result, the elderly make up an ever-
increasing percentage of society, which makes it more important than ever for a real effort to be made in
improving the lives of senior citizens.
One way to deal with the situation would be to ensure that the elderly have enough money on which to live.
Obviously, when a person stops working, they still require a source of income to cover their basic needs such as
food, accommodation and heating. A clear solution to the problem is for the government to make sure that the
state pension is adequate for these needs. Furthermore, free financial advice should be made available to retired
people so that the stress of worrying about money could be reduced as far as possible.
Steps should also be taken to overcome problems the elderly face as a result of deteriorating health due to old
age, and inadequate health-care provisions. Again, the responsibility should fall to the government to provide
access to the best health care available, which may necessitate paying for residential homes where the elderly
can have round- the-clock nursing, or, at the very least, providing medication free of charge to all people over a
certain age. As a result, old people would enjoy not only better health, but also peace of mind from the
knowledge that they need not fear falling ill and being unable to pay for treatment.
The lives of old people could also be improved if attempts were made to address the problem of
social isolation which so many of them face. If we organised trips for the elderly to community
centres, visits from social workers or free bus passes to allow pensioners greater mobility, the effect
would be to alleviate the problem of loneliness which marks the lives of so many old people living
alone and far from their families.
One final suggestion, which would help enormously, is to change the attitude of the community
towards its older members, who are all too often seen as a burden on society and dismissed as
having little to do with modem life. We need to be taught from an early age to respect the views of
old people, and appreciate their broader experience of life. This would help society as a whole, and
encourage appreciation of the role that old people can still play today,
To sum up, there are several measures which could be taken to improve the lives of old people. If
the government and individuals alike were to help, it would make retirement and old age a time to
look forward to, rather than dread.
Complete the paragraph plan:
Introduction -
state problem, reasons and consequences
• Main Body: ……………………
…………………...
……………………
• Conclusion: …………………....
Look at the topic below, then read the suggested solutions (1-4) and match each with its corresponding result (a-d). Finally, complete
each of the sentences, as in the example.
"Crime is on the increase." Discuss this statement and offer some possible solutions.
1 One way to combat crime would be to provide more job opportunities for the poor and unemployed. The result of this would be the
eradication of poverty, which is a major cause of crime.
"Crime is on the increase." Discuss this statement and offer some possible solutions.
1 One way to combat crime would be to provide more job opportunities for the poor and
unemployed.
The result of this would be the eradication of poverty, which is a major cause of
crime.
2 Furthermore, if the prison sentences received for certain crimes were made longer, the
outcome...........
3 It would certainly be a good idea if police patrols were increased in high crime areas,
especially at night. This would improve………………
4 One final suggestion which would help to solve the problem of increased crime might
be to establish recreational facilities, such as sports centres. If this………….
Rewrite the following sentences using the words in brackets
without changing the meaning.
1 The environmental damage caused by factories will probably
become more extensive if adequate measures are not imposed.
(quite likely to)
2 If the number of patrols is reduced. Burglaries in the area will
almost certainly increase. (highly probable)
3 The public will probably react negatively to any decisions by the
government to increase taxes. (bound to)
4 The problem of overpopulation will probably not be solved over
the next few decades. (rather unlikely that)
Essay task : People who live in large cities face a
range of problems in their daily life. What are the
main problems people in cities face, and how can
these problems be solved?
 KEY POINTS
 significant social problems affecting cities.
 This essay will examine some problems in detail, and propose some solutions.

 problems facing people who live in cities is the high property price.
 . To solve this problem, the government could put more resources into building housing
 Another issue is traffic and air pollution.

 This problem could be addressed by introducing a congestion charge for cars entering the city
centre, encourage using public transports

 To sum up, although it is clear that cities face a range of problems, it is undoubtedly possible to
start to solve these issues. Governments and local councils must deal with these problems,
otherwise city life will only get worse in the future.
STUDENTS PRACTICE WRITING A PROBLEM-SOLVING ESSAY VIA PADLET LINK
PROVIDED BY THE TEACHER
II. WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY
 Signal words of an opinion essay:
• Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• What is your opinion on this?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Is this a positive or negative development?
E.g. It is better to travel around your own country instead of
going abroad on holiday. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Structure of an opinion essay:
 Introduction: state the writer’s opinion.
 Body: state reasons with supporting examples (2-3 paragraphs)
 Conclusion: summarize ideas and confirm the writer’s opinion
 Useful Expressions for Giving Opinions:
• To my mind/To my way of thinking....
It is my (firm) belief/opinion/view/conviction (that) ...
In my opinion/view...
I (firmly) believe ...
I am (not) convinced that...
I (do not) agree that/with...
It strikes me that ...
My opinion is that,
I (definitely) feel/think that...
I am inclined to believe that....
It seems/appears to me
As far as I am concerned
PRACTICE:
Do the preparation task first and then read the text and tips to learn how to
write an opinion essay and do the tasks that follow.
 DISCUSSION

Would it be better or worse if we never learned anything and

just used the internet instead?
Exercise 1: Look at the following skeleton sentences and decide whether you
agree or disagree with each statement. Then, give your opinion on each, using
expressions from the above table and expanding the sentences.

1 television/ have / negative effect/society

2 carry out experiments/animals/be/morally wrong
3 wildlife parks, if/ be / managed properly, / can help / protection
/ certain endangered species
4 real problem/be/lack/ public awareness / and /not/lack/recycling
facilities
5 more responsibility/one/ have / less freedom one / enjoy
6 only alternative / some poor people / be / steal
Exercise 2: "It is important to follow fashion." Do you agree? Identify whether
the arguments listed below are in favour of (F) or against (A) the statement in
the essay title above. Then put a tick (✔) against each argument which you feel
is convincing.
1 expensive to keep up with changing fashions A
2 not accepted by friends/peers unless fashionable
3 certain fashions don't suit certain people
4 good clothes thrown away when fashion changes
5 fashion helps people decide how to dress
6 fashionable clothes/etc often impractical
7 dressing fashionably increases self-confidence
8 unfair to people who can't afford latest fashion
9 everyone looks the same, like flock of sheep
10 creates image that doesn't show one's character
Exercise 3: "Traditional values are irrelevant to modern society." Do you agree?
Look at the following beginnings and endings for the essay, and say which have been taken from an
opinion essay and which from a for and against essay. In what ways do they differ?
BEGINNINGS...
1 Has modern society changed so much that the values of the past no longer have any
place? In my view, society will always need values, and the society we live in today would
function better if traditional values were retained.
2 Imagine you were given the chance to step back in time. You would probably be struck by
the difference in values between then and now. On the one hand it could be said that those
values belong to a bygone age. There are those, however, who feel that society today would
benefit from the application of some of those values.
...ENDINGS
a) To conclude, traditional values are clearly necessary for the proper functioning of society.
However, it cannot be denied that society is evolving, and values should also change with the
times. If this were to happen, perhaps people would no longer look back nostalgically to the
past and talk about the "Good old days."
b) To sum up, I strongly believe that, what ever changes may occur in society, we must fight
to maintain our traditional sense of right and wrong. As Pope Pa VI said: "We must see to it
that enthusiasm for the future does not give rise contempt for the past."
EX 4: Read the following extracts and the table of "Do's" and "Don'ts". Find an example of each point in the
extracts, and write this in the table.
Extract A "The mass media have an adverse effect on moral standards." Do you agree?
A Newspapers, in one form or another, have been in existence for centuries, their purpose being to spread news. Public
radio and television services, on the other hand, have only been available in the UK since 1922 and 1932 respectively, and
were introduced with the intention of informing, educating and entertaining. While radio seems to have largely maintained its
standards, newspapers and TV have, in my opinion, totally abused their position of power, resulting in a serious decline in
moral standards. As Richard Hoggart said, "They are full of a corrupt brightness, of improper appeals and moral evasions
Perhaps the most serious offender is television, as today's broadcasters seem to have completely abandoned the issue of
ethics. This is more than apparent in the films and programmes which are intended to entertain, as they bombard the viewer
with explicit language, sex and violence. Similarly, the news "informs" us using devastating images of grief, desperation and
death. It is often felt that by exposing the public to such graphic depictions, television producers have contributed to our
becoming immune to shocking behaviour and events which, in the past, we would have been upset or offended by
Furthermore, newspapers, especially the tabloids, have come to depend on overly-explicit articles and pictures in order to
guarantee sales. It is commonplace nowadays to see, for instance, photographs of celebrities' most private moments or
horrific scenes of death occupying the front pages of daily publications. The fact that these images are intended and
generally manage to sell newspapers displays the craving for sensationalism which exists within society today.
In contrast, it must be admitted that the mass media have a lot to offer in the way of information and entertainment. The
news and documentaries can be very informative and educational as long as the material is handled in a responsible
manner. The problem is that, because people are willing victims of the media's irresponsibility, the media continue to
produce material which is unacceptable by all moral standards.
To conclude, it is clear that the public have a right to know and that producers should be allowed a certain degree of artistic
licence, but should we not draw the line some- where before we lose sight of our principles altogether?
EX 4: Read the extract B and the table of "Do's" and "Don'ts". Find an example of each point in the extracts, and
write this in the table.
 DO'S DON'TS

formal style informal style

introduction states topic clearly a) colloquial expressions
clear topic sentences b) short forms
well-developed paragraphs introduction fails to state topic
linking words & phrases clearly
generalisation unclear/irrelevant topic sentences
quotation emotive vocabulary
examples over-generalisation
blind use of statistics
personal examples
use of clichéd expressions
Ex 5: Read the passage and do the following exercise
Exercise 6: ( Self-study)
Students are advised to spend time writing the essay at home.
III. WRITE AN ADVANTAGE AND
DISADVANTAGE ESSAY
•Signal questions:
•What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
•Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
•Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your
opinion.

Types of Advantages - Disadvantages

•Only present Advantages - Disadvantages, no viewpoint
•Advantages - Disadvantages, with viewpoint
Language use
Fill in each gap with one word: For instance/ In conclusion/ Moreover/
Furthermore, As a result/ For example/ Consequently
Fill in each gap with one word: For instance/ In conclusion/ Moreover/
Furthermore, As a result/ For example/ Consequently
SAMPLE ESAYS FOR YOUR REFERENCE AND SELF-STUDY
People living in big cities face many problems in their daily lives. The main problems are
traffic, pollution, and high living costs.

Traffic is a big problem in big cities. There are too many cars on the roads. This causes
traffic jams, especially during rush hour. To solve this, the government can improve
public transportation. More buses and trains can help people travel without using cars.

Pollution is another problem. There is a lot of smoke from factories and cars. This makes
the air dirty and unhealthy. Planting more trees can help clean the air. Also, using electric
cars instead of gasoline cars can reduce pollution.

High living costs make it hard for people to afford housing and daily expenses. To help
with this, the government can provide affordable housing and lower taxes for basic needs.

In conclusion, people in big cities face problems like traffic, pollution, and high living
costs. By improving public transportation, planting more trees, and providing affordable
housing, we can make city life better for everyone.
Life in big cities offers many opportunities, but it also comes with crucial/ significant challenges. Traffic congestion, pollution, and
the high cost of living are among the most pressing/ urgent issues. These problems affect millions of people on a daily basis and
demand effective solutions.

One of the most frustrating problems in urban areas is traffic congestion. Overcrowded roads, especially during rush hours, make
commuting a daily struggle. The root cause is the overwhelming number of private vehicles, leading to long delays and wasted
time. To address this issue, governments should focus on enhancing public transportation systems. Investing in more buses, trains,
and subways, along with improving their efficiency and accessibility, can encourage people to switch from private cars to public
transit, reducing road congestion significantly.

Another critical issue plaguing city residents is pollution. The combination of emissions from factories and vehicles contributes to
poor air quality, posing serious health risks. For cleaner air, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Planting trees in urban areas
can naturally filter pollutants while creating greener, more pleasant spaces. Furthermore, promoting the use of electric vehicles
and transitioning to renewable energy sources for industries can drastically cut pollution levels over time.

In addition, the high cost of living in cities is a burden for many families. Housing prices, in particular, are often unaffordable,
forcing people into cramped or substandard accommodations. In addition to housing, everyday expenses like food and utilities
further strain budgets. To ease this burden, governments should implement policies to provide affordable housing options and
reduce taxes on essential goods and services. These measures can make city life more sustainable and inclusive for all residents.

To sum up, while big cities offer endless opportunities, their challenges -traffic, pollution, and high living costs-cannot be ignored.
By improving public transportation, promoting green initiatives, and addressing affordability, we can create a more balanced and
enjoyable urban lifestyle. It’s time for policymakers and citizens to work together to ensure that cities remain vibrant, livable, and
sustainable for future generations.
 FURTHER PRACTICE &
REVISION FOR THE FINAL EXAM
Are these statements for or against reality TV shows? Write them in the correct group
1. What the current
situation is or
introducing the
debate

2.Talk about the

advantages or
reasons in favour.

3.Give the
disadvantages or
reasons against

4. sum up the main

argument. Give
your opinion
IV. WRITE A REPORT ( SELF-STUDY)
 Types of report formats
There are a few different types of reports, depending on the purpose
and to whom you present your report. Here’s a quick list of the
common types of reports:
•Academic report: Tests a student’s comprehension of the subject
matter, such as book reports, reports on historical events, and
biographies
•Business reports: Identifies information useful in business strategy,
such as marketing reports, internal memos, SWOT analysis, and
feasibility reports
•Scientific reports: Shares research findings, such as research
papers and case studies, typically in science journals
 How To Write A Report:
•Consider The Objective Of The Report.
•Figure Out What Your Audience Needs To See.
•Decide What Information You Will Include.
•Collate Your Data & Visuals.
•Draft The Content Of Your Report.
•Review & Edit Your Report.
A well-structured report typically includes:
•Title Page: Author's name and date
•Summary: Key points, recommendations, and
conclusions
•Introduction: Explanation of the problem and
arrangement of details
•Body: Sections with corresponding subtitles
•Conclusion: Clear summary of findings
•Recommendations: Solutions in order of priority
•Appendices: Technical details
Write a report about Unemployment in Vietnam from 2020 to 2023 ( in approximately
250 words)
From 2020 to 2023, Vietnam’s unemployment landscape underwent significant shifts due to various economic factors,
primarily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recovery.

Impact of COVID-19 (2020-2021):In 2020, Vietnam’s traditionally low unemployment rate saw an increase due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Strict lockdowns and restrictions disrupted businesses, especially in the manufacturing, tourism,
and service sectors, leading to a peak in unemployment. By the end of 2020, the unemployment rate reached around
2.4%, a noticeable rise from the pre-pandemic levels. The situation remained challenging in 2021, with many workers,
particularly in urban areas and industrial zones, experiencing reduced working hours or job losses.

Recovery Phase (2022-2023):In 2022, as the government shifted to a “living with COVID-19” strategy and gradually
reopened the economy, employment rates began to recover. Industrial production and exports grew, driving demand for
labor. The unemployment rate in 2022 fell back to pre-pandemic levels of around 2.1%. By 2023, with ongoing
economic recovery and increased foreign investment, unemployment stabilized, reflecting Vietnam’s resilience.

Challenges and Future Outlook:Despite the recovery, challenges remain. Informal workers, who form a significant
portion of the labor market, faced job insecurity and limited social protection during the pandemic. Addressing these
vulnerabilities and creating sustainable jobs are key goals for Vietnam’s future economic policies.
Conclusion:
Between 2020 and 2023, Vietnam managed to mitigate the impact of unemployment caused by the pandemic and
returned to stability. Continued efforts to enhance job quality and resilience are crucial for long-term economic growth.
REVISION FOR THE FINAL EXAM