ESSAYS (Do you agree? … Or Is it better?

Type one: Both sides of the argument are considered

Type two: Only one point of view is considered

Structure:

Type one:

1. General introduction
2. Positive aspects (points 1 & 2 of notes)
3. Negative aspects (point 3 of notes- your onw idea)
4. Conclusion, summarizing opinion

Nowadays, many people have …. However, they also have some

disadvantages.

On the one hand,… while… as a result

On the other hand

To sum up

Type two:

1. Introduction, starting opinion

2. First reason (point 1 of Note)
3. Second reason (point 2 of Note)
4. Third reason (Point 3 of Note)
5. Conclusion, restating opinion

… it is my opinion that …

To begin with …

Secondly

Finally …..In conclusion…

ESSAY 1
1
The advantages of doing a lot of travelling compared with staying at home.

Write an essay using:

Is it better to visit a lot of other countries rather than to stay at home?

Notes:

1. The advantages of experiencing other countries

2. The advantages of being in familiar surroundings
3. Your own idea

ESSAY 2

Celebrities.

Nowadays, too much attention is given to celebrities. Do you agree?

Notes:

1. Celebrities in the media

2. The influence of celebrities on young people

ESSAY 3

The effect of technology on sport.

Has technology made a positive contribution to sport today?=

Notes:

1- The use of technology to improve performance

2- The use of technology in refereeing decisions

ESSAY 4

The role of information and communications technology in today’s world.

Do we really the internet to enjoy life to the full?

Notes:

1. Friendships
2. Entertainment

ESSAY 5

The world of work

It is better to work at home than in an office. Do you agree?

2
Notes:

1. Contact with people

2. Working hours

ESSAY 6

The pressure that exist for young people nowadays.

Life is harder for young people now than in the past. What do you think?

Notes:

1. Education
2. Work

ESSAY 7

Shopping

Some people say that large shopping centres are a bad idea. What do you
think?

Notes:

1. Being able to buy everything in one place

2. Spending time with family and friends

ESSAY 8

Travel and tourism

Is it better to wpend a summer holiday in the countryside or on the coast?

Notes:

1. Leisure options
2. Climate

ESSAY 9

Travel and transport

Is it better to use the car or public transport in your town or area?

Notes:
3
 1. Journey time
2. Cost

ESSAY 10

Situations in which people might tell lies.

It is not always necessary to tell the truth. Do you agree?

Notes:

1. When the truth might be painful

2. When lying might be harmless

ESSAY 11

Ways in which indifiduals can help the environment.

There is little that individuals cand o to help the environment. Do you agree?

Notes:

1. Pollution
2. Household waste

ESSAY 12

Technology in the home

Do you agree that modern domestic appliances have improved the quality of
our lives?

Notes:

1. Effect on household chores

2. Time saved for other activities

ESSAY 13

Education in schools in your country

Some people think that school does not prepare students adequately for teal
life. Do you agree?

Notes:
4
 1. The content of lessons
2. Social relationships

ESSAY 14

Relationships with family and friends

Is it better to go on holiday with family or friends?

Notes:

1. Which is cheaper
2. Which is mor fun

ESSAY 15

Effects of fame

Is it better to be famous or unknown?

Notes:

1. Money
2. Friends

5
ARTICLE

Structure:

1. Interesting title to attract reader’s attention

2. Opening sentence relevant to title
3. A lively informal style throughout the article
4. Direct questions and statements addressed to the reader
5. Informal linking devices
6. A closing comment

What else would a xxxxx possibly want to do?

Can you imagine being outsed all daly, surrounded by natural and wildlife?

You have to admit…

Of course, it’s not ……But Id’ probably be able to afford to ….

Personally, I couldn’t imagine better.

ARTICLE 1

Your favourite building

Write an article telling us why you like a building.

ARTICLE 2

Your hero

Is there one special person that has had a great influence on your life?

Write in and tell us about them. Why are they such an inspiration? How have
they influenced your life?

ARTICLE 3
6
Life changes

Write us an article about a time in your life when something changed.

Mention the reasons for the change and describe your feelings before and
after it.

ARTICLE 4

Influences

Which person has had a big influence on you?

How has this person influenced you?

Write us an article for the school magazine describing the person and saying
how he or she has influenced you.

ARTICLE 5

Holiday competition

Write an article about a holiday destination you know well, giving details of
what tourists can see and do there.

ARTICLE 6

Good citizenship

What are the most important characteristics of a good citizen? What are
some of the things you do to be a good citizen?

ARTICLE 7

Being a good student

What are the most important qualities of a good student? In what ways are
you a good student?

ARTICLE 8

How to beat stress

7
Write an article giving us your tips for beating stress at work or in your
studies. In particular, we’d like you to tell us:

 How you prevent yourself from getting stressed.

 How you relax and unwind if you’re feeling stressed.

ARTICLE 9

My ideal job

We’re interested to know what jobs people would most like to do. Write us an
article telling us what your ideal job would be and why.

ARTICLE 10

My ideal evening out

We’d like to hear about your ideal evening out. Where would you go, who
would you go with and what would you do? Write us an article answering
these questions and giving your reasons.

8
EMAIL

Structure:

1. Brief, relevant opening paragraph

2. Two paragraphs
3. 3. Appropriate ending

Language for giving advice: You should.. If I were you I’d go…

Instead,…

Use phrasal verbs: Cutting down on … Cut out …

Introduction:

Thanks for your email. It sounds as if you ad a good time on your holiday –
perhaps a little too good. …

End:

I hope that’s useful. Good luck and let me know how you get on.

All the best,..

EMAIL 1

9
You have received this email from an English friend inviting you to a party,
but you are not able to go to it. Write your email.

From: Grace

Subject: my party

I’m going to have a party on 21 June for everyone who did the course with us
and it would be great if you would come. We haven’t seen each other since
the course ended last year and I’m sure everyone would like to see each
other again. Please say you can come!

Grace

EMAIL 2

You have received a letter from a friend in another country asking about
holidays in your country. Write your letter.

We’re going a project on what holidays people have in different countries

around the world. Can you tell me about the national holidays in your
country, cand also what people generally do for their other holidays during
the year?

EMAIL 3

You have received a letter from your English-speaking friend, Paula.

As you know, this is my last year at school, and I can’t make up my mind
what to do when I leave. My parents want me to go to university, but I’d
really like to work as a ski instructor. What do you think I should do?

Thanks, Paula.

EMAIL 4

You have received a letter from your English-peaking friend, Tom.

Hi,

I’m not sure what to do during the summer holidays next year. My parents
want me to help out in the shop they own, but I’d quite like to work in a hotel
in your country – there are plenty of jobs available. What do you think I
should do?

Write soon, Tom.

10
EMAIL 5

You have received a letter from your English-peaking friend, Suzy.

Hi!

My brother’s 21 next month and I want to do something special for him. He’s
a big rock music fan so I was thinking of either buying him a decent speaker
so he can play his music really loud or getting him a three-day ticket for next
summer’s rock festival here. What do you think I should do?

EMAIL 6

You have received a letter from your English-peaking friend, Tanya.

I’m not sure what to read next. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
Tell me a little bit about the plot (not too much) and say what you liked about
it. If it sounds good, I’ll see If I can get a copy in English.

Thanks

Tanya

EMAIL 7

This summer you are going to spend one month studying English in an
English-speaking country. Read this part of an email you received from your
host family and write your reply to them.

From: Kate and Andy Newson

We have your personal details but perhaps you could tell us a little more
about yourself. Hos would you describe your personality and what softs of
things would you like to do when you’re here?

Thanks

Kate and Andy Newson.

EMAIL 8 (formal)
11
You have been asked to reply to the following email from the new English
director of the language school where you study

I plan to arrive on August 5h in order to find some temporary rented

accommodation. I would not require anything too expensive, preferably
somewhere with good shopping facilities nearby and not too far from the
school. Could you recommend two possible areas?

Best regards

John Simpson.

EMAIL 9

This is part of an email you have received from your English friend, Rob.

I’ll be coming to your area on August 6h. I’ll need to look for a place to live –
somewhere furly cheap to rent, with shops nearby and reasonably close to
the language school where I’ll be studying. Can you suggest a couple of
areas?

Thanks

Rob

EMAIL 10

You have received an email from your Irish friend, Liam.

From: Liam

Subject: January trip

I’m definitely coming in January. Shame you won’t be there then, but perhaps
you could give me some advice. What’s the weather like in your area at that
time of year?

What sort of clothes should I pack and what can I do there?

Thanks

Liam

EMAIL 11
12
This is part of an email you have received from your English friend, Emma.

It was a brilliant holiday, but my health and fitness have suffered. Too many
ice creams, and not enough exercise! You’re the healthiest person know –
can you give me some advice on how to get fit and healthy again?

Thanks

Emma

EMAIL 12

This is part of an email you have received from your English friend, Simon.

I won’t be here next week, as I’ve rented a holiday cottage with some friends
near the coast. Unfortunately, it looks as if it’s going to rain a lot, so we want
to take some games with us to play in the house. Can you suggest any? How
do you play them?

Thanks

Simon

13
LETTER OF APPLICATION (formal)

Structure:

1. Introduction
2. Reasons for applying
3. Relevant skills and experience
4. Personal qualities and suitability
5. Appropriate ending.

LETTER OF APPLICATION 1 (formal)

14
You see the following advertisement in your local English-language
newspaper:

Musicians and dancers required

We need teaching assistants for the music and dance activities at our
English-language summer school for young children.

Write to the director, Mr. Paul Beacon, giving details or:

 Your music and dancing skills

 Any relefant work experience you have had
 Why you would be suitable for the job.

LETTER OF APPLICATION 2 (formal)

You see the following advertisement in your local English-language

newspaper:

Are you a music fan?

We require English-speaking volunteers to help at a four-day international

pop and rock music festival aimed at raising money for charity.

What relevant music-related interests do you have?

Do you have experience of working with people?

How would you benefit from helping at this event?

Write to Mr. Liam Kennedy at Music for Life explaining why you would be
suitable as a volunteer.

LETTER OF APPLICATION 3 (formal)

You see the following advertisement on your college noticeboard:

Brayton Animal Rescue Centre.

Saving abandoned dogs and cats

We are looking for animal-loving volunteers to help out this summer in our
busy rescue centre. Duties include cleaning cages, walking dogs and other
general animal care tasks.

Write a letter to Ms Kate Rider, giving details of:

 Your experience of working with animals

 Why you would be suitable as a volunteer
 How you would benefit from this experience.

LETTER OF APPLICATION 4 (formal)

15
UK Summer camps. Helpers required to work on one of our UK Summer
Camps.

Applicants hould be hard-working, energetic and able to organize activities

for young children in these areas:

 Workshops
 Sports
 Outdoor pusuits
 Indoor and outdoor games

Write to the director, Mrs. Simpson, giving your reasons for applying and
saying why you would be suitable for the job.

LETTER OF APPLICATION 5 (formal)

Coastal campsites require:

 Reception Assistants
 Swimming Ppool attendants
 Bar and Restaurant Staff
 Entertainers

To work in the UK on our busy, five-star campsites this summer.

Applicants must have a reasonable command of English and be wiling to

work long hours.

Write to the director, Mr. Peabody, and explain why you would be suitable for
the job.

16
REPORT

Structure

1. Introducition
2. A suitable heading for each section of the report
3. Recommendation/Conclusion -> summaring and final recommendation

REPORT 1

After a class discussion about reading for pleasure, your English teacher has
asked you to write a report on the reading habits of the people in the class.

You should include how much reading the class members do and what kind
of books they read.

REPORT 2

Your English teacher has asked you to write a report about sports that are
popular in your local area. You should include details both of sports that
people play and sports that people watch

REPORT 3

Your local mayor wants to increase the number of visitors to your area. You
have been asked to write a report for the mayor on one of the following:

- Cinemas, theatres and concert halls

- Transport facilities
- Historic buildings and museums
- Sports facilities
- Parks and gardens

REPORT 4

17
The school where you learn English has decided to improve its language
learning facilities. You have been asked to write a report for the Principal,
describing the current facilities and making suggestions for improvements.
Report on the classrooms and the library and anything else you think is
important.

REPORT 5

A multinational company based in your area has made a large donation to

your town and wants the money to be used for building either a sports
center or a theatre. Write a report for the town council, describing the
benefits to the town of each facility and saying which one you think should
be built and why.

REPORT 6

A group of foreign students is going to be staying in your area for a month

this summer. They are keen to keep fit during their stay and the group leader
has asked you to write a report giving advice on the best places to go
running, swimming and cycling. In your report you should explain why these
places will be of interest of the group.

REPORT 7

A group of foreign students is going to be staying in your area for a month.

You have been asked to write a report for the group leader giving advice on
eating out. Describe the best places to eat cheaply in your area and say why,
in addition to the reasons of cost, you think the student will enjoy eating in
these places.

REPORT 8

A group of elderly tourists will be spending a morning in your town as part of

a ten-day tour of the region. The local tourist office has asked you to write a
report for the group leader, suggesting ways in which the tourists might
spend the morning. You should give advice on sightseeing and shopping, as
well as information on where they could have lunch.

REPORT 9

A group of foreign teenage students on an exchange programme in your

region is planning to visit your town for an afternoon and evening. You have
been asked to write a report for the leader of the group, suggesting ways in
which the students might spend their time in your town. You should give
18
advice on places to go for shopping and entertainment, explaining why you
recommend these places.

19
REVIEW

Structure

1. Introduction, including a general opinion

2. Positive poins
3. Negative points
4. Recommendation

REVIEW 1

Podcast reviews wanted

Have you listened to a podcast on a topic you find interesting? Write a review
of the podcast, explaining what it is about and why you listened to it. Tell us
whether or not you would recommend this podcast to other people.

REVIEW 2

Reviews wanted: A surprising programme

Have you seen a programme that you didn’t think you would like but enjoyed
a lot? Write a review of a programme that was much better than you
expected, saying why you watched it, why you thought you wouldn’t like it
and why you did enjoy it.

REVIEW 3
20
Your teacher has asked you to write about a film you have seen recently for
the school’s English magazine. Write a review for the magazine, including a
brief description of the plot, giving your opinions on the film and saying who
you would recommend it to.

REVIEW 4

Reviews wanted: Game apps

Is there a game you play regularly on your phone? Write a review explaining
the aim of the game, why you like playing it and who would recommend it to.

REVIEW 5

Reviews wanted:

We would like you to write a review of something you have bought recently.
It could be a computer game, a book, a magazine, a smartphone.. anything
you like!

Describe the good and bad points of your purchase and say who you would
recommend it to.

REVIEW 6

Have you been to see a musical, a concert, a circus, a comedian or any other
kind of live show recently? If so, write us a review, telling us what you did
and did not enjoy about the show and whether you would recommend it to
other people.

REVIEW 7

Television reviews needed.

We’d like to hear about a television series you watch regularly. Write us a
review, telling us what you enjoy about the series and whether there is
anything you don’t like about it. Don’t forget to say who you would
recommend it to.

21