FIRST WRITING

EXAM BOOKLET
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Contents Page

WRITING PART 1: ESSAY 3

WRITING PART 2 – INFORMAL LETTER OR E-MAIL 7

WRITING PART 2 – FORMAL LETTER OR E-MAIL 13

WRITING PART 2 –ARTICLE 19

WRITING PART 2 – REVIEW 22

WRITING PART 2 – STORY 27

ARTICLES VS. ESSAYS 30

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Writing Part 1: ESSAY

Read the rubric, essay question and prompts very carefully in order to understand what you are expected to
do. This is vital!

It is important to keep the focus of the topic question and that all your ideas and opinions are relevant to the
question.

Support your opinions with reasons and examples.

Think of a third idea of your own in addition to the two given prompts. If any of the three essay prompts is
missed out, then the target reader will not be fully informed and the candidate will be penalised.

Ideas need to be expressed in a clear and logical way, and should be well organised and coherent. It is
advisable to use up to 5 paragraphs:

Introduction

Prompt 1 development + reason(s)/example(s)

Prompt 2 development + reason(s)/example(s)

Prompt 3 development + reason(s)/example(s)

Conclusion (you may include your opinion here)

Varying the length of the sentences, using indirect questions and using a variety of structures and vocabulary
may all help to communicate ideas more effectively.

The correct use of linking words and phrases (e.g. but, so, however, on the other hand, etc.) and the
appropriate use of cohesive devices (e.g. using pronouns for referencing) is especially important in essays.

Hints

[PLANNING]
- Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the input in Part 1. Use your own
words.

[INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION]

- Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs - In the introduction, state the topic clearly, give a brief
outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why people have different opinions about it.
- DO NOT express your opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you essay in such a way that it guides
the reader to the conclusion you draw).
- DO give your opinion in the final paragraph.
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[SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPHS]

- Structure your argument. - Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic sentence.
- Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples, rhetorical questions (do no
overdo it), controversial or surprising statements... If you include a drawback, give a possible solution, too.

[GENERAL]
- DO use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Do not be too emotional.
- Remember to use linking adverbials to organise your ideas and to make it easy for the reader to follow your
argument.
- In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation thoroughly.

Linking words and phrases

Present your ideas clearly. Use connectors to link your ideas

Make sure you know how to use connectors appropriately (register, punctuation...). If you have any doubts,
you should use a good dictionary to check.

To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe (that) / I feel (that) / it seems to me / in my view /as I
see it / I think / personally

To show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so that

To list ideas: Firstly / secondly / finally / In the first place / Lastly

To contrast ideas: However / although / in contrast / whereas / but / nevertheless / in spite of / despite

To describe a cause: Because / since / as / due to

To show a sequence: First of all / then / after that / eventually / in the end / finally

To add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too / furthermore / and

To describe a consequence: Consequently / as a result / therefore / so / thus / for this reason / that is why

To conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up / in short / all in all

Making points

Many people feel that ...

First and foremost, ...
It is widely believed that ...
It would be ideal if ...
Another argument in favour is ...
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It is clear from the facts that ...

The benefits of ... outweigh the disadvantages.
On the whole, I think ...

Contrasting points

On the other hand ...

Other people think ...
An opposing argument is ...
Giving opinions
I personally feel that ...
I find it hard to see why ...
I certainly don't believe that ...
It is difficult to believe that ...
I object to the cloning of animals.

Organising and linking your ideas

First of all, … Secondly, … In addition, …

Moreover, … Furthermore, …
So … As a result, … Therefore, …
However, … On the one hand…/On the other hand …
On the whole … While it is true to say …
Finally, … To summarise, … In conclusion
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Essay - Model question

TASK

In your English class, you have recently had a discussion about science and young people. Now your English
teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Science is very important in the 21st century. How do you think it could be made more appealing to young
people?

Notes

Write about:
1. television programmes
2. interactive museums
3. ________ (your own idea)

Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 2 - Model answer (There may be mistakes here, as it is a model written by a student)

Although young people love gadgets and technology, some see science as uninteresting and 'uncool'. Over
time, the number of young people, particularly girls, pursuing science and technology studies and careers has
dropped.

One way in which science could be made more attractive would be to have lively television programmes
presented by celebrities, with subjects which were relevant to the experience of the young. We live in a
celebrity culture and children identify with well-known young people.

Another idea would be to set up interactive science museums in every town, where parents could take their
children. It is much better to teach children the principles of science through hands-on experiments than to
lecture them in a classroom.

Of course, there would be more incentives if the average scientit were better paid and young people were
made aware of the range of jobs available. A lot of people are put off a scientific career because they think it
means working in a badly paid job in a boring laboratory.

Whichever way we choose, it is vital that more young people are attracted to science, since society's prosperity
depends largely on continuous scientific progress.

(+/- 190 words)

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Writing Part 2 – INFORMAL LETTER OR E-MAIL

Salutation or Greeting

Start with Dear followed by the first name of the person to whom you are writing. In emails, you can also start
with Hi (and the person's name). Dear Ben, or Hi Ben,
(Don't forget to use only the first name of the person you are writing to and not Dear Mr John, which is never
used, or Dear Mr John Brown, which sounds too formal.)

Informal letters sometimes have a comma after the person's name, and the letter starts on the line below. The
important thing is to be consistent with the style that you choose to use (so if you use a comma after the
person's name at the start of the letter, use a comma after the closing statement at the end).

Body

Openings

When writing an informal letter, you are usually replying to another letter. You would normally start with a
greeting, then acknowledge the letter to which you are replying. It is often a good idea to acknowledge some
key information given in the original letter too. You can also make a comment on your own reply.

Useful phrases for the opening

How are you? / How have the family been? / I hope you are well.

Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter / postcard.

It was good / nice / great to hear from you again.

I was so surprised to hear that...

I’m sorry I haven’t written / haven't been in touch for such a long time.

It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you're well / you and your family are well.

How are things? / How are you? / How’s it going?

Other useful phrases

Referring to news

Great news about … Glad to hear that … Sorry to hear about …

Giving news

Listen, did I tell you about …? You’ll never believe what …

Oh, and another thing … This is just to let you know that …
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I thought you might be interested to hear about / know that …

By the way, have you heard about / did you know that …?

Apologies

I’m writing to apologise for missing your party but I’m afraid I was with flu.

I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was busy with my new job.

Invitations

I’m / We’re having a party on Friday 19th and I / we hope you’ll be able to come.

Would you like to come / go to see ‘Room With a View’ with me at the weekend?

I was wondering if you’d like to go to the theatre / come on holiday with us.

Could you let me / us know if you can come / you’d like to join us?

Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come.

Thank you for asking / inviting me to … but I’m afraid I won’t be able to …

Requests

I’m writing to ask for your help / you (if you could do me) a favour.

I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me / do me a favour.

I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you (possibly) …?

I’d be very / really / terribly grateful if you could …

Thank you / Congratulations / Good Luck

I’m writing to thank you for your hospitality / the wonderful present.

It was so kind of you to invite me to stay with you.

I really appreciated all your help / advice.

Congratulations on passing your exams / your excellent exam results!

I wish you good luck / Good luck in / with your exams / your driving test / your interview.

Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do well / pass.

Do be on time, won’t you, and don’t forget to …

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Making suggestions and recommendations

Why don’t you …? / Maybe you could …? / How about …?

You can’t leave New York without (...doing sth)

I’m sure you will enjoy (...doing sth). If you like, we can …

Do visit ... / Don’t forget to ...

Closing

The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. There are some standard ways of finishing an informal
letter or email.

Give a reason why you're ending the letter: Anyway, I must go and get on with my work! / I guess it's time I got
on with that studying I've been avoiding.

Send greetings and/or make reference for future contact: Give my love / regards to... / Say hello to... /
Anyway, don't forget to let me know the dates of the party. / I'll try and phone you at the weekend to check
the times. / We must try and meet up soon. / I can't wait to hear from you / Look forward to seeing you again
/ Hope to hear from you soon / See you soon / Write soon

Closing statement such as Love, Lots of love, All the best, Take care, Best wishes, should be written on a new
line. If you used a comma after the opening greeting, use a comma here too.

Signing off: Your first name then follows on another new line.

Informal Letter advice and suggestions

Imagine that you are writing to a real friend of yours. It’s easier to write in a natural way and will give you
more ideas.

Your friend’s name should be included in your introduction. Begin the letter with Dear Maggie, etc.

Begin your letter with some general chat: “Hi Maggie, How’s it going?”, etc…

Refer to the letter you have received from your friend and thank him/her for writing or apologise for the fact
that you have answered the last letter a bit late.

Use the proper register (style). This is extremely important. You will lose marks if the style is not appropriate.

The letter is supposed to be informal so you can use contractions, informal linking words and expressions
like: well, by the way, anyway, so, colloquial expressions, etc.
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You can use a chatty style of writing and even ask questions in your letter:‘Do you remember that guy we met
at the airport?’ or ‘Do you fancy visiting…?’

Use questions to ask about your friend – arrange your next meeting and send greetings to his/her friends and
family, etc.

Finish your letter in an informal way: Best wishes, Love, Regards

Typical expressions to use when writing to a friend

Beginnings

Thanks for your letter.

Sorry for not writing for so long / I’m sorry to hear you’ve been ill.

It was lovely to hear from you/ It was great to get your letter.

It was nice to hear from you / Thank you so much for writing.

Contents 1st paragraph

Thank you for sending me …

I’m writing to ask you a favour.

Your last letter was a real surprise. I didn’t think you would remember my birthday.

Thanks a lot for the information you sent me in your last letter.

I’ve just received your letter. I’m so happy to hear that…

I’m sorry I haven’t written for so long but…

I’m sorry I took so long to answer, but I was really busy with…

Signalling the end

I must go now./ I’d better finish.

I’ll have to finish now because…

Anyway, I’d better get ready for work now, so…

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Closings (at the end)

Write soon / Write again soon!

Bye for now/ Best wishes / Take care.

Good luck!

Hope to hear from you soon.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Well, that’s all for now. Will talk to you soon.

Give my regards to your family.

Model question

TASK

You have received this email from an English-speaking boy called Simon.
Hello,
I would like to get to know someone from your country and a friend has told me that you would like to practise
your English. Perhaps we could email each other. Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your family? Could
you suggest how we might meet sometime in the future?
Thanks,
Simon

Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Informal email/letter - Model answer (There may be mistakes here, as it is a model written by a student)

Hello Simon,

I'm glad you're interested in my country. As your friend said, I'd like us to email each other to help me improve
your English.

Let me start by telling you a bit about myself and my family. My name's Ivo and I live in Kutna Hora, which is
about 45 minutes from Prague by car. I used to work for a medical company but now I'm learning to be a
salesperson. In the future I want a job where I can travel for my work. I've already been to a few places in
Europe but I've never been to an English-speaking country.

I live at home with my parents, which is convenient, as I don't have to do much housework and my meals are
cooked for me. My younger brother is studying at university. Although he is four years younger than me, we
get on quite well. We both enjoy snowboarding and music.
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What about you? Have you ever been to the Czech Republic? It would be great if you could come over one day
and we could fix up a meeting. Why don't you let me know your plans?

Anyway, I must go and get on with my work! Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,

Ivo
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Writing Part 2 – FORMAL LETTER OR E-MAIL

Formal letters may be written to an individual or to an organisation. The purpose may be, for example,

to apply for part-time or vacation work (application letter)

to apply for study or scholarship opportunity (application letter)

to complain about something (complaint letter)

to make suggestions about something

to request information (enquiry letter)

In many exam questions, you will be told what to include in your reply. Make sure that your reply answers
any questions that you were asked in the task and takes into account any additional information that you
have been told to mention. It is important that you include these in order to get a good grade.

How to write formal letters

[1] Salutation or Greeting

(A) If you know the name of the person you are writing to use the
title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms) and the surname only. If you are writing
to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use
Ms, which is for married and single women.
Examples: "Dear Mr Simpson," / "Dear Mrs Flanders," / "Dear Miss
Skinner," / "Dear Ms Van Houten,"

(B) If you do not know the name of the recipient of the letter begin
with "Dear Sir," / "Dear Madam," (if you know you are writing to a
man or a woman) or "Dear Sir or Madam," (if you do not know the
sex of the person you are writing to).

[2] Body

[2.1] Opening

The first paragraph states the reason(s) for writing and, if needed, what you are responding to (an advert, a
prospectus...). In addition, an opening paragraph is needed to make reference to previous correspondence.
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Useful phrases for the opening

I would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus. (applying for a
scholarship)

I am looking for an outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the position of
hotel lifeguard assistant which I say advertised in my university's student newspaper. (applying for a job)

I have seen your advertisement for the post / vacancy / job of… advertised in the local newspaper on 16 June. I
am writing because I would like to apply for the job. (applying for a job)

I am the secretary of my college Science Club. I saw your advertisement for the exhibition "The Next 100
Years" and I am interested in organising a group visit. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about
it. (requesting information)

I am writing (in order) to complain about the advertisement for your new game. Having just played the game, I
realise that the advertisement is misleading. (complaint letter)

I am writing with regard to ... I am writing with reference to... I am writing in response to...

Thank you for /your letter of 9 May... /for your letter regarding...

In reply to your letter of 8 May, ...

[2.2], [2. .] Main content

The rest of the body will be organized in paragraphs: that will make reading easier and the effect on the target
reader will be better. For example, an application letter may have this layout and paragraphing:

Salutation or greeting

#1 Opening (first paragraph)

#2 About you (age, where you live, education-training and/or work experience relevant to the job, languages
...)

#3 Reasons for applying (why you are suitable for the job)

#4 Conclusion (availability for interview, further questions, ... - if necessary)

Closing

Final salutation

Name and surname

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Other useful phrases

Asking politely

Could you tell me... ?

I would be grateful if you could ...

I would be interested in having more details about...

I would like to know if/when/when/...

I would like information on...

Do you know if...?

Complaining

I would like to complain about + noun or -ing

... is not what I expected / was expecting

I am not satisfied with...

I would be grateful if my money was refunded / if you could give me a refund

[3] Closing

The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. You usually state what you would like the recipient to
do, make a reference to a future event, offer to help...

I look forward to hearing from you soon / I look forward to receiving your reply

I look forward to receiving a full refund (in a complaint letter)

I would like to know what you are going to do about this situation (in a complaint letter)

I would like to thank you in advance for this information (in a enquiry letter -requesting information)

If you require/Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me/feel free to contact
me.
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[4] Final salutation

Depending on how you started your letter you will end your letter with

(A) Yours sincerely, (when you know the name of the person)

(B) Yours faithfully, (when you don’t know the name of the person)

[5] Sign your name

Letter of application - useful phrases

Dear ......

I am writing to apply for a/the job of ..... which I saw advertised in "The Guardian" newspaper.

I am 26 years old and at the moment I am studying … at …. Having studied English for over seven years I am a
fluent speaker of the language. My qualifications also include Proficiency certificates in both French and
German. As far as experience is concerned, I have worked as ............. for ........... As for my character, people
tell me I am ...............

I feel I would be suitable for this job because ............ . This will give me the opportunity to ….. . I would also
like the chance to....

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours …

Other things to consider

Range: It is important that you use grammatical expressions and vocabulary appropriate to the level of the
exam. Even if there are no mistakes in your writing, you will not be able to get a good grade if you use only the
language and vocabulary that you learnt at elementary level.

Formal language

Use full verb forms and not contractions (do not instead of don't, would like instead of 'd like...)

Formal vocabulary, usually not using phrasal verbs.

More complex sentence structure.

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Connectors: All good writing makes good use of connectors. You need to use some of the connectors that are
more specific to formal language.

Formal email/letter - Model question

TASK

You see this advertisement in a student newspaper.

Lifeguard assistants wanted

We are looking for someone in August to assist our lifeguards, provide supervision during beach activities and
observe swimmers.

Write to the Lifeguard Manager, saying what your experience and qualifications are and stating the reasons
why you are suitable for the job.

Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Formal email/letter- Model answer (There may be mistakes here, as it is a model written by a student)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am looking for outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the position of
lifeguard assistant, which I saw advertised in my university's student newspaper.

I am 20 years old and at present I am studying Physical Education. I am a strong swimmer and have recently
had first aid training. I very much enjoy working with people and for the last two summers I have benn working
as an assitant ranger in a National Park, where I had to provide information to the public about using the park
and provide emergency assistance to park users. Now I am looking for something different.

I think I would be a suitable candidate for the position because I have been described as calm in a crisis and
someone who works well with others.

I am available for the whole of August and would be happy to attend an interview at any time. I look forward
to hearing from you at any time in the near future.

Yours faithfully,

Ivan Ivienen

(+/- 175 words)

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Semi-formal email/letter 2 - Model question

TASK

You recently helped organise a college ski trip and you have received this email from a parent of one of the
students who went.

I understand you were one of the organisers of our son's ski trip. I have to say my husband and I were
extremely dissatisfied with the arrangements. My son has informed us that the ski slopes were poor, the
lessons were fewer than promised and the accommodation was inadequate.

Can you please give us a satisfactory explanation?

Nora White

Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Semi-formal email/letter 2 - Model answer (There may be mistakes here, as it is a model written by a
student)

Dear Ms White,

First, let me apologise for any disappointment your son experienced on our ski trip. It is true that there were
several concerns. Since we had been led to believe by the company that there would be sufficient slopes for
both beginners and advanced skiers, we were extremely upset when this turned out to not to be the case. It
was also unfortunate that lack of snow meant that artificial snow had to be used instead.

As for the question of lessons, if you look at the letter we sent you, you will see that only five one-hour lessons
were included in the price and that extra hours would have to be paid for separately.

In relation to accommodation, I am not quite sure what you are referring to. I know that in one room there
were not enough beds but this was not the case in your son's room.

We would like to assure you that we take all complaints seriously. We have already decided that next year we
will change the company and the location for our trip and we hope that your son will consider joining us again.

Yours sincerely,

Ernest Omate

(+/- 195 words)

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Writing Part 2 –Article

AN ARTICLE is usually written for an English-language magazine or newsletter, and the reader is assumed to
have similar interests to the writer. The main purpose is to inform, interest and engage the reader, so there
should be some opinion or comment.

Hints

Add a short title to catch the reader's attention. Make sure it is relevant. You can use the one in the question
or invent one of your own.

Introduce the topic. Although you don't know the readers personally, you can address them directly and ask
them a rhetorical question. It helps to involve them.

Divide your report into sections according to the input. One or two paragraphs will do.

Develop the ideas in the task input. Remember .

Use a personal or more neutral style, but not formal (you might use contractions).

It is important that you show a range of structures.

Give examples where appropriate to bring your article to life

Use humour where appropriate.

Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.

Useful language for an article

Involving the reader

Just imagine...

Have you ever...?

How would you feel if ...?

Are you one of those people who ...?

If the answer is ..., you should....

What would live be like if...

...
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Making the article lively and interesting

I was absolutely terrified when I realised...

More importantly, it was something I...

Not surprisingly, it's a good way of raising money.

The tent was worryingly small for three people!

It was the most amazing experience I have ever had.

...

Developing your points

Let's start with ...

Another advantage of ...

On top of that, ...

Giving your own opinion

I think that / In my opinion ...

It seems to me that ...

If you ask me, ...

To my mind...

Article- Model question

TASK

You see this announcement on an English-language website.

Articles wanted

A charity event to remember

What is the most unusual way you've raised money for charity? How did you do it? What did you have to do?
Was the event a success? Would you do it again?
Write us an article answering these questions.
We will publish the best articles on our website.

Write your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

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Article - Model answer (There may be mistakes here, as it is a model written by a student)

A charity event to remember

So why did I decide to do a 90-km walk in six days along the Great Wall of China? Well, the reason was that
our local children's hospital needed to raise money or it would be close. However, I didn't realise how big a
challenge it would be.

Before I went, I thought that I would be walking along a flat surface but when I saw the Great Wall, my heart
sank. Part of the time we would be trekking up hundreds of high steps and, worryingly, some of the paths had
steep falls on either side and there was nowhere to go because we were surrounded by mountains and
forests. However, after a while, I started to love the experience. I was in one of the most amazing places on
earth and the views were incredible.

In the end, the adventure was a great success. The hospital was delighted because a group of us managed to
raise several thousand pounds.

Would I be keen to help the hospital again next year? Yes, but I think I'll try and find an easier challenge next
time!

[+/- 190 words]

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Writing Part 2 – Review

A REVIEW is usually written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website. The main purpose is to
describe and express a personal opinion about something which the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a
holiday, a product, a website etc.) and to give the reader a clear impression of what the item discussed is
like. Descriptions and explanations are key functions for this task, and a review will normally include a
recommendation to the reader.

Hints

It is a good idea to give your review an interesting title.

In the first paragraph, say what you are reviewing and try to get the reader's interest.

Give your opinion of what you are reviewing linked to the question in the second paragraph. Remember a
review is not just a list of facts - it's largely your opinion.

Give more details of what your are reviewing linked to the questions in the input in one or two more
paragraphs, but only focus on those you've been asked to develop.

Summarise your view, using different words from the introduction, and include a recommendation.

Remember.

Use a personal or more neutral style, according to the target reader.

It is important that you show a range of structures in the language of opinion, description and
recommendation.

Add vivid language to add interest.

Useful language for a review

What I liked

What I liked most was …..

The thing I liked most was ….

I was pleasantly surprised by …..

….. would appeal to …..

If you get a chance to ….

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What I disliked

What I disliked most was …..

I was disappointed by/with ……

Reviews of books

main character

is set in

Fiction: science fiction / thriller / fantasy / mystery / historical / romance ...

Non-fiction: cook book / travel book / textbook / manual / coffee-table book ...

atmosphere / plot

author

written by

chapter

factual

unbelievable

bestseller

ending

Reviews of concerts

artist / band / musician / (bass/lead/rhythm) guitarist / (backing/lead) singer / drummer / soloist / trio /
orchestra

auditorium / hall / venue / lyrics / (catchy) tune / score / gig

Reviews of exhibitions

painting / sculpture / handicrafts

gallery / catalogue / display

Reviews of films

lead role

star role
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star

star actor/actress

starring

secondary role

He plays a …….

written by ….

cast / director / producer

is set in …..

based on a true story …..

believable

true to life

not very believable

far-fetched

(As for fiction books +): animation / adaptation / comedy

Costumes / design / photography / script / special effects / soundtrack

ending

Reviews of TV programmes

Chat shows / current affairs programme / debate / documentary / series / soap opera/ sitcom (situation
comedy)

Host / presenter

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc

location

service

setting

attractive / disappointing setting

owned by
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run by

head chef (restaurant)

waiters (restaurant)

staff …….

staff at reception …….(hotel)

hotel facilities ….

reasonable prices …..

good/excellent/poor value for money …..

(a bit/somehow) expensive

overpriced

not worth the money

always fully booked

book in advance

Criticism

The script seemed rather conventional/predictable to me.

The plot struck me as completely bizarre/absurd/incomprehensible

The characters are appealing and true to life

The dancers were quite brilliant/amateurish

Recommendations

Judging from this CD / show ...

Overall, if you like ..., you'll love / you should ...

Although some of ... he/she/it's still a great...

You really must/should buy/see/read/visit ...

I would definitely recommend seeing/visiting/reading/having a look at ...

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Review- Model question

TASK

You have seen this announcement in your college English-language magazine.

Music reviews wanted

Have you been to a great music concert recently?

Write us a review of the concert, telling us about the band or singer and their performance. Say whether you
would recommend seeing them perform live.
We will publish the best reviews next month.

Write your review in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Review - Model answer (There may be mistakes here, as it is a model written by a student)

A gig to remember

Without doubt, the British rock band Arctic Monkeys have given this year's best live show. As teenagers a few
years ago, they made the fastest selling album ever but seemed shy and awkward on stage. Now they have
matured and become an amazing live act.

Since the frontman Alex decided to cut his hair and dress like a skinny rock star of the 1950s, he moves
confidently around the stage, waving his arms and encouraging us to shake our hips. The crowd were ecstatic!

The set began with their hit, Do you wanna know. The guitar playing was tight, as always, and the rhythm
supported by Matt's powerful drumming. The band were on top form throughout, winning fans with a list that
combined older with new hits.

My only reservation is that although the songs have clever lyrics and great melodies and sound fresh every
time, some lack the emotional and poetic force of their best.

But this is a minor criticism. Overall, it was a performance to remember and all fans should try and catch them
while they're on tour.

[+/- 185 words]

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Writing Part 2 – Story

General Instructions

First of all, stay within the word limit. If the instructions say to write the story in 140 to 190 words, then do so.
If your story falls above or below the word count, add or trim as needed. Secondly, pay careful attention to
the question. Often the Cambridge exam gives a sentence that must begin or end the story. Sometimes it says
it must begin it and sometimes it says it must end it, and sometimes you have the choice. Whatever the
instructions say, do it. In addition, you must not change the sentence in any way or add to it; it must go into
your story exactly as it is given. This is a basic of successful exam writing: follow the instructions explicitly.

What to Write

What should you write about? That's up to you. You might like to write a true story, something that happened
to you or someone you know; you might like to write a fantasy, like a ghost story; you might like to write
about something exciting, like a rescue. That's the fun of story writing: the fact that you can choose any
subject. But whatever you choose, recognise your limitations. Don't try to tackle novel-length subject matter.
Don't try to summarise an entire movie you've seen. In this length of story you only have the space to write
about one incident, one thing that happens.

Point of View

A story can be told in either first person, that is, the point of view of the writer, or in third person, a more
objective presentation of the events. If you are taking the Cambridge First Certificate exam, usually the exam
question will determine the point of view. If the sentence you are given to open or close your story is in first
person, then write your story in first person; if it is in third person, then the rest of the story should be as well.
If you are given a title only, then you have a choice, but remember: whatever you choose, stay consistent.
Always use the same point of view throughout the story.
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Organisation

Plan your story carefully. A good story doesn't just take off and go anywhere. When you are writing a story as
short as this, good organization is essential. Your story should have about four or five paragraphs depending
on the subject matter, but each paragraph should have its particular topic and advance the story in a specific
way. The organization should be like this:

1. Introduction. The introduction informs the reader of the three Ws: who, when, where. Who is the main
character or characters in the story? When does the story begin? Where does the story begin? Sometimes
there is a hint of what and why as well. What are they doing when the story begins and why are they doing it?
Try to mention something interesting that will hook the reader into wanting to continue reading.

2. Main part. This is the part where the action happens. In the second and third paragraph there is usually a
buildup to the main event in the fourth and last paragraph in the main part. Remember, in each paragraph
one specific thing should happen that advances the story along.

3. Conclusion. In the conclusion there is usually a summing up, or lesson learned, or the writer's feelings or
impression of the events, if the story is told in the first person.

Verb Tenses

Stories can be fun to write but they are also challenging, and one of the most difficult grammar aspects is the
correct use of verb tenses. Stories should be told mainly in simple past tense, with occasional use of past
progressive or continuous, and past perfect. Don't mix present and past tenses, and don't make the common
mistake of using past progressive for simple past. Watch your tenses!

Your story will be better and will get more marks if you include…

1. Three different tenses. You want to show the examiner that you know the story telling tenses, which are:-
a) Simple Past b) Past Continuous c) Past Perfect.
Here’s an example: It was raining. (Past continuous) Billy hadn’t eaten for two days. (Past perfect) He saw
some apples. He decided to steal them. (Simple past).
Of course, in order to use these tenses you absolutely MUST know all your irregular verbs!

2. Adjectives: It was raining. Billy hadn’t eaten for two days, so he was wet, hungry and miserable. He saw
some delicious, red apples. He decided to steal them.

3. Adverbs: It was raining hard. Billy hadn’t eaten for two days, so he was wet, hungry and miserable. He saw
some delicious red apples and quickly decided to steal them.
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4. Direct speech: “Hey, you!” shouted the shopkeeper, “I know you, Billy Brown! I’ll tell your mum!”

5. Rich vocabulary, good grammar, detail and idiomatic expressions: Examples: Quick as a flash – soaking wet
– starving hungry –to grab – to pass away – an idea popped into his head – to go straight (to hospital) (home)
– to have a little chat

Model question (There may be mistakes here, as it is a model written by a student):

Write a STORY in an appropriate style. Your story must start or finish with the words: Grandpa Jo would be
proud of him.

Model answer

It was raining hard. Billy hadn’t eaten for two days, so he was soaking wet and very miserable. Passing a
greengrocer’s, he noticed some delicious, red apples . He quickly decided to steal them. He grabbed two and
started to run.
“Hey, you!” shouted the shopkeeper, “I know you, Billy Brown! I’ll tell your mum!”
Billy ran to the park where he found a dry place to sit and eat. He wasn’t worried about the shopkeeper telling
his mum. He didn’t care about his mum, his teachers or the police. He only cared about Grandpa Jo, and
Grandpa Jo had passed away last week leaving Billy to face the world alone.
Billy didn’t know what to do. He was 17 and had no money, no qualifications, no family – except his mother
who he rarely saw. He closed his eyes and thought about his granddad. Suddenly an idea popped into his head.
He walked back into town and went straight into a small office where there was a Union Jack in the window.
“Can I help you?” asked the man in uniform at the desk. “Yes”, said Billy, “I want to join the army.”
“I see” replied the officer. “I think you’d better sit down, then. We need to have a little chat.”
Billy sat down and smiled. He knew that, wherever he was, Grandpa Jo would be proud of him.

So – to recap – 3 tenses/adverbs/adjectives/direct speech/idiomatic expressions/rich vocabulary ……and

always double check your grammar & spelling.
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Articles vs. Essays

Main Difference – Article vs Essay

An essay is a piece of writing that describes, analyzes and evaluates a particular topic whereas an article is a piece of
writing that is included with others in a newspaper or other publications. The main difference between article and
essay is that an article is written to inform the readers about some concept whereas an essay is usually
written in response to a question or proposition.

What is an Article

An article is a piece of writing that is included with others in a newspaper, magazine or other publication. It is
a written composition that is nonfiction and prose. Articles can be found in magazines, encyclopedias, websites,
newspapers or other publications; the content and the structure of an article may depend on the source. For example,
an article can be an editorial, review, feature article, scholarly articles, etc.

However, the aim or the purpose of an article remains the same; the main aim of an article is to inform the readers
about a certain topic. Another common feature of articles is that they follow a heading format. Articles can also vary
according to the type of information they present. These facts and information are generally presented in an objective
manner since the writer’s aim is to describe the topic, not to persuade the readers towards accepting his views.

Articles normally include direct questions so as to catch the readers attention. The heading should be interesting too, to
invite the reader to continue reading.

It is normally informal, so you can use contractions and colloquial language.

What is an Essay

An essay is a piece of writing that describes, analyzes and evaluates a certain topic or an issue. It is a brief,
concise form of writing that contains an introduction, a body that is comprised of few support paragraphs, and a
conclusion. An essay may inform the reader, maintain an argument, analyse an issue or elaborate on a concept. An essay
is a combination of statistics, facts and writer’s opinions and views.

An essay can be divided into various types such as narrative, descriptive, persuasive, argumentative, expository, etc.
The purpose and the content of the essay can depend on the type of the essay. For example, if you are writing a
narrative essay, you’d pay attention to the style, and the narrative that can interest the readers. But if you are writing an
argumentative or persuasive essay, you would be more concerned about strong facts and arguments to prove your
point.

An essay is usually directed to a teacher so it is formal (no contractions).

It doesn’t take a heading.

Questions should be indirect or rhetorical.

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