Writing reference What to expect in the exam How to do Part 1 The Writing paper is Paper 2. Ilasts 1 hour and 20 minutes. You do two tasks. ‘+ InPart 1, there is one task (an e552) which you must do, 1 InPart 2, you choose one of three tasks Part 1: Essays ‘You write an essay. The purpose of an essay i for youto discuss a subjact, express your opinion and give reasons for your opinion, You are given an essay title and some notes, '* You must write an essay answering the essay question and using all the notes. The task wil tell your In your English class, you have been talking about / discussing Now your English teacher has asked you to write an ey ‘The notes outine three areas you must cover: The final note will aluays be your ov idea, ‘+ Your essay must be between 140 and 190 words. The ttl will sk you to write one of two types of essay 1 An essay in which you are asked to discuss a statement land give your opinion, 2g. Prvate cars should be banned from city centres. Do you agree? 2. An essay in which you are asked to discuss which of two things is better, €9. sit better for students to study something they realy enjoy when they leave school, or something which wll give them 2 good job? You should: 1 Read te instructions, ie the task (what you havo talked about in class, tho essay title and the note) carfuly 2 Underline the areas you must dea wth inthe essay title and in the notes You' lose marks if you don't deal with themal 3 Think and decide what your opinion or postion is on the subject ofthe essay and why you have this opinion 4 Think and make notes about how you can cover tho points listed in the notes. 5 Organise your notes into a pen. When writing your plan, decide how many paragranhs you need and what each paragraph will cover Your plan shouldnclude short introductory and concluding paragranhs (se Units Sand 1 6 Bofore writing your essay, chackthat your plan covers the the areas. 7. Write your essay following your plan |B Make sure you express your apinion clearly in your answer and thatthe arguments you express support your opinion. 9 When you heve finished, read your answer carefully (Check you have written between 140 and 190 words and correct any mistakes you fin. Note: ifyou write fewer than 140 words, you probably haven't answared the question/task completely and you will ose marks Ifyou write more then 190 words in the time, you may make too many mistakes and risk being irelevant. Also, if you waite too much, the examiner wl stop reading after about 200 words and you will ose marks fer an incomplete answer. * cover the two points you are given in the notes as well as your own idea in the third point * organise your answer in a logical way using paragraphs and linking sentences and paragraphs appropriately express your opinion clearly on the subject of the essay give reasons and examples to support your use a style appropriate for the situation (this should be quite formal, as it is an essay for your teacher) + write grammatically correct sentences + use accurate spelling and punctuation You have 40 minutes to do this part (the Writing paper lasts 1 hour 20 minutes, so if you spend more ime on this part, you will have less time for the other part), You studied and practised wri Units 1, 5, 8, 11 and 14, ng essays for Part 1 inWrite a brief introductory paragraph where you + explain the present situation + outline your position/ opinion, ‘An essay for your teacher has quite a formal style, 20 don’tuse contractions. Use linking words and phrases to help your rsaders follow the ideas. Although in my country compulsory education finishes at the age of 16, | believe that young people should continue in education at least till they are 18. There are two good reasons for encouraging young people to stay at school. Firstly, because jobs are becoming more and more specialised and technical, it is almost impossible for 16-year-olds to find work, Secondly, if they stay at school, i Education and training which will Qn the other hand, many students would like to leave sthgol at 16. This is because they find school difficult or they do not enjoy studying. They would prefer to be working and earning money. A further point is that unmotivated students disrupt lessons, this causes problems for students who do want to study. Therefore, after 16 they should only study technical or practical subjects that interest them. In conclusion, | believe it is a mistake for people to leave school too soon, because they will miss opportunities which may arise in the future.‘There ae strong arguments in favour ofboth staying in your ‘nn country and travelling abroad. | personally think that people should do both. ‘There are several reasons for staying in your own count First | thnk i's important to know, enjoy and fel proud of your country and there is usually alot which is fascinating about is history and culture, which is important talean and experience. Secondly, you may be able to ‘save money by finding cheaper accommodation. Finally, because you speak te language, you wil avoid many ofthe problems you might have when travelling broad ‘On the other hand, when you go abroad, you can learn from the way other people live, Also, if you choose the right destination, it may be just as cheap as travelling in your ‘nn country, especially if you use youth hostels. Finally, it gives you an opportunity to learn and practise other languages, which is good for your education, For these reasons, | think that people should travel abroad {rom time to time, but also spend time visting their wn ‘county o appreciate what i good and interesting in both, {You don'thave te choose one option arte other you kink both have sdvantagee Inhelps the reader ifyou haves short sentence lorpivare athe Besinning ofthe paragraph stating the opie Use variety of grammatical stictures, eg conditional and Giving reasons for your point of + because since + Because ofthis, + Forthisreacon, + That iswhy * One ofthe main reasons is that. Expressing results + As a resuticonsequence, Expressing consequences * In consequence, + Consequently, + which means that + To conclude, sum up, Introducing personal opinion = Inmy opinion, * think + Hes) * believe + From my point of view, Introducing other people’ opinions (often ones you don't agreo with) * Some people think/say * Many people argue that * itis sometimes/often srqued/suggested/said that Putting your ideas in order There are two good reasons for * Onthe other hand, there area number of reasons against * Firstly... Secondly... Finally © Also... Furthermore. / Whats more Ways of expressing contrasts + However + Onthe one hand, ... On the other bond, @pas 2 inginge oars ning MotesPart 2 Emails and letters In Part 2, you must choose from one of three iting toss, 1 The tasks you choose from willbe three of these four possibilities: an article, an emai! letter, a report or a revit Itis important to know how to virte al ofthese porsibilties so youcan make the best choice in the exam, + You must answer the tak wth your oun ideas. In most task, there are two things you must deal with, + You mustwrte between 180 and 190 words, ‘This part tests your abil to: + deal with the type of task you have chosen 1 use an appropriate style forthe task you have chosen + organise and structure your writing + express opinions, describe, explain, make recommendations, make suggestions, ee + use an appropriate range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, el How to do Part 2 1 Quickly read the quastions and choose the taskyou think you can do best. 2 Read the task you choose carefully and undavine * who wilread what you write 1 the points you must deal wth «anything eee you thinks important 23 Decide fyou need «formal or informal style 4 Think of ideas you can use to deal with the question and note them down while youre thinking, '5 Decise which deas ate the mast useful and ‘aie 2 plan. When writing your plan, decide how many paragraphs you need and what to say n each paragraph 6 Think of usful vocabulary you caninclude in youranswar and note it dann in your plan, 7 Wt your answe following your plan 18 When you hae fished, readyour answer careful, Check you have writin between M0 and 190 words and correct any mistakes youtind Yustudied and practised writing an emaiVetter in Units 6 and 12. Read tho writing task below and underline: 1 who the reader( dl 2 what points you must deal wth 2 anything else you thinks important. ‘You have received this letter from an English frien, Pat. Read this part ofthe letter. i doing a project on fami tein cifferent counties and | wonder if you coud tll mea bit abut fami ein your county. keto know what atypical fay in your County is ke and how famly ies changing. ‘Write your lator. Exercise 2 41 What details does she give of atypical famiy in Spain? 2 How is famiy fa changing? Doar Pat, “Tanks fr yurleto asking for rfrmaton about iy ite in ‘Spain Friis in Span ae sti very cose, an tay merbors take alot of routl to spend te oganer and heb each che. Familos ofengetiogeher at weckends, and yours people norma Ine wth the parent until ey are 25 oF 30. Poop tend to gotmared nth 06, which moar hatthoy start have don quo ao As a rel, amis usualy have just one cr wo cen However, amily ies chansng. One othe main eases is that most neon nA acre iv 8 more espns Pee = Ace errs a ete bo pres wo, poe foe een erga cre ee ‘age haonene aro, Theat anv yr ur Pe wane yourea J Sem tyre barman tte wes or tune pee onde Seance ‘taty mys un ser rier ay roaStarting and finishing emails and letters You know the person well startwith | Dear/Hella/Mi + name Dear Barbara, HiMagde, Hello Francesco finichwith | Best wishes, /Allthe best, Best wishes, /Love,/ With ove, You don'tknow the person well om = startwith | Dear + fest name: Dea Mr Hatton, ifyou know the person's name) ear Barbara you would use thee fist | ee rene Dea Sor Mader, you don'tknow the persons name) Dear + sumame: Dear Mr Hatton if you dont fel comfortable using ther rst name) fnishwith | Bost wishes, / Kind regards, Yours sincerely or Yours, you know the person's name) Yours fethily,(f you don't know the person's name) Starting the frst paragraph of a letter or email + Thanks for your email. + Thank you for your letter about + am writing to request information about / complain about / apologise for/ explain, etc Referring to something in a latter or email which you're replying to * Your short film sounds an excellent dea and «© Asforthe audience, ‘+ With reference tothe audience, * You mentioned/asked about the audience in your letter and Making suggestions * How about + verb + ing How about holding the meeting on the th? * What about + verb + ing: What about having a meal in a restaurant afterwards? + Itmight also be 2 good idea to It might also be a good idea to vst the museum + Can suggest tat 2: Can I suggest that you give your tak on Sth May? + Tsuggest + verb + ing | suggest holdin the meeting on 4th November. ‘Asking for information Could you tell me would /1' ike to know if | would /'d ike information on Do you know ifvhetheriwheniwhat, etc. ‘Complaining + Timnot very happy about + noun/verb + ing: I'm not very happy about the price. 'm not very happy about paying :0 much * would like to complain about + nouniverb + -ing I would like to complain about trafic noise in cur sect. I would like to complain about children playing football in our street. + Lam writing to complain about + noun/verb + ing | am writing to complain about the serve | ceived at your hotel recently. [Apologising + Sonty about + noun verb +-ng normals Sorry about being lat forthe concer ast Saturday. + I would ike to apologise for + noun verb + ng: | would ike o apologise fr arcvng late forthe concert on Saturday 2 + How about. How about coming windsurfing with me next weekend? + Would you like to ..?: Would you like to travel together? + Lwould ike to invite you ta... + nounviniitive: I would ike to invite you to visit ou town next summer. Lous ke invite you to my house next weekend Giving advice + You should + If were you, | would 1d * It would be & good idea to. + infinitiveReports You studied and practised writing reportsin Units 3 and 9, Exercise Read ths tak and answer the questions below. ‘Your teacher has asked you to ‘wit a report on things for young ‘people to doin their free time inthe ‘area where you lve. In your report, you should mention what fee-time facies there are and recommend improvements Wie your report | spend their free time on the beach or doing |°,"=°-3°0 ter sports, inproveerts, butte repartee 1 Doyouthinkyoushoulduse formal Other facilities fon these cols cor informal style fortis report? 2 Read Chiistine's report on the right. «Is the style formal or informal? * Doesit answer the question completely? Report on free-time facilities in my area Notice the layout Introduction ‘The aim of this report is to outline what young | |" Sctne people do in my area in their free time, what ||» cs:haecion hos facilities exist for them and how these could. | be made better. + is divided ino Freee activities Voor ‘My town, Beauvoir, is quite small, s0 it does purpose ofthe not have a cinema or theatre and there is report at the only one chib for young people. As a result, beginning, ‘young people have to take the train or bus to. a Nantes, which is about 30 Kllometres away if ~{ivoirepastng they want these things. On the other hand, it [est iewoss is situated by the sea, 60 many young people |“ ea.eon Beauvoir has a sports centre with tennis [be made better courts, a football pitch and a swimming pool. ‘There are also a number of cafés where young people normally go to meet each other and spend their free time. o Give easons ror your ‘recommend that the town council should jr set up a youth club where young people could ———— ‘meet, do other activities and also see films. ‘This would enoourage young people to stay in / ‘the town at weekends and improve their social lite Starting a report * The aim of this reports + infinitive: The aim of this report sto outline 1 The purpose ofthis reportis + infitve: The purpose ofthis report isto describe Making recommendations and suggestions + recommend that: [recommend that the town coureil should set up a youth cub recommend + vero + ing: would recommend setting up 2 youth + [suggest + verb + ing: [suggest buying more equipment for the sports + Icuggest that. : [suggest thatthe council should provide cheap transport foryoung people and students, + ltwould be a good idea (for somebody! + infinitive: It would be a good idea for the council to provide cheap transport for young people and students.Reviews. Exercise A) Read Fran's review below. Which paragraphs say: You studied and practised weting 1 what the book s about? 2 why we would all enjoy it? reviews in = 10. Exercise 1 Read the writing task below. 1 Undetine the points you must deal with, 2 Underline anything else you thinks important, 3 Who wil the reader(s)be, and where will our answer appear? ‘You soe tis announcement in ‘your schoo's Englshanguage ‘magazine. Have you seen a film or read ‘a book recently that you think ‘everyone would enjoy? We want to know about it Write a review of the film or book saying what i’s about and why we would all, “The Time Traveler's Wife? by Audrey Niffenegger Mention + the type ofbookrfim the characters ‘ome ofthe tory hat makes the Book fim fren, ‘This isan original and moving love story told from the poi characters, Henry ai librarian who has genetic problem which ceases hin to move backwards and forwards in time, Without warning, heisappears leaving everything behind and ‘another time in his life, He can't 6 when or where he’s going. travels, he ofte |, Clare, at lfferent times in her lite. entually they fall in love even though yey meet he is much, atother times they are Use plenty ofadjectves todeccrbe he Book/tim | howyou eel about it combines litle science sory because fiction with a wonderful 1 Henry's problem causes situations whieh are fanny; sometimes frightening, usally awhwatd and ofien very strange. The novel fs fascinating because it makes you think bout the nature of time. At the same time, you see how the characters and their relationships change during their ives but how their love grows stronger, Ways of praising Think everyone wil enjoy this. (book! film/estaurant, etc) because .. The. (600k! fiem/estaurant, et) is fascinating/wonderful marvellous because This... book/fim/ restaurant, etc) ireally worth Feadingiseving/ visting, te) becauseArticles Exercise 2 Read Luis’ article below and match the notes for his plan (o-c) with the ‘You studied and practised writing) paragraph numbers, articles in Units 2,7 and 13 Para. Exercise 1 Read this writing task You see the following ‘announcement on your college noticeboard My Best Friend Tell us about your bestfriend for the college newspaper. We want to know: + how you met ths person + why he or she is so special to you. We will publish the most interesting articles next week. |_ Write your artic, Match the beginnings (1-9) and endings (e- of these sentences tomake advice about how to write articles. 1 Before writing, identify 2 You can identify the readers by 3 Decide whet style 44 White things you thik your eaders 5 Before writing the article, 6 lnyourplan, decide what you wll pat Make sure tha the plan White the article following While you are writing, think about ‘answers the question b ineach paragraph € make a plan, d looking st the type of newspaper ‘or magazine you ate writing for. «is suitable for your readers, f the effect on your readers 9 who will read the aril. b will find interesting vourolan Para? = Fora. 3 — Para. 4 12 How we bacame friends~ same table at school, playground, vist each other's houses 'b My frst impressions of Thea contrast with other kids ‘¢ When I met Thea ~on school bus 4 Why so special -share secrets, help each other, spend time together, sittogether ‘An inseparable friend “Thea has been my best friend from that day when, aged seven, | climbed onto the school bus £0 go © ny new primary school | I wandered Tiervously down the bus, which was full of noisy kids shouting and laughing excitedly and found a place beside a quiet girl with fair hale and friendly green eyes. Natce the et higher mares Rove arangect frocabulary. shyes0 we didnt talk much to the way to school,although we smiled instead of using jeach other timidly And when we went into class the same word ‘we naturally sat down together at the same table. SHO ca | | Gradually we got to know each other, we played at cna together inthe playground, we visited each other's mmeenngs,eg.shy| | houses and our parents soon became firm friends as ‘imi well We stil share each other’s secrets and we have complete confidence in each other When either of Us has a problem. the other is always ready to help. ‘We have so much in commen that we spend most of ur free time together: We've even been on holiday {together sometimes.And we still share the same (Goode es A } able st school ten years later! small ake atthe feat