Content Page

Chapter 1 Introduction to Writing page 1

1.1 Basic Sentence Structure
(allocated time: 1.2 Types of Sentences
2 hrs. max. each 1.3 Parts of Speech
week) 1.4 Word Order

Chapter 2 How to Write a Paragraph page 11

2.1 Parts of a Paragraph
(allocated time: 2.2 Advantage / Disadvantage Paragraph
3 hrs. max. each
week)

Chapter 3 Integrated Writing page 23

3.1 Summarizing a Talk
(allocated time:
3 hrs. max. each
week)

Chapter 4 How to Write an Essay I page 28

4.1 Parts of an Essay
(allocated time: 4.2 Advantage and/or Disadvantage Essay
3 hrs. max. each 4.3 Opinion Essay
week) 4.4 Cause and/or Effect Essay

Chapter 5 Graph Interpretation page 57

5.1 Bar Charts and Pie Charts
(allocated time: 5.2 Tables and Line Graphs
3 hrs. max. each 5.3 Extended Graph Interpretation
week)

Chapter 6 How to Write a Report page 73

6.1 Report Writing
(allocated time:
3 hrs. max. each
week)

Chapter 7 How to Write an Essay II (for P3 only) page 80

7.1 Problem and Solution Essay
(allocated time:
3 hrs. max. each
week)
 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Writing

1.1 Basic Sentence Structure
In English, sentences usually have a simple structure: subject + verb + object (S+V+O)
Subject is a person, a place or a thing. It can be a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun. It usually starts the sentence.
- Jake works at a language school. (noun)
- Her name is Jane. (noun phrase)
- They have a flat in London. (pronoun)
In imperatives, the subject is always ‘you’, but we don’t write it.
- Open your books.
- Listen to the recording.
- Don’t forget your passport.
- Don’t wait for me.

Verb is an action or a state. It comes after the subject.

- He is very young. (state)
- My new glasses are very good. (state)
- Help me with my suitcase, please. (action)
- People follow him in the street. (action)
- Sometimes I don’t cook. (action)

Object is also a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun (like subject). It comes after the verb.
- Becca has two cats. (noun phrase)
- Dave makes pasta and ice cream for lunch. (noun phrase)
- I sometimes help her. (pronoun)
- The paparazzi follow Doug’s children and take photographs. (noun phrase & noun)
Some verbs don’t have an object. They have words to express time, place, or some additional information. These
words are called ‘the complement’. It usually starts with a preposition. The complement of a sentence completes the
meaning of the subject and the verb.
- She only sleeps for four hours a night. (time)
- The bus arrives at 10:00 p.m. (time)
- I often walk to school. (place)
- My husband runs in the park every morning. (place + time)
- I often walk to school with my sister. (place + additional info)

EXERCISE I – Underline subject, verb and object in the sentences below and write S for the subject, V for
verb, O for the object.
1) We want pizza for lunch.

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English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

2) My son’s name is Ryan.

3) Some people work at weekends.
4) Dan has tea for breakfast.
5) People from all over the world live in the UK.
6) Mark doesn’t watch TV in the evening.
7) My boyfriend cooks fantastic curries.
8) I don’t know her name.

EXERCISE II – Put the words in the correct order to make meaningful sentences.

1) she / usually / in the morning / yoga / practices.

2) they / to school / every day / walk.
3) my dog / the park / loves / chasing squirrels / in.
4) I / with my friends / play / video games / on Saturdays.
5) He / homework / in the evening / does / his.

EXERCISE III – Put the words in the correct order to make negative sentences.

1) not / Maria / does / homework / her / do

2) their / to / do / not / school / go / children
3) their / do / the / dogs / not / they / every / morning / walk
4) always / not / my / mother / breakfast / cooks
5) every / arrive / time / class / does / on / not / he
6) weekend / travel / do / every / friends / my / not

EXERCISE IV – Put the words in the correct order to make questions.

1) eat / food / you / do / healthy?

2) play / does / games / son / computer / your?
3) go / does / to / the / park / on / Sunday / Peter?
4) does / when / usually / he / go / to / the / park?
5) she / does /every / eat /what / day?
6) does / when / play / she / the / piano?
7) do / what / you / read / kind / of / books?
8) to / he / why / school / walk / does / every / day?

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

1.2 Types of Sentences

In English, there are three types of sentences: simple, compound and complex sentences.

Simple Sentences must have two parts, a subject and a verb. Most English sentences have three parts. We call the
third part of a sentence the complement (C). It can be the object and/or words to express time, place, or additional
information.

- Birds fly. (S+V)

- I know her address. (S+V+C) Complement is the object (her address).
- I live in Adana. (S+V+C) Complement is a place (in Adana).
- My father works at night. (S+V+C) Complement is time (at night).
- I play computer games in the evening. (S+V+C) Complement includes the object (computer games) and time
(in the evening).
- I play computer games at home in the evening. (S+V+C) Complement includes the object (computer games),
place (at home), and time (in the evening).
- In the evening, I play computer games at home. (Time expression can be at the beginning.)
- I play computer games in the evenings at home. (Time and place expressions can change place.)

Simple sentences are important for making clear points. Be careful - if you only use simple sentences in your writing,
you don’t add much detail, so your reader can lose interest.

Compound Sentences have more than one verb. We use connectors to connect them. Most common connectors are
‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’ and ‘so’.
- Mary and Samantha are lawyers, and they love their job. (two similar ideas - and)
- I drink a cup of coffee in the mornings, but I have herbal tea in the evenings. (two different ideas - but)
- Rick meets his friends, or he spends time with family members at the weekend. (two possibilities - or)
- I really want to learn another language, so I study hard. (result of something - so)
In these sentences ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’, and ‘so’ are connectors. Compound sentences have two independent clauses.
Notice that we put a comma (,) between the clauses before these connectors.

EXERCISE I- Use ‘and’ / ‘but’/ ‘or’ / ‘so’ to connect simple sentences below
1) My family and I go camping every summer. We always spend a nice time together.
________________________________________________________________.

2) Andy loves classical music. He doesn’t like rock music.

________________________________________________________________.

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

3) Lin goes for a walk at 8 o’clock. She starts yoga classes at 8 o’clock.
________________________________________________________________.

4) Meg has a nice job. Her sister doesn’t work.

________________________________________________________________.

5) The weather is quite cold. I do not want to go out.

________________________________________________________________.

Complex Sentences also include two clauses. One of them is an independent clause (it has S+V and it makes sense
on its own.) The other one is a dependent clause (it has S+V but it doesn’t make complete sense on its own).

- I usually take my umbrella with me because It rains here a lot.

- Because it rains here a lot, I usually take my umbrella with me.
Here, I usually take my umbrella with me is the independent clause. It has a complete meaning or thought.
because it rains here a lot: does not have a complete meaning or thought. So, we call it a dependent clause.

- When I am at a meeting, I keep my mobile in silent mode.

- I keep my mobile in silent mode when I am at a meeting.
When I am at a meeting: dependent clause
I keep my mobile in silent mode: independent clause
Notice that ‘When/ because…’ can go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. We put a comma (,) when we
start with the dependent clause.
The table below shows some examples (connectors/conjunctions), their purpose and how we can use them. Notice the
use of commas (,).

Connector /Conjunction Purpose Example

because showing -I need to learn a foreign language because I work for an

reason international company.

when /*after/ *before/ until/ time - When Jane finishes her work, she relaxes in her garden. /Jane
relaxes in her garden when she finishes her work
*after and before show which - After I read a book, I go to bed. / I go to bed after I read a book.
action happens first and which (first action: I read a book)
action happens next/later - Before I go to bed, I read a book / I read a book before I go to
bed. (later action: I go to bed)
- My children play in the park until it gets dark. / Until it gets dark,
my children play in the park.

Notice that because, after, before, until, when can go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. You can write
similar sentences with after / before. But be careful, we use after with the first action, we use before with the later
action.
EXERCISE II- Fill in the blanks using the words in the table. Use each of them only ONCE.

when before because after until but

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English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

Spring and summer are Janet’s favourite seasons. 1. _______ it is springtime, she gets really happy. During
spring months, she enjoys the flowers and the warmer weather. She often goes to the park, 2. _______ sometimes
it rains, so she stays home.
When summer arrives, Janet feels quite energetic. 3.________ she packs her beach bag; she goes to the coast.
4._________ she loves the sun, beach, and swimming. She spends her days there. She never forgets her sunscreen.
She always puts it on 5. ________ she goes to the beach. She feels free and relaxed at the beach. 6. _________ the
sun sets, she enjoys every minute. Memories in spring and summer are unforgettable for Janet.

EXERCISE III- Combine the sentences using the words in brackets. Be careful with the punctuation.
1. My room is messy. I hardly ever tidy it. (because)

___________________________________________________________________________________.
2. Tina finishes all her money. She can do shopping. (until)

___________________________________________________________________________________.
3. You share your experiences with others. You join different social clubs. (when)

___________________________________________________________________________________.
4. Turn off your phone. You start an important meeting. (before)

___________________________________________________________________________________.
5. I can lend you the book. I read it. (after)

___________________________________________________________________________________.
6. You can use your tickets on a different day. In bad weather the theatre can cancel a performance. (but)

__________________________________________________________________________________.
7. Marian thinks she is successful. She plans her work very well. (because)

___________________________________________________________________________________.
8. Jane stops eating. It is 7 p.m. (before)

__________________________________________________________________________________.
9. I double-check my work. Then, I submit it. (after)

_________________________________________________________________________________.
10. You are the brother or sister of a famous person. Life can be difficult. (when)

_________________________________________________________________________________.

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

1.3 Parts of Speech

Words have different functions in a sentence. Details are as follows:

Parts of Speech Usage Example

Noun It names a person, a place or a thing. It Mary is beautiful.

can be the subject or object of a Freedom is very important.
sentence. I have two sisters.

Pronoun We use it instead of a noun. I live in Adana. It is a big city.

My mother is 52. I love her.

Adjective It describes a noun. It is used before a I like big houses.

noun or after to be. I live with my family.
My hometown is small and friendly.

Determiner It limits a noun. It is used before a There are ten students in the class today.
noun. Look at that girl over there!
I need some eggs.
She is a doctor.

Verb It describes an action or a state. It is Birds fly.

used after the subject. He is a student.
It rains a lot here.

Adverb It describes a verb, an adjective or an She sometimes does sports.

adverb. It is used before/after verbs, It isn’t very expensive.
before adjectives or another adverb. He speaks slowly.
He speaks really slowly.

Preposition It links a noun and another word. I am from Türkiye.

We don’t go to school at weekends.
I usually go on holiday in August.

Conjunction It joins sentences, clauses, phrases and I want a coffee and a cookie.
single words. I start work at 8:30 and have a break at 10:30.
My husband is away a lot, but we speak on the phone
every day.
I have a fantastic life because I love my job.
After breakfast, I answer my emails.

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

EXERCISE I – Write the part of speech (noun, pronoun, adjective, determiner, verb, adverb, preposition, or
conjunction) for the underlined words next to the sentences.
1) How are you? _______________________
2) See you later, Matt. _______________________
3) She is in my salsa class. _______________________
4) Slow down and listen to the city. _______________________
5) My garden is small, but I have flowers and vegetables in it. _______________________
6) The people are nice and friendly. _______________________
7) The shops are great. _______________________
8) He’s happy with his life. _______________________
9) I see the world of famous people from the outside. _______________________
10) My meetings usually start at 8:30. _______________________
11) I spend a lot of time with my son. _______________________
12) 34% of American teenagers eat fast food at least once a day. _______________________
13) 25% of American teenagers never do sport or exercise. _______________________
14) My work starts in the evening. _______________________
15) When I get home, I have a cup of tea, brush my teeth and say, ‘Thank you for this wonderful life.’ __________

16) My mum is a really good cook. _______________________

17) My mum is a really good cook – she always makes things we like. _______________________
18) I don’t watch football or other sports. _______________________

EXERCISE II – Fill in the blanks with the appropriate nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs from the word
bank.

1) The _____ (adjective) cat _____ (verb) on the _____ (noun).

Word bank: fluffy, jumps, table, sits, soft

2) She _____ (verb) the _____ (adjective) book _____ (adverb).

Word bank: reads, interesting, quietly, colourful

3) _____ (noun) _____ (verb) very _____ (adverb).

Word bank: cars, drive, fast, bikes, move, slowly

4) A _____ (adjective) bird _____ (verb) over the _____ (noun).

Word bank: blue, flies, tree, sings, sky

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

5) My _____ (adjective) friend _____ (verb) in/for a/an _____ (noun).

Word bank: best, works, car company, shop

6) The _____ (noun) _____ (verb) _____ (adjective) today.

Word bank: weather, sunny, is, cold

1.4 Word Order

Affirmative (Positive) Sentences:
In English, the word order is Subject + Verb + Complement (S+V+C). You cannot change their places. The subject
includes nouns (e.g. Susan), noun phrases (e.g. the book, a nice girl), or pronouns (you, she). The verb is the state or
action (e.g. like, hear). The complement can include more than one thing: It can be the object (a noun, a noun phrase,
or a pronoun. It can also include time phrases (e.g. in 2027, on Sunday) and/or places (e.g. at home, to the station) or
another prepositional phrase (e.g. with her parents, about the book).
Look at the chart on page 6. Each part of speech has its own place in a sentence, too. You cannot change their places.
EXERCISE I – Find the missing parts of speech in the sentences and complete them.
1) Big cities noisy.
2) Sometimes I late for school.
3) Some people ride bicycles. They are.
4) When it rains, people in their houses.
5) The shops usually at 8:00 in the morning.
6) This is a very car. It can 340 km an hour.
7) I eat in the morning.
8) It is difficult book.
EXERCISE II – Write adjectives or determiners to describe the nouns in the following sentences.
1) I have a friend.
2) My mother cooks food.
3) Smartphones are.
4) Some students are but some students are.
5) Adana is.
6) I love food.
7) My friend likes t-shirts.
8) The man lives in a flat.

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

EXERCISE III – Add verbs to the following sentences.

1) We our grandparents every summer.
2) In my free time, I the Internet.
3) My department engineering.
4) My best friend two sisters.
5) Isabel French.
6) Whales in the ocean.
7) My brother football.
8) I want for lunch.

Negative Sentences:
When you make a negative sentence, you need to add ‘not’ to the auxiliary verb. The word order is the same: Subject
+ Verb + Complement (S+V+C). You need to be careful about the different tenses. Each tense has its own verb
phrase. Let’s have a look at different tenses:
Simple Present Tense
A lot of TV programmes aren’t educational.
I don’t like fish and chips.

Present Continuous Tense

I am not looking for a job at the moment.
She isn’t studying history.
They aren’t staying with their parents.

Simple Past Tense

I wasn’t in class yesterday.
We didn’t watch the news last night.
My brother didn’t go to London last week.
EXERCISE IV – Make negative sentences.
1) I’m French, but (from Paris) _______________________________________________________________.
2) Ann is at work, but (in her office) ___________________________________________________________.
3) The train stops at Bristol. (Cardiff) __________________________________________________________.
4) I like jazz. (pop music) ____________________________________________________________________.
5) The children play football on Mondays. (tennis) ________________________________________________.
6) It’s cold, but (rain; now) ___________________________________________________________________.
7) I have a lot of problems, so (sleep; these days) _______________________________________________.
8) Beth and Mike are on holiday, but (have a good time) ____________________________________________.
9) Jen and I knew her address. (phone number) ____________________________________________________.
10) My roommate ate the vegetables. (the meat) ______________________________________________________.

Questions:

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

There are two types of questions in English, yes/no questions and wh- questions. The word order is different.
Questions start with an auxiliary verb or a question word, so the word order is:
(Question word) + auxiliary verb + Subject + Verb + Complement
Simple Present Tense
Is your father at home?
Where are my car keys?
Do your parents work at weekends?
What does your best friend do in her/his free time?
Present Continuous Tense
Is it raining?
Who are you talking to/with?

Simple Past Tense

Were you in class yesterday?
How did you go to school last week?

EXERCISE V – Ask follow-up questions using the words in brackets.

1) Bill isn’t German. (Scottish) _____________________________________________________________?
2) Her car isn’t black. (What colour) _________________________________________________________?
3) She speaks Spanish. (Italian) _____________________________________________________________?
4) I like listening to music. (What kind) _______________________________________________________?
5) Aslı doesn’t live in Adana. (Where) ________________________________________________________?
6) Aslı doesn’t live in Adana. (Mersin) ________________________________________________________?
7) You liked the book. (the film) _____________________________________________________________?
8) Sarah went on holiday. (Where) ____________________________________________________________?
9) Sarah went on holiday. (Who; with) _________________________________________________________?
10) Sarah went on holiday. (What; do) _________________________________________________________?

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

Chapter 2 – How to Write a Paragraph

2.1 Parts of a Paragraph
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Most paragraphs follow a certain format. A well-written
paragraph has three basic parts: a topic sentence, several supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.

Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is often (but not always), the first sentence in the paragraph. It states the main idea and introduces
the topic to the reader. Remember the topic sentence must have a subject and a verb.

A good topic sentence has two parts: the topic and the controlling idea. The topic states the subject of the paragraph.
It is what the paragraph is about. The controlling idea limits the topic. It tells what you are going to say about the
subject. Look at the examples below:

a. Cell phones make communication much easier.

Topic Controlling Idea

b. Cell phones are an important invention.

Topic Controlling Idea

Take, for example, the general topic of football. Because there are so many things to say about football, you can’t put
it all into one single paragraph. So, you need to limit your paragraph to a single idea. This single idea must be clear in
your topic sentence.

EXERCISE I- Look at the paragraphs below. The topic of these two paragraphs is football. Underline the
controlling idea in each sentence.

Paragraph 1:
Football is a very popular sport in our country. There are a lot of football clubs, and the most important ones
are Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Fenerbahçe. In addition to these, there are local football clubs almost in each city.
Football is popular because people like both watching and playing it with their friends. Today, six out of ten people
support one football club.

Paragraph 2:
Football is dangerous for several reasons. First of all, sometimes players do not obey the rules. They want to
win the match, and start playing violently. They hit, trip or kick each other. Also, football fans sometimes get too
excited or angry. They throw some objects, such as bottles and eggs, onto the pitch. They attack the fans of the other
team. As a result of this, some football fans get injured and go to hospital at the end of a 90-minute match.

EXERCISE II- Draw a circle around the topic and underline the controlling idea in each sentence.

1) Written exams make me nervous.

2) Colours have different meanings around the world.
3) The computer is the greatest invention.

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English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

EXERCISE III- Choose the best topic sentence for each paragraph.

1) _____________________________. I usually go skiing every weekend in the winter even though it is expensive. I
love the feeling of going down a mountain. The views are beautiful from the top of a mountain and along the trails.
Even the danger of falling and getting hurt can’t keep me away from the slopes on a winter day. In short, I have a strong
desire to ski.

a) Skiing is expensive.

b) Skiing is my favourite sport.

c) Skiing is dangerous.

2) ________________________________. North Americans send cards for many occasions. They send cards to family
and friends on birthdays and holidays. They also send thank-you cards, get-well cards, graduation cards, and
congratulation cards. It is very common to buy cards in stores and send them through the mail, but sending e-cards over
the internet is also popular.

a) Sending cards is very popular in North America.

b) Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.

c) It is important to send thank-you cards.

3) ________________________________. Firstly, reading keeps our minds young, healthy, and sharp because it
develops the memory muscles in the brain. In addition, reading develops the imagination and allows us to dream. For
example, if the story in a book takes place in a jungle or on an island, we have a chance to experience the lives in these
places. Reading can also help improve vocabulary. According to a paper from Harvard University, when people read a
lot, they have a higher vocabulary and people listen to them more seriously in a work setting. To sum up, being a good
reader takes time but it is worth it.

a) Reading has a lot of advantages.

b) Some people think reading is healthy.

c) I read adventure books.

EXERCISE IV- Write a topic sentence for each paragraph.

1) Miami is my favourite place for vacations_. It is always sunny and warm. The beaches are gorgeous with soft white
sand and beautiful water. There are many fine restaurants in the Miami area, and most of the hotels offer terrific nightly
entertainment. As a result, Miami is my first choice for a vacation destination.
2) Feathers are very important for birds_. For one thing, feathers keep birds warm and dry. Colourful feathers also play
an important part in attracting mates. In addition, the colours of a bird’s feathers can provide camouflage and protect it
from predators. Finally, the main purpose of feathers is to help birds fly. In short, bird feathers have several functions.

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

EXERCISE V- Imagine that your teacher has asked you to write a paragraph about the following topics: movies
and computers. Think of two different topic sentences for each topic. Each topic sentence should focus on the
topic in a different way.

Movies Computers

1)_Movies are the best way to spend time with friends_ 1)_Computers makes our life easier_
2)_Movies can help people to escape daily life_ 2)_Computers could take our jobs in the future_
Supporting Sentences
The supporting sentences follow the topic sentence. Supporting sentences can give examples, and/or include facts,
explanations or reasons. After writing the topic sentence, we need to write at least two major supporting ideas. The
major supporting sentences should continue with minor supporting sentences. A minor supporting sentence means
details about the major supporting sentence. Look at the paragraph below:

I believe that wearing a school uniform should be compulsory at high school. First of all, it saves time. Wearing
a uniform also saves money. Most importantly, wearing a uniform makes students feel that they are students. In
conclusion, wearing a school uniform is good for both the student and the society.

There are three major ideas in this paragraph, but they don’t include any details. This paragraph lacks coherence.
Now, look at the following paragraph with the same major ideas. Is it better than the previous one? Why?

I believe that wearing a school uniform should be compulsory at high school. First of all, it saves time.
Students do not waste time choosing what to wear every day. They can wear their uniforms and leave home
quickly in the mornings. Wearing a uniform also saves money. It is cheaper to buy a uniform than to go out and
buy lots of clothes for school. Most importantly, wearing a uniform makes students feel that they are students. They
feel that they are a part of a community. In conclusion, wearing a school uniform is good for both the student and
the society.
The second paragraph is better because it gives details (minor supports) about each major idea. See the sentences in
bold.

EXERCISE VI- Read the following paragraphs and underline the major and minor supporting sentences.

I hate my apartment for many reasons. First of all, the windows are small and the apartment is never sunny.
I also have noisy neighbours and I stay awake during the night. In addition, the air conditioner doesn’t work
properly, so it’s too hot in summer. Finally, there are a lot of bugs in my apartment. I really want to move!

Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All
Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education.
For example, well-trained teachers work at schools and students are motivated to continue studying at university.
Finally, cities in Canada are very clean. There are many parks and a lot of space for people to live. As a result,
Canada is a desirable place to live.

If you write at least three major supporting sentences and you cannot write a minor supporting sentence for one of
them, it does not create a problem, but you should be careful about the word limit (minimum 120 words).

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 Çukurova University School of Foreign Languages
English Preparatory Program
2024-2025 Academic Year

EXERCISE VII- Write three major supporting sentences for each topic sentence.

1) I am learning English for many reasons.

a. English is the common language of the world___________________________________

b. Learning new language means learning a new culture_________________________

c for better job opportunities

2) My hometown is an interesting (or boring) place.

a. There is a lot of places to hang out with friends_____________________

b. There’s a huge shopping mall____________

c. When you get bored you can go for a walk on the beach_________

3) Social networking sites have a lot of benefits.

a. _________________________________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________________________________

4) Life in a city is better than life in the country.

a. Cities are more developed ___________

b better job opportunities

c There is very big hospitals______

EXERCISE VIII- Read the following topic sentences and major supports and write minor supports for each.

1) Topic sentence: People should consider joining a health club.

Major support: Health clubs give members an opportunity to exercise and socialize at the same time.

Minor support: You can make new friends while doing exercise at the gym_.

2) Topic sentence: Mobile phones allow parents to stay in better contact with children.
Major support: If his/her phone is turned on, parents can reach their children at any time.
Minor support: _so they can do something when their children get in trouble__.
3) Topic sentence: I will never forget my childhood home.
Major support: The house had a large entrance with a spiral staircase in the centre.
Minor support: _we used to play football with my brother in that large entrance__.

4) Topic sentence: Fruit and vegetables are important parts of a healthy diet.
Major support: Many experts say that nutrients in fruit and vegetables can help fight diseases.
Minor support: __eating fruit and vegetables can help to lose wight__.

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Concluding Sentence
The concluding sentence often repeats the information in the topic sentence in a different way. Sometimes the
concluding sentence offers a prediction, a request or a warning. Some other concluding sentences summarize the major
supporting ideas.

EXERCISE IX- Read the following paragraph and underline the concluding sentence.

Turkey is a popular destination for tourists because of many reasons. First of all, it has a huge variety of nature.
There are many different mountain ranges such as Kaçkar Mountains. There are also beautiful beaches on the west
and south coasts. The second reason is that Turkey has a lot of historical sites. In Istanbul, for example, there is Hagia
Sophia. It is a very famous holy place from the time of the Byzantine Empire. Finally, Turkey is also famous for its
rich and healthy food. Kebab is one of the most popular foods but there are also many different delicious meals in
Turkey. To sum up, if you want beautiful beaches, ancient history or great food, you find them in Turkey.

EXERCISE X- Choose the best concluding sentence for each paragraph.

1) My brother Sam is a bad driver. Firstly, he usually talks on his cell phone while he drives. Secondly, he doesn’t pay
attention to road signs or speed limits. Sometimes, he eats something while he’s at a red light and doesn’t notice when
the lights turn green. Finally, he often forgets to use his turn signal when he’s making a turn. ___________________.

a) I am not surprised if Sam has an accident soon.

b) Sam never forgets a speeding ticket.

c) Sam’s new car is a hybrid; it uses very little gas.

2) Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. To start with, you need energy to start the day and breakfast gives
your body energy. In addition, eating a healthy breakfast helps you think more clearly and even improves your memory.
Studies show that when children eat a nutritious breakfast, they become more careful and do better in school. Similarly,
adults perform better at work if they eat breakfast. ___________________________________________.

a) Some people skip breakfast and eat a big dinner.

b) If children have a big breakfast, they usually do better in school.

c) So, we shouldn’t start the day without a good breakfast.

EXERCISE XI- Write a concluding sentence for each paragraph.

1) There are three good options for travelling between Rome and Paris. The fastest way is by plane. But flying can be a
little expensive at certain times in a year because there aren’t enough discounted tickets. The second way is by train.
Many tourists prefer the train because the train fare is not so expensive and the service is good. Finally, many people
take a bus. The bus is the cheapest of the three options, but it takes up to 22 hours. There are different ways to travel
between Rome and Paris.

2) I don’t like wearing my school uniform for many reasons. For one thing, I don’t like the style of the uniform. The
navy blazer and plaid skirt are too conservative for me. Secondly, the uniform isn’t comfortable. I prefer to wear
comfortable pants and a sweater, not a skirt and jacket. Finally, I want to be free to choose my own style of dressing.
………………………………..

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3) I prefer jogging for many reasons. One reason is that jogging is a cheap sport. I can practise it anywhere without a
ball or any other equipment. Another reason is that it is good for my health. For instance, it develops muscles in the
body and strengthens the bones. Also, according to research in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology,
jogging reduces the risk of dying early. Finally, I prefer this sport because it is safe. It isn’t risky like racing or riding.
Jogging is a safe and cheap sport you can do to keep fit.

Elements of a Good Paragraph

Unity

In a good paragraph, all the sentences support the main idea so that the paragraph has unity. Unity is an important
element in writing a well-organized paragraph. To achieve unity, the paragraph should have a single focus. If a sentence
does not support the main idea of the paragraph, it is called an irrelevant sentence. It means that this sentence does not
belong to the paragraph.

EXERCISE XII- Read the paragraphs below and underline the irrelevant sentences in the following paragraphs.

Paragraph 1

There are ways to reduce the spread of pandemics. First thing you can do is to wash your hands after you
touch things. Wash your hands with soaps for 20 seconds. Secondly, you can wear a mask or cover your mouth and
nose with a cloth. Some people think it can be harmful to wear a mask. Many people do not feel sick when they
carry a virus, so you may not know that you have it. Therefore, it is a good idea to cover your nose and mouth to
avoid spreading the virus to other people. Next, you can clean the surfaces before you touch them. For example, you
can clean the phones, laptops and tables frequently. Finally, when there is a pandemic, it is necessary to avoid close
contact with people. The best thing to do is to stay at home as much as possible. In conclusion, you can do many
things to reduce the spread of global illnesses. (161 words)

Paragraph 2

I like travelling abroad because of several reasons. Firstly, I meet different people when I go to different
countries. I make friends and learn new things from them. Next, I like going abroad because experiences are always
better than pictures. When I go to a different country, I can smell the street, taste local food and experience living in
a particular place. I can use the public transportation like local people do and eat food from street sellers. Finally, I
can practise a foreign language when I am abroad. When I go abroad, I can talk to people all day by asking for
directions, ordering food at a restaurant and talking to shop assistants. Also, I can improve my listening skills using
online sources. In conclusion, I enjoy travelling abroad because I can make friends, experience things and improve
a foreign language. (141 words)

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Coherence
Another element of a good paragraph is coherence. Coherence means establishing a relationship between the ideas in
the paragraph. You can use transition words to show how one is related to the next.

Listing: First of all, First / Firstly, Second / Secondly, Third / Thirdly, Finally, Lastly, Next, Then, Also, In
addition, etc.

Illustration: For example, For instance, To illustrate etc.

Conclusion: To conclude, In conclusion, To sum up, In summary, All in all, etc.

Here is an example paragraph:

Social media has a good impact on society. Firstly, it helps us communicate with our loved ones easily. When
we don’t have enough time to go and visit our family or friends, we can make a video call using a social media app
and see them. For example, we can make video calls using Skype or WhatsApp. Secondly, it is possible to learn a
lot of things about people using social media. To illustrate, we can check people’s Facebook or Instagram accounts
and learn what kind of people they are. We can learn about their personalities, hobbies and their friends. Finally,
social media is a great source of knowledge. Because many social media sites have many users, they spread
information more rapidly than the official media. For instance, we can learn about the latest news when we use
Twitter. In conclusion, social media has many positive effects on us. (149 words)

EXERCISE XIII- Underline the transition words and replace them with some other linkers.

Using credit cards has many benefits for individuals. First, credit cards are convenient because you don’t need
to carry a lot of cash with you.. Also, using credit cards helps people build a credit history, and this is important for
some financial needs like renting an apartment. Furthermore, many credit cards offer rewards or cashback when you
buy something.For example, you save money on things like groceries and travel. Additionally, credit cards often have
fraud protection, making it safer if the card is lost or stolen. Moreover, credit cards provide a useful way to track
spending, allowing students to manage their budgets more effectively. In conclusion, credit cards are useful for people
because of their convenience, ability to build credit, rewards, security, and their help to manage your budget. (130
words)

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2.2 Advantage or Disadvantage Paragraph

In an advantage / disadvantage paragraph your task is to describe the positive or the negative sides of a specific topic.
You must include examples and reasons to support your ideas. In this type of paragraph, you should focus on the
advantages or the disadvantages of the topic. You shouldn’t write about both the advantages and the disadvantages.
You can include your personal opinion in the topic or concluding sentence of your paragraph.

An advantage / disadvantage paragraph includes the followings:

- Topic sentence
- Major supporting sentence 1(Advantage 1 / Disadvantage 1)
- Minor supporting sentence(s) 1
- Major supporting sentence 2(Advantage 2 / Disadvantage 2)
- Minor supporting sentence(s) 2
- Major supporting sentence 3(Advantage 3 / Disadvantage 3)
- Minor supporting sentence(s) 3
- Concluding sentence

You should write at least two major supports with their minor supports to develop your ideas successfully. Also, you
need to be careful with punctuation (comma, quotation mark, question mark, capital letters, etc.) and paragraph
organisation. Try not to use contractions (he’s, don’t, isn’t, etc.).

Now, read one advantage and one disadvantage paragraph and make an outline for them.

Paragraph 1

There are three positive aspects of using public transport. The first benefit of public transportation is its price.
Buses and the metro are cheap, so people who travel by bus or metro do not have to spend a lot of money unlike
people who drive everywhere. Another advantage of public transport is that it does not consume too much energy
and this is environmentally friendly. Using these vehicles is a good way to help save the world. What is more, people
who travel by public transport can use their time more effectively by being passengers instead of drivers. Passengers
can read a book, study for exams or even sleep while travelling. This is an important advantage considering how
people have difficulty finding time to do things in the hectic pace of modern life. To sum up, public transportation
should be preferred to save money, reduce energy consumption and use time efficiently. (150 words)

Outline 1:

Topic sentence: _there are three positive aspects of using public trasport. 8
Major supporting sentence 1: ___the firs benefir of bublic transportation is its price_.
Minor supporting sentence(s)1: _ Buses and the metro are cheap, so people who travel by bus or metro do not have to
spend a lot of money unlike people who drive everywhere __.
Major supporting sentence 2: transport is that it does not consume too much energy and this is environmentally
friendly.
Minor supporting sentence(s)2: _ Using these vehicles is a good way to help save the world ___________.
Major supporting sentence 3: people who travel by public transport can use their time more effectively by being
passengers instead of drivers.
Minor supporting sentence(s)3: Passengers can read a book, study for exams or even sleep while travelling.
Concluding sentence: To sum up, public transportation should be preferred to save money, reduce energy consumption
and use time efficiently _.

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Paragraph 2

I believe that there are several negative aspects of using public transport. The main drawback of public
transportation is that it takes longer to travel. Buses and trains have a certain route, so travellers need to walk to and
from the stops. This means that the trip will take a longer time. Also, because of their set route, buses and trains do
not take the shortcut as you might if you drive. Another disadvantage is that public transportation may not be as
comfortable as your own car. Sometimes buses and trains are very crowded, so travellers may not even find a seat to
sit and they may have to stand next to many strangers and personal space may not be available. Finally, cleanliness
can be a big issue if public transport vehicles are not well-maintained. People can get infectious diseases and it is one
of the biggest issues of the last decade. In conclusion, compared to using personal vehicles for transport from one
place to another, public transportation has its negative sides to consider. (172 words)

Outline 2:

Topic sentence: _______________________________________________________________________________.

Major supporting sentence 1: _____________________________________________________________________.
Minor supporting sentence(s)1: ___________________________________________________________________.
Major supporting sentence 2: _____________________________________________________________________.
Minor supporting sentence(s) 2: __________________________________________________________________.
Major supporting sentence 3: ____________________________________________________________________.
Minor supporting sentence(s)3: __________________________________________________________________.
Concluding sentence: _________________________________________________________________________.

Topic Sentences of an advantage / disadvantage paragraph should include a topic (public transport in the paragraphs
above) and a controlling idea (Paragraph 1-advantages, Paragraph 2-disadvantages). It needs to state that there are
several advantages or disadvantages. It is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. Sometimes, there is a general
statement about the topic before the topic sentence. See the topic sentence examples below:

Topic: living in a dormitory on the campus

Controlling idea: advantages OR disadvantages of it

- There are three main advantages / disadvantages of living in a dormitory on the campus.
- There are some positive aspects / negative sides of living in a dormitory on the campus.
- Living in a dormitory on the campus offers three advantages / disadvantages (to university students).
- Living in a dormitory on the campus has some benefits / drawbacks (for university students).
- Living in a dormitory on the campus is advantageous / disadvantageous in many ways.
- I think / believe / suppose that there are several good / bad sides of living in a dormitory on the campus.

EXERCISE I- Write topic sentences for the topics below.

1) Advantages / Disadvantages of online shopping

There are many positive aspects of online shopping_________.

Online shopping has its own problems_______________.

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2) Advantages / Disadvantages of living in a big city

Big cities are very interesting places

Living in a big city is stressful and challenging______.

Major Supporting Sentences follow the topic sentence. They develop the advantages / disadvantages by using facts,
expert opinions, explanations and examples. It is a good idea to use some signal words / phrases to show where a major
idea starts. See the list of some signal words below:

The first advantage/disadvantage 2nd, 3rd and more

-The main advantage/disadvantage of… -Another positive/negative aspect/side of …

-To start with, … -Secondly, …
-To begin with, … -In addition, …
-Firstly, … -Moreover, …
-One (major) benefit / drawback of … -Besides, …
-… might be another advantage/disadvantage.
-Finally, (Do not use ‘finally’ if you have only two
major ideas.)

EXERCISE II- Fill in the blanks using suitable signal words / phrases. Add words/phrases to complete the
sentences meaningfully.

Many university students prefer staying in the dormitories on the campus. However, living in an on-campus
dormitory is not always advantageous. 1)__Firstly,__ students are away from the city center. This might be a problem
especially for young people in today’s world because living away from the center means being away from an active
social life. Teenagers and young adults want to go to the cinema, cafes and shopping centers with friends, but they
may not go to these places often if they live on the campus. The strict rules at the campus dormitories 2)_____can
be annoying_____. There are rules regarding the times you can leave the campus and come back. 3)_____another
disadvantage is, ______________ dorms typically have shared bathrooms and kitchens, which can be inconvenient.
Sharing such facilities may cause problems between students. If you care about hygiene but your roommate does not,
you will probably have problems with her/him. In conclusion, while deciding where to stay, students should take
these negative aspects into consideration.

Minor Supporting Sentences about each major idea makes your paragraph more coherent and natural. So, do not
forget to add some extra information about each major support.

EXERCISE III-Look at the paragraph in Exercise II and write the minor supports. ONLİNE SHOPPİNG

Minor Support 1 – For example, you can compare more options at the same time

Minor Support 2 – sometimes might be some problems in delivery, They might bring the wrong product.

Minor Support 3 - Some clothes may not fit your size.

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Concluding Sentence of an advantage / disadvantage paragraph usually states the main idea using different words.
Summarizing the major ideas is also a good way to write the concluding sentence. It sometimes gives advice based on
the major ideas in the paragraph.

To introduce the concluding sentence, there are some signal words / phrases you can use:

Concluding sentence

- To sum up, …
- In conclusion, …
- Taking everything into account / consideration, …
- All things considered, …

EXERCISE IV- Look at the concluding sentences of the three paragraphs on the previous pages.

Which one restates the main idea? _______2________

Which one summarizes the major ideas? _______1________

Which one gives advice based on the major ideas? _______3________

Concluding sentence 1: To sum up, public transportation should be preferred to save money, reduce energy
consumption and use time efficiently.

Concluding sentence 2: In conclusion, compared to using personal vehicles for transport from one place to another,
public transportation has its negative sides to consider.

Concluding sentence 3: All things considered, while deciding where to stay, students should take these negative aspects
into consideration.

Variety is something that makes a paragraph more coherent. Repeating the same word again and again is not
preferred when writing your paragraph. You need to find synonyms or similar words.

EXERCISE V- Look at the two paragraphs about public transport on pages 1-2. Write the words that are used
instead of the followings:

Advantage(s): ____________________________________________________________

Disadvantage(s): __________________________________________________________

Public transport: __________________________________________________________

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EXERCISE VI- Write an advantage OR a disadvantage paragraph of at least 160 words on one of the topics
given below. Brainstorm ideas and make an outline before you write.

- Advantages / Disadvantages of travelling alone

- Advantages / Disadvantages of distance education
- Advantages / Disadvantages of online education
- Advantages / Disadvantages of long-distance relationship

! While writing your paragraph, try to use the grammar items you have studied in th e last few weeks.
! When you finish writing your paragraph, do not forget to check it in terms of language and content.

About the language, ask yourself:

- Are there any grammar mistakes or incomplete sentences?
- Do I repeat the same words or phrases?
- Are there any punctuation, capitalization or spelling mistakes?

About the content, ask yourself:

- Is there a suitable topic sentence?
- Are there enough major ideas and details to support the topic sentence?
- Are the major ideas organized in a meaningful way?
- Are there any irrelevant sentences?
- Is there a suitable concluding sentence?

OUTLINE:

Topic sentence : _____________________________________________________________________________

Major support 1: ____________________________________________________________________________

Minor support 1: _________________________________________________________________

Major support 2: ____________________________________________________________________________

Minor support 2: _________________________________________________________________

Major support 3: _____________________________________________________________________________

Minor support 3: __________________________________________________________________

- Concluding sentence: ___________________________________________________________________

Adapted from Writer 1 & Writer 2

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Chapter 3 – Integrated Writing

3.1 Summarizing a Talk

Sometimes you need to take notes while listening and write a short summary of it. When you take notes while listening,
you need to think about your purpose for listening, recognize the main ideas, and make decisions about what information
is relevant to your purpose. However, as you take notes while listening, your note-taking must keep up with the speaker,
so you have to take notes quickly. Also, your initial notes will follow the order and outline of the speaker’s talk, so you
may need to review and re-organize your notes later so that they make sense to you.

How to take notes?

- Listen carefully to the introduction of the talk because most speakers might give an overview of their talk in the
introduction.
- Use symbols and abbreviations to speed up the process of taking notes. You can develop your own system of symbols
and abbreviations, but make sure you use them consistently so that you always remember what they mean. Here are
some examples:

@ at increase w/ with < greater than Pros- advantages

# number decrease w/o without > less than Cons-disadvantages

% percent Min. / max. e.g. for example = is the same as Esp.- especially

- Write only the key points, or main ideas. Underline or use capitals for important points.
- Leave blank space to add or change your notes later. Speakers mostly summarize the key points or important details
in the later part of the talk. You can write the missing part later.
- Do not try to erase what you have written, just cross it out.

- Listen for phrases (signposts) that indicate how the presentation is organized and signal different parts of a
presentation/lecture. For example:

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Introducing the topic: The topic of my talk today is …

I intend to show that …
Today I’m going to talk about…

Indicating the organization: First, I’d like to talk about …

In the second place …
And finally,...

Emphasizing information: I’d like to stress that …

The main point is that …
One important point is…
In fact,…
This is really important.
The most significant point is …

Repeating information: In other words, …

I mean…
Repeating myself, …

Starting a new point: I’d like to move on to …

Now let’s turn to …
To move on to…

To give an example: For example, …

To give an example…
Imagine (that)….

Reviewing information: As I mentioned previously …

It’s clear that …
You probably remember that …

- Listen for logical connectors that express the relationship between ideas. For example, as a result of, in contrast to,
although.
- Read your notes over to fix handwriting, spelling and clarity.

How to turn your notes into a summary?

- Remember that a summary is a short version of a lecture or a talk.

- While writing the summary, be sure that you start with a topic. (The talk/lecture is about….;
The speaker discusses/mentions/ talks about…/ gives information about…)
- Include all the main ideas the speaker mentioned.

- Be sure that you do not include any unnecessary information or details. *(don’t include your opinions)

- Be careful with the word count, be sure that you do not exceed the word count limit.

- Check the grammar, spelling, and punctuation in case of any mistakes.

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EXERCISE I- You will hear the introduction of a lecture ONCE. Listen and write what the talk is about.

The talk is about why people leave their jobs

EXERCISE II- You will hear the whole lecture ONCE. Listen and take notes to write the main ideas and the
important points.

Write the main ideas using your notes.

1. _people leave their jobs when they don’t enjoy it ___________________________.

2. _the limited chance to grow forces workers to quit the job________________.

3. __workers leave the job because the cannot balance their work and family life.

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EXERCISE III- You will hear the introduction of a lecture ONCE. Listen and write what the talk is about.

EXERCISE IV- You will hear the whole lecture ONCE. Listen and take notes to write the main ideas and
important points.

Write the main ideas using your notes.

1. one of the most important things that we can do to be environm entally friendly is Recycling.

2. by turning off the lights when we’re out we can save energy

3. using public transportation instead of our own cars will reduce the carbon emission

4. you can save water by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth

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EXERCISE V- Listen to the lecture and take notes.

Write a full summary (including the topic sentence and main ideas) of the lecture you have listened in max. 80
words.

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Chapter 4 - How to Write an Essay I

4.1 Parts of an Essay

An essay is a group of paragraphs about a certain topic. It's similar to a paragraph in many ways, but it is longer and
more developed. Study the outlines of two paragraphs and the outline of the complete essay to see the differences.

There are many advantages of mobile phones. They Mobile Phones

enable us to communicate with other people wherever Today there are many communication devices that
they may be and at any time of the day. Teenagers who make our lives easier. One of these which is indispensable
need help can contact their parents immediately and for people is mobile phones. They are no longer a luxury
emergency services can be called to the scene of an item and they clearly have many advantages for those
accident without delay. Another advantage is that mobiles who use them, but there are also some drawbacks.
are undoubtedly one of the best sources of entertainment. On the positive side, they enable us to communicate
A mobile phone lets you do a lot of things, such as play with other people wherever they may be and at any time
games, stream online content, watch videos, read books, of the day. For example, teenagers who need help can
listen to music, and so forth. It is safe to say that one can contact their parents immediately and emergency services
never get bored alone, if they have a mobile. can be called to the scene of an accident without delay.
I- Advantages of mobile phones Another advantage is that mobiles are undoubtedly one
A. Communication anywhere at any time of the best sources of entertainment. A mobile phone lets
1. Easy contact for teenagers you do a lot of things, such as play games, stream online
2. Immediate call for emergency services content, watch videos, read books, listen to music, and so

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B. Entertainment forth. It is safe to say that one can never get bored alone,
1. Opportunity to do many things if they have a mobile.
On the negative side, the mobile phone is thought
to be a serious threat to health, particularly in the case of
children. Moreover, drivers who use one at the wheel
constitute a danger to others and fatal accidents have
occurred. Finally, for many people it can be a useful
device, but for some others it is a problem and they object
to the constant ringing tones in public places.
In conclusion, cellphones have certainly improved
There are many disadvantages of mobile phones. many people’s lives, but we need to be careful about when
Mobile phones are thought to be a serious threat to health, and where we use them.
particularly in the case of children. Moreover, drivers I- Introduction
who use one at the wheel constitute a danger to others and II- Advantages of mobile phones
fatal accidents have occurred. Finally, for many people it A. Communication anywhere at any time
can be a useful device, but for some others it is a problem 1.Easy contact for teenagers
and they object to the constant ringing tones in public 2. Immediate call for emergency services
places. In conclusion, we need to be careful about when B. Entertainment
and where we use them. 1. Opportunity to do many things
III- Disadvantages of mobile phones
I- Disadvantages of mobile phones A. Serious threat to health
A. Serious threat to health 1. Children
1. Children B. Danger for causing accidents
B. Danger for causing accidents C. Disturbance in public places
C. Disturbance in public places 1. Constant ringing tones
1. Constant ringing tones IV- Conclusion

An essay has an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph. And it has coherence (logical
organization) and unity (a focus on a single topic), just as a paragraph does. Transition signals link the paragraphs into
a cohesive whole. Here is an academic essay:

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Owning a Car

In our lives, we travel from one place to another for a great variety of reasons and while travelling, we greatly
depend on cars. The number of car owners is increasing every day because every person expects the freedom to travel
and comfort while travelling. And that is why most of us want to own a car. However, owning a car has many
advantages and disadvantages as well.

The main advantage of owning a car is that it gives the freedom to travel. If you have a car, you don't need to
be limited to fixed routes and timetables. Moreover, a car-owner can take his/her family members with him/her and
necessary goods to use whenever s/he needs. In addition, personal cars give comfort while travelling on the contrary
to the public buses which are so crowded and uncomfortable. It is sometimes impossible to find a seat to sit in a public
transport vehicle.

On the other hand, there are many disadvantages of owning a car. The first disadvantage is financial because
owning a car is very expensive. There are a lot of expenses of a car such as the price of the car, the cost of the tax,
insurance cost, fuel cost and maintenance. All must be considered before buying a car and that is why it is out of reach
of many middle-class people. Moreover, owning a car has some environmental disadvantages. Perhaps the major
disadvantage of cars, in general, is the huge damage they do to human health and to the environment. As the number
of cars increases on the roads, traffic jams occur. More cars mean more air and noise pollution. Environmental
pollution is a serious issue today and at any cost, we must reduce the amount of pollution and if we consider these
negative aspects, owning a car is never a good idea.

In conclusion, owning a car has many drawbacks besides benefits. In brief, having a car gives someone
freedom while it is expensive and environmentally-unfriendly. In my opinion, when the public transportation system
becomes easily accessible, safe and efficient, many people will prefer public transport to their own vehicle. (356
words)

EXERCISE I - Look at the essay above and answer the questions.

1) What is the purpose of the introductory paragraph?

2) Which sentence of the introductory paragraph is the writer’s main idea?
3) Underline the topic sentence of each body paragraph.
4) How many major ideas are there in each body paragraph?
5) Circle the transition words and phrases that introduce a new paragraph and new major ideas in the
paragraphs.

6) What is the purpose of the concluding paragraph?

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Here is the structure of an academic essay:

ESSAY STRUCTURE

Introduction (Introductory Paragraph):

General statements
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence
Major supporting sentence 1+ minor supporting sentence(s) 1
Major supporting sentence 2+ minor supporting sentence(s) 2
Major supporting sentence 3+ minor supporting sentence(s) 3(most of the time writing two major ideas is enough.)
Concluding sentence (not everybody paragraph has this)

Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence
Major supporting sentence 1+ minor supporting sentence(s) 1
Major supporting sentence 2+ minor supporting sentence(s) 2
Major supporting sentence 3+ minor supporting sentence(s) 3(most of the time writing two major ideas is enough.)
Concluding sentence (not everybody paragraph has this)

Body Paragraph 3: (some essays have two, some others have three body paragraphs)
Topic sentence
Major supporting sentence 1+ minor supporting sentence(s) 1
Major supporting sentence 2+ minor supporting sentence(s) 2
Major supporting sentence 3+ minor supporting sentence(s) 3(most of the time writing two major ideas is enough.)
Concluding sentence (not every body paragraph has this)

Conclusion (Concluding Paragraph):

Restatement or summary of the main points
Give advice based on major supporting ideas (Do not mention any new supporting points.)
Final comment (your own opinion)

The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay. It serves two functions: to attract the reader’s interest and present
the topic of the essay. Look at the introductory paragraph of the essay you have just read:

In our lives, we travel from one place to another for a great variety of reasons and while travelling, we greatly
depend on cars. The number of car owners is increasing every day because every person expects the freedom to travel
and comfort while travelling. And that is why most of us want to own a car. However, owning a car has many
advantages and disadvantages as well.

The introductory paragraph of an academic essay contains two parts:

1) General statements give the reader background information about the topic of the essay. They should be
interesting enough to take readers’ attention. The number of general statements you write in an introduction

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paragraph will depend on how long your essay is. However, you should write at least two or three general
statements in an introduction. The first sentence should be a general comment about the topic. The second
sentence should be less general, and so on. The last general statement should be the least general of all.

2) The thesis statement is usually the last sentence in the introduction. The thesis statement is the most specific
statement of the introduction paragraph. It names the topic and controlling idea(s) for the entire essay.
Thesis statement introduces the main idea of the essay. It may list the subtopics of the main topic. It may
also mention the method of organisation (i.e. advantage and disadvantage, cause and effect, problem and
solution, etc.)

EXERCISE II - Read the following introduction paragraphs and put the general statements in the correct
order, from the most general to the least general and underline the thesis statement.

1) (1) Therefore, workaholics’ lifestyles can affect their families, social lives and health. (2) In addition,
workaholics may not spend enough time in leisure activities. (3) Nowadays, many men and women
work in law, accounting, real estate and business. (4) These people are serious about becoming
successful; they work long hours during the week and even on weekends, so they are called
‘workaholics’.

2) (1)Anyone who wants to drive must carry a driver’s licence. (2)It is divided into four steps: studying
the traffic laws, taking the written test, learning to drive and taking the driving test. (3)Getting a driver’s
licence is a complicated process. (4)Driving a car is a necessity in today’s busy society, and it is also a
special privilege.

Here are a few more points to remember about the thesis statement:

1. Thesis statement should be expressed in a complete sentence.

My fear of the dark. (not a complete sentence)

My fear of the dark has made my life miserable.

2. It is not a good idea to ask a question in the thesis statement.

What are the effects of radiation?

The effects of radiation are often unpredictable.

3. It should express an opinion; not a fact.

Cows produce milk. (a fact)

The milk that cows produce is not always fit for human consumption.

4. Thesis statement should express only one idea toward one topic. If it contains two or more ideas, you may run the
risk of lacking unity and coherence.

Going to college in Midwest can be fun, and living in a large city is better while at college.

Going to college in Midwest can be fun.

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EXERCISE III - Study the following statements and tick if it is a good thesis statement.

1. The advantages of majoring in engineering. ______

2. Students should be allowed to manage the bookstore. ______
3. Why do I want to be a lawyer? ______
4. The differences between Mandarin and Hunan dialects. ______
5. Knowing a foreign language can be beneficial to anyone. ______
6. There are many similarities and differences between New York and Hong Kong. ______

Body paragraphs of an essay develop and support the point of view in the thesis statement. There are usually two or
three body paragraphs in an essay. Each of these paragraphs has a topic sentence, major and minor supports (and
sometimes there is a concluding sentence) and all of them support the thesis statement. Look at the body paragraphs of
the essay you have just read:

The main advantage of owning a car is that it gives the freedom to travel. If you have a car then you don't
need to be limited to fixed routes and timetables. Moreover, a car-owner can take his/her family members with
him/her and necessary goods to use whenever he/she needs. In addition, personal cars offer comfort while
travelling, unlike public buses, which are often crowded and uncomfortable. It is sometimes impossible to find a
seat to sit in a public transport vehicle.
On the other hand there are many disadvantages of owning a car. The first disadvantage is financial because
owning a car is very expensive. There are a lot of expenses of a car such as the price of the car, the cost of the tax,
insurance cost, fuel cost and maintenance. All must be considered before buying a car and that is why it is out of
reach for many middle-class people. Besides, owning a car has some environmental disadvantages. Perhaps the
major disadvantage of cars, in general, is the huge damage they do to human health and to the environment. As the
number of cars increases on the roads, traffic jams occur. More cars mean more air and noise pollution.
Environmental pollution is a serious issue today and at any cost, we must reduce the amount of pollution and if we
consider these negative aspects, owning a car is never a good idea.

EXERCISE IV - Answer the questions.

1) What are the topic sentences of these two body paragraphs?

2) How many major supports are there in each of them? Underline the words / phrases that signal a new
major support.

When you are writing body paragraphs, you need to use some transitions to move from one idea to another smoothly.
Here is a list of words and phrases that connect and make logical transitions between sentences and paragraphs:

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To support, add or continue To introduce details or exemplify To indicate order, sequence or

importance

Besides, To start with,

Also, For example, First,
In addition, such as Second,
Next, In fact, Third,
Then, To illustrate, In the first place,
Moreover, Firstly,
Furthermore, Secondly,
Finally, Lastly,

The Conclusion is the last paragraph of an essay. It usually consists of restatement of the thesis, summary and final
thought(s) and sometimes it might also give advice. Read the conclusion paragraph of the essay above:

In conclusion, owning a car has many drawbacks besides benefits. In brief, having a car gives someone
freedom, but at the same time, it is expensive and environmentally-unfriendly. In my opinion, when the public
transportation system becomes easily accessible, safe and efficient, many people will prefer public transport to their
own vehicle.

EXERCISE V- Complete the outline of the concluding paragraph above.

Signal word:

Restatement of the thesis:

Summary of the main points:

Final thought(s):

It is a good idea to start the concluding paragraph with a signal word / phrase. Here are some examples:

Signal words / phrases for a concluding paragraph

To conclude, _____________ In summary, _____________

In conclusion, _____________ All in all, _____________
To sum up, _____________ Taking everything into consideration, _____________

4.2 Advantage AND / OR Disadvantage Essay

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An advantages/disadvantages essay usually presents a balanced look at both sides of a topic. In this type of essay, you
are given a statement to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of the topic. Basically, in all advantages and
disadvantages essays, your task is to describe positive and negative sides of a given topic and to give your opinion.
EXERCISE I- Read the sample advantage / disadvantage essay below. Underline the thesis statement and topic
sentences.
Advantages and disadvantages of travelling by plane
People go to different cities or countries for various reasons. Nowadays, there are many means of transport
to travel around the world such as trains, ships, cars, planes, etc. A growing number of people prefer to travel by
plane. While air travel has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks.
One of the main advantages of travelling by plane is that it is much faster than any other form of transport.
For example, you can fly from Toronto to New York in 2 hours, whereas by car, it would take more than 7 hours.
Another advantage is that flying is more comfortable and less tiring because you can sleep on a long flight. You can
also watch movies or read. Finally, it is safer. More people die in car accidents than in plane crashes.
On the other hand, travelling by plane also has some disadvantages. To start with, it can be quite expensive,
especially if you want to travel in the comfort of First Class or Business Class. What is more, flights are often delayed,
and this means you may have to spend a long time waiting in the airport or miss connecting flights. In addition, the
problem of baggage transfer at airports is a significant issue that often leads to time loss and negative travel
experiences for passengers. Delays, losses, or damages during the process of transferring luggage from one flight to
another can result in stress for travellers.
To sum up, the plane is a great invention because of being faster, more comfortable, and safer than other
vehicles. However, it does have some drawbacks in terms of cost, possible delays, and luggage problems. Still, in my
opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. If we didn’t have planes, it would be very difficult to travel to distant places.
(299 words)

As you see in the essay above, this type of essay also shares some common features which were explained in 4.1 Parts
of an Essay (e.g. thesis statement, topic sentences, etc.) Here is the outline of what you are expected to write in an
advantages / disadvantages essay:

ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES ESSAY STRUCTURE

Introduction (Introductory Paragraph):

General statements
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence (about the advantages OR disadvantages)
Major support 1+ minor support 1(1st adv. / disadv.)
Major support 2+ minor support 2 (2nd adv. / disadv.)
Major support 3+ minor support 3 (3rd adv. / disadv.) -optional

Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence (about the disadvantages OR advantages)
Major support 1+ minor support 1(1st adv. / disadv.)
Major support 2+ minor support 2 (2nd adv. / disadv.)
Major support 3+ minor support 3 (3rd adv. / disadv.) -optional

Conclusion (Concluding Paragraph):

Restatement or summary of the main points
Advice based on major supports -optional
Final comment (your own opinion)

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Thesis statement of an advantages / disadvantages essay is in the introductory paragraph and it is generally the last
sentence of the introductory paragraph, after some general statements about the topic. It states what your essay is about.
You can write your thesis statement in many different ways. Some of the structures you can use are in the table below:
Sample Thesis Statements

___X__ is /are both advantageous and disadvantageous for some reasons.

While __X__ have / has some advantages, its / their disadvantages are much greater.

Although __X__ have / has a lot of advantages, ___X___ have / has a few disadvantages.

___X___ has / have both advantages and disadvantages / drawbacks.

There are some advantages and disadvantages of ___X___

You can have a look at 4.1 Parts of an Essay for more information about writing thesis statements and also general
statements in the introductory paragraph.

EXERCISE II- Read the essay questions below and write thesis statements for each one.

1) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multicultural society.

2) Examine the positive and negative aspects of technology in education.
3) Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families but are put in care homes or nursing
homes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
4) Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of using wearable health tracking devices for personal wellness.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Health Data Tracking Privacy Concerns
Fitness Monitoring Accuracy and Reliability
Lifestyle Awareness Dependency on Devices

Topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the body paragraphs. In an advantages / disadvantages essay, you usually
write two body paragraphs; one for the advantages, another for the disadvantages. So, you need two topic sentences,
one for the advantages, another for the disadvantages. Look at some structures you can use when you write topic
sentences for your advantages / disadvantages essay:

Sample advantage topic sentences Sample disadvantage topic sentences

There are many advantages of ___X___. There are also some disadvantages of ___X___.

On the one hand, there are some positive sides of On the other hand, there can be a number of disadvantages
____X____. to ____X____.

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____X____ is advantageous in many ways. ____X____ has some disadvantageous sides.

____X____ have/has many advantages. ____X____ also have/has some disadvantages.

There are some advantages of ___X___. For every advantage there is a disadvantage.

EXERCISE III- Now write two topic sentences for each of the essay questions below.

1) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multicultural society.

Body paragraph 1:
Body paragraph 2:
2) Examine the positive and negative aspects of technology in education.
Body paragraph 1:
Body paragraph 2:
3) Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families but are put in care homes or nursing homes.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Body paragraph 1:
Body paragraph 2:
4) Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of using wearable health tracking devices for personal wellness.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Health Data Tracking Privacy Concerns
Fitness Monitoring Accuracy and Reliability
Lifestyle Awareness Dependency on Devices

Body paragraph 1:

Body paragraph 2:

Major supporting sentences follow the topic sentence in each body paragraph. In this type of essay, you need to explain
each advantage / disadvantage and give some details about them. When you are writing major supports, you need to use
some transitions to move from one idea to another smoothly. Here is a list of words and phrases that connect and make
logical transitions between major ideas:

When you write the first advantage or disadvantage To add another idea
Firstly, Also,
To start with, In addition,
The first advantage/disadvantage Besides,
Furthermore/Moreover,
Another advantage/disadvantage
The second/the third advantage/disadvantage

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When you write the last advantage / disadvantage When you give examples to support your ideas
Finally/Lastly, For example/For instance,
The last advantage/disadvantage One example of this

EXERCISE IV- Study the body paragraphs. Underline the transition words / phrases between major ideas.

One of the main advantages of travelling by plane is that it is much faster than any other form of transport.
For example, you can fly from Toronto to New York in 2 hours, whereas by car, it would take more than 7 hours.
Another advantage is that flying is more comfortable and less tiring because you can sleep on a long flight. You can
also watch movies or read. Finally, it is safer. More people die in car accidents than in plane crashes.

On the other hand, travelling by plane also has some disadvantages. To start with, it can be quite expensive,
especially if you want to travel in the comfort of First Class or Business Class. What is more, flights are often delayed,
and this means you may have to spend a long time waiting in the airport or miss connecting flights. In addition, the
problem of baggage transfer at airports is a significant issue that often leads to time loss and negative travel
experiences for passengers. Delays, losses, or damages during the process of transferring luggage from one flight to
another can result in stress for travellers.

Conclusion is the last paragraph of an advantages / disadvantages essay, like all other types of essays. You need to
conclude with a brief summary of advantages and disadvantages. (= Restate the advantages and disadvantages. You
may or may not include your own opinion. Readers can come to their own conclusions. Look at the concluding paragraph
of the essay on ‘Advantages and disadvantages of travelling by plane’:

To sum up, the plane is a great invention because of being faster, more comfortable, and safer than other
vehicles. However, it does have some drawbacks in terms of cost, possible delays, and luggage problems. Still, in my
opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. If we didn’t have planes, it would be very difficult to travel to distant places.

EXERCISE V- This essay was written by a YADYO student. It has some mistakes related to the content,
grammar, length, organisation etc. Can you find the mistakes and improve the essay?
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USING THE INTERNET

These days the internet has become an important part of our life. Although the internet has a lot of advantages,
it has a few disadvantages.

There are some positive sides of using the Internet. To start with, it is suitable for communication. It is easy
to communicate with friends and family over the Internet. Secondly, if you don’t want to go out, online shopping
might be a quick way for you to shop. Lastly, you can arrange your flights by using the Internet. Especially if you
don’t have time to go to the airport.

On the other hand, there can be a number of disadvantages of using the Internet. First of all, some computer
users who misuse your information can steal your credit card number or account. So, it is important to use the Internet
carefully. In addition, some people spend too much time playing games or surfing the Internet, which might be a
waste of time. To sum up, using the Internet has some advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, the Internet is
an important source of information but sometimes it may be unreliable. (185 words)

Sometimes you would prefer to write only about the advantages or disadvantages. Then you need to write a separate
paragraph for each advantage / disadvantage. Also, you will need to write more than two body paragraphs to be able to
include enough major ideas for an essay of about 250 words. See an advantages-only essay below and pay attention to
the organisation of the body paragraphs:

The Advantages of Tourism

Tourism has become a major sector for many countries. Nowadays it generates a significant portion of national
income for many people. This essay will examine the advantages of tourism and provide a logical conclusion.
The main advantage of a developed tourism industry is a boost in a country's economy. Tourists spend money
on a wide range of services, including hotels, amusements, transportation, food and medical services. This way,
tourism yields an additional income, greatly supporting the countries’ economies. One can state that there are many
countries such as the Maldives and the Bahamas which only depend on tourism as their main source of income.
The next important advantage of tourism is that it increases the level of employment by bringing new jobs. In
this way, a large number of new job openings appear for the local people. For instance, the influx of tourists results in
a larger demand for restaurant workers, tour guides, hotel staff and employees of retail services, encouraging business
owners to hire more people for these positions.
Finally, tourism helps in preserving the customs and traditions of the local people. Tourists visit local areas
and pay to watch or join various cultural activities. This ultimately leads to the preservation of the values of local
people. In addition, tourism may lead to the development of infrastructure that supports the cultural activities. (223
words)
In conclusion, one can state a few advantages of tourism. As it was mentioned above, tourism has an extremely
positive impact on a country's economy and provides a large number of new jobs for the local people, while
maintaining local traditions. I believe that overall, tourism has a positive influence. (273 words)

There are plenty of other ways to say "advantages and disadvantages," and it's a good idea if you can use these other
terms as much as possible in your essay in order to add some variety:

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Pros and cons Good and bad aspects

Benefits and drawbacks Positive and negative sides

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips:

- Spend time planning the benefits and drawbacks of the statements given.
- Make sure you have relevant supporting points (i.e. major and minor supports).
- Put your advantages together in one body paragraph and the same with the disadvantages.

EXERCISE VI- Write an advantages and / or disadvantages essay on wearable health tracking devices for
personal wellness in 200 words. You can use the major ideas below, if you want. Your essay will be graded
according to task achievement, grammatical range & accuracy, lexical resource and coherence & cohesion and
mechanics. (See the rubric for a well-written essay)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Health Data Tracking Privacy Concerns
Fitness Monitoring Accuracy and Reliability
Lifestyle Awareness Dependency on Devices

4.3 Opinion Essay

Balanced Opinion Essay

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Opinion essays usually reflect your opinion about a controversial issue. In this type of essay, you are given a statement
and asked to write about different opinions, with your own, about the statement. You can write an opinion essay in many
different ways. We will study the two most common opinion essay types. The first one is a discursive essay. In this type,
you present both sides of the issue in a balanced way. In the end, however, it normally reaches a conclusion; in other
words, the writer states what s/he thinks. See an example of a balanced (discursive) opinion essay below:

Too Much Testing in Our Schools

All teachers agree that it is important to check students’ progress. However, not everyone agrees on the best
way to do this. While some people say that examinations are the only way to see what students have learned, others
believe that there is too much testing in our schools.

Some people argue that exams are fair. Firstly, all the students take the exam on the same day, at the same
time and in the same conditions. Secondly, all the papers are marked at the same time so the examiners can compare
the students. Finally, universities and employers can look at a student’s results and know immediately how they
compare with others.

However, there are many arguments against too much testing. For example, a lot of students suffer from exam
nerves so they do not do well. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of formal testing: students are judged on one
day when they may be feeling ill or nervous. Another argument against too much testing is that it hinders creative
thinking skills by providing students only with standardized questions.

In conclusion, testing is necessary, but too much is unfair because it is easier for students who are good at
exams. In my opinion, there should be a combination of formal testing and continuous assessment so all students can
do well. (221 words)

In the following table, you can see the organisation of balanced opinion essays.

Opinion Essay 1 (Balanced)

Introduction paragraph Introduce the subject of the essay (some general statements on the topic). State why it
is an important and controversial issue at the present time (thesis statement).

Body paragraph 1 Give the arguments in favour of the statement.

Body paragraph 2 Give the arguments against the statement.

Conclusion paragraph Conclude by giving a well-balanced consideration. State your own opinion at the end.

When you look at the table, you can see that it is similar to advantages and disadvantages essays. In fact, advantages
and disadvantages essays are also opinion essays where you mention opinions on advantages and disadvantages of a
topic.

Introduction paragraph includes general statements and the thesis statement. Analyze the general statements and
underline the thesis statement in the following introductory paragraphs.

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Essay question: Should dangerous sports be banned?

Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in sports such as boxing or motor-racing. Because of
this, many people oppose such sports, and want them to be stopped or controlled. Not everyone agrees on this view.
So, there are some arguments for and against banning dangerous sports.

Essay question: Does space exploration benefit humankind?

Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are excited by the exploration and potential of space.
However, some people believe that we should solve problems here on Earth before beginning our journey to space.
So, this is a controversial issue.

Essay question: Do footballers deserve their high salaries?

Every day, we read about new contracts and salaries earned by footballers. Some people do not agree with
these huge payments. Others believe that our sports heroes deserve every penny. Therefore, it is highly debatable
whether footballers deserve their high salaries or not.

When writing the thesis statement, you can also use the following conjunctions: although, though, even though, while,
whereas, despite, in spite of (the fact that), etc.:
‘Although some people believe that sports people deserve every penny they earn, others do not agree with these huge
payments.’

EXERCISE I- Write a thesis statement on the topic “Testing products on animals should be banned.”

___________________________________________________________________________________.

Body paragraphs follow the introduction, like in other types of essays. When you are writing a balanced opinion essay,
you usually have two body paragraphs to write about the two sides of the argument: one for the supporters, the other for
the opponents of the argument.

Each body paragraph should include a topic sentence. See the table below for some examples:

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To introduce points for or against To make contrasting points

(topic sentence for body paragraph 1) (topic sentence for body paragraph 2)

- It is often claimed / suggested that … - On the other hand, it may be said / argued / claimed that …

- It is generally believed that … - However, others / many people oppose this viewpoint.

- Still, some people (strongly) disagree…

- Many people / Experts claim/suggest/argue that…

- However, there is another side to the issue / question /

- Scientists / Critics are in favour of / against
argument.
- Most people support / oppose the view…

After the topic sentence, you need to write some major and minor supports in favour of / against the opinion mentioned
in the body paragraph 1 or 2. See some useful phrases you can use:

To list arguments for (in favour of) To list arguments against

- Firstly / Secondly / Besides / Next / Finally, … - Firstly / Secondly / Besides / Next / Finally, …
- The main positive aspect of ______ is ______. - The first / greatest drawback of ______ is ______.
- One / Another / An additional benefit is … - One / Another / An additional negative aspect is …

To explain / clarify a point (details)

In other words, / That is to say, / This means that …

Conclusion paragraph may contain a brief summary of the two sides of the argument. It is possible to paraphrase the
thesis statement. You need to state your own opinion in this paragraph. See some useful expressions for the conclusion:

Expressions to introduce concluding paragraphs Expressions to give your own opinion

- In conclusion, - In my opinion,
- To sum up, - My opinion is that…
- To conclude - I (firmly) believe…
- All things considered, - As far as I am concerned,
- Taking everything into account, - I am (not) convinced that

Analyse the concluding paragraphs. Do they all include the writer’s opinion?

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Essay question: Should dangerous sports be banned?

In summary, although it is sometimes argued that dangerous sports should be banned, societies would be
healthier if more people took part in sports of all kinds. In my opinion, people should be able to do any sports they
want as long as accidents and injuries are prevented.

Essay question: Does space exploration benefit humankind?

In conclusion, some people believe that it is essential for mankind to continue to explore the universe while
others think that governments should spend more money on the problems of their citizens. I firmly believe that the
space program is very crucial and important for the whole world and should be funded by governments.

Essay question: Do footballers deserve their high salaries?

In conclusion, there are convincing arguments both for and against sports professionals’ high salaries. I
strongly feel that society should identify the real heroes. Every individual should realise that the people who give
benefits to the society should get paid more than those who entertain them.

EXERCISE II- Read the model essays and underline the transition words. Try to replace the transition words
with their alternatives. Rewrite the thesis statement, topic sentences, the concluding sentence and personal
opinion.

Eating Meat
Although many people in the world enjoy eating meat, more people are choosing to become vegetarians. They
think that eating meat is wrong for many reasons. Therefore, it is highly debatable whether people should eat meat or
not.
Some people say that meat is healthy because it has protein which is vital for the human body. If we don’t
take enough proteins, our body and brain cannot function well. Also, meat eaters say that it is natural for us to eat
meat because our teeth and stomachs are designed to eat everything. In ancient times, people had to eat anything they
found or they died.
On the other hand, opponents claim that a lot of farmers keep animals in environments which are unsuitable
for them. For example, in factory farms the animals are indoors all the time and do not have enough space to move
freely. Furthermore, the animals are at risk of illness because they live close together so vets give them antibiotics
which get into their meat. This is bad for both the animals and the people who eat their meat. Vegetarians also say
that people can get necessary proteins from some vegetables and that we can have a healthy diet without meat.
All things considered, even though a lot of people eat and enjoy meat, others avoid eating meat for various
reasons. My opinion is that a vegetarian diet is healthier and kinder to animals. (237 words)

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Essay question: Should museums be free or should visitors pay for admission?

Museums

Museums are places where history, science, art and culture of a country are stored and displayed. Such places
are definitely difficult to maintain. They need financial help either from the government or from the visitors. Some
people argue that museums are entertainment so visitors should pay for admission. However, others think it is
important that museums are free to provide education for children. There are arguments in favour of and against
charging for museums.

Those in favour of entrance fees to museums state that the government has more important things to fund.
They should fund emergency services and health care, for example. Besides, museums are expensive to build and
maintain. The public should help pay for the staff, security and building costs by paying entrance fees.

On the other hand, many people argue that museums should be free for the visitors and it is the government’s
duty to build and maintain them. These people say that all children should be able to visit museums because they
make history more interesting and they can motivate children to learn more and study harder. They also suggest that
huge amounts of money can be collected through voluntary contributions, gift shops and museum cafes.

In conclusion, although museums are expensive, it seems to me that the government should pay for them. If
they do not fund museums, the most important objects from the country will be sold abroad and children will not be
able to see what their country was like in the past. (250 words)

Working Mothers
Nowadays, more and more women work outside the home, which affects many people positively or
negatively. Germaine Greer, the Australian feminist, said, “Most women still need a room of their own and the
only way to find it may be outside their own homes.” If it is true, can it be done without having a negative effect
on the family?
It is often argued that working mothers have positive effects on the family. One point in favour of working
mothers is that their children often learn to be independent from an early age, which can only help them in the
future. Also, in many families, the man’s salary alone is not enough to cover all household expenses. Thus, the
need for extra income arises, and the woman has to work. Moreover, working outside the home gives a woman a
sense of her own personal identity and self-confidence. A woman who stays at home will always be known as
“John’s wife” and not as a person in her own right.
On the other hand, others oppose this viewpoint. They think that the main negative aspect of being a
working mother is related to expensive child care. Therefore, a large proportion of the money a working mother
earns is spent on childcare. What is more, if both parents are out working all day, they only see their children for a
few hours in the evening. This can have a negative effect, as children may start to see their parents as strangers.
Finally, a working mother usually has to look after both the children and home in her spare time, so she is actually
doing two jobs instead of one, which can be very tiring. She may also miss out on important events in her
children’s lives, such as their first words.
To sum up, there are many arguments both for and against working mothers. Every family is different and
what is good for one family may not necessarily be good for another. Taking everything into account, it should be
left to the individual mother to decide whether working or not is something that she wants to do. (354 words)

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EXERCISE III- These two essays were written by YADYO students. Are they organized well? Are
the ideas clear? Is the punctuation correct?

Topic: Technology has made the world a better place to live.

All scientists agree that technology is important to make the world a better place to live. However, not
everyone agrees with them because technology has a lot of bad effects on the world. Therefore, there are two
sides to the argument.
Scientists claim that technology is very useful. Firstly, they think that technology provides easy access to
information, thanks to the Internet. Secondly, technology facilitates transportation. People can travel everywhere
they want by train, bus, plane, boat, etc. Thirdly, communication among people is getting faster and easier day
by day. Finally, technology is used in housework when people wash the dishes and the clothes, vacuum clean
the house, etc. Especially in the kitchen, everyone uses common household appliances such as mixers or
blenders.
However, there are some arguments against the idea that technology has made the world a better place to
live. For example, technology obstructs research information by using books, encyclopaedias and dictionaries.
Another argument against technology is that people get on buses or taxis even when they go to the nearest place.
They don’t walk and they don’t do a lot of exercise when they do housework. They aren’t very active so they
can get ill easily. Besides, technology destroys communication among people. People phone their family or
friends instead of visiting them. Moreover, mobile phones transmit radiation and it damages our brain cells.
In conclusion, technology is important to make the world a better place to live, but it also has a lot of
harmful effects. It is my opinion that technology is useful and necessary for people. It makes our lives easy. (267
words)

ESSAY 1

ESSAY 2

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Topic: Television has destroyed communication among friends and family.

Although most people like watching television, some people are choosing not to watch it. They think that
television has destroyed communication among friends and family. I don’t agree with these people because
watching television is a good leisure activity.
First of all, watching television is very enjoyable. People can have a good time while they are watching TV.
For example, they can watch films or sports events. Secondly, watching television gives a lot of information about
the world. We can learn the news, weather forecasts about our city or the fixture of our team. Also, there are many
things to watch on television. We can watch what we want. Furthermore, we can listen to music or watch
documentaries which increase our knowledge about animals and plants. Finally, watching television is very
beneficial for children too. Most children love watching cartoons and there are a lot of cartoon channels on television
for them.
On the other hand, some people oppose this viewpoint. Firstly, they argue that watching television prevents
communication between people. For example, some people concentrate on television and they don’t want to speak
while they are watching television. Secondly, they say that watching television can prevent creative thinking.
Because most people watch TV for pleasure and thy only get the news. As a result, they don’t think much about
other things. Moreover, some people watch television too much and this can be harmful for their health.
All in all, even though a lot of people enjoy watching television, others avoid watching it for various
reasons. My opinion is that watching television is very beneficial, enjoyable and informative. (267 words)

To improve your writing skill, write a balanced opinion essay on one of the statements below in about 250 words.

1. Governments shouldn’t build nuclear power plants.

2. Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten.
3. Should sports classes be sacrificed in high school so students can concentrate on academic subjects?

For OR Against Opinion Essay

The second most common type of opinion essay is argumentative essay. An argumentative essay opens with a boldly
expressed point of view and then the rest of the essay presents arguments (examples, proof or logic) to support that point
of view. Normally, it refers to opposing arguments but demonstrates that these are weak or even false. It attempts to
persuade the reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. See an example below:

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Essay question: Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. What is your opinion?
Animals in Captivity
Zoos remain popular places for people to visit for entertainment and to learn about wild animals. Although
some people are of the opinion that zoos can provide a sanctuary for endangered animals and so should be kept open,
I believe that zoos are not suitable places for wild animals and should be shut down for several reasons.
Firstly, animals in zoos are confined to small spaces, unlike their vast natural habitats. This restricts their
natural behaviors and leads to unhealthy habits. For instance, polar bears, which roam hundreds of kilometers in the
Arctic, are given only about 10 meters of walking space in zoos.
Secondly, breeding programs in zoos are often less successful than claimed. Even well-known initiatives like
the panda breeding program have been costly and ineffective. Additionally, zoo life does not prepare animals for the
challenges they face in the wild, as seen in the unfortunate deaths of lynxes released in Colorado.
Thirdly, animals in zoos face various dangers, including the spread of diseases between species that would
not naturally coexist. Exposure to toxic substances and the risk of visitors teasing or provoking them further risk their
well-being.
In conclusion, zoos are not truly educational or effective in conserving endangered species. . In reality, they
only teach us how wild animals behave when they are confined in small spaces. Breeding programmes provide zoos
with good publicity, but in fact most of them are failures. Finally, zoo animals are probably more at risk of dying from
disease or poisoning than their wild counterparts It is time to abolish these institutions for the sake of animal
welfare.(267 words) YOU CAN ADD YOU OWN OPINION AGAIN (CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH)

In the following table, you can see the organisation of ‘for or against’ type of opinion essays.

Opinion Essay 2 (For OR Against)

Introduction paragraph Introduce the subject of the essay (some general statements on the topic). State that it
is an important and controversial issue at the present time (thesis statement). State your
own opinion (for OR against the idea in the essay question)
Body paragraph 1 Write your first major and minor supports.

Body paragraph 2 Write your second major and minor supports.

Body paragraph 3 Write your third major and minor supports.

Body paragraph 4 Write your fourth major and minor supports.

(optional) (Generally, writing three body paragraphs is enough – This one is not compulsory.)

Conclusion paragraph Summarise key points. Restate the thesis statement. Write a thought-provoking
closing statement.

EXERCISE I- Read the model essay and underline the transition words. Try to replace the transition words
with their alternatives. Rewrite the thesis statement, topic sentences, the concluding sentence and personal
opinion.

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Animal Testing in Medical Research

Medical research involving animals has dramatically improved the health of the human race. Without animal
testing, the cure for polio would not exist and diabetics would suffer or die from their disease. Despite these benefits,
some people believe that animals should not be used for testing medical techniques and drugs. However, there is no
doubt that animal testing is inevitable for the survival of the human race.

Animal testing allows scientists to test and create new drugs. Animals such as monkeys or rabbits have similar
physical processes to humans. This allows scientists to test the effects of certain drugs. If a drug produces adverse
effects in animals it is probably unfit for human use.

Animal testing is cheap. There is a large supply of animals for medical research. Animals are easily bred, and
maintained safely in controlled labs. The costs of testing in humans would be extremely high.

Many people argue that animal testing is cruel. In some cases this is true. On the other hand, it would be
much more cruel to test new drugs on people or children, or to let people die because there was not enough information
about a drug. Furthermore, legislation in most countries sets standards for animal treatment, and laboratories have
guidelines to prevent cruelty.

Opponents of animal research also say that information from animals does not apply to humans. They point
to certain commercial drugs which have been withdrawn because of side-effects in humans. While it is true that
animal systems differ from human systems, there are enough similarities to apply information from animals to
humans.

Animal rights campaigners claim that we don’t need new tests because we already have vast amounts of
information. Nevertheless, many new deadly infections appear every year and new treatments and drugs are needed
to combat these deadly diseases.

Taking everything into consideration, animal testing is needed in the world we live in. Our responsibility is
to manage the animals in our care and balance their suffering against the good that comes from them. (336 words)

EXERCISE II- This essay was written by a YADYO student. There is a very important mistake in it. Can you
find it? (Clue: Think about the organization of Opinion Essay) Is it organized well? Are the ideas clear? Is the
punctuation correct?

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Essay question: Information will soon be so easy to find on the internet that people will not need to remember
anything. Do you agree?

Nowadays all the information we could ever need is available online and some people say that means the
end of having to learn anything.

It is true that these days everything you want to know is a few clicks away as long as you have internet
access. However, not everyone has the internet all the time, for example in certain buildings or remote locations, so
we do need to be able to remember information. Moreover, it takes time to look up everything you need to know
online, whereas remembering something is immediate. Human memory is a much more efficient system.

Another problem is the quality of the information online. How do we know if it is accurate or reliable? We
need to think about other facts we know and remember how to compare information from different websites.
Knowing (and remembering) how to find certain information will be more important than knowing the information
itself.

Finally, the internet is a good tool but it is not a useful replacement for our brains. If we did not remember
anything, we would all spend even more time on our phones and computers than we already do, which is not good
for society.

In conclusion, the internet offers us many things but it is still important to use our knowledge and memories.
We need our memories to function without the internet and we also need to know how to use the internet properly.
(240 words)

EXERCISE III- To improve your writing skill, write a ‘for or against’ opinion essay on one of the statements
below in about 250 words.

1- Competitive sports help prepare a person for life. Do you agree?

2- Working women can bring up children better. Do you agree?

3- Should university students be required to attend classes or should attending classes be optional for them?

If you need more practice, see:

https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-writing/opinion-essay

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b2-writing/opinion-essay

SELF-STUDY: You will read three essays for the same essay question. What are the differences? Complete the
outlines.

Essay question: “Small children seem to learn very quickly, while adults sometimes appear to lose the ability to pick
up new subjects such as languages, music, games, or computer programs.” What is your opinion?

Essay I

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The Learning Journey: Kids vs. Adults

Every person experiences all the periods -infant, teenage, adult- during their lives. We learn new things in
each period. It’s argued that small children seem to learn very quickly, while adults sometimes appear to lose the
ability to pick up new subjects such as languages, music, games, or computer programs. However, not everyone
agrees with this viewpoint.
On the one hand, children seem to learn very quickly for several reasons. The first reason is that their brain
is open to more knowledge than adults. Therefore, in just a few years, they can learn how to play a musical
instrument, speak one or even two new languages, and deal with many subjects at school. What is more, they even
have more time for sports and hobbies, and become experts in their favourite pastimes than adults, and this
opportunity helps them to learn faster and better. However, adults have too much responsibility and may not find
enough time to pick up new subjects. The last reason why children are better learners is that much of their
achievement is because of social pressure which is a big motivating factor. For example, schools force them to take
many subjects, parents force them to practise new sports or to learn music. Even their playmates force them to
become better at computer games or to read Harry Potter novels faster. (To conclude, it is easier for children to
learn new subjects.)
On the other hand, some others disagree with people who say that adults cannot learn quickly. First of all,
adults have better skills that compensate for the decline in the ability of the brain to grasp and remember new
material than children. I mean, children can be distracted easily but adults can organize their learning by setting
times for reading or practice. Also, they can build on skills and experiences they already know easily because they
know how to learn something. Finally, adults usually cannot learn to do ballet or to play the violin, but even despite
these physical challenges, their motivation can often be higher than a child's. (In summary, further learning isn’t
pointless for adults since they have already achieved many goals at work or in their personal life.)
To sum up, it depends on the situation and the motivation of the person, and the level of enthusiasm he or
she has for learning. I feel that we cannot generalize about children or adults being better learners. (405 words)

Outline for Essay I:

Introduction (general
statements+thesis statement)

Body 1(opinions of people - Topic sentence:

who agree with the essay - Major support 1:
question) - Major support 2:
- Major support 3:
- Conclusion (optional):

Body 2 (opinions of people - Topic sentence:

who disagree with the essay - Major support 1:
question) - Major support 2:
- Major support 3:
- Conclusion (optional):

Conclusion (summary of
body paragraphs+writer’s
opinion)

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Essay II

The Learning Journey: Kids vs. Adults

Every person experiences all the periods -infant, teenage, adult- during their lives. We learn new things in
each period. It is true that during each period the level of our learning ability decreases because of several reasons.
Therefore, I firmly believe that new subjects are learnt quicker and better by small children than adults in the light
of three causes.
To start with, a child’s brain is open to more knowledge than an adult. Therefore, in just a few years, they
can learn how to play a musical instrument, speak one or even two new languages, and deal with many subjects at
school. They can get the knowledge easily and don’t have a problem of memory loss like an adult. However, adults
have so many things about their surroundings in their minds, so they may easily forget the things they have learnt.
In addition, small children have more time for sports and hobbies, and become experts in their favourite
pastimes than adults. They don’t have as many responsibilities as adults. They just have to go to school and do their
assignments. After school they can spend their time taking up different activities according to their interests. On the
other hand, adults’ time for further learning is limited because of their responsibilities in their daily lives. They have
to work, look after their family members and do the household and many other things.
The last reason why children are better learners is that much of their achievement is because of social
pressure which is a big motivating factor. For example, schools force them to take many subjects, parents force
them to practise new sports or to learn music. Even their playmates force them to become better at computer games
or to read Harry Potter novels faster.
All things considered, it is in my belief that as we become older, we lose our ability to learn new subjects.
It is a reality of human nature, so there is nothing to do for this. (332 words)

Outline for Essay II:

Introduction (general
statements+thesis statement+writer’s
opinion)

Body 1(first major support )

Body 2(second major support )

Body 3 (third major support )

Conclusion (summary of key

points+ restatement of thesis
statement+ closing statement)

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Essay III

The Learning Journey: Kids vs. Adults

Every person experiences all the periods -infant, teenage, adult- during their lives. We learn new things in
each period. Most people support that young children seem to learn very quickly, while adults sometimes appear to
lose the ability to pick up new subjects such as languages, music, games, or computer programs. However, I totally
disagree with this point of view. I firmly believe that new subjects can be learnt as quickly and well as small children
by adults because of several reasons.
In the first place, adults have better skills that compensate for the decline in the ability of the brain to grasp
and remember new material than children. I mean, children can be distracted easily but adults can organize their
learning better by setting times for reading or practice.
Secondly, adults can build on skills and experiences they already know easily because they know how to
learn something. This means they have learned so many things in their education, business and social lives that they
get accustomed to learning. Indeed, they develop strategies for learning new things. Thus, they have more
advantages while learning a new subject compared to small children.
Finally, opponents of this view believe that adults usually cannot learn to do ballet or to play the violin, but
even despite these physical challenges, their motivation can often be higher than a child's. In contrast to adults,
children can’t be fully motivated while learning a new subject. What I mean is children can get bored easily but
adults can concentrate on new things better.
Taking everything into consideration, personally, I believe that further learning isn’t pointless for adults since
they have already achieved many goals at work or in their personal life. We don’t have to be young to open our
horizons. (295 words)

Outline for Essay III:

Introduction (general
statements+thesis
statement+writer’s opinion)

Body 1(first major and minor

support )

Body 2 (second major and

minor support)

Body 3 (third major and

minor support)

Conclusion (summary of key

points+ restatement of thesis
statement+ closing
statement)

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4.4 Cause AND / OR Effect Essay

Cause OR Effect essays are concerned with why things happen (causes / reasons) or what happens as a result (effects /
results). It is a common method of organizing and discussing ideas. You can write an essay only about the causes or the
effects. In the following table, you can see the organisation of a cause OR effect essay:

Cause OR Effect Essay

Introduction paragraph some general statements on the topic + the thesis statement

Body paragraph 1 Write your first cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.

Body paragraph 2 Write your second cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.

Body paragraph 3 Write your third cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.

Body paragraph 4 Write your fourth cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.
(optional) (Generally, writing three body paragraphs is enough – This one is not compulsory.)

Conclusion paragraph Restate your thesis statement, using different words. Final thoughts (your opinion,
summary of your ideas, your prediction for the future, etc.)

Analyse two cause essays below.

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Why are Cities Becoming Overcrowded?

The fact that the world’s cities are getting more and more crowded is well-known. Cities such as Tokyo, Sao
Paulo, Bombay and Shanghai are now considered ‘mega-cities’, because of their enormous size and huge populations.
There are two main reasons why these and other cities are becoming so crowded; one economic, the other socio-
cultural.
First, the primary cause of cities becoming so crowded is economic. As a country develops, its cities become
the engines of development, thus jobs are available in these areas. Frankfurt, Istanbul, Bombay and Sao Paolo are all
the economic centres of their countries. For example, Tokyo was the motor for Japan’s rapid economic development
in the 1960’s and 70’s; as a result, its population increased rapidly. People moved to Tokyo because they could find
employment and establish economic security for themselves and their families there.
Second, another factor in the huge increase in urban populations is the socio-cultural factor. Thousands of
people migrate to the cities not only for jobs but also for educational and personal reasons. The better universities are
always located in big cities and this attracts thousands of students every year, and these students stay on and work in
the city after they graduate. Moreover, young people will move to the city as the villages and rural areas are more
custom and tradition oriented. Therefore, young people believe this is an obstacle to their personal freedom.
In conclusion, economic and cultural factors are the major causes of huge urban population. People will
always move to the areas which provide opportunity and to the places which can give them the freedom they desire.
(269 words)

Taken from https://writing.itu.edu.tr/ce1.pdf

Being a University Student

Being a student at a university is a dream for a lot of high school students. Any student who wants to have a
bright future with a good career, plans to study at a university. However, the road to success at university is full of
obstacles that might interfere with students reaching their goals. Therefore, students should be aware of the difficulties
which they could face during their college years. Despite these obstacles, students can achieve their dream of getting
their degree. In order to be successful at university, students need strong motivation, and the ability to focus on their
goals.
First, students need to keep up the motivation they need to study. Students have many obligations to fulfil,
such as completing homework assignments and research projects, studying for exams and writing term papers.
Allocating enough time for all these things requires students to be highly motivated. In addition, many students work
after school and arrive home late at night. Only dedicated and responsible students will push themselves to finish their
work before going to bed, disregarding their tiredness. Also, when the options are to go to a party with friends or stay
home and work, only determined students will choose to study.
Students also need to focus on realistic academic goals. Many students are not aware of the importance of
selecting the right university and major. In fact, a wrong decision may result in a waste of time and money. For
example, students may have very high expectations and select a major that presents demands they cannot meet. In
some cases, they find that they are on a career path they do not even enjoy. As a result, they may have to change their
major or drop out of university when they realize that they cannot keep up their grades. If they are more focused on
what they want, the better their chances will be to achieve their goals.
To sum up, if students are enthusiastic about what they are studying and realistic about their academic goals,
their university journey will be easier. What students gain at university as a person will have a huge impact on their
future life in all aspects, so they should know the value of their time at university. (375)

Taken from https://ybd.yildiz.edu.tr/images/files/Cause-Effect%20Essay_IYS%20SAMPLE.pdf

Analyse two effect essays below.

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Effects of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse. It’s simply defined as the inability to manage drinking
habits. The effects of this disease are really serious. Many people cannot control their habit of drinking alcohol, and
they can easily become addicted; that is a big problem. Alcoholism has a serious impact on the physical and
psychological states of a person.
The first effect of alcoholism is physical. These are the most important because these can cause your death.
For example, alcoholism causes cancer in the stomach, kidneys, and liver. Besides, alcohol alters the digestion of
nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. It also causes severe damage in the neurons, so it causes changes in the
body’s movements, loss of appetite, and depression. There are other effects in the body like gastritis and cirrhosis of
the liver. All these physical consequences could cause your death if you drink alcohol in mass quantities.
The second effect caused by alcoholism is psychological. At the beginning, alcohol makes you feel relaxed,
but if you drink it in excess, it increases anxiety and causes depression. It can also cause family and legal problems,
violence, changes of behaviour, and suicide, among others. Alcohol is very powerful and can alter all your normal
behaviours.
In conclusion, the effects of alcoholism, which are physical and psychological, can cause many problems that
affect your life in all aspects. Alcohol alters your brain, muscles, digestion process, and causes other disorders that
affect your health. It also can lead to depression or changes in your behaviour that result in problems with your family,
friends, and with yourself. I think there are many treatment options available to help those in need to overcome alcohol
abuse. Thanks to medical advances, when it is discovered in its early stages, the chance for a successful recovery
increases significantly. (306 words)

Taken from Üsküdar University Preparatory School Writing Booklet

The Effects of the Computer on Our Lives

The twenty-first century is already turning out to be the century of the computer. The computer revolution
that started after the Second World War is now developing rapidly and computers are beginning to influence and take
over nearly every aspect of our lives. Computers are clearly changing and affecting society in many ways. The two
main areas in which computers have brought about a profound change in our lives are in the economic field and in
the field of communications.
The computer has led to immense changes in economic and business life. First, businesses now have to be
computerised or they risk failure. Every big corporation bases its operations on computing, regardless of which sector
they are in. For example, Coca-Cola, the BBC and Levi’s market and sell different products and services, yet they all
share one basic property – without computers their operations would collapse. Second, computing is an economic
dynamo. Japan, China, India and many other countries have large IT sectors which drive their economies upwards.
Furthermore, the developed world is moving from an industrial-based economy to a computer and IT-based one.
It is not just in business that computers have affected us so profoundly; communication has been
revolutionised totally. Firstly, whereas before, people wrote letters, which would often take weeks to reach their
destinations, or spoke on the phone, which was terribly expensive, now they email. For instance, instead of waiting
weeks for a letter now, we can read it instantly, seconds after it’s been written. Secondly, many people use computers
to communicate with people all around the world using chat rooms and chat programs, this was impossible before the
computer became widespread. As a result, now people who live thousands of kilometres away from each other can
communicate as much as they want and whenever they want using e-mail and/or chat rooms.
In conclusion, computers have had a profound effect on our lives in many ways and it is in business and
communication that they have had the greatest influence. In the future, if the computer continues evolving at such
speed, our business practices and methods of communication will undergo even more radical changes. (357 words)

Taken from https://writing.itu.edu.tr/ce1.pdf

Look at some expressions to introduce causes / reasons and effects / results:

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Cause / Reason Effect / Result

- cause (obj.) + infinitive - if / when
- lead (obj.) + infinitive - because / since / as
- be responsible for + noun - because of / due to / owing to + noun
- contribute to obj. - This is because…
- affect - the impact of _____ on _____
-influence - the result / effect / consequence of _____
- as a result / consequence of _____

Here are some sentences to show causes or effects:

Working for long hours causes stress at work / causes people to be stressed.

Long working hours lead to stress.

Working long hours is responsible for stress.

Long working hours contribute to stress.

Long working hours affect / influence stress levels.

If / When people work for long hours, they are stressed.

People feel stressed as they work for 8 hours on average.

People feel stressed at work because of long working hours.

People feel stressed at work. This is because they work from 9.00 to 18.00 every day.

Stress is one of the impacts of long working hours on people.

One consequence of working long hours is stress.

As a result of working long hours, people get stressed.

It is also possible to write about both the causes and effects of the given topic in one essay. In the following table, you
can see the organisation of a cause AND effect essay:

Cause AND Effect Essay

Introduction paragraph some general statements on the topic + the thesis statement

Body paragraph 1 Write about the causes with a topic sentence and give some details.

Body paragraph 2 Write about the effects with a topic sentence and give some details.

Conclusion paragraph Restate your thesis statement, using different words. Final thoughts (your opinion,
summary of your ideas, your prediction for the future, etc.)

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See an example:

Essay question: Today more people are overweight than ever before. What are the causes and effects of this?

Causes and Effects of Obesity

Nowadays the number of overweight people is constantly increasing. According to a study, the percentage of
overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years. It is evident that there are
several causes of obesity and a variety of negative effects.

The foremost causes of obesity are inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Today more and more people
rely on cars instead of walking, have fewer physical demands at work and prefer inactive leisure activities. This results
in burning less calories and gaining weight. Moreover, a growing number of people eat irregularly and consume large
portions of high-calorie food. Approximately 50% of the adult population in Europe with irregular eating habits suffer
from obesity.

The possible effects of this problem include physical health problems and loss of productivity. First of all,
obesity results in incorrect functioning of the human body and contributes to the risk of developing some chronic
illnesses. For example, as body fat percentage increases, the person’s metabolism worsens, which in turn may result
in diabetes or heart diseases. Secondly, overweight people are very unhealthy and often suffer from stress and
tiredness. This lessens their work capacity and results in lower productivity. For example, it has been proven that an
obese person needs to put more effort to complete some tasks than a person with normal weight.

To sum up, obesity is a big problem that affects a lot of people nowadays. It’s mainly caused by an inactive
lifestyle and eating disorders and results in severe health problems and loss of productivity. (260 words)

Taken from https://ielts-up.com/writing/cause-effect-essay.html

EXERCISE I- To improve your writing skill, write a cause AND / OR effect essay on one of the statements
below in about 250 words.

1) Nowadays we have become a throwaway society. It is common to throw away devices and gadgets instead of
repairing them. What are the causes and/or effects of this?

2) People spend less time at home than they used to. Write an essay about the causes and/or effects of this.

Chapter 5 - Graph Interpretation

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5.1 Bar Charts and Pie Charts (sentence level)

Graphs and charts are the most efficient methods for displaying information in a simple manner. Using this form of
representation helps its viewer to understand and interpret the information more easily and efficiently, which otherwise
could be a very difficult and monotonous process. Graphs, charts and tables can be invaluable in a formal report. Two
most common types of charts are bar charts and pie charts.

A bar chart is presented in the form of rectangular blocks called bars. It gives a quick overall impression of the findings.
It can present the relationship of numbers in two or three dimensions. See the examples of bar charts below:

Chart I

Chart II

sharp decrease

slight increase

You can use the words and phrases below to show the changing trends.

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Prepositions Movement: Down Movement: Up Movement: Up & Down No Movement

between 1995 fall rise fluctuate remain steady

and 2000 decline go up not change
drop increase remain stable
from 1995 to decrease grow stabilize
2000 go down level off
remain level

Adjectives/ Adverbs Nouns Tops and Bottoms

slight / slightly fall reach a peak

sharp / sharply decrease peak
gradual / gradually rise reach their / its highest level
steady / steadily increase reach a bottom
dramatic/ dramatically growth bottom out
substantial / substantially

EXERCISE I- Match the descriptions and the bar charts.

____ A) …fell dramatically
____ B) … remained level
____ C) … fell steadily
____ D) … rose steadily
____ E) … increased dramatically

1) 2)

3) 4)

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5)

EXERCISE II-Write ‘adjective +noun’ and /or ‘verb +adverb’ phrases to describe the trends below. The first
one is an example.

1) a steady decrease / decrease steadily

2) a steady increase

3) increased dramaticly

sharp decrease
4)

5) remain stable

6) fluctuate

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EXERCISE III- The bar chart below shows the amount of money spent on two types of electronic items in
country X. Choose the correct option to complete these sentences.

1) The chart shows sales of one / two / three types of electronic item.
2) The graph shows spending over a three / four / five –year period.
3) The date shows sales from 2011 / 2012 / 2014 to 2015.
4) Sales of both items increased / remained level / fell.
5) Sales of computers / smart phones / both remained level and then increased dramatically.
6) Sales of computers / smart phones / both increased steadily.

EXERCISE IV- Complete the sentences with a phrase from the box using the chart in EXERCISE III.

grew overtake increased steadily

increased dramatically in this period remained level

1. Computer sales increased steadily (went up at a steady rate) during the five years.
_______________

reamained level (stayed the same) until 2013.

2. Smartphone sales _______________

increased dramaticly
3. In 2014 and 2015 smartphone sales _______________ (went up a lot in a short time).

in this period
4. People's total spending on these electronic devices rose dramatically _______________ (during these years).

grew
5. Overall, the sales of both these items _______________ (went up).

6. If these trends continue, we can expect smartphone sales to _______________

overtake (become greater than) computer
sales in 2016.

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EXERCISE V- Complete the summary of the chart in EXERCISE III with one or two words.

The chart gives information about how much money was spent on computers and smartphones in country X
1.____________
between the years 2011 and 2015.

According to the chart, spending on both items went 2. ____________.

up Computer sales increased 3.
steadly/gradually remaind level
____________by $5 million each year. Smartphone sales 4. ____________at $10 million until 2013 and then
increased 5. ____________and it reached $45 million in 2015.

People’s total expenditure on these electronic devices 6. ____________dramatically

increased in this period. The total
was $40 million in 2011 and it went up to $95 million 7. ____________.
in 2015

Overall, the sales of both items grew, but smartphone sales grew more quickly. If these trends continue, we
can expect smartphone sales to overtake computer sales in the following years.(125 words)

Pie Charts are one of the most commonly used methods of pictorial data interpretation. They show the relationship of
parts to the whole. Pie charts are useful for representing percentages, proportions and shares of a particular quantity.

The pie chart below illustrates how internet users aged 16+ prefer to access the internet at home and in other places.

EXERCISE VI- Complete the sentences using the pie chart above with a word from the box.

from over over in

about between for of

1) The participants were aged 16 and _______________.

over
2) People were asked _______________
about their preferred devices for going online.
from
3) _______________the pie chart, it is clear that most people prefer to use a smartphone.
4) 30% _______________
of the participants prefer using a laptop.
5) The desktop computer is last _______________
in terms of popularity.
6) Most of the participants prefer to use smartphones and laptops, with a difference of just three percentage
points _______________
between the two.

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7) A tablet accounts _______________

for 19% of users' preferred devices.
8) _______________
over half of the participants prefer a smartphone or laptop.
account for = include
EXERCISE VII- Match the numbers with the phrases. make explanation of
show to be just
_____
e 1) nearly a third a) 100%
d
_____ 2) just over half b) 85%
c
_____3) about three-quarters c) 76%
_____4)
f a small minority d) 52%
_____
b 5) the vast majority e) 31%
_____
a 6) all f) 4%

EXERCISE VIII- Complete the sentences with the correct form of the word in brackets.

1) The pie chart _______________

shows the results of a survey. (show)
2) People were asked about their _______________
preferred devices for accessing the internet. (prefer)
3) The devices are _______________
shown in red, green, purple and blue. (show)
4) Nearly a third of the _______________
participants prefer to access the internet using a smartphone. (participate)
5) The laptop is second in terms of _______________.
popularity (popular)
6) There is a _______________
difference of just three percentage points between the two. (differ)
7) A desktop computer _______________
accounts for 14% of users’ preferred devices. (account)
8) In conclusion, the _______________ of people prefer to use a smartphone or laptop. (major)
majority
EXERCISE IX- Read the summary of the chart and fill in the blanks with an expression in the box.

participants least popular majority

nearly a third over fourteen per cent

over
The graph shows the result of a survey in which people aged 16 and 1) ______________ were asked about
their preferred devices for accessing the internet. The question referred to going online at home and in other places.
2) ______________
paricipants mentioned four main devices in their answers: a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet and a desktop
computer.

majority
From the pie chart it is clear that the 3) ______________ of participants prefer to use smartphones and
Nearly a third
laptops, with just three per cent difference between the two. 4) ______________ of participants prefer to go online
with a smartphone. Thirty per cent like to use a laptop. A desktop computer accounts for 5) 14 percent
______________ of
users’ preferred devices. Only a small minority prefer a device other than these main four.

In conclusion, it is clear that mobile and portable devices are the most popular choices and the desktop
least popular
computer is the 6) ______________ of the four main. In the future, we can probably expect more people accessing
the internet with smartphones as their preferred choice. (171 words)

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EXERCISE X- Look at the charts below and write sentences to interpret them.

1) The chart shows the average number of hours each day that Chinese, American, Turkish and Brazilian tourists spent
doing leisure activities while on holiday in Greece in August 2019.

a) Describe the chart by paraphrasing the information above.

_________________________________________________________________________________

b) Write one sentence explaining an overall trend (Which activity was performed by the most number of people?
Which one was the least popular?)

_________________________________________________________________________________

c) Write sentences comparing the nationalities and activities.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Adapted from https://www.ielts-writing.info/EXAM/academic_writing_samples_task_1/1227/

2) The pie chart shows what types of food were consumed in 2014.
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a) Write one sentence to say what the chart is about.

_________________________________________________________________________________

b) Write a sentence about each type of food.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

c) Can you make an overall comment about the food types?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Adapted from https://www.ieltspodcast.com/academic-task-1/pie-chart-ielts/

3) The pie charts below show the reasons why people cycle or drive to work.
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a) Write a brief description of the charts.

_________________________________________________________________________________

b) Write one main feature for each chart.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

c) What is the only reason included in both pie charts? How can you write about it?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Adapted from https://www.ielts-writing.info/EXAM/academic_writing_samples_task_1/1002/

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5.2 Tables and Line Graphs (sentence level)

Tables are also used in data interpretation. It is an arrangement of data in rows and columns. It provides an overall view
of the situation and helps in the process of decision making. The table below gives information about some of the world’s
most studied languages along with the most spoken native languages.

Language Number of people Number of native Number of countries

learning the language speakers where the language is
spoken
English 1.5 billion 527 million 101
French 82 million 118 million 51
Chinese 30 million 1.39 billion 33
Spanish 14.5 million 389 million 31
Italian 8 million 67 million 29
Japanese 3 million 123 million 25

EXERCISE I - Complete the sentences with words and phrases from the box. Use the information in the table
above.

far illustrates as for given compared

twice striking correlation terms

1. This table _______________ the numbers of learners, native speakers and countries where the language is spoken
for some of the most popular languages to study.

2. The prominence (popularity) of English is _______________.

3. 1.5 billion people are learning English _______________ to 82 million studying French.

4. English is spoken in roughly _______________ as many countries as French.

5. In _______________ of native speakers, Chinese is the most spoken language.

6. _______________ Japanese, it is the least studied language of those _______________.

7. Chinese has by _______________ the greatest number of native speakers.

8. There seems to be little _______________ between the number of native speakers and the number of learners.

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EXERCISE II -The table below shows the number of full-time students from India who studied at various
universities in the UK in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.

Full-time Students from India

University 2020-2021 2021-2022 Change % Increase

Coventry 2,390 5,290 2,900 121.3

Greenwich 2,455 4,540 2,085 84.9

BPP 3,505 5,145 1,640 46.8

Sheffield 815 2,345 1,530 187.7

Anglia Ruskin 1,925 3,265 1,340 69.6

Leicester 1,175 2,390 1,215 103.4

1) Rewrite what the table is about by paraphrasing this sentence ‘The table below shows the number of full-time
students from India who studied at various universities in the UK in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.’

________________________________________________________________________________.

2) Write a sentence about the greatest increase and lowest increase.

________________________________________________________________________________.

3) Write a sentence about Leicester University.

_________________________________________________________________________________.

EXERCISE III- The table below shows information and predictions regarding the change in percentage of the
population aged 65 and above in three countries.

Country 1988 2000 2030

Canada 16.32 20.67 26.35

Germany 20.45 25.32 30.42

UK 14.23 14.89 20.35

1) Write one sentence to say what the table is about.

_________________________________________________________________________________

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2) Write one sentence explaining an overall trend (Looking at the three countries and the percentage of old
people, is there a rise or fall?)

_________________________________________________________________________________

3) Write about the trend in the UK .

_________________________________________________________________________________

Adapted from https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-future-prediction-model-answer/

Line graphs can be used to show how something changes over time. They have an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis
(vertical). Usually, the x-axis has numbers for the time period, and the y-axis has numbers for what is being
measured.The graph below shows how people buy music.

EXERCISE IV- According to the table above are the sentences true (T) or false (F)?

t
____1. Downloads and physical sales of music gradually fell after 2014.

T
____2. There was a dramatic increase in people streaming music after 2013.
CD
F
____3. In 2011, the majority of music sales were downloads.
F
____4. Physical sales overtook streaming in 2016.

____5.
T Streaming grew steadily between 2011 and 2013.

F
____6. Downloads reached an all-time low in 2014. HGH

T
____7. Physical sales reduced to 25% by 2018.

____8.
T Streaming represented just over 40% of sales in 2018.

EXERCISE V- Put the words and phrases in order to make sentences.

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1. since 2012. / have / sales / Overall, / steadily declined Overall, sales have steadily declined since 2012.

2. rose / In / downloads / contrast, / 5%. / by In contrast, downloads rose by 5%

3. a / rise / 2000. / saw / in / dramatic / Sales Sales saw a dramatic rise in 2000

4. 2012. / a / in / Downloads / peak / reached Downloads reached a peak in 2012.

5. both / overtook / downloads and physical sales. / Streaming Streaming overtook both downloads an physical sales.

6. of / just over / accounted for / in 2012. / 10% / sales / Downloads Downloads accounted for just over 10% of sales in
2012.
EXERCISE VI- Match the definitions (a–f) with the vocabulary (1–6).

____1. to account for a. to show

____2. to shrink b. to reach the highest point

____3. steady c. to cause or explain

____4. to overtake d. to get smaller

____5. to illustrate e. regular and continuous, without sudden changes

____6. to peak f. to go past something by being bigger or faster, etc.

EXERCISE VII- Complete the sentences with words from the box.

overtook dramatically steadily peaked

shrank sharp doubled contrast

1. Sales of PCs __________________________

steadily increased from 1984 to 2010. (in a gradual and regular way)

2. Smartphone sales __________________________

overtook PC sales in 2010. (went past)

3. There was a ________________________

sharp rise in smartphone sales between 2009 and 2015. (sudden and dramatic)

4. PC sales __________________________
peaked in 2010. (reached their highest point)

5. Smartphone sales continued to grow __________________________

dramatically from 2010 to 2013. (suddenly and obviously)

contrast
6. In __________________________ PC sales started a slow decline around the same time. (on the other hand)

7. PC sales __________________________
shrank as the popularity of the smartphone grew. (got smaller)

8. Smartphone sales __________________________

doubled in five years, then continued to increase dramatically. (became

twice as many)

5.3 Extended Graph Interpretation (paragraph level)

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Analyzing and interpreting visual information presented in the form of graphs is an important skill to improve. In parts
5.1 and 5.2 the main focus is on writing separate sentences to interpret data presented in different types of graphs. In
this part, the aim is to be able to write a full text (three or more paragraphs) on data presented in one or more graphs.

● Start by saying what the graphs show. Change the words in the question to write the first sentence of your
answer, e.g. These charts/graphs show = These charts/graphs illustrate.
● Normally, you need more than one sentence to write a paragraph, However, the introduction paragraph of
graph interpretation can be just one sentence, depending on the complexity of the graphs.
● The second paragraph should provide an overview of the key features of the information.
● The other paragraphs should describe the patterns or trends in more detail. However, only select the most
important ones to write about, and don't write about your own ideas.
● You can end with a conclusion paragraph, but you don’t have to.
● Make sure you write about 120-150 words. Try not to exceed 200 words.
● Use linking words and a range of vocabulary to describe what you see in the graphs. (You can write % or per
cent, but be consistent.)
● Be careful to use the correct tenses to describe the time periods shown.

Adapted from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-writing/describing-charts

EXERCISE I- The table below gives information about some of the world’s most studied languages along with the
most spoken native languages. Read a summary of the table and write what each paragraph is about.

Language Number of people Number of native Number of countries

learning the language speakers where the language is
spoken
English 1.5 billion 527 million 101
French 82 million 118 million 51
Chinese 30 million 1.39 billion 33
Spanish 14.5 million 389 million 31
Italian 8 million 67 million 29
Japanese 3 million 123 million 25

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 4

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The table shows significant information about popular languages people are learning worldwide. It lets us
compare the number of learners to the number of native speakers and indicates how many countries use each language.

English stands out. 1.5 billion people are learning it, while the second most learned language, French, has
only 82 million learners. English is spoken in 101 countries, which is about twice as many as French and three times
more than Chinese. Interestingly, English is the only language with more learners than native speakers.

Looking at native speakers, Chinese is the most spoken language with 1.39 billion speakers, more than double
the number of English speakers. It is the third most learned language with 30 million learners. Spanish has over five
times more native speakers than Italian, but fewer learners proportionally (14.5 million for Spanish and 8 million for
Italian). Japanese is the least studied language among those mentioned, with 3 million learners.

In summary, more people are learning English than all the other languages combined, and English is spoken
in most countries. However, Chinese has the most native speakers. There isn't much connection between the number
of native speakers and learners, but there is a stronger link between the number of learners and the countries where
the language is spoken. (212 words)

EXERCISE II- The chart below shows British emigration to selected destinations between 2004 and 2007.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write
about 150 words.

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Adapted from https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/bar-graph.html

EXERCISE III- The pie charts below compare the proportion of energy capacity in gigawatts (GW) in 2015 with the
predictions for 2040. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant. Write about 150 words.

Adapted from https://www.ielts-writing.info/EXAM/academic_writing_samples_task_1/1221/

Chapter 6 - How to Write a Report

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6.1 Report Writing

Learning how to write reports is crucial for several reasons. It helps you express complex ideas clearly. Writing reports
also improves critical thinking because you have to analyse information and present it logically. Plus, it helps you learn
new words and sentence structures. Reports are used in various contexts, school, work, and research.
Reports are different from essays in format. Like other types of writings, reports start with the introduction. See what to
include in this part:

● Introduction
Purpose of the Report: Briefly describe what the report will cover and its objectives.
Background Information: Provide any necessary background information relevant to the report.
Methodology: Describe the methods used to gather information or conduct research for the report.
Next, you need to give details about the findings in the body. Unlike essays, reports may have different number of body
paragraphs depending on their content:

● Body
Findings/Data Analysis: Present the data or findings from your research. Use charts, graphs, or tables to
illustrate points where appropriate.

The last part of a report is the conclusion:

● Conclusion
Summarize the key findings and their implications.
Suggest recommendations based on the report’s findings.

Adapted from https://www.examples.com/business/english-report-writings.html

EXERCISE I- Read the report on a student meeting and do the following tasks.
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation task- Match the definitions (a–f) with the vocabulary (1–6).
Vocabulary Definition
1. …… a hall of residence a. work needed to keep a building in good condition

2. …… a process b. a building where university students live

3. …… a budget c. a piece of wood or metal instead of steps to go up or down

4. …… maintenance d. a formal system to do something

5. …… a concern e. a worry

6. …… a ramp f. an amount of money that is available to spend on something

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Topic: The administrative board of the university has asked you to write a report on the problems in Oak Hall of
Residence and recommendations to solve these problems.
Here is the report:
Introduction
This report aims to describe problems in Oak Hall of Residence and discuss possible maintenance work to solve them.
The two biggest issues were discussed at a meeting on 12 May, which was attended by 165 of the 250 students who live
in the building.
Issue 1: temperature in rooms
A number of students complained that the second-floor bedrooms are too hot. Concerns were raised about lack of sleep
and students finding it hard to study in their rooms. Air conditioning was suggested as a possible solution. However,
there is no budget left for installing air conditioning this academic year. Also, installation can only be carried out during
holidays as students cannot be present in the building while the work takes place.
Issue 2: improving wheelchair access to Oak Café
It was noted that wheelchair users can only access Oak Café from the back and not the front entrance nearer the lifts.
This makes access to the café difficult for wheelchair users. The university is looking to improve its wheelchair access
in general by installing ramps in key areas and work can take place during term time with no issues for staff or students.
Conclusion and recommendations
Taking the factors mentioned into account, August would be the best time for the installation of air conditioning. Until
then, the university could consider supplying fans to each second floor room so students can sleep and study
comfortably. The front of the café is recommended as an ideal place to install a wheelchair ramp. This work can take
place immediately and should be a priority. (262 words)
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Tips
1. Start with the aim of the report and say where the information comes from.
2. Use subheadings to make the layout clear. Follow a logical structure, e.g.:
• Introduction
• Body: The problem(s) (Give each issue a separate section)
• Conclusion and recommendations
3. Assume the person reading the report has asked you to write it and needs only a brief introduction to the situation.
4. Use an impersonal, formal style.
5. Use the passive to keep the focus off individual people:
Concerns were raised about ...
... was suggested …
6. You should also use objective language for recommendations and conclusions:
... would be the best …
the university could consider ...
... is recommended …
Task 1- Are the sentences true or false?

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___1. You should begin a report with your most important recommendation.
___2. You should explain the context of the report in detail.
___3. You should use sub-headings.
___4. This sentence is in the right style for a report: In this report I’m going to talk about a few problems in Oak Hall
of Residence, where we live.
___5. This sentence has the right tone for a report: I think air conditioning is the best solution for me and my friends.
___6. This sentence has the right tone for a report: Some building work is needed at Oak Hall.

Task 2- Write the phrases in the correct group.

A number of people complained that…
My housemates and I think…
Maya mentioned that…
It would be better to avoid major building work during term time.
I suggested a solution.
Concerns were raised that …
A range of solutions were suggested.
We do not think it is a good idea to do the work in term time.

Impersonal/Objective Personal/Subjective

Task 3- Complete the second sentence using the passive (in the same tense) so that it has the same meaning as
the first.
1. Oak Hall needs maintenance work.
Maintenance work ______________________________________________________ at Oak Hall.

2. People raised concerns about the temperature of the rooms.

Concerns ______________________________________________________ about the temperature of the rooms.

3. Someone suggested air conditioning.

Air conditioning ______________________________________________________

4. They can only install air conditioning during the holidays.

Air conditioning can only ______________________________________________________ during the holidays.

5. They can complete the ramp installation during term time.

The ramp installation can ______________________________________________________ during term time.

6. People have made complaints about the budget.

Complaints ______________________________________________________ about the budget.

Adapted from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-writing/report-student-meeting

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EXERCISE II- Read the report on working abroad and do the following tasks.
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation task- Write the words in the correct group.

a disadvantage a benefit a plus a drawback a minus an advantage

Good Things Bad Things

Topic: The principal of a local college has asked you to write a report on the advantages and disadvantages of working
abroad in the summer holidays. She would like to know if the college should recommend ‘working holidays’ to its
students.
Here is the report:
Introduction
Currently, approximately 25 percent of Hawthorne College students work abroad during the summer break. This report
aims to show the benefits and drawbacks of working overseas in order to decide whether the college should recommend
the experience to its students. To prepare for this report, a sample of 100 students were interviewed. 23 of them had
worked abroad. This is a summary of their comments.
Benefits
According to the students interviewed, working overseas during the summer holidays can bring several benefits. Most
of all, students can improve their foreign language skills by working in a non-English speaking country. This may help
them get a better job in the future. Additionally, learning about a different culture and way of life makes people more
open minded. A further advantage is that students may become more confident when they learn practical skills to help
them live independently later in life, for example, finding accommodation and cooking for themselves.
Drawbacks
However, a large number of interviewees mentioned drawbacks as well. Students who need to study over the summer
will find it difficult to do so while working abroad. Most significant of all are finance issues: only a minority of students
are able to afford travel expenses, accommodation and visas. In addition, students may have to take low-income jobs if
they are not fluent in the local language, so they may struggle to cover their expenses.
Conclusion and recommendation
Working abroad may improve students’ language skills and confidence. However, students often need to earn money
during the holidays to support their studies and working abroad may not provide the opportunity to save. Also, the cost
of travel means that only students who are able to afford it have the chance to do this. Therefore, the college should only
recommend working abroad if there is financial support from the college for students that need it. (310 words)
…………………………………………………………………………………………

Tips

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1.The basic structure of a report is usually the same:

• Introduction (including the purpose of the report and how the data was collected)
• Body (including benefits and drawbacks or findings if appropriate)
• Conclusion and recommendations.
2. Use headings for each section.
3. Use formal vocabulary (e.g. Currently, ... / in order to ... / Therefore, ...) to give the report a formal style.
4. The ideas and conclusions should be objective. Use non-personal subjects (e.g. This report aims to …) and passive
structures (e.g. 100 students were interviewed).
5. You can also use ‘may’ to show that something is not certain (e.g. This may help them get a better job in the future)
Task 1- Match the sentences (1–4) with the sections of the report (a–d).
Sentences Sections of the report
1. ____ Therefore, this is not a good idea for all students. a. Introduction
2. ____ The main objective of this report is to … b. Advantages
3. ____ Students can improve their chances of … c. Disadvantages
4. ____ Students may have problems getting visas. d. Conclusion
Task 2- Match the phrases with the same function.

1. ____ The students interviewed said that … a. The main objective of this report is to ...
2. ____ Given the points made above, it is recommended that … b. To prepare for this report, 100 students were
3. ____ This report aims to … interviewed.
4. ____ This report is based on information from 100 interviews c. According to the students interviewed, ...
with students. d. Taking all these factors into account, it is
suggested that ...

Task 3- Complete the report conclusion with words from the box.

if however also so therefore

Volunteering can develop a range of new skills for students. (1)……………………………… , there may not be many
local volunteering opportunities (2)……………………………… some students would need personal transport to
attend. (3)……………………………… , individuals may have specific training needs and gaps in their skill set that
only certain volunteering opportunities can fulfil. (4)……………………………… , careers advisers should only
recommend volunteering (5)……………………………… the right role and transport is available.

Adapted from
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/sites/podcasts/files/LearnEnglish-Writing-B2-A-report-on-working-abroad.pdf

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EXERCISE III- Read the report on a new runway and do the following tasks.
Task 1- Read the report below and choose the best title.
1. Plans for a new runway at Gatsted Airport
2. Reactions to plans for a new runway at Gatsted Airport
3. Opposition to plans for a new runway at Gatsted Airport

A ____________________________
The aim of this report is to summarise the findings of a recent survey among local residents in the village of Barnley
in southern Sussex on plans to build a runway at Gatsted Airport. AEB Research was asked to carry out the survey
by a local action group. The data was collected by questionnaire and interviews with 400 local residents between 6th
and 17th October.

B ____________________________

C ____________________________
The majority of local residents (83%) said that they were against the plans for the new runway. The main reason
(mentioned by 75%) was that it will destroy the village of Barnley, and many families will have to move house.
These people sometimes have long connections with the area, going back hundreds of years. Another important
reason (mentioned by 64%) was that the runway will cause noise and pollution.

D ____________________________
A minority of residents (17%), on the other hand, felt that a new runway could bring benefits to the area, as it could
create new jobs.

E ____________________________
However, 96% of all residents thought that a better idea was to build a new runway at one of the other airports in
the region.

F ____________________________
To sum up, there was a great deal of opposition to the plan for the new runway. There was an almost universal
feeling that the government and British Airport Organisation (BAO) should build an extra runway at another airport.
Because of the strong local feeling, we believe that the government and BAO should consider other possible
locations carefully. (280 words)

Task 2- Put these headings and subheadings in the correct place (A-F) in the report.
1. Conclusion
2. Arguments against building the new runway at Gatsted Airport
3. Introduction
4. Alternative solutions
5. Arguments for building the new runway at Gatsted Airport
6. Findings

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Task 3- What is the main difference between an essay and a report?

An essay ___________________________________________________________________________ while a report

___________________________________________________________________________________________.

Task 4- Match these phrases (1-6) with their functions (a-f) below.

1. The aim of this report is to … a. the opinion of most people

2. The date was collected by … b. the opinion of a small number of people
3. The majority … said that … c. why the report was written
4. The main reason … was that … d. a summary of the report
5. A minority … felt that … e. how the information was obtained
6. To sum up, … f. why people had particular views

Task 5- In paragraphs C, D, and E of the report, which four verbs are used to report the residents’ opinions?
____________________, ____________________, ____________________, ____________________.

Task 6- Which other phrases in the report could you use in a report on any topic?

Chapter 7 How to Write an Essay II (for P3 only)

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7.1 Problem- Solution Essay

Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation and give solutions to those problems. When your
purpose is to describe a problem and suggest possible solutions, you will write a problem-solution essay. There are
various ways to write this type of essay. Two most common ways will be studied in this chapter.

EXERCISE I- Work in pairs. Discuss each problem and think of at least two or three possible solutions.

1) Living in a foreign country can be fun and exciting, but it can also be problematic. One of the most serious problems
that people living in a foreign country face is culture shock. What ways can you think of to help people deal with this
problem?

Problem: Culture shock

Solutions:

a. Keep in touch with your family and friends at home___________________________.

b. ____________________________________________________________________.

c. ____________________________________________________________________.

2) Many people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for an adequate amount of time. This problem is known
as insomnia. What suggestions would you give to people who cannot get a good night’s sleep?

Problem: Insomnia

Solutions:

a. ____________________________________________________________________.

b. ____________________________________________________________________.

c. ____________________________________________________________________.

3) Many large cities around the world have high rates of crime. Is crime a serious problem in the large cities of your
native country? What solutions can you think of to reduce crime?

Problem: Crime in large cities

Solutions:

a. ____________________________________________________________________.

b. ____________________________________________________________________.

c. ____________________________________________________________________.

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Problem-Solution Essay Structure

Introduction
1. Describe the problem and state why it is serious.
2. Write a thesis statement that states possible solutions to the problem. (The thesis statement does not have to give
details about the solutions.)

Body (Supporting Paragraphs)

1. Discuss one solution in each supporting paragraph.
2. Provide details to explain each solution. You can write the advantages and the disadvantages of the solutions.
3. You can order the solutions in the order of importance.

Conclusion
1. Summarize the solutions.
2. You can state which solution is the best for you and give reasons.
3. Draw a conclusion or make a prediction based on your suggestions.

Introduction paragraph for a problem-solution essay should:

get your reader interested in the problem.

convince your reader that the problem is important and needs to be solved.
propose several reasonable solutions in a thesis statement.

EXERCISE II- Here is a sample introduction paragraph for a problem-solution essay. Read it and then write
an introduction paragraph for the other problem given below.

1. Problem: Culture shock

Introduction Paragraph:

Living in a foreign country can be fun and exciting, but it can also be problematic. One of the most serious
problems that people living in a foreign country face is culture shock. Experiencing culture shock can sometimes have
very negative effects on people’s lives. Several ways to deal with the problem of culture shock include keeping in touch
with your family and friends at home, making new friends in your host country, and keeping an open mind about new
customs and food. (Thesis Statement).

2. Problem: Crime in Large Cities

Introduction Paragraph:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.

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Body paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence that states one solution. Remember to use transitions between
body paragraphs. The topic sentence should link the solution in the previous paragraph to the next solution. Don’t forget
to use signals such as in addition, another, besides, etc. You can mention the advantages and disadvantages of each
solution. It is also possible to state only the advantages. Look at the sample body paragraphs for the topic ‘culture shock’.

Topic: Culture Shock

One way to deal with culture shock is to keep in touch with friends and family at home. Hearing the voices of
your loved ones back home or even reading their messages can help you overcome the stress you face due to the negative
feelings you are experiencing.

Another way to minimize the negative effects of culture shock is to make new friends in the host country.
Finding clubs to join and trying to socialize with students from different countries and people from the target culture
may help you to forget your culture shock-related problems. Thus, you will adapt more quickly to the way of life in
your host country.

In addition, if you want to mitigate the impacts of culture shock, you should keep an open mind about new
customs and food, which will help you get accustomed to the culture of the target community.

The concluding paragraph should include the solutions mentioned in the body of your essay. Finally, you should draw
a conclusion or make a prediction based on your suggestions. You can also give your personal opinion and state which
solution is the best for you. See an example of the concluding paragraph for the topic ‘culture shock’.

Topic: Culture Shock

All in all, culture shock, which is a psychological phenomenon experienced by many people who study or work
abroad for an extended period of time, can have devastating effects on people’s lives if it is not dealt with properly. This
psychological phenomenon can be overcome by keeping in touch with your loved ones back home, finding new friends
in the host country and being open-minded and accepting the new customs and food in the target community. I think the
best way to cope with the negative feelings caused by culture shock is to make as many new friends as you can and
socialize with the people around you as much as possible.

Taken and adopted from Ready to Write 3 pp. 169-170.

You can organize your problem-solution essay in many different ways, depending on how the question is asked. Two
of them are here:

Climate change is a global problem that needs to be solved. What can be done to solve it?
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Introduction Describe the problem and write your thesis statement

Body Explain solution 1 (e.g. using green energy)

paragraph 1
Body Explain solution 2 (e.g. recycling)
paragraph 2
Body Explain solution 3 (e.g. supporting farmers)
paragraph 3
Body Explain solution 4 (e.g. using public transport) - OPTIONAL (Three body paragraphs would be
paragraph 4 enough .)

Conclusion Summarize the topic and write your opinion

OR:

Climate change is a global problem that needs to be solved. What should governments and individuals do to
reduce the problem of climate change?

Governments: protect the ecosystem, support agricultural producers, promote green energy

Individuals: save energy, use public transport, recycle more, etc.

(You can use the ideas above as supporting ideas in your essay or you can use other ideas.)

Introduction: Describe the problem and write your thesis statement.

Body Solutions part I: Write what governments should do to solve it.

paragraph 1:
Body Solutions part II: Write what individuals should do to solve it.
paragraph 2:
Conclusion: Summarize the topic and write your opinion.

Two Problem Solution Essays on Crime:

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Crime

It is quite obvious that the crime rate is increasing day by day in all societies in the world, but I personally
believe that there are a lot of things which can be done by both the governments and the individuals to reduce the
crimes in communities.

First, governments can introduce more police forces everywhere to monitor people’s activities and stop
them from committing crimes. Second, the state can apply new technologies such as surveillance cameras in the
streets, shopping centres, restaurants and all public places to stop criminals. Third, strict punishments on criminals
can have really preventive and deterrent effects on all age groups in society, so by using harsh penalties like
imprisonment, physical or financial punishments the rate of crimes can be decreased.

On the other hand, individuals in societies can be of great help to cut down on the number of crimes being
committed. The overwhelming majority of people tend to participate in activities which assist the government to
keep the society a safe place for their own families and the others. Take as an example, most people who report the
problems to police can play an indispensable role in crime-prevention activities.

To conclude, in order for a society to be a safe place to live in, all society members including the
governments and people must take necessary measures to keep it a crime-free place. (228 words)

Crime

It is true that crime rates are increasing, especially in large cities. The reasons for such an increase might be
unemployment, poverty or poor education. Whatever the reason is, crime is a serious problem that needs to be
solved and there are ways to deal with this problem.

First of all, governments should provide all the citizens with the same opportunities, such as essential
housing, healthcare and fair salaries. Although it is difficult to put into practice, with proper planning and correct
steps, governments can surely make it happen.

Promoting migration from urban to rural areas could also help reduce crime in big cities. As the population
is reduced, there will eventually be fewer crimes. People might not want to leave the city because of the facilities
that it offers, but governments can introduce development policies for the rural areas. Then, more people will be
willing to move to the country.

Finally, governments can promote crime-related education. Learning about crime and related punishments
can be a deterrent and decrease the number of crimes. It is clear that this kind of education is one of the most
powerful preventative measures against crime.

To conclude, in order for a society to be a safe place to live in, all society members, especially the
governments must take necessary measures to keep it a crime-free place. (222 words)

Essay question: Poverty is a problem all around the world. What can be done to solve this problem?

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Ending Poverty

Poverty is a global problem. There are poor people all around the world. Both developed countries and developing
countries suffer from poverty. The number of people who live in poverty is increasing around the globe. Poverty
is a huge social problem and governments should take steps to eradicate poverty. The two most important steps
that governments can take to eradicate poverty are to increase access to education and to
support entrepreneurs.

The first step that governments should take to end poverty is to increase access to education. When people are
educated, they know more about the world and themselves. Educated people can read and learn. They can find
solutions to their problems. They can develop new tools and methods. Education enables people to improve their
lives. If all the people in a society are educated, they will be able to eliminate poverty gradually.

Secondly, governments should support entrepreneurs in order to eliminate poverty. Entrepreneurs are people who
try to find solutions to everyday problems. They create new jobs and opportunities and they improve the living
conditions in a society. Entrepreneurs provide employment and thus decrease poverty in a society. Therefore they
should be supported by the government through incentives and tax reductions.

To sum up, poverty is a global problem. However, it is possible to eliminate poverty. By increasing access to
education and by supporting entrepreneurs
governments can eliminate poverty. If the governments around the world embrace these steps, we will be able to
eradicate poverty in a few decades.(252 words)

EXERCISE III- Write a problem-solution essay on the topic insomnia by using the given prompts below. (250
words)

Solutions

- Learn how to relax before bed

- Go to bed only when you feel sleepy
- Take regular exercise
- Stop eating late at night
- Have a good sleep pattern (Falling asleep at around the same time each night and waking up at
the same time in the morning.)

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