WRITING LESSON 1: COUNTRYSIDE AND CITY LIFE

Topic Focused skills

- Introduction to IELTS Writing and IELTS Writing task - Writing an introduction to

2 Writing task 2
- Vocabulary on the topic of Countryside and city life - Grammar: Dummy subject

I. Introduction to the IELTS Writing Test

The test lasts 60 minutes. You should spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task

2.

The IELTS Writing Test consists of 2 tasks. In which, for Task 2: You are going to write an

essay about a social issue. You will have to write at least 250 words. Task 2 is worth twice the

mark of Task 1. For example:

Living in big cities is bad for people’s health. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?

II. Band descriptors for Writing Task 2

There are 4 criterias to consider when writing a task 2 essay:

WRITING CHECKLIST

Task Response: Answer every questions from the prompt

State your stance

Support your stance by main ideas, explanation and/or examples.

Coherence and Have one topic sentence for each paragraph

Cohesion Arrange main ideas, explanation and/or examples logically

Use linking words and reference

Lexical Resource Paraphrase

 Try to use many topic-related vocabulary

Grammatical Range Use simple and complex sentences

and Accuracy Avoid grammatical mistakes

❗For a more detailed description, please check the descriptors at the end of this handout.

III. Grammar: Dummy subjects

Exercise 1: [...] It is undebatable that encouraging people to move from rural areas to cities can

help ease traffic problems to some degree. Can you point out the subject of this sentence?

Key takeaways Dummy subjects

Dummy subjects have no meaning of their own, but they can help introduce something or help

emphasize a part of the sentence. It or There can be used as dummy subjects.

● It is raining

● There are two ways to solve this problem.

Some useful structures:

● It + be + adjective + that + clause → It is debated that schools should

omit uniforms.

● There + be + noun/noun phrase → There is no better solution to this

issue.

Rewrite the sentences using dummy subjects:

To be content with your living space is important.

→ It is important to be content with your living space./… that people are

content with your living space.

People said that the countryside is cleaner.

→It is said that the countryside is cleaner.

Hanoi will become polluted if we don’t make any changes. That is inevitable.
→ It is inevitable that Hanoi will become polluted if we don’t make any

changes.

This problem has two sides.

→ There are two sides to this problem.

IV. Introducing the IELTS Writing task 2

Exercise 1: Work in groups. Read the following sample. Answer the questions:

The best way to solve traffic and transportation problems is to encourage people to live in
cities rather than suburbs or countryside. What extent do you agree or disagree?
(1) It is optimal to solve traffic problems by encouraging citizens to live in the centers rather

than the suburbs. While such relocation may help mitigate the situation to some extent, I

strongly believe that it is more important to update policies to lower the use of private

vehicles.

-> Introduction: Paraphrase + Opinion (disagree)

(2) People who like moving to big cities say they have better roads and trains than the

countryside. Since big cities usually have fancy computer programs to control traffic, it's easier

to keep cars moving smoothly. Take Hanoi as an example, there are cameras and sensors all

over the main roads to watch traffic as it happens. That means there aren't as many traffic jams

or accidents when lots of people from the countryside move to the city. But in the long run, this

might fail because more and more people keep coming to cities, and these systems might not

handle the extra people very well.

-> Body 1: Advantages of relocating to cities

Counter-argument

(3) Furthermore, most traffic issues happen because more people are buying cars. This means

that when people move to big cities, the traffic just moves with them. Therefore if we want to
fix this, we need to stop people from owning their own cars, or at least make it really hard for

them to get one. Some cities in Europe have done this by banning cars on certain days or

making them more expensive to buy. These big steps have stopped people from having cars,

which means there are fewer traffic jams, accidents, and delays, even without making everyone

move to cities.

-> Body 2: A better way to solve the problem

(4) In summary, it is undebatable that encouraging people to move from rural areas to cities

can help ease traffic problems to some degree. But the most effective solution is to make laws

about private cars. The government needs to focus on these long-term policies instead of quick

fixes.

-> Conclusion: Paraphrase the Introduction

● How many paragraphs are there?

Look at the first paragraph.
● How many sentences are there?
● What does the first sentence do? Compare it to the topic statement (The best way to
solve traffic and transportation problems is to encourage people to live in cities
rather than suburbs or countryside), does it convey a different meaning, or just
paraphrasing?
● What does the second sentence do? Does it show any opinion from the writer?
Look at the second and the third paragraph
● How many sentences are there?
● What is the purpose of the first sentence?
● What is the purpose of the remaining sentences?
Look at the last paragraph:
● What is the purpose of this paragraph?
Key takeaways

For any kind of essay, it consists of three parts: Introduction, Body and Conclusion.

V. How to write an introduction

The best way to solve traffic and transportation problems is to encourage people to live in
cities rather than suburbs or countryside. What extent do you agree or disagree?

Key takeaways

In an IELTS Writing Task 2 question, the topic statement always starts the question.
 To introduce the topic, you have to paraphrase the topic statement.
Afterwards, you have to answer the questions of the topic, or state your stance (if necessary)
Example:
The best way to solve traffic and transportation problems is to encourage people to live in
cities rather than suburbs or countryside. What extent do you agree or disagree?

It is optimal to solve traffic problems by encouraging citizens to live in the centers rather
than the suburbs. While such relocation may help mitigate the situation to some extent, I
strongly believe that it is more important to update policies to lower the use of private
vehicles.

Watch this video and take notes.

Tips Explanation Examples

Practice: Doctors recommend that older people exercise regularly. However, many of them do

not get enough exercise. What are the reasons?

There are several reasons leading to this problem, and I will discuss them in this essay.

In my opinion, physical limit and personal preference are the two reasons leading to this

issue.

-> While / Although the elderly are suggested to do exercise often by doctors, a large number

of them do not follow this advice.

-> In spite of doctors’ recommendation to do exercise frequently, the elderly often do not get

enough exercise.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____

->

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____

TIPS: Use templates (optional)

a. Opinion: A lot of people think that schools should include educational activities in students’

free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

→ The question of whether educational activities should be incorporated in students’ spare

time has become a matter of debate / concern.

b. Fact: The environment is being damaged. What are the causes and effects of environmental

pollution?
 → The fact that the environment is being destroyed has been a matter of concern / public

attention in recent years.

Exercise 3. Write your introductions to the following prompts. Remember to take notes of the

synonyms in your notebook.

1. Some people say that the prevention of health problems and illness is more important than

treatment and medicine. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

_Many people believe that preventing sickness is more important than curing it. In my

opinion, people should focus more on staying healthy because it is better and cheaper than

treatment.

2. The number of people who are at risk of serious health problems due to being overweight is

increasing. What are the causes of this situation?

Obesity: bệnh thừa cân

Obese

There is an increasing number of people who are in danger of facing critical health issues

resulting from obesity.

The number of people (who are) in danger of suffering from critical health issues due to

obesity is rising/rocketing.

A quick increase seen in the number of people who are facing risk of critical health issues is

caused by obesity.

There are several causes to this problem, and I will discuss them in this essay.

Sedentary lifestyle

3. Many people think that the amount of time spent on sports and exercise should be increased

in schools in order to tackle the problem of overweight children. To what extent do you agree

or disagree?
___Some people think schools should have more time for sports to stop children from

being overweight. In my opinion, schools should give students more time to play sports

because it helps them stay healthy

4. Human activity has a negative impact on plants and animals all over the world. Some people

think that it cannot be changed, while others believe actions can be taken to bring about a

change. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

____Some people say humans cannot stop hurting nature, but others think we can fix this

problem. In my opinion, there are some ways people can help protect plants and animals if

we work together.

5. Some people think the best way to solve global environmental problems is to increase the

cost of fuel. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

____Many people believe raising fuel prices will help solve global environmental issues. In

my opinion, there are better ways to solve these problems, not only by making fuel more

expensive.

6. Water pollution has become an increasing problem over the past few decades. What are the

causes of this?

__Water pollution has become a serious problem in many countries today. In my opinion,

there are some main reasons for this issue, and I will explain them in this essay

7. Governments should lower arts budgets to spend more money on education. Do you agree

with this view?

____Some people think governments should spend less money on art and give more to

education. In my opinion, this is a good idea because education is very important for the

future
 VI. Homework

Exercise 1. Match the sentences in column A with an appropriate response in column B. Use

the words and phrases in bold to help you.

A B

1. I enjoy a rural lifestyle. A. Really? So why are we seeing so much

2. There isn’t much pollution if you live outside construction in the countryside around London?

a town. B. I’m not so sure. All those pesticides and

3. There is a lot of productive land in this area. chemical fertilisers that farmers use nowadays

4. In recent years, there has been a lot of can’t be good for the environment.

migration from the towns to the cities. C. That’s probably because we import more

5. The government has promised to leave the food from abroad.

green belt alone. D. Mostly wheat, oats and barley.

6. There has been a huge reduction in the E. Really? How much is that in acres?

amount of arable land over the last 20 years. 7. F. I’m not surprised. With such terrible

My uncle’s farm covers almost 800 hectares. prospects within towns, depopulation is

8. What are the main crops grown in this area? inevitable.

G. Well I can’t see much evidence of cultivation.

H. Do you? I always find there’s nothing to do in

the countryside.

1 – H, 2 – B, 3 – G, 4 – F, 5 – A, 6 – C, 7 – E, 8 – D

Exercise 2. Read the text and match the words to their definition:

Urban Challenges and Opportunities

In today's world, cities are at the forefront of human civilization, offering a plethora of

opportunities and challenges. These bustling metropolises are often characterized by their

cosmopolitan nature, drawing in people from various cultural backgrounds, creating a melting
pot of diversity. However, this rapid influx of population explosion has led to issues such as

congestion and urban sprawl, as cities struggle to accommodate the ever-growing number of

city dwellers.

One of the most pressing challenges faced by urban areas is poverty, particularly in inner-city

neighborhoods. Despite the abundance of amenities and opportunities, many city residents

find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty, struggling to afford the high cost of living. This

disparity is exacerbated by the anonymity of city life, where individuals often feel disconnected

from their communities, leading to social isolation and a lack of support networks.

Moreover, cities grapple with the scourge of crime and drug abuse especially in areas plagued

by poverty and unemployment. The central business district bustling with activity during

peak periods can quickly turn into hotbeds of criminal activity after dark, posing significant

challenges to law enforcement agencies.

However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for growth and development. Cities invest

in infrastructure to improve transportation and connectivity, alleviating congestion and

enhancing the quality of life for residents. Cultural events and pedestrian precincts create

vibrant urban spaces, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

In conclusion, while cities face numerous challenges such as poverty, crime and congestion

they also offer unparalleled opportunities for economic prosperity and cultural enrichment. By

addressing these challenges and capitalizing on their strengths, cities can truly fulfill their

potential as engines of innovation and progress in the modern world.

A. A place where a large number of people live closely together, often

resulting in a mix of cultures and backgrounds. →

__Metropolis________________
B. The state or quality of being anonymous, where individuals are not

easily identifiable. → ___Anonymity_______________

C. A rapid increase in the number of people living in urban areas. →

___Population explosion_______________

D. The central area of a city, usually characterized by tall buildings and

commercial activities. → __Central business district________________

E. The time of day when traffic is at its heaviest due to people traveling

to or from work. → __Peak period________________

F. People who regularly travel from their homes in one place to work or

study in another. → ___Commuters_______________

G. Large, planned areas of housing, often consisting of multiple buildings

or complexes. → ___Housing estates_______________

H. A location where buildings are being constructed or renovated. →

_Construction site_________________

I. Events or activities that celebrate or showcase the arts, traditions, or

customs of a community. → __Cultural events________________

J. A pattern of urban development where cities spread out over a large

area, often at the expense of rural land. → ___Urban sprawl_______________

K. The state of having very little money or possessions, often resulting in

inadequate living conditions. → ___Poverty_______________

L. Public spaces designed for walking, with limited vehicle access. →

____Pedestrian precincts______________

M. Large residential buildings divided into separate apartments.→

___Apartment blocks_______________

N. The condition of being crowded, especially with vehicles or people. →

____Congestion______________

O. Key facilities and services necessary for a society to function, such as

roads, water supply, and electricity. → __Infrastructure________________

P. The lifestyle or way of living characteristic of urban areas. → __Urban

life________________

Q. An area within a city, typically characterized by poverty and social

issues. → __Inner-city neighborhood________________

R. Illegal or prohibited drug use, often associated with addiction and

health problems. → ____Drug abuse______________

S. The general feeling or mood of a place or environment. →

__Atmosphere________________

T. The total amount of money required to sustain a standard of living,

including expenses like housing, food, and transportation. → __Cost of

living________________

U. Features or services that enhance the quality of life in a particular

place, such as parks or public transportation. →

___Amenities_______________

Exercise 3. Choose the correct form of there and it to complete the sentences below.

1. ____IT____________'s been an hour since I ordered my pizza.

2. ____THERE____________'s been a lot of improvement in the quality of our products.

3. ___IT_____________ 's been hard for him to find a job.

4. ___IT_____________will be a pleasure to have you as a guest here.

5. ___IT_____________ 's very cold today; ____IT____________'s been snowing all night.

6. ______THERE__________'s a police officer at the door; _____IT___________ seems that we've

been making too much noise.

7. ______IT__________must have been amazing to be the first person to discover this cave.

8. The fire spread very quickly. ___THERE_____________ must have been something flammable

in the house.

9Why do you get up so early? ___IT_____________'s a holiday today.

10. __IT______________ shouldn't take you too long to finish the report.
Exercise 4. Spot the mistakes and correct them (there might be more than one in each

sentence):

1. There is very cozy in our boat and it is plenty of room for my wife and me.

It is very cozy in our boat and there is plenty of room for my wife and me.

2. It’s been a long journey. Is it anywhere we can have some rest?

It’s been a long journey. Is there anywhere we can have some rest?

3. There is nothing on TV tonight; there is a pity that we don’t have Netflix.

There is nothing on TV tonight; it is a pity that we don’t have Netflix.

4. It would have been much better to stay. It won’t be any restaurants open today because

there is a holiday.

It would have been much better to stay. There won’t be any restaurants open today because it

is a holiday.

5. It is used to be an amusement park where we lived; it was very exciting to go there with the

children.

There used to be an amusement park where we lived; it was very exciting to go there with the

children

Exercise 5. Write introductions to the following prompts.

1. It is often claimed that electronic devices will soon replace paper books. Do you agree or

disagree?

_Many people think that paper books will be replaced by electronic devices in the future. In

my opinion, using e-books is good, but paper books will still be needed.

2. Email is a fast and convenient way to communicate, and written letters are not needed

anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people believe that emails are so quick and easy that we do not need letters

anymore. In my opinion, emails are useful but letters still have an important role
3. Despite a variety of sports facilities and gyms, people are less fit nowadays than ever

before. What do you think are the main causes of this problem?

Many people today are not as fit as before, even though they have gyms and sports centres

to use. In my opinion, there are some main reasons why people do not exercise enough and

become unhealthy.

4. Children are generally more successful in foreign language studies than adults. Thus, many

people believe that it is better to learn languages in childhood. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people think children can learn foreign languages better than adults. In my opinion,

learning languages at a young age is better because it is easier and more effective

5. Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning

has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. Others say that

traditional education is irreplaceable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

__Many people believe online learning will replace normal classes because it has many

benefits, but others think face-to-face lessons are still important. In my opinion, both ways

have good points but we still need traditional classes_

6. Some people argue that girls and boys should be educated separately, while others think

that it is more advantageous for children to study at the same school. What is your opinion?

___Some people believe that boys and girls should study in different schools, but others

think they should study together. In my opinion, it is better for boys and girls to learn in the

same school because it helps them understand each other and build better social skills.

7. Nowadays university education is considered very important for people's future. However,

there are a lot of successful people who didn't get higher education. Do you think that higher

education is necessary to succeed in life?

_Many people think going to university is very important for a person’s future, but some

people still become successful without a degree. In my opinion, higher education is helpful

for getting a good job, but it is not the only way to achieve success in life.
8. Unemployment is one of the biggest problems of contemporary society. What do you think

are the main causes of unemployment?

Unemployment is a serious problem in many countries these days because many people

cannot find a stable job. In my opinion, there are some main causes for this situation, such

as lack of skills, modern technology, and population growth.

9. Some people think that a big salary is much more important than job satisfaction. Do you

agree or disagree?

_Some people think that having a high salary is more important than being happy at work.

In my opinion, money is important for life, but job satisfaction is also very necessary

because people spend a lot of time working.__

10. Some people think that establishing good relationships in the workplace is not important,

as the primary goal of every person is to focus on work. To what extent do you agree with this

statement?

____Some people believe that good relationships at work are not necessary because

working well is the main goal. In my opinion, there are some reasons why making good

relationships at work is important because it helps people feel happier and work better

together.