WRITING TASK 2

INTRODUCTION LESSON 1.0

BY HAYDAROV ASROR (C1 HOLDER)

1
Content:
-Understanding the types of question
-How to paraphrase the question
-Thesis statement
-Outline sentence(Optional)

2
 Understanding the Question Type
- First, identify what type of question it is. There are several question types in
Task 2:
- Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
- Discussion (Discuss both views and give your opinion)
- Advantage/Disadvantage
- Problem/Solution
- Two-part question (answering two separate questions)

3
 Opinion (Agree and Disagree)
Topic: Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious
festivals; during festival periods, people nowadays only want to enjoy
themselves.
Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Discussion( Discuss both views and give your opinion)

Topic: In many countries, a small number of people earn extremely high
salaries. Some people believe that this is good for the country, but others
think that governments should not allow salaries above a certain level.
Question: Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

4
 Advantage and disadvantage
Topic: Nowadays it is easy to apply for and be given a credit card. However,
some people experience problems when they are not be able to pay their
debts back.
Question:In your opinion, do the advantages of credit cards outweigh the
disadvantages?

Problem/solution
Topic: In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the
world still go hungry.
Question: Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem

5
 Two-part question
Topic: In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a
year between finishing high school and starting university studies.
Question 1: Do you think this has more advantages or disadvantages?
Question 2: What might be the reasons for this trend?

6
 Paraphrase the Question Statement

- Start your introduction by rephrasing the question topic in your own words.
This shows the examiner you understand the topic and can use a range of
vocabulary.
- Avoid copying the question word-for-word. Instead, use synonyms and
restructure sentences if possible.

7
 Step-by-Step Paraphrasing
Using Synonyms
Topic: In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy.
Some people believe that the government should be responsible for solving
this problem.
Question:To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Identify Key Words:

children, overweight and unhealthy, government, responsible, solving this
problem.

8
Think of Synonyms or Alternatives:
children → young people or youth
overweight and unhealthy → suffering from obesity and poor health
government should be responsible → government should take
responsibility or authorities should be accountable
solving this problem → addressing this issue

The Paraphrased Version:

In many nations, young people are increasingly suffering from obesity
and poor health. Some argue that the government should take
responsibility for addressing this issue.

9
 Changing sentence structures
Flipping Clauses-rearrange the order of parts of a sentence
Original Sentence:
Some people think that children should not be given homework by their
teachers, while others argue that homework plays an important role in the
education of children.
Flipped Clause Version:
While some argue that homework plays an important role in the education
of children, others believe that children should not be given homework by
their teachers.

10
 Active Voice and Passive voice (Vice Versa)
Original (Passive):
Some people think that children should not be given homework by their
teachers.
Changed Structure (Active):
Some people think teachers should not assign homework to children.
Original (Active):
Others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of
children.
Changed Structure (Passive):
It is argued by others that homework plays an essential role in children's
education.

11
 Using Different Word Forms
Original:
Some people think that children should not be given homework by their
teachers.
Changed Structure:
Some individuals believe that assigning homework to children is unnecessary.
Original:
Homework plays an important role in the education of children.
Changed Structure:
Homework is viewed as a vital aspect of children's learning by some.

12
 Combining or Breaking Down Sentences
Original (Combined):
Some people think that children should not be given homework by their
teachers, while others argue that homework plays an important role in the
education of children.
Changed Structure (Broken Down):
There are those who believe that children should not be given homework. On
the other hand, others argue that homework is an essential tool in education.

13
 How to Write a Thesis Statement for Writing Task 2

Thesis statement is the central idea or main argument that you will develop
and support in the body paragraphs of your essay. It guides the direction of
your essay, telling the reader what to expect in the following paragraphs.

14
 Thesis statements for the types of essay
- Opinion Question (Agree/Disagree):
In this type of question, you need to clearly state whether you agree or
disagree with the statement, or if you have a partial opinion (e.g., I partly
agree).
- Example:
Topic : Some people believe that online education provides more benefits
than traditional classroom education.
Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Thesis Statement:
While online education offers several advantages, I believe that traditional
classroom education provides crucial face-to-face interaction and hands-on
learning experiences.

15
 - Discussion Question (Discuss both views and give your opinion):
For this type, you must present both views in the introduction, and then
provide your own opinion or conclusion.
- Example:
Topic : Some people believe that online education provides more benefits
than traditional classroom education. Others argue that classroom education
is essential.
Question: Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Thesis Statement:
While online education offers flexibility and convenience, I believe that
classroom education plays a vital role in fostering social interaction and
practical skills.

16
 Advantage/Disadvantage Question:
For these questions, your thesis statement should indicate whether you think
the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
- Example:
Topic : Online education has many benefits. However, there are also
significant drawbacks.
Question: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
- Thesis Statement:
While online education offers the advantage of accessibility and flexibility, it
also presents challenges, such as a lack of direct interaction and potential for
reduced motivation.

17
 Problem/Solution Question:
For problem/solution questions, you need to briefly mention the problem and
your proposed solution.
- Example:
Topic : There is a growing issue of pollution in large cities.
Question: What are the main causes of this, and what solutions can be
implemented?
- Thesis Statement:
The primary causes of pollution in large cities are industrial emissions and
traffic congestion, and solutions include stricter regulations on emissions and
the promotion of public transportation.

18
 Two-part Question (Answering Two Separate Questions):
Here, you need to answer both parts of the question in one statement.
- Example:
Topic+Question: What are the advantages of living in a city? What are the
disadvantages?
- Thesis Statement:
Living in a city offers numerous benefits, such as better job opportunities
and access to services, but it also has drawbacks, including high living costs
and pollution.

19
 Tip for thesis statement

1. Keep It Clear and Direct

Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and directly answer the
question. Avoid vague language or overly complex ideas. It should tell the
reader your position or the main point you will argue in the essay.
- Example:
I strongly agree that online education has more advantages than traditional
schooling.

20
 Outline sentence(Optional)

Examples of Outline Sentences:

For a Discussion Essay:
"Some people believe that online education provides more benefits than
traditional classroom education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
Outline Sentence: "This essay will explore the advantages of online education
and discuss why traditional classrooms are still essential in certain areas."

21
 For an Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree):
Some people think that children should be taught to be responsible citizens by
their parents, while others argue that schools are better suited for this task.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
Outline Sentence: "This essay will argue that while both parents and schools
play important roles in shaping responsible citizens, parents are ultimately
more influential."
For an Advantage/Disadvantage Essay:
Online education has both advantages and disadvantages. Discuss both and
give your opinion."
Outline Sentence: "This essay will examine the advantages of online
education, such as flexibility and accessibility, as well as the disadvantages,
such as a lack of personal interaction."

22
 For a Problem/Solution Essay:
"What are the causes of traffic congestion in big cities and what solutions can
be implemented?"
Outline Sentence: "This essay will identify the primary causes of traffic
congestion in urban areas and propose practical solutions to mitigate the
problem."

23
 HOMEWORK
Essay 1
Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay
taxes that support the state education system.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Essay 2
Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than for their
achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

24
Essay 3
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the
number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect
on public health and that other measures are required.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Essay 4
Recent research has shown that business meetings and training are increasingly
taking place online.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Essay 5
Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans are facing in the 21st
century and sea levels are continuing to rise at an alarming rate.
What problems are associated with this? What are some possible solutions?

25
26