B2 Types of Writing
B2 Types of Writing
B2 Types of Writing
ESSAY:
- Essays are written in formal style. This means you should use:
In the first paragraph you should state the topic and/or your opinion and you
may include one or more of the following techniques:
In the last paragraph, you should state your opinion and/or give a balanced
consideration of the topic, and you may include one or more of the following
techniques:
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e.g: Perphaps then people will rediscover what it is like to actually
communicate with each other.
• If steps /measures were taken to… the effect /the result would be..
If we happened to find solutions... /were we to discover the
consequence would be… (inversion)
If attempts were made to address the problem, the result would be..
By (+ing) …, we /governments /etc, can ensure that /prevent…
The… /situation could be improved if… /It would b a good idea if…
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ESSAY: SAMPLE PAPER
Obviously, in our times where lots of people spend days sitting in their
office staring at a computer, some sort of physical training is very significant
indeed. It is necessary to keep a balance in our lifestyles. The problem raised
when supporting the sports centres is the number of activities that you can do
at these days. There is almost a countless list of either individual or team sports
that we can think of, and each centre is usually designed for a specific type or
at least a group of sports similar in its nature.
Another reason for not financing sports as much as green parks is their
commercial use. Regarding of the green spaces, the situation is much clearer.
Every city needs gardens where people can sit and chill out, but nobody is
going to pay a tax for just walking around.
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B2 WRITING
FORMAL LETTER:
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
As you will see from my attached CV, I have spent the last _______ (number)
years at ____________(workplace). During this period I was promoted from
_____________(crap job) to the position of ____________ (great job). I was
responsible for ____________ (verb in gerund) and ____________, as well as
_____________ and _____________. I had the privilege / opportunity to learn /
improve / develop ___________ and ____________.
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Paragraph 3:
Paragraph 4:
Taking all this into account, I hope that you will consider my application. I
am available for interview between the ________ and the ________ of _________. I
look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for taking the time to read my application, I hope you will consider
me for the post. I am available for interview between the ________ and the
________ of _________. I look forward to hearing from you.
Paragraph 5:
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LETTER OF APPLICATION: SAMPLE PAPER
I am writing to apply for a/the job of ..... which I saw advertised in "The
Guardian" newspaper.
Finally, I would like to get more information about the job if possible, such as
the work schedule and shifts, how many hours per week I am entitled to work
and the salary.
I do feel I would be suitable for this job because ............ This will contribute to
both broaden my horizons and grow as a person. I would also like the chance
to....
Yours sincerely/faithfully
Pepita
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2. LETTER OF COMPLAINT: USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
Paragraphs 3:
Paragraph 4:
Paragraph 5:
Yours faithfully/sincerely
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LETTER OF COMPLAINT: SAMPLE PAPER
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing following a recent visit to the Newtown Sports Centre. I would like
to express my disappointment with the service I received. Although the staff
were generally polite and helpful, they seemed to lack basic sports knowledge.
None of them could offer any advice to me on choosing a tennis racket. I suggest
that you send your employees on suitable training courses.
Another cause for complaint was that the swimming pool was closed. I
understand that repairs and maintenance need to be carried out. However,
when I called for information the day before my visit, the receptionist did not
mention that the pool was closed. If I had known, I would have visited the
sports centre at another time.
Yours faithfully,
Pepita
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B2 WRITING
REVIEWS
You may also be asked to give reasons why someone should see the film/ play
or read the book, how it has influenced you, etc. Note that the number and
length of paragraphs varies depending on the topic:
• To begin reviews:
This well-written/informative/ fascinating /thought-provoking book is…
The film/book/play /etc is set in .../ tells the story of …/is based on…
The film/play stars…/is directed by… is the sequel to…
• To end reviews:
You should definitely see /read… /Don’t miss it/ You might enjoy…
All in all, it is well worth seeing /reading, since…
On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it, in view of the fact that…
It is a classic of its kind/ it is sure to be a hit/ best-seller…
• To explain the plot:
The plot revolves around…/ involves…/focuses on…/ has an unexpected
twist.
The story begins with… /unfolds /reaches a dramatic climax when…
• Evaluating various features:
The play /film /series has a strong/ star-studded /mediocre cast.
The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak /unconvincing.
The plot is:
-Gripping /dramatic/fascinating /suspense-filled /fast-moving.
-Far-fetched /predictable /confusing /dull /unimaginative.
The script /dialogue is touching /hilarious /boring /mundane.
It is beautifully /brilliantly /sensitively /written or directed.
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REVIEW: SAMPLE PAPER
The Remains of the Day seems to be a very simple story. An elderly English
butler borrows a car and drives to the coast to meet an old colleague. But is that
all there is to it?
The key moment in the book comes when their employer becomes fascinated
by the Nazi ideology and tells Mr Stevens to fire two young Jewish servants.
Miss Kenton cries, while Mr Stevens carries out his task with no emotion. The
writing at this point in the book is sublime - when you know that Stevens is in
love with Kenton, his behaviour is mystifying. Why doesn't he at least tell her
that he agrees with her?
Working out the answer to that question is one of the most rewarding quests
in literature, and that's why I strongly recommend you read this book as soon
as possible.
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B2 WRITING
ARTICLE
Points to consider
• However, the most common case is that we must write a text in an informal
or colloquial style. For this reason, our tone must be relaxed, making use
of contractions, phrasal verbs and other colloquial expressions. Besides, it
is recommended to use rhetorical questions and exclamation marks to
engage the reader. You should also address the reader directly in the second
person (you, your) and can make jokes if you think they are appropriate.
• Use suitable, descriptive, narrative or argumentative techniques and
expressions which are consistent with the purpose of the article. Appropriate
use of linking words /expressions and a wide range of vocabulary will make
your writing more interesting.
• Select and organise the ideas and information you will present in each
paragraph carefully and begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
• Rhetorical questions:
• Have you ever…?
• First,
• In the first place,
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• To begin with,
• The coolest thing about
• What attracts me most
• One thing to consider is
• Another consideration is
• Secondly,
• As for
• As to
• Also,
• As regards
• In addition,
• In addition to that,
• Moreover,
• Concluding the article:
• In conclusion,
• On the whole,
• To sum up,
• To conclude,
• All in all,
• … you will not regret it!
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ARTICLE: SAMPLE PAPER
A further advantage is that old people living alone find television very good
company. It helps them forget their loneliness.
On the other hand, too much television can create problems in the family. If
it is not the constant argument of which channel to watch, it is the isolation of
family members. A person watching television doesn't feel like talking or being
disturbed as they are so absorbed in what they are watching. Hence, the term
'couch potato'. Too much television implies a lack of outdoor activities and we
find that there are fewer and fewer people taking exercises.
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B2 WRITING
REPORT
A report is usually written for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g.
members of an English club). Candidates are expected to give some factual
information and make suggestions or recommendations. A report should be
clearly organised and may include headings.
Things to include:
▪ According to ...
▪ All those who were interviewed believe that/are concerned that... / It is
thought that... / It was commented upon by a number of people we
talked to that...
▪ A cause of dissatisfaction was...
Presenting a list
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1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...
▪ The following were the main reasons given for supporting ...: firstly, ...,
secondly, ...
▪ Points mentioned in favour of/against ... were:
1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...
▪ There are several ways in which ... might be ...:
1. 1 ...
2. 2 ...
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REPORT: SAMPLE PAPER
WATER POLLUTION
To start with, water pollution is considered one of the most worrying problems
in the Region since, the scarcely of water is commonly known in this part of
the country. What is affected the most in the last years is the local sea called
Mar Menor. As a consequence, many species have already disappeared and the
resources we basked in are no longer available. Happen this situation to
continue, the human being would have to take serious measures into account.
AIR POLLUTION
Another key point to bear in mind is air pollution. The more polluted the air
becomes, the quicker this subject should be shorted out since the release of
such air pollutants in heavy concentrations such as smog or fumes are getting
settled over the city. Lots of dirty wastes are produced by people on daily
basis especially in the big cities polluting the whole atmospheric air to a great
extent.
CONCLUSION
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B2 WRITING
An informal letter or email is usually between people who know each other fairly
well. In addition to giving news, they are often used to request information,
congratulate people, give advice and ask questions. There are a lot of similarities
between informal letters and conversation. Informal letters ask a lot of
questions, show interest and enthusiasm, and imagine a lot of shared
information.
Useful Expressions:
▪ How are you? / How have the family been? / I hope you are well.
▪ Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter / postcard.
▪ It was good / nice / great to hear from you again.
▪ I was so surprised to hear that...
▪ I’m sorry I haven’t written / haven't been in touch for such a long time.
▪ It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you're well / you and your
family are well.
▪ How are things? / How are you? / How’s it going?
Referring to news
Giving news
Apologies
▪ I’m writing to apologise for missing your party but I’m afraid I was with
flu.
▪ I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was busy
with my new job.
Invitations
▪ I’m / We’re having a party on Friday 19th and I / we hope you’ll be able
to come/would you like to come?
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▪ I was wondering if…
▪ Could you let me / us know if you can come / you’d like to join us?
▪ Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come.
▪ Thank you for asking / inviting me to … but I’m afraid I won’t be able to
…
Requests
▪ I’m writing to ask for your help / you (if you could do me) a favour.
▪ I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me / do me a favour.
▪ I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you (possibly) …?
▪ I’d be very / really / terribly grateful if you could …
▪ I’m writing to thank you for your hospitality / the wonderful present.
▪ I really appreciated all your help / advice.
Closing
The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. There are some
standard ways of finishing an informal letter or email.
▪ Give a reason why you're ending the letter: Anyway, I must go and get
on with my work! / I guess it's time I got on with that studying I've been
avoiding.
▪ Send greetings and/or make reference for future contact: Give my love /
regards to... / Say hello to... / Anyway, don't forget to let me know the
dates of the party.
▪ Closing statement such as Love, Lots of love, All the best, Take care,
Best wishes, should be written on a new line. If you used a comma after
the opening greeting, use a comma here too.
▪ Signing off: Your first name then follows on another new line.
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EMAIL: SAMPLE PAPER
Hello Simon,
How are things going? I’ve just read your letter, what a surprise! I couldn’t
believe you would write me so soon! Thanks for writing anyway, I know I’m
always in your mind!
I'm glad you're interested in my country. As your friend said, I'd like us to email
each other to help me improve your English.
Let me start by telling you a bit about myself and my family. My name's Pepita
and I live in Murcia, which is about 3 hours from the capital by car. I used to
work for a medical company but now I'm learning to be a salesperson. In the
future I want a job where I can travel for my work. I've already been to a few
places in Europe but I've never been to an English-speaking country.
What about you? Have you ever been to Spain? It would be great if you could
come over one day and we could fix up a meeting. Why don't you let me know
your plans?
Anyway, I must go and get on with my work! Looking forward to hearing from
you soon.
Best wishes,
Pepita
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