Writing 03 Revision

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Writing.

03
Revision

Essay (Part 1; compulsory)


Restate the question in your first sentence in your own words.
Use linking words to connect and introduce your points.
Don’t start your composition by saying I agree with this. Present your own argument.
Include supporting detail for the points in each paragraph.

Useful language

Some people claim that

It is often said that

However, in my opinion/view

Firstly, it is clear that

While it is true that

From my point of view

Finally, it is important to remember that

On balance then, I feel that

To sum up/ In conclusion, it seems to me that

Formal letter / email (Part 2)


Begin by saying why you are writing. Don’t begin by saying who you are.

If writing a letter of complaint, write your complaints clearly using linking words to connect the
complaint to the details.

Remember: Dear Sir/Madam/ ends with Yours faithfully


Dear Miss/Ms/Mrs/Mr Smith ends with Yours sincerely

Do make a connection between your letter and the task input...use your own words and don’t
repeat.
If you expect a reply to your letter, do finish with : I look forward to hearing from you soon.
It is most important that you don’t forget to mention all the points from the task in your letter.

Useful language

I am writing to you to complain about

I have been waiting for

To make matters worse

I would be grateful if you could

I am writing in response to

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Writing. 03
Revision

I am writing to enquire whether

I would like to know more about

In response to your query, I would like to inform you that

With reference to your letter of

Informal letter / email (Part 2)


Invent a name...your friend etc.
Think of specific details to include in each paragraph -- it makes it more interesting.
Mention the next time you will meet the person you are writing to.
Use an appropriate phrase to end your letter, eg Best Wishes, All the Best, etc.
Mention a letter you have received from the person you are writing to, or mention a shared
experience. Say what you have been doing recently.

Useful Language

Many thanks for your letter which

I thought I’d better write before

It’s been such a long time since we wrote to each other and.
Ask.........How are you and your family?

Ask.........How are things with you?

How was ?

I know that you’re longing to hear all about

You remember I told you in my last letter

Once again

Give my love/regards to

Please write/drop me a line soon

Report (Part 2)
Don’t begin and end your report like a letter with Dear/Yours etc.
Use headings and underline them.
Include two or three points under each heading.
If you want to include bullet points to highlight points do so.
Say how you got the information.

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Cambridge First / Writing
Writing. 03
Revision

Try to use specific vocabulary or set phrases.


Don’t use lots of adjectives or dramatic language.
Don’t include irrelevant information.
Express opinions impersonally.
Don’t express recommendations or opinions until the conclusion.

Useful language

The aim of this report is to


This report is intended to
Most people seem to feel that
Several people said/told me/suggested/thought that
They made the following points
I would therefore recommend
It would seem that ___________________________________________ is the best idea.

Article (Part 2)
Try to think of an interesting title for your article.
Don’t start as if you are writing a letter.
Try to involve your reader by: a) writing an eye-catching first sentence or
b) ask a question related to the task
Use informal language to involve the reader.
Don’t forget to give your opinion.

Useful language
Are you thinking of

I’m sure you’ll agree

Let’s start with

Another advantage of

On top of that

I think that

In my opinion

It seems to me that

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Cambridge First / Writing
Writing. 03
Revision

Review (Part 2)
Give your review a title.
Use the first paragraph to tell the reader what you are reviewing.
If you are writing a book or film review, don’t go into too much detail about the story-
and NEVER tell the reader the ending.
Balance factual information with opinion.
Use language related to the topic and colourful language to involve the reader.
Always give your overall recommendation in the final paragraph.

Useful language

The plot is about

If you’re looking for a …….

I was particularly impressed with

A downside is ______

A plus is

I think that

Overall

I would definitely recommend

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