Formal

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Guide to improve writing:
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FORMAL EMAILS
These will be written to somebody in a position of authority, usually to your
school principal, the manager of a company etc. Here is brief idea of how to
write one.
Salutations and Signatures: use either of this format
● Dear Sir or Madam……. Yours faithfully

● Dear Ms Weasley…………. Yours sincerely
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Introduction:
Write straight into the point.
- Why are you writing? To appreciate, complain, suggest, request or
disagree?
- What are you writing with regards to? A new project, a newspaper
advertisement, an article or an event? Mention it.
- That’s your introduction.
- This is a formal means of communication.
- There is no room for personalization or small talk.
Suggested phrases to use
- I am writing to apply for the post/position of …

- As advertised in … I am interested in….
- I am writing with reference to our previous phone call …
- I am writing in connection to the advertisement in the Daily Star on May
11th …
- With reference to my stay at your hotel …
Body:
This can be divided into two paragraphs
- Details of situation: give previous history of event or your background or
experience. Whether you are inquiring about something or making a
complaint. Say what happened exactly if you are making a complaint, or
focus directly on the text you are arguing with. This section should
include specific data such as names, dates, facts and details.
- You may be writing to apply to a job or a course. Introduce yourself and
show why you are interested in such a job/course.
Some suggested phrases:
● I gained some experience while …

● I am currently studying …
● I have been working for … for the last four years.
● I worked part-time for three years as …
● At the moment I am graduating from…
● My qualifications include …
● I have a diploma in …
● I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in …
● Please find attached my CV
● As you can see from the attached CV …
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• Further development: Give further support to your claim or request.
• Summarise the current situation and why you should be given
consideration.
• Persuade the reader.
Conclusion:
Say what you wish to happen next. Suggest, firmly but politely, what may
happen if you do not receive a response to a complaint. Ask for an appointment
or an interview. Wrap up by once again, stating your
request/complaint/suggestion and politely say something along the lines of
Some suggested phrases

● ‘I hope you will consider this and take action as soon as possible’.
● Please do not hesitate to contact me if/should you require further
information.
● I look forward to hearing from you.
● I am available for an interview at your convenience.
● I shall be available for an interview any day apart from Wednesdays.
Signing off
● (If Dear surname) Yours sincerely,

● (If Dear Sir/Madam) Yours faithfully,
You have to sign your email using your full name, first + surname
Tips
1. Use formal vocabulary only. Instead of ‘can’t wait for your reply’ say ‘I
hope you will consider the above suggestion and take prompt action‘.
2. Don’t use contractions like can’t, won’t, don’t, we’re etc. Use their full
forms. Contractions are informal.
3. Don’t use exclamation marks.
4. Your tone should be serious and respectful.
5. Keep to the word limit.
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Sample Formal Email:
Dear Mr Hopkins,
I am writing in response to the recent advertisement for the position of sales
assistant that has become available in your shop. I would like to be considered
for the position.
I am currently working in a local coffee shop, where I am responsible for the
service and distribution of food and drink to customers. I am a key holder for the
premises, and my daily duties include taking orders, dealing with customer
queries and managing the till takings at the end of the working day. I work as
part of a small team to ensure that the needs of the customers are met.
Before working in the coffee shop, I spent several years working as a sales
assistant in a bookshop. In this role, I gained extensive experience of
organisation, stocktaking and meeting specific requests for customer orders. In
this full-time role, I developed interpersonal skills and confidence within
customer service.
In addition to this I can offer competent skills with Microsoft Office software and
I am currently completing an evening course in accounting. I have included
details of my GCSE qualifications in my attached CV.
Thank you for taking the time to read my application; I look forward to hearing
from you.
Yours sincerely,
Marisa Ahmed
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FORMAL
WRITING
PART
34
General Writing Guide
Introduction
Features of an effective introduction
Attention-grabbing: Being the starting point of a discursive writing aimed at

persuading and convincing readers, an ESL article’s introduction ought to
‘hook the readers in’. An introduction should give the readers a reason to
continue reading the remainder of the article. Remember, the first
impression is the best impression!
Start indirectly: Candidates are recommended to start the introduction with an

idea that is prominent but relevant to the actual topic on hand – not directly
with the topic.
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How to begin an introduction:
1. Rhetorical Questions:
The purpose of the question is not to elicit an answer but merely for the effect.
Using a rhetorical question to begin the introduction is indeed a stylistic and
arguably the most effective way to begin the introduction of an article.
Powerful rhetorical question starters
• Could your conscience cope with.....................................?
• Do you want to be a part of.............................................?
• How could we possibly .................................................?
• Do you really think.......................................................?
• What would happen if ...................+ past tense ...............?
• Is it really worth ...........................................................?
• Don’t you think it is about time ..........+ past tense..............?
• Who can honestly say.....................................................?
• Which is worse / more enticing / more beneficial: ..... or ..............?
• Wouldn’t we all be happier knowing .................................?
• Do we really need all these .............................................?
• The theory is ................................, but is it the whole truth?
• Am I the only one thinking that ........................................?
• Is it just me or do you ......................................................?
• .................. – does something sound offbeat /atrocious to you?
2. Starting with set phrases:

• Without a shadow of doubt, obesity has been one of the central issues in the recent
past.
• Introduction of compulsory P.E is indeed a topic that draws particular interest these
days.
• For a long time it has been the case that the one who owns the most posh-looking
vehicle is deemed the coolest.
• There appears to be an acceleration in the growth of users of social media in all
corners of the world.
• The prevalence of smoking amongst teenagers has certainly sparked the debate of
banning cigarette advertising.
• Contrary to popular belief, recent research has suggested that chewing gum does
more good than harm to our health.
• Nowadays, a frequent issue we have to grapple with is letting teenagers own mobile
phones.
• It will be no exaggeration to say that the availability of the internet has revolutionised
the traditional methods of acquiring education.
• It goes without saying that mobile phones are a requisite for almost all teenagers in
the present day.
• Some people claim that social media strengthens bonds between us, but as far as I am
concerned, nothing could be further from the truth.
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3. Time fixers (along with generalisations):
A generalisation phrase would go hand in hand with a time fixer when beginning
the introduction and this would surely make the sentence sound more mature.
Note: Special attention must be given to use the correct tense in the
subsequent sentence(s) in accordance with the idea presented in the time fixer.
Example: Nowadays + simple present tense
Nowadays, most people prefer urban life over rural life.
Example time fixers:

These days / Until now
Every day / week / year
Recently
For many years
In the past/ Ten years ago
Since + specific time + noun
Example generalisation phrases
Almost all
The vast majority of
A large number of /Scores of
Hardly any /Not many
In almost all cases/The majority of
Two time fixers may be used to show contrast and create interest if the writer
wants to emphasise the change in situation about the topic in hand.
Example:
In the past, families spent more quality time together. These days, they struggle
to spare a few moments for their loved ones due to the hectic lifestyle.
What should come after the introductory sentence?
It is strictly advised to keep the introduction short and sweet, thus two or three
sentences would be sufficient to make up the whole introduction. It is a good
idea to follow the introductory sentence with the writer’s opinion about the
topic as portrayed in the example below.
“Who wouldn’t wish to be able to splash out on chic clothes and trendy gadgets? Like many of
you, I believe a moneyed man is far more likely to be happier than a pauper, and thus the role
money plays in bringing felicity can never be doubted.“
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Example transition sentences:
1. ,but the idea of wearing a uniform to school has inflamed serious debates among some
parents and students.
2. ,but not everyone is convinced about its benefits.
3. ,but there are some people who take a sceptical view towards this notion.
4. ,but the overall effects of modern science, according to some people, are not as
pleasing as it seems.
5. ,but along with these glorious benefits, science also brings a great deal of worries.
6. Sceptics, however, advocate that the benefits of continuing to study are unfounded.
7. The idea of sending a sports team abroad is one of the most debated topics in the
present day.
8. However, this notion has surfaced with mixed opinions from students and educators.
9. This would bring the factory countless benefits, but the disastrous outcomes of the
scheme should not be overlooked.
10. However, we should not forget the fact that ‘good-look’ does not guarantee a happy
life.
11. The idea of cloning has indeed become a source of considerable debate.
12. Social networks or social media, as it is often called, are undeniably mixed blessings.
13. Using robots in household chores has now become something of a hot button.
14. The idea of buying locally produced food is hailed by health experts while some
consumers still prefer imported items.
15. The prime argument at this moment is whether building an airport is beneficial or not.
16. With this popularity, the benefit of such sites has become one of the hottest talking
points in the recent past.
17. However, critics argue that it is not only the ingredient for a flourishing life.
18. Indeed, the idea of introducing state-of-the-art robots to households is hailed by
many while critics say it has too many shortcomings.
19. This idea has some benefits and drawbacks as well.
20. However, this “fashionable habit” of the youth has attracted criticism from some
health experts.
21. The spread of English, however, may not always be beneficial.
22. Nonetheless, there are some back-seat drivers who are not convinced about its
overall benefits.
23. Despite the affluence this scheme is projected to bring, it has drawn some
controversy.
24. However, the idea of competitive sports has been a subject of dispute for quite some
time now.
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Model Introductions
Being a celebrity
Have you ever fantasised being in the limelight, walking on the red carpet
surrounded by posh people? It is no brainer that a great number of people long
for the affluence and glamour of being a megastar, but one should not forget
the possible burdens it begets.
Who has greater influence on 16 to 18 year-olds – parents or friends?
A common issue that parents have to grapple with these days is dissuading their
children to cut down the time they spend out with their friends. It is the bitter
truth that such efforts mostly end in vain due to the simple fact that
adolescents are ‘manipulated’ by their peers.
Use of internet by students
It will not be an exaggeration to say that the advent of the internet has proven
to be one of the biggest boons of a student’s life. With the internet at our
disposal, our everyday struggles like bewildering homework can become a thing
of the past. However, not everyone is convinced about its benefits.
Using robots in household tasks
Have you ever wondered how things would turn out if robots took over the
steering wheel of your life? The vast majority of people today support the
futuristic notion of deploying robots in our everyday chores and I am no
exception in this regard.
Is a car the ideal means of transport?
Transportation has always been the cornerstone of human activities. In this

regard, a car is unquestionably one of the most fast-developing and preferred
means to travel. However, the idea of using a car as a conventional way to
travel cuts both ways.
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Body
What makes up the main body of an ESL article?
An article with no relevant ‘content’ will gain no marks despite the level of
language used.
- In other words, what determines allocation of marks for the article is the
quality of the arguments in it.
- A response that does not fulfil the task in terms of points covered and
length will not be credited with more than 4-5 marks for content.
- This will do more harm than good for the language marks as well.
- In simple terms, the main body contains the essence of the article.
Theoretically speaking, the main body is where the writer’s opinions on the
topic on hand are expressed and arguments are put forward.
However, one must bear in mind that examiners do not intend to test your
general knowledge (factual ideas) and thus listing a plethora of different ideas
will do no good. Nevertheless, it is expected to include two or three ideas
(ideally two) with adequate support: explanations, examples and
consequences.
Even though it is a plain fact that each paragraph should contain one main
point, many candidates include several ideas in one paragraph with no proper
development. This will certainly affect the number of marks they attain because
it is the development of ideas that matters, not the sheer number.
Building arguments made simple

• “Consider Both Sides of Your Topic and Take a Position
i e ie ”
• When building arguments, it
is best to blend it with the
rules of writing a proper
paragraph as each paragraph
can be considered an
argument.
• In this respect, using the
hamburger paragraph writing
style has proven to be one of
the most effective ways to
develop arguments in ESL
articles.
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Following are the steps to be adhered when building an argument using the
hamburger style.
1. Topic sentence:
A paragraph usually starts with the topic which sentence carries the main
idea the writer wants to express in the paragraph along with the topic under
discussion. The topic sentence allows the readers to know what the writer
intends to discuss in the paragraph. As far as the hamburger style is
concerned, the topic sentence is called the ‘top bun’ as it appears on the
top.
Here follows a simple formula that can be applied in writing a topic

sentence.
Topic sentence = topic + main point
Example 1: One chief argument in favour of building an airport is that it

will create job opportunities.
Topic= building an airport
Main point = create job opportunities
Important points to consider
- Be specific
When presenting the main point in the topic sentence, candidates must
remember to write something specific and concrete. A point which is
vague and too general would be hard to build on. In this respect, the
candidate should think in advance about the supporting points
(elaboration, example and consequences) of the main idea.
Example 2: However, there are too many disadvantages of mobile phones.
This topic sentence is way too general for an ESL article because the
subsequent sentences would have to list the disadvantages without
further development, which would surely fail to yield higher marks.
Instead, the writer could alter it as follows:
Example 3: However, one worrying disadvantage of mobile phone is that

it causes health hazards.
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Now the focus is on one point which can easily be developed.
Use linking word and phrases:
Since it is of extreme significance to show coherence between paragraphs,

candidates are thoroughly reminded to begin each paragraph with proper
transition words/phrases. The following are some useful words/phrases to
begin the first paragraph of the main body.
1. In the first place, ....

2. First and foremost,...
3. Firstly, ...
4. To begin with,..
5. On the one hand,...
6. One of the main arguments in favour /against....is that
7. The prime disadvantage of ..... is that
Use opinion phrases

Due to the nature of the article questions, examiners expect candidates to
present the arguments from their point of view so e i es Therefore, the use
of opinion phrases would play a key role in expressing their viewpoints in the
main arguments. An ideal place to use an opinion phrase is right after the
opening phrase. However, the suitability of the opinion phrase in this place
depends on the opening phrase preceding it and the opinion phrase itself.
Example 4:
In the first place, it is my firm belief that raising the legal age to drive a car will
most assuredly reduce road accidents.
Example 5:
Firstly, one thing I like about mobile phone is the way it entertains us.
This example does not require a conventional opinion phrase because the
feeling word ‘like’ expresses and emphasizes writer’s opinion.
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Some typical opinion phrases / ways of emphasizing opinion
1. I firmly / vehemently / strongly believe...

2. It is my strong belief that...
3. It is my unwavering contention / conviction that ...
4. As far as I am concerned, ....
5. If you ask me, ...
6. What I loathe / despise / abhor about ...is the way it ... One thing I love /
admire / like .... is the way it ...
The second paragraph (of the body)
Much the same applies when beginning the second paragraph of the main
body. However, the repetition of the topic can be avoided using certain terms
that refer to the main topic, but the choice of certain terms should be made
rather cautiously.
Example 5:
Secondly, one thing I love about this proposal is that it will boost our economy.
(reference is made to the plan of building an airport.
Example: idea, notion, concept, sentiment (for general standpoints /beliefs) o

scheme, plan, proposal (projects/things arranged for future) issue (problems
This also needs to be started with a proper transition phrase as again coherence
is a major factor in deciding language marks. Any of the following transition
phrases may be used depending on flow of the argument.
1. Secondly,
2. Another reason why I like / hate
3. Moreover,
4. Besides,
5. In addition, Furthermore,
6. However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless,
7. In contrast,
8. On the contrary,
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2. Support
After writing a precise topic sentence, the writer’s job is to explain the main
point in the previous sentence. The readers need to be clarified why the writer
has said so in the topic sentence because they ought to know the theory behind
that thought. This can be achieved by asking simple questions like ‘how’ or
‘why’. Look at the example below.
Example 6:
One chief argument in favour of building an airport is that it will create job
opportunities.
Now the writer can ask how/why will the new airport create job opportunities.
The reason can be presented in the next sentence as elaboration. Sometimes,
an example can serve this purpose better.
Example 7:
opportunities. It is a no brainer that the new airport will recruit staff in the
capacity of avionics technicians or flight attendants, for example, thus opening
career prospects for the locals.
Support may also be presented in the form of a conditional sentence as shown

below.
Example 8:
opportunities. If/when the project is completed, it would recruit staff in the
career prospects for the locals.
Please be careful to use the correct verb form when using first and second
conditional.
• If/when we build the airport, it will.... (first conditional)

• If/when the airport is built, it would.... (second conditional) `
It is a good idea to use a modifying word/phrase to show the strength of the

idea when presenting the elaboration. These modifying words / phrases will
make a difference.
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It is a no brainer that...
It is as plain as a pikestaff that...
There is little/no room for doubt that...
There is not an iota of doubt that..
Without a shadow of doubt, …
It is as clear as day that...
It is beyond all disputes that ..
It is crystal clear that ..
Unquestionably / undoubtedly / incontrovertibly, indisputably /
indubitably / undeniably /unequivocally
3) Exemplification
One of the best ways to support an argument is to illustrate a real- life example
that illustrates the point that has been raised. The example should be very
specific and can be embedded in the elaboration (look at example 7), written as
a separate sentence or presented elsewhere in the paragraph. The example
could also sometimes suffice as support.
From a language point of view, it is best to start the example with a phrase like
‘for example’ or ‘for instance’. A sentence can also be ended with one of these
phrases with an example preceding it or it may appear in the middle of a
sentence. Other common words / phrases that indicate an example include
‘like’, ‘such as’ and ‘including’.
4) Consequence(s)/outcome(s)
In order to build the arguments, the writer should not only explain the main
point in the topic sentence, but also justify why it is a good or bad point. Simply
asking the question ‘so, what’s the outcome?’ will help you think about the
subsequent results of the argument you have raised.
Example 9:
career prospects for the locals. As a result, people in this locality can enjoy a
regular source of handsome income, eventually contributing to boost the
standard of life of the people living in our town.
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As seen in the above example, when presenting the outcomes of a particular
idea, it is advised to complete the argument by including the eventual result of
it.
Linking words that highlight consequences should not be ignored as they bring
flow to arguments. Below are some common linking words/phrases to show
consequences.
Consequently
As a consequence / As a matter of consequence
As a result
This results in
This means that
Therefore, / Hence, /Thus,
5) Concluding sentence
Dubbed as the ‘bottom bun’ in hamburger style, this appears at the end of the
paragraph.
- The concept behind this sentence is briefly restating the main idea in the
topic sentence in different wordings. Though it may not be an integral
part of the paragraph, this wraps up the argument elegantly and
stylistically. Look at the example below.
Example 10:
career prospects for the locals. As a result, people in this locality can enjoy a
regular source of handsome income, eventually contributing to boost the
standard of life of the people living in the town. A new airport will indeed* mean
a job galore for us.
Candidates are highly encouraged to use powerful adverbs to strengthen the

concluding sentence. Adverbs such as Indeed, Surely, Undeniably, Most
assuredly, Undoubtedly, Unquestionably, and so on can be used for this effect.
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6) Grammar
Generally speaking, the most precise tense for an article is the simple present
tense as most article questions are based on prevalent issues that are recurring
and relevant to the present day. Nonetheless, some questions that discuss
proposed plans for the future require future tense.
The use of precise and powerful adjectives and adverbs in presenting

arguments make a world of difference (view presentation titled ‘using
adjectives and adverbs to modify arguments).
Building arguments in a nutshell
1) Topic sentence = opening phrase + opinion phrase + topic + main point .
Example: On the one hand, one thing I abhor about the spread of English is the
way it undermines minority languages.
2) Elaboration = modifying words / phrases + explanation of why/how
Example: It is as plain as a pikestaff that the significance and superiority of

English make young people consider using their native language a triviality.
3) Exemplification = example phrase/word + real life example
Example: For instance, the fact that 3/4 of subjects in our curriculum are taught
in English medium has resulted in many students ignoring their native language
and thus failing in their mother tongue.
4) Outcome = consequence word/phrase + the result(s)
Example: As a matter of consequence, the task of upholding and reviving the

good uses of our mother tongue is becoming an uphill battle, putting our
identity in danger.
5) Concluding sentence = restating the topic sentence
Example: The domination of English certainly puts other languages at risk.
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A worked-out example of a complete argument / paragraph:
On the one hand, one thing I abhor about the spread of English is the way it
undermines minority languages. It is as plain as a pikestaff that the significance
and superiority of English make young people consider using their native
language a triviality. For instance, the fact that 3/4 of subjects in our curriculum
are taught in English medium has resulted in many students ignoring their native
language and thus failing in their mother tongue. As a matter of consequence,
the task of upholding and reviving the good uses of our mother tongue is
becoming an uphill battle, putting our identity in danger. The domination of
English certainly puts other languages at risk.
Model paragraph
First paragraph of the main body (using chemicals in food production)
To begin with, it is my unwavering contention that using chemicals in food

production will subject people to worrisome health conditions. The fact that no
one can deny is that food manufacturers use additives and preservatives such as
melamine in the efforts to enhance their taste and prolong shelf life. As a result
of the accumulation of these chemicals in our body, the number of people
suffering from grievous diseases like cancer and diabetes is on the increase.
Chemicals used in food certainly put our health at risk.
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Conclusion
How much does a conclusion matter?
As the name implies, the main objective of a conclusion is to conclude a

discourse in a nutshell. An ESL article is no exception in this regard, and
candidates are required to use the conclusion to wrap up the article concisely
while making their stand on the topic firm and clear. The conclusion should leave
the readers with no doubt about the writer’s stance along with supporting ideas.
This is vital as most ESL article writing topics are discursive in nature and,
therefore, a typical response must have a conclusion that takes and justifies one
side of the argument. An ambiguous conclusion will leave the readers confused,
and thereby fail to achieve its main purpose: be conclusive.
What are the typical features of a conclusion?
1. Concluding phrase
Beginning the conclusion with a concluding phrase signals that the writer
intends to wrap the arguments up with his last say. It is also paramount to start
this paragraph with an apt opener (a transition word/phrase) so as to bring flow
to the whole piece and show cohesion between the paragraphs. The link
between paragraphs is one of the aspects examiners look for before awarding
marks from the top band. Here follows a list of some of the most common
concluding words/phrases that can be used to start the conclusion with.
In conclusion, / To conclude, In summary,
To sum up, To summarise, Overall, All in all, On the whole,
NB: Use a comma when beginning the conclusion with these phrases.
2. Opinion phrase
As stated in the second part of this writing guide, opinion phrases play an
integral role in ESL articles as candidates are required to present their opinion
on the issue in question. One of the most ideal places to use an opinion phrase
is right after the concluding phrase. This is because the candidates are obliged
to put forward their viewpoint (their stance on the topic) in the conclusion and
it is best to do it with an opinion phrase.
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Some typical opinion phrases
I firmly / strongly believe.../ It is my strong belief that...
It is my unwavering contention / conviction that ... As far as I am concerned, ....
If you ask me, .../ According to me, ...
In my point of view, ../I am of the opinion that, .../ To my mind, ...
3. Suggestion phrase
Although suggestions may not be as important as opinions in the article, they

express an interesting angle of the writer’s perception on how a situation could
be dealt with. Putting forward a suggestion will beef up the soundness of the
standpoint, making the article more convincing. A suggestion phrase could
easily be written in conjunction with an opinion phrase.
Some suggestion phrases/words that could be used here include:
it is (high/about) time + subject + past tense
subject + has/have + a responsibility to .. / should / ought to
4. Writer’s stance
The aforementioned stance is the side of the argument the writer takes, and it
must be crystal clear in the conclusion. Choosing to present the writer’s stance
in the opening sentence right after the concluding phrase and opinion phrase
will never go wrong as it will inform the readers with the writer’s stand without
further ado. Besides, since efforts must be put to make the conclusion as brief
and apt as possible, surfacing the writer’s stance in the first sentence is
advisable.
Example 1: To conclude, it is my firm belief that the plan to build an airport in

our town should be given the go-ahead.
Example 2: On the whole, I vehemently believe that it is high time we all kicked
the habit of chewing gums.
Concluding phrase Opinion phrase Suggestion word/phrase
To conclude... / It is my firm belief.../ On the whole
I vehemently believe.../ It is high time + we all + started
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5. Support
The importance of support in the conclusion is as prominent as it is elsewhere

in an argumentative article. However, candidates should bear in mind that the
support ideas in the conclusion ought not to be something new. Writers are
advised to highlight the reason(s) why they choose a particular stance by briefly
restating what they have already discussed in the main body. The support ideas
can be written as a part of the first sentence with a proper linking word like ‘as’,
‘because’, ‘underlying the fact that’, ‘having the fact that’ etc.
Example 3: On the whole, I vehemently believe that it is high time we all kicked
the habit of chewing gums underlying the fact that it puts our health at risk and
stains our cities.
It can also be written as a separate sentence that starts closely with the
previous sentence.
Example 4: To conclude, it is my firm belief that the plan to build an airport in

our town should be given the go-ahead. Who would want to spurn a chance for
economic boon and prosperity?
How to make the conclusion even more appealing?
Rhetorical question
As seen in example 4, ending the conclusion with a rhetorical question

(please refer to the first part of this writing guide for more details) gives
it much-needed potency and style to the whole piece of writing. It also
makes the response more convincing as it gives the readers some food
for thought.
Example 5: On the whole, I vehemently believe that it is high time we all

kicked the habit of chewing gums underlying the fact that it puts our
health at risk and stains our cities. It is never too late to get rid of the
sticky stuff, is it?
Using emotive language
Emotive language helps to engage the readers emotionally and convince

them on the stand you take in the conclusion. This is especially useful
when writing articles about projects, proposals or plans. This can be
achieved by using words and expressions that carry an emotional weight.
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Example 6: In conclusion, I vehemently believe that the plan to build an airport in
our town is futile underlying the fact that it will not only destroy a significant
part of wildlife, but also cause pollution. I urge the council to reconsider the
proposal and evaluate its detrimental costs to society.
Sample Articles:
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Group activity:
Split in groups of 4s, and discuss the style, formality and the science behind
astrology.
- How do you feel about astrology? Is it a science? Do you usually read

your horoscope in magazines? Why or why not? Why do some people
depend on them?
- Take five minutes to prepare some ideas you could use in a lass
discussion on this topic, using the text opposite for quotations and
examples.
- When the discussion takes place, make a contribution which follows on
from that of the previous speaker and which expresses and supports a
viewpoint.
- The following are some words you can use to present your point of views:
54
Further practice:
1. First: read the article and underline any unfamiliar words.

2. Then: try to find the meaning of these words using Google, or a
dictionary..
3. Write a SHORT article giving your views about whether you believe luck
exists or not.
55
Writing an Article
Overview
The purpose of an article is often to inform and persuade the reader.
Articles give the reader information about a certain topic, bringing together and
discussing different perspectives to provide a balanced argument which lets the
reader make up their own mind about the topic.
Articles can also be used to persuade the reader that a certain viewpoint is correct.
For example, articles in newspapers or magazines might express a particular
viewpoint or perspective; this may be positive or negative depending on the topic.
The ways you use language and organise your ideas when writing an article will
depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for.
Language
• think about the audience that the article is for – when writing an article, you
do not usually know your readers personally and so you will need to think
about their likely interests and experience before you write
• how you expect, or want, your audience to react – remember that the tone of
most articles should be semi-formal, so before deciding on your tone imagine
your article being read out loud and how that might sound to your reader. For
example, an article reviewing a film may be humorous, even sarcastic, but
that would not work well for more serious readers or topics
• the purpose for the article – is the purpose, or reason, for writing your article
to persuade your readers to agree with you or to invite your readers to think
about different points of view and decide for themselves? For example, do
you need to sound reliable and well informed, or choose words that strongly
convey a particular emotion?
• how to keep your readers interest – imagine how boring it would be for your
reader if you used the same kind of sentences and simple repetitive
vocabulary all the way through your article. Try to include a range of
grammatical structures and relevant vocabulary to make sure that your reader
wants to keep reading.
Organisation
Plan a route through your article before you start writing it – the structure of an
article is usually in three parts. For example:
1. An introduction – engage your reader’s interest and introduce your argument

or the main points of the topic to be discussed.
2. A middle – develop relevant and interesting points about the topic to interest
and/or convince your readers to think about a particular perspective.
3. An end – draw your points together and leave your reader with a clear
impression of the argument you want them to believe or the viewpoints you
would like them to consider.
Tips for writing an article
• Organise your ideas into paragraphs as appropriate – this will help you to
develop and support your points convincingly, to build your argument and/or
offer a full explanation of a particular point of view.
• Show your reader at a glance what your article is about – articles usually have
a suitable headline to attract their readers’ attention and you can choose to
use subheadings (a bit like mini headlines) to help break your article up and
move your reader on. Do not overdo these, but well-chosen subheadings can
help to catch and keep your reader’s attention, as well as sum up the main
points you are making.
• Show the connections between ideas in sentences and paragraphs – for
example, where a new point or idea follows on from what you have already
said you might use linking words or phrases such as, 'in addition’, ‘likewise’ or
‘similarly’.
Writing an Essay
Overview
The purpose of an essay is to present an argument or point of view and give

examples or reasons to support it. The topic will be a question or an issue which
people generally have different opinions about. The essay could present both sides
of the argument, or just one, depending on the instructions given in the task. An
essay should be written in a formal or neutral register and should be well organised,
with an introduction, main body and a conclusion. It should include language
appropriate for expressing opinions, agreeing and disagreeing. The vocabulary
required will depend upon the topic.
Language
• think about the audience that the essay is for
• the tone of most essays should be neutral or formal
• your essay should clearly present opinions related to the topic
• include a range of grammatical structures and related vocabulary
• avoid writing very simple sentences with the same grammatical structures
and simple repetitive vocabulary.
Organisation :
• An essay should be well organised, with an introduction, main body and a

conclusion. It should include well-developed ideas. You should use linking
words/phrases which suit a more formal type of writing (e.g. furthermore,
however, in conclusion, etc.) to link ideas in sentences and paragraphs.
One way to structure your essay is to have a balanced argument focusing on one
side of the argument, then on the other side of the argument:
• Introduction:
briefly outline the argument that the essay will discuss. Engage the reader to
make them interested in the topic, for example, ask a rhetorical question to
make a point and create a stronger effect.
• Present one side of the argument. Support your ideas with examples and/or
reasons.
• Present the other side of the argument. Support your ideas with examples
and/or reasons.
• Conclusion:
this should briefly summarise what you have said and what you think about
the argument. You can link your conclusion back to the beginning and/or
encourage the reader to decide what they think about the same viewpoint.
• Alternatively, an essay can be one-sided. You present one side of the
argument, supported with examples and/or reasons. In this case, the
organisation of your essay would be the same as above, with either one
extended paragraph for the main body, or two or more shorter paragraphs
each presenting a different reason to support your point of view.
REPORT
WRITING
PART
56
Report Writing Guide
Theoretically speaking, a report is a concise discourse which is written for a
specific purpose and audience. Since it is a factual piece of writing (it is based
on a hypothetical but realistic situation in the exam), it should be both clear and
well- structured, making use of sections or headings so that the information is
easy to locate and follow. Besides, a report generally analyses a situation or a
problem, often making recommendations for future action.
Use this guide whenever you write a report:
Your report should Outline: Write about:

be: - Who was involved
Intro
- Clear - What happened
Two or three body
- Concise sections with headings - Where it happened
- Correct Conclusion/ - When it happened
3 Cs Recommendation - Why is it happened
Use useful vocabulary

Make sure that you are Use useful opening and
unbiased and merely linking phrases
reporting
57
Format
Structurally, the format of a report requires its parts to be labeled or separated

with headings for different sections distinctively. This means that the parts of a
report should be labeled with headings. A report must have the three basic
parts: an introduction, a main body and a conclusion.
What should a report include?
Introduction
The introduction sets out what you plan to say and provides a brief summary of
the problem under discussion. In other words, the writer needs to introduce the
topic of the report in the first paragraph. A report’s introduction is, therefore,
more structured and consists of more controlled language. In this respect, there
are certain cut and dried wordings that are deemed more suitable for a report’s
introduction.
Common ways a report can be commenced.
The aim of this report is to examine / consider / investigate / calculate /

ascertain ('find out') test / summarise / demonstrate / illustrate...
This report purports to describe / examine / outline The purpose of this report is
to……
This report is intended to…..
This report provides information about.. This report aims to....
Body
This part of the report comprises the main content points that discuss the
actual topic of writing in detail. The headings on top of the paragraphs of the
body vary from task to task. Therefore, the basis of students’ report will be the
question itself, and clearly the headings of the main body should be based on
the key details of the question.
58
The comments supplied act as stimuli in helping students shape their answers.
For example, the comment “It made me much more aware of the importance of
recycling” is a guide to how to develop the body of the report under the
heading “The Visit” by stating the highlight of the visit and why it was important
for the student.
59
It is quite often to be asked to provide suggestions or recommendations based
on experience, be it a trip to the capital city or a visit to the local library;
therefore, students are advised to write on the positive as well as the negative
aspects of the trip or what was good and bad about the museum.
Even though it is permissible to use ideas from the speech bubbles, students are
strictly reminded to avoid direct lifting from them. This again emphasizes the
importance of independence of thought in order to attain marks from the top
bands.
Conclusion
This part of the report could ideally be headed as ‘Recommendation(s)’ as this
serves enough to wrap up a report.
These recommendation(s) should be logical and strictly relevant to the issues in
discussion. Here, it is advised to use specific language that serves the purpose in
presenting suggestions or recommendations.
Some suggested ways to present the recommendations.
I, therefore, suggest....
I would like to recommend that ...
To address the issues stated earlier, (subject) should
Taking into account the difficulties we faced, it is high time (subject) + past tense
60
This is a sample writing by an IGCSE student that scored 9 out of 12.
61
Language
As previously suggested, report writing follows a more formal register than an

email or a friendly letter. Nonetheless, the formality of language that has to be
used depends on the recipient of the report itself. If the students are asked to
write their report to a teacher, the register they need to adopt is semi-formal.
Here are some of the pointers for students when using semi-formal/formal
register
1. Avoid using contractions. Use full forms of verbs.
2. Use passive voice instead of active voice. Passive voice is often regarded
as more formal and emphasis must be put on the action, not the doer.
3. Avoid using slangs and colloquial language.
4. Avoid using primitive sentences. Sentences which are lengthier and of

different patterns sound more formal and appropriate for a report.
5. Replace simple verbs like do, have or make with words like execute,
perform, implement or generate.
6. It is better to avoid using phrasal verbs and use more formal equivalents
because the vast majority of phrasal verbs are appropriate in informal
register.
7. Simpler adjectives can also be replaced with more powerful and precise
alternatives. For example, big: considerable, small: insignificant, good:
advantageous, bad: defective.
8. Linking words and phrases need to be used to bring flow to the report.
avoid the informal linkers. Make good use of relative clauses, colons and
semicolons as linkers.
9. Variety of language structures like conditionals, different types of

sentences and tenses should be used.
62
Model Report
In your class you were discussing the poor cleanliness of your city. Following the
discussions, your teacher asked you to write a report about the reasons behind
the rubbish on the streets and suggest some solutions to the problems.
It’s because of people’s attitude that the roads look this ugly.
There’s no proper waste management system in our city.
Introduction
This report intends to explore the underlying reasons behind the littered streets
in our city and suggest ways to address these issues.
Eyesore
Once impeccable streets of our metropolis are now scattered with food
wrappers and drinks containers. The way I see it, fingers can be pointed at the
new food stalls that are springing up by the roadside as the demand for fast
foods continues to skyrocket. What is really worrying is that the disposable
containers they use to pack the takeaway foods and drinks often end up on the
roads and in public parks and bus stops.
Not only should the food stall owners take the responsibility, but people’s
mentality is surely to blame for this excess as they have a tendency to drop litter
in every nook and corner. When people consider putting trash in the bins as a
trivial matter, what follows will be putrid streets and public places that we see
today.
Recommendations
No one would deny that keeping the streets clean is everyone’s responsibility.
Hence, in my point of view, more awareness programmes need to be conducted
so as to encourage the public to refrain from littering and educate them about
the health hazards associated with rubbish. Moreover, the city council has a
responsibility to put more dustbins across the city, especially near the food stalls.
63
64
REVIEW
WRITING
PART
65
Review writing
• Introduction: state the book’s title, author’s full name, the

setting of the story, giving a one-line description of what the
story is about. Use adjectives to describe the book such as
insightful, beautiful, controversial etc.
• Brief description: give a one-paragraph synopsis of the plot of
the book, shortly expanding your one-sentence description in
the introduction. Don’t write the whole story, only the
beginning! Use the present tense of verbs and linking words to
outline the story chronologically. Bonus points if you can use
words that fit the theme of the story. If, for example, the book is
of the fantasy genre, use words like magic, summon, fate, spells
etc.
• Opinion: this is where you have to write down how the book
impacted you. Was it inspiring? Thought-provoking? Life-
changing? You could praise the book or criticise it, stating why.
• Recommendation: you must state whether you would
recommend this book, to whom and why.
66
This is a sample writing by an IGCSE student that scored 9 out of 12.
67
68 7
Model review:
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini has to be the most devastatingly

beautiful book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Set in 20th century
Afghanistan, it tells the story of how a young boy’s friendship is tested by
war and betrayal.
Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan, shares a close friendship with their
household servant’s son, Hassan. But a fateful kite-flying competition
tethers their bond, and as war forces them to part ways, the boys’ lives
take them on a journey of love and redemption.
The book made me realise how precious yet fragile the relationships we
build are; and that we must always take a chance on our loved ones. It
taught me the importance of the people in our lives and how they shape
us to be who we are.
The Kite Runner is a beautifully narrated tale, the writing just as simple
as it is heart- breaking, the characters realistically portrayed. I would
definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy character-driven
stories set in troubled times.
69
VOCABULARY
PRACTICE
PART
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83 90
84
85
86
FURTHER
WRITING
PART
87
Writing skills practice: An essay about leisure time and academic pressure – exercises
Look at the question and problem and solution essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
Circle the correct definition of these phrases.
1. to learn something by heart
a. to study something b. to feel passionate

c. to memorise something
difficult about something
2. to recite something
a. to think of an original b. to repeat something c. to be unable to

idea from memory remember something
3. to have a lapse in concentration
b. to have a short period c. to have a short period

a. to have a short period
when you feel particularly when you feel under
when you’re unable to focus
awake and alert pressure
4. to tackle a problem
a. to create a difficult b. to feel defeated by an c. to resolve or deal with

situation for somebody issue an issue
5. to manage pressure
a. to force somebody to b. to handle a stressful

c. to be in a stressful job
do something situation successfully
6. to remedy a situation
c. to make a bad situation

a. to fix a bad situation b. to discover a problem
even worse
88
89
1. Check your understanding: gap fill
Complete the essay structure with the content points in each paragraph.
cause of the problem (1) cause of the problem (2) overview of the essay
paraphrase of the question summary of the problem and its causes
solution (1) solution (2) summary of the solutions
1. Paragraph 1: ______________________________ and ______________________________
2. Paragraph 2: ______________________________ and ______________________________
3. Paragraph 3: ______________________________ and ______________________________
4. Paragraph 4: ______________________________ and ______________________________
2. Check your writing: gap fill

Complete the sentences with a linking phrase. There are phrases for giving a reason, result or purpose.
which means that Due to so as This is why
in order to Since As a result so that
1. There are extra revision sessions _______________ students can get help if they need it.
Pollution is getting worse and worse, _______________ there is a need for the government to take
2.
action and remedy the situation.
3. University fees have increased this year. _______________, there are fewer students.
4. The term should be reduced by two weeks _______________ allow more time for holidays.
5. Scholarships have been introduced _______________ to attract more applicants.
There has been a lot of heavy rain this year, and more is expected. _______________ the
6.
government should spend more on flood protection.
7. _______________ popular demand, the train timetable will be extended.
_______________ there is a lot of competition for university places, most students find their final
8.
exams stressful.
90
Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first. Write two or three words in
each gap.
1. The council should build more cycle lanes to improve road safety.
More cycle lanes _______________ to improve road safety.
2. If we don’t raise taxes, there won’t be enough money for hospitals.
_______________ taxes, there won’t be enough money for hospitals.
3. Building a new railway system is a possibility.
We _______________ a new railway system.
4. The government should provide theatres with subsidies.
Theatres _______________ by the government.
5. This is not an effective way to run a business.
The business is not _______________.
6. They should allocate more funding for renewable energy.
Renewable energy _______________ more funding.
7. People should be assessed in a less stressful way.
_______________ less stressful.
8. We need to use our creativity more to find solutions.
We need to find more _______________.
Discussion
Do you have to learn a lot of things by heart for exams? Is that a good or a bad thing?
Do you have enough leisure time?
91
Writing skills practice: An essay about leisure time and academic pressure – writing practice
92
93
Writing skills practice: An opinion essay about fast food – exercises
Look at the exam question and essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
Match the vocabulary with the correct definition and write a–h next to the numbers 1–8.
an extra charge added by the government to

1…….. a portion a.
the price of some goods and services
a special, enjoyable thing or experience, often

2…….. to outweigh something b.
given as a gift to somebody or to yourself
3…….. a tax c. harmful or dangerous
4…….. detrimental d. the amount of food served to one person
5…….. a treat e. extreme and unpleasant
to look for something or someone, often

6…….. drastic f.
requiring effort
to be a more important factor in an evaluation

7…….. to victimise somebody g.
or decision (than some other factor)
8…….. to seek out something h. to treat someone in an unfair way intentionally
94
95
1. Check your understanding: matching
Match the essay paragraphs with their content and write a–e next to the numbers 1–5.
1…….. Paragraph 1 a. Restate your opinion on the issue and the reasons for it.
2…….. Paragraph 2 b. Give a reason for your opinion and explain it.
3…….. Paragraph 3 c. Give another reason for your opinion and explain it.
Briefly introduce the issue and why it's important, and state
4…….. Paragraph 4 d.
your opinion.
5…….. Paragraph 5 e. Consider the opposite viewpoint and highlight a problem with it.
2. Check your vocabulary: gap fill

Complete the sentences with a collocating word from the box.
severity crisis detrimental deny
penalise urgent size treats
1. It is hard to _______________ that the problem is getting worse.
2. Giving children little _______________ like sweets and chocolate is actually bad for their teeth.
3. There is an _______________ need for more beds at the local hospital.
4. It isn’t fair to _______________ people who have a lower income.
5. Smoking is very _______________ to health.
6. Shared plates of food make it hard to control portion _______________.
7. The obesity _______________ is linked to the increase in processed food.
8. The _______________ of the situation has meant that the government is now taking action.
96
3. Check your writing: multiple choice
Circle the correct linker for these sentences. Both may be possible, or neither may be correct.
1. Some people think it is bad to eat carbohydrates. _______________, most dieticians believe they
are part of a healthy diet.
a. However
b. Nevertheless
c. Both of the above
d. Neither of the above
2. _______________ what many people think, the USA does not have the most obese population.
a. Despite
b. Although
3. _______________ I can see their point, I still believe that they are wrong.
a. Although
b. Even though
4. Vegetables are a good source of dietary fibre. _______________, they contain many nutrients and
vitamins.
a. On the other hand
b. In addition
5. _______________ fast food is bad for us, many people enjoy it.
a. Despite
b. Despite the fact that
6. _______________ the economic crisis, the employment rate is falling.
a. In spite of
b. Despite
7. _______________ there is a lot of traffic in city centres, pollution is a problem.
a. Since
b. Because of
8. Young people are thought to be lazy. _______________ most young people I know are extremely
hard-working.
a. Another important point is that
b. On the contrary,
97
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the word in brackets.
1. Restricting pollution is now a matter of some _______________. (urgent)
2. The president was accused of lying, but she issued a _______________ this morning. (deny)
3. _______________ water shortages have led, in turn, to food shortages. (severity)
4. Students sometimes have to work to pay for their education, to the _______________ of their
studies. (detrimental)
5. Recycling more waste would be _______________ for everyone. (benefit)
6. There should be stiff _______________ for criminals who reoffend. (penalise)
7. In many countries sport is compulsory at school, but art and music are _______________.
(option)
8. In my view, the most _______________ solution would be for citizens to vote online. (effect)
Discussion
Is fast food popular in your country? Do you think it causes health problems or any other kinds of
problems?
98
Writing skills practice: An opinion essay about fast food – writing practice
Write an opinion essay on one of the questions below.
 In some countries an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of
eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this
kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
 Many children consume drinks containing high levels of sugar, which can adversely affect their
health. For this reason, some have recommended that sugary drinks should be banned in schools.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
 Producing meat takes up large amounts of land, water and other resources. Some people are
promoting vegetarian diets as better for people and the planet. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this opinion?
99
100
Writing skills practice: A web tool review – exercises
Look at the review of an online tool and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
1…….. the layout a. a disadvantage
2…….. to showcase b. extremely useful
3…….. to outweigh c. the way that something is arranged
4…….. invaluable d. many
5…….. versatile e. to be greater or more important than something else
6…….. numerous f. in particular, exactly
7…….. specifically g. able to be used for many different purposes
8…….. a downside h. to show the best qualities of something
101
102
1. Check your understanding: multiple choice
Circle the best option to complete these sentences.
1. Padlet is a website to use in …
a. social contexts. b. learning contexts. c. business contexts.
2. The reviewer found the website …
a. easy to navigate. b. mostly easy to navigate. c. difficult to navigate.
3. It is an online space where users can …
c. post, share and write their

a. post and write their work. b. post and share their work.
work.
4. The privacy settings …
a. are unchangeable. b. are automatically preset. c. need selecting.
5. The benefits of Padlet …
a. outweigh the b. do not outweigh the c. are equal to the

disadvantages. disadvantages. drawbacks.
6. On balance, the reviewer’s view of Padlet is …
a. positive. b. negative. c. neutral.
2. Check your understanding: grouping

Write the phrases in the correct group.
b. Despite the
a. … one site,
numerous advantages, c. I have found it d. I would like to give
specifically, has
there are certain invaluable in/for … you an overview of …
caught my attention.
downsides.
e. The great thing is f. A further advantage g. I suggest you try out

h. One issue is that …
that … is that … …
Introduction Pros Cons Recommendation
103
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the word in brackets.
1. There are lots of websites for sharing information in an _______________ context. (EDUCATION)
2. Here is an overview of this online _______________ tool. (COLLABORATE)
There are a whole host of reasons why Padlet _______________ to students and teachers.
3.
(APPEALING)
4. One of the main advantages is its _______________. (USER-FRIENDLY)
5. The interface is _______________. (INTUITION)
6. One issue is that of _______________. (PRIVATE)
7. Moderators must alter the settings to _______________ complete privacy. (SURE)
8. You can write directly on the board or, _______________, upload files. (ALTERNATE)
4. Check your writing: matching

Match each main point with its supporting point or information and write a–e next to the numbers 1–5.
One of its main advantages is its This makes it a versatile tool for classwork and
1…….. a.
user-friendliness homework.
You can upload information in a Despite never having used it before, I managed to
2…….. b.
variety of formats. set up pages for different projects.
Students can access the wall both You have to make sure you alter the settings to
3…….. c.
inside and outside class. ensure complete privacy.
The user has to identify the best format for each

4…….. Privacy is an issue. d.
project.
5…….. There is a range of layout formats. e. These include written text, audio, video or images.
Discussion
Which educational online tools do you like using?
104
Writing skills practice: A web tool review – writing practice
Choose an online tool or application you have used and write your review of it below.
105
Writing skills practice: A report on a school trip abroad – writing practice
Think of a school trip that you have been on. Choose three aspects of the trip and consider their positive
points, negative points and what changes you would recommend. Then write your report. Make sure you
give the purpose of the report in the introduction and conclude by saying how successful you think the trip
was overall.
106
Writing skills practice: A report on a school trip abroad – exercises
Look at the report and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
Match the vocabulary with the correct definition and write a–j next to the numbers 1–10.
the act of being friendly and welcoming to

1…….. a reminder a.
guests and visitors
2…….. to converse b. to be better than expected
food, especially food prepared in a particular

3…….. to contract someone c.
style of cooking
4…….. a counterpart d. to give someone a job
a person who is similar to somebody but who is

5…….. reluctant e.
in a different place or situation
6…….. to exceed (someone’s) expectations f. to have a conversation with someone
7…….. hesitation g. unwilling to do something
a written record of what you have done each

8…….. hospitality h.
day and your experiences
something that helps you remember a

9…….. a journal i.
particular event or situation
10…… cuisine j. the act of pausing before doing something
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108
Complete the notes with a point from the box.
b. Keep a written record c. Some houses were far

a. High standard and enjoyable.
of the trip in Spanish. from the school.
d. Some students only e. The British students

f. Only involved British students.
spoke English. were well looked after.
g. Choose families that live h. Allow Spanish students to i. Most students practised a
nearer the school. accompany the British students. lot of Spanish.
1. Host families
Positive _____________________________________________
Negative _____________________________________________
Recommendation _____________________________________________
2. Cultural activities
Positive _____________________________________________
Negative _____________________________________________
Recommendation _____________________________________________
3. Language
Positive _____________________________________________
Negative _____________________________________________
Recommendation _____________________________________________
109
Complete the sentences with a word or phrase from the box.
propose that as a result describes I would recommend
would have welcomed

assess would most exceeded
the chance
On the whole were reluctant to resounding have no hesitation in
Introduction
1. This report _______________ a recent school trip to Madrid.
2. The aim of the report is to _______________ the success of the trip in order to recommend it in
the future.
Positive points
3. Students agreed that the Spanish hospitality _______________ their expectations.
4. The cultural activities were a _______________ success.
5. Students made the _______________ of the opportunity to practise their Spanish.
Negative points
6. However, some homes were located great distances from the school and, _______________,
some students had to leave extremely early.
7. This was a shame as they _______________ to spend more time with the host students.
8. However, some students _______________ speak Spanish.
Recommendations
9. I _______________ on future exchanges host families are selected within a 5-mile radius of the
school.
10. I _______________ suggest that next time Spanish students are invited.
11. On future exchanges _______________ students complete a travel journal.
Conclusions
12. _______________, they found the experience a positive one.
13. I _______________ recommending this language exchange.
110
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the word in brackets.
1. The quality of the hotel exceeded our _______________. (expect)
2. The host families showed us incredible _______________. (kind)
3. We really appreciated their _______________ during the trip. (generous)
4. When people speak quickly I can’t understand anything. It’s totally _______________.
(comprehend)
5. We were hoping to visit more places of great _______________ interest. (history)
6. I’m sure the trip will _______________ their language development. (beneficial)
7. Some students did not _______________ much with their exchange partner. (conversation)
8. He didn’t finish his journal so it was _______________ on his return. (completion)
9. It was an interesting day out from an _______________ point of view. (educate)
10. The trip was a success and I have no hesitation in _______________ it to future students.
(recommendation)

Circle the option in the correct style to complete these sentences.
1. The hospitality of the host families was way better than we thought it was going to be! / exceeded
our expectations.
2. Many students commented that the host families showed exceptional kindness. / were so
amazingly sweet and kind.
3. The cultural activities were totally awesome. / a resounding success.
4. Unfortunately, / I was so sad that the Spanish exchange students could not go sightseeing with
the British students.
5. Both Spanish and British students found the experience a positive one. / had the best time ever!
Discussion
Have you ever been on a language exchange with your school? What do you think are the most important
things for a successful language exchange?
111
Writing skills practice: A for and against essay about online communication – writing practice
Write a for and against essay on one of the following titles.
 Online communication is preferable to face-to-face communication. Discuss.

 Children younger than the age of 16 are too young to have a smartphone. Discuss.
 Homework does more harm than good. Discuss.
 Fashion is important. Discuss.
 Animal testing is necessary. Discuss.
112
113
Writing skills practice: A for and against essay about online communication – exercises
Look at the essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
1…….. a snippet a. to take part in or do something
2…….. to engage in something b. the world
3…….. the globe c. long-distance
4…….. to empathise with somebody d. to rub something to make it clean and shiny
5…….. to polish something e. to understand how someone feels
6…….. to embellish something f. to make it more difficult for something to happen
7…….. long-haul g. a small piece of information or conversation
8…….. to impede something h. to make something more attractive by adding decoration
114
115
1. Check your understanding: grouping
Write the features of communication in the correct group, according to the text.
b. close proximity d. develops social skills

a. edited messages c. immediate response
required such as empathy
g. possible delayed h. talk to people far

e. facial expressions f. emoticons
response away
Online communication Face-to-face communication
2. Check your understanding: reordering

Put these words in the correct order by writing a number in the brackets.
we find ourselves (__) through online channels. (__) communicating more and more (__) In
1.
today’s world, (__)
begs the question: (__) online communication (__) Which (__) is (__) preferable (__) in
2.
today’s world? (__)
main arguments (__) opens up the possibility (__) is (__) in favour (__) One of the (__)
3.
that it (__) of long-distance communication. (__)
written online communication (__) gives us (__) either immediately or later. (__) the option of
4.
responding (__) is that (__) Another point (__)
the development of (__) face-to-face interaction (__) impedes (__) in (__) that a lack of
5.
(__) Some experts (__) vital social skills. (__) are concerned (__)
real conversation. (__) losing. (__) we’re (__) running the risk of (__) the art of (__)
6.
So, (__)
I believe that (__) there are (__) On balance, (__) online communication. (__) several
7.
advantages to (__)
face-to-face dialogue. (__) However, (__) we should (__) the benefits of (__) to overlook
8.
(__) take care (__) not (__)
116
Complete the second sentence so it has the same meaning as the first. Write only one word in each gap.
1. Online communication is sometimes impossible to avoid.

Online communication is sometimes _______________.
2. Sometimes we opt for conversation in the real world.

Sometimes we opt to _______________ in the real world.
3. Do people prefer online communication?

Is online communication_______________?
4. Online communication is hugely beneficial in the workplace.

Online communication has huge _______________ in the workplace.
5. We can respond immediately.

It gives us the option of an immediate _______________.
6. There are drawbacks if we over-rely on online communication.

An _______________ on online communication can cause drawbacks.
7. We don’t develop social skills which allow us to empathise with others.

We don’t develop social skills such as _______________ for others.
8. We embellish short snippets of dialogue with emoticons.

Short snippets of dialogue are _______________ with emoticons.

Circle the best answer to these questions.
1. There are certain situations where online communication is unavoidable ___ others where we opt
for virtual over real conversation.
a. but b. however c. also
2. One of the main benefits of online communication is that business meetings can take place via
videoconferencing, eliminating the need to travel for work. ___, it provides opportunities for long-
distance families and friends to keep in touch on a daily basis.
a. As a result b. Furthermore c. For example
3. Written online communication provides opportunities for long-distance families and friends to keep
in touch on a daily basis. ___ it gives us the option of responding either immediately or at a time
that suits us.
a. Another point is that b. As well as c. And
117
4. Some experts are concerned that a lack of face-to-face interaction impedes the development of
social skills ___ empathising and reacting to situations in real time.
a. and b. therefore c. such as
5. Online communication brings many advantages. ___, there are several significant drawbacks to
over-reliance on it.
a. Despite b. On the other hand c. Although
6. On balance, I believe that online communication brings us an overall advantage. ___, we should
take care not to overlook the benefits of engaging in face-to-face dialogue.
a. Another point is that b. However c. So
Discussion
Do you prefer online or face-to-face communication? Why?

Which type of communication do you think is more important in today’s world?
118
Writing skills practice: An invitation letter – exercises
Look at the exam question and model letter and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
1…….. changeable a. to become interested in an activity
2…….. a wilderness b. to give someone somewhere to sleep
sophisticated and having experience of people

3…….. to get into (something) c.
and things from different parts of the world
4…….. to take your time d. very modern and innovative
5…….. to be good company e. relaxed
6…….. deserted f. a wild, natural area
7…….. to put (somebody) up g. able to change quickly and unpredictably
8…….. laid-back h. (for a place) having no people in it
9…….. cosmopolitan i. to be friendly and entertaining
10…… cutting-edge j. to do something slowly or at your own pace
119
120
1. Check your writing: matching
Match the content points with the paragraphs and write a–e next to the numbers 1–5.
1…….. Paragraph 1 a. First content point (invite him/her to a public event in your country)
2…….. Paragraph 2 b. Second content point (describe the public event)
3…….. Paragraph 3 c. Third content point (explain about other plans you have)
4…….. Paragraph 4 d. Request for a reply
5…….. Paragraph 5 e. Opening greeting and small talk

Fill the gaps in the informal phrases with the correct words from the box. The phrases in brackets have the
same meaning but in a neutral style.
put us up thinking cool rush loads
Remember hang out lovely – (dash symbol)
1. _______________ you said ...? (= Do you remember you said ...?)
2. I was _______________ that you might like ... (= I was wondering if you would like ...)
3. It’s legendary _______________ the biggest, most cosmopolitan arts festival in the world! (= It’s
legendary. It's the biggest, most cosmopolitan arts festival in the world!)
4. There are _______________ of things ... (= There are a lot of things ...)
5. The city has a _______________ vibe. (= The city is attractive and fashionable.)
6. It’s _______________ to just _______________ and chat to people. (= It's pleasant to just spend
time with people and chat.)
7. I've got an aunt with a flat in the city centre who could _______________. (= My aunt lives in the
city centre. She could let us stay with her.)
8. There’s no _______________. (= I'm not in a hurry.)
121
Write a word from the letter to fill the gaps. The meaning and the paragraph number where the word can
be found are shown in brackets.
1. Her dress was rather _______________ but still looked good. (= not modern; paragraph 1)
2. The main star of the show is the _______________ singer, Bethany Mills. (= very famous and
respected; paragraph 3)
3. The diverse communities in the city give it a very _______________ atmosphere. (international
and sophisticated; paragraph 3)
4. This gallery has the most _______________ art exhibitions in town. (modern and innovative;
paragraph 3)
5. Most of my teachers are strict, except my English teacher – she's very _______________. (relaxed
in her approach; paragraph 3)
6. It’s normally warm, but the weather’s _______________ in spring. (= often changes quickly;
paragraph 4)
7. There are usually _______________ sunsets on this beach. (very beautiful; paragraph 4)
8. The best thing about the coastline is the number of _______________ beaches. (quiet, without
people; paragraph 4)

Complete the second sentence with a phrasal verb so that it has the same meaning as the first. You need
to add two words: a verb and a particle (either an adverb or a preposition).
1. My family can give you a bed for the night.

My family can _______________ you _______________.
2. In the evening we usually just relax in the park.

In the evening we usually just _______________ in the park.
3. He's just started learning Chinese, but he already really likes it.
He's just started learning Chinese, but he's really _______________ it.
4. They have a very good relationship.

They _______________ really well with each other.
5. Could you send me your reply by next Thursday?

Could you _______________ to me by next Thursday?
122
6. A lot of things are happening in the arts centre this week.
Lots of things are _______________ in the arts centre this week.
7. When are you going to visit us in the UK?

When are you going to _______________ to the UK to visit us?
8. After the match let's return home.

After the match let's _______________ home.
Discussion
Are there any events where you live which would attract tourists from abroad?
123
Writing skills practice: An invitation letter – writing practice
Write a letter to your friend who lives in another country. In your letter:
 invite him/her to a public event in your country

 describe the public event
 explain about other plans you have for your friend when he/she will visit.
Write at least 150 words.
124
Writing skills practice: Life skills essay – writing practice
125
Writing skills practice: Life skills essay – exercises
Look at the essay about life skills and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
Match the two parts of the phrase and write a–f next to the numbers 1–6.
1…….. life a. together
2…….. traditional school b. subjects
3…….. real c. skills
4…….. time d. world
5…….. working e. finances
6…….. managing f. management
126
127

Write the best option to complete the sentence.
1. ___________ there is a lot of debate about how to teach life skills.
a. Actually b. This day c. Nowadays
Some people say schools should teach life skills, ___________ others argue that young people
2.
can learn these skills at home.
a. on the other hand, b. whereas c. as well as
3. ___________, life skills are extremely important.
a. I say b. In my opinion c. Personally
4. Group projects teach students skills ___________ team working and time management.
a. that are b. as c. such as
There are many opportunities at school to improve how we work with other people. Learning to
5.
cook, ___________, needs more special resources and dedicated lessons.
a. on the other hand b. although c. but
6. ___________ that there is not enough time to teach life skills at school.
a. Some people argue b. Some people argues c. Some peoples argue
___________, there are arguments for and against teaching life skills in school, but I think on
7.
balance it is a good idea.
a. Conclusion b. To sum up c. Lastly
8. ___________ the benefits of learning life skills at school outweigh the disadvantages.
a. I believe in b. In my opinion c. Personally, I think
2. Check your writing: reordering

Write a number (1–4) to put these paragraphs in order.
…………. These days many schools are debating whether to include life skills as well as more traditional
subjects. Some people say this will prepare students better for the real world, whereas others
say it is not necessary.
…………. On the other hand, some people say there is already a lot to do at school and teachers and
students do not have any spare time. They argue that teaching cooking and other domestic
tasks like ironing at school would need a lot of time and resources. However, I think that, in
most cases, we can learn useful life skills at the same time as traditional subjects.
128
…………. In conclusion, I believe that schools should teach life skills at the same time as conventional
subjects as much as possible. This would be very beneficial in preparing students for adult life.
…………. Many people argue that teaching life skills at school is the best way to prepare students for
adult life. Skills such as managing finances, teamwork and organising time are essential for
the real world, and not everyone has the opportunity to learn these at home.

Complete the sentences with a word to fill the gap.
Nowadays some schools are changing the timetables they offer to include life skills as well
1.
_______________ more traditional subjects.
Some people say this will prepare students better for life in the real world, _______________
2.
others say it is not necessary.
3. In my _______________, school should prepare students for adult life.
Skills _______________ as managing finances, teamwork and organising time are essential for
4.
the real world.
5. Basic cooking is also fundamental when you are living _______________ your own.
I think we already learn many life skills at school while doing traditional subjects. For
6.
_______________, we learn teamworking skills by doing group projects.
On the _______________ hand, some people argue that there is no time for extra subjects at
7.
school and that life skills should be learnt at home.
To _______________ up, I believe that schools should teach life skills as well as conventional
8.
subjects.
Discussion
What do you think are the most useful things to learn at school? Does school prepare you well enough for
the real world?
129
Writing skills practice: Skyfall film review – writing practice
Choose a film you have seen and write your film review below.
130
Writing skills practice: Skyfall film review – exercises
Look at the review of Skyfall and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
Circle True or False for these sentences.
If you are writing a film review, you should write about a film that you have
1. True False
watched and can remember well.
2. You should give your opinion of the film. True False
You should mention basic information about the film such as the title, genre
3. True False
and actors' names.
4. You should say what happens in the film's ending. True False
You should talk about the acting, the music and the special effects and other
5. True False
individual aspects of the film.
6. You should tell readers whether you think the film is worth seeing. True False
131

Circle the best phrase to complete these sentences.
1. Skyfall is a musical / an action film / a comedy .
2. The film was produced / came out on DVD / came out in cinemas in 2012.
3. The main character is Daniel Craig / James Bond / Raoul Silva .
4. James Bond / Javier Bardem / Raoul Silva is an ex-spy who wants revenge.
There are scenes in / characters from / songs from Istanbul, Shanghai, Macau, London and
5.
Scotland.
6. The writer especially liked / didn’t really like / had no opinion about Javier Bardem’s performance.
The writer recommends Skyfall only to / especially to / to everybody except people who like
7.
action films.
8. The writer thinks the film is interesting / funny / exciting until the very end.
2. Check your writing: gap fill – film review vocabulary

Complete the gaps with a word from the box.
soundtrack role plot set
characters stars performance scene
1. The film Iron Man 3 _______________ Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man.
Voldemort in the Harry Potter films is played by English actor Ralph Fiennes. It was not an easy
2.
_______________ to play because he had to wear lots of make-up.
Jennifer Lawrence became a huge star after her excellent _______________ in The Hunger
3.
Games.
The Hunger Games _______________ contains some wonderful music and was produced by rock
4.
legend T-Bone Burnett.
5. Life is Beautiful is _______________ in Italy in 1939.
Looper has a very complicated _______________ involving time travel, and it is quite difficult to
6.
follow the story at some points.
7. Scriptwriters sometimes create _______________ who are based on people they have met.
8. In the opening _______________ of Skyfall, Bond accidentally gets shot by his partner.
132
3. Check your writing: gap fill – how to write a film review

Complete the gaps with a word from the box.
aspects plot paragraphs
recommendations opinion structure
A film review should be well organised with a clear 1_______________. One way of
doing this is to divide your review into four 2_______________.
The first paragraph can be quite short and contain your brief overall 3_______________
of the film. You will explain this opinion in later paragraphs. Also give some basic facts
like the names of the actors and the year of release.
The second paragraph can be a summary of the 4_______________, but make sure you
don’t give away the ending.
The third paragraph can be your opinion of various 5_______________ of the film such
as the acting, the music, the special effects and the script. You can praise or criticise
them.
The final paragraph should include your 6_______________. Should people watch this
film? Give reasons why or why not. You can also suggest who the film would most
appeal to, for example teenagers, people who like action films or fans of spy films.
Discussion
What films have you seen lately? What did you think of them?
133
Writing skills practice: An informal email or letter – writing practice
You are interested in an activity. Here are some ideas:
• skydiving • travelling or backpacking (where?)

• learning a language (which one?) • playing a musical instrument (which one?)
• photography • learning how to make a website
• another activity of your choice.
Your friend Chris is an expert in it, so you write an email to get his or her advice. Think of three questions
to ask or things you need to find out about it. Then write your email below.
134
135
Writing skills practice: An informal email or letter – exercises
Look at the email and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.
Preparation
1…….. no doubt a. to organise
2…….. to settle in b. to start something in a particular way
3…….. finals c. to feel relaxed in a new home or place
4…….. a fresher d. certainly; definitely
5…….. to set up e. a student in their first year of university
the exams students take at the end of a university

6…….. halls (of residence) f.
course
7…….. pretty much g. spoken with grammatical mistakes; not spoken fluently
8…….. to go about doing something h. student dormitories or accommodation
9…….. a year-abroad programme i. almost
broken (language), e.g. broken a scheme which sends university students to study at
10…….. j.
German a foreign university for a year
136
137
1. Check your understanding: true, false or not given
Read the sentences and answer 'true' if the information can be found in the text, 'false' if the information
says the opposite to the text or 'not given' if the information cannot be found in the text.
1. Dan’s in the second term of his first year at university.
a. True b. False c. Not given
2. The course is going as Dan expected.
3. This is the first time Dan has asked Ellie for advice on this issue.
4. Dan has been offered a placement in the same country that Ellie went to.
5. Dan can get by in a handful of languages.
6. Dan will need to sort out accommodation for his stay.
7. Dan is highly likely to get a scholarship or grant.
8. Dan gives some encouragement to Ellie about her final exams.
138
2. Check your understanding: matching
Match the words and phrases from the text with the definitions and write a–h next to the numbers 1–8.
1…….. at a high level of activity; fully in progress. a. to bombard someone with questions
2…….. on the whole; mainly b. out of the blue

3…….. unexpectedly c. by and large
to get information from someone who knows more

4…….. d. to pass with flying colours
about a certain topic
5…….. a particular skill or ability that someone has e. to pick someone’s brains
6…….. to ask lots of questions, one after the other f. down-to-earth
7…….. to pass with very high marks g. someone’s strong point
8…….. describes someone who is practical and reasonable h. in full swing

Complete the sentences with a word or phrase from the box.
bombarded her with

down-to-earth pick your brains strong point
questions
pass with flying colours out of the blue by and large was in full swing
1. When we got to the party it _______________. Everyone was there having an amazing time.
2. Ally really struggles with maths, but _______________ she’s doing OK in the rest of her subjects.
This morning I got a message _______________ from an old school friend. I haven’t seen him for
3.
years.
You know a lot about computers. I want to buy a new one. Can I _______________ about what to
4.
look for when I’m buying one?
Music is definitely not my brother’s _______________. I don’t know anyone else who always sings
5.
so out of tune!
6. As soon as the president finished her speech, the journalists _______________.
7. He’s worked so hard for his exams. I’m sure he’ll _______________.
I met a famous film star once. I thought he’d be a bit pretentious and arrogant but he was actually
8.
very _______________.
Discussion
Do you think it’s a good idea to study at a foreign university? Why or why not?
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27

Salutations and Signatures: use either of this format

● Dear Sir or Madam……. Yours faithfully

Suggested phrases to use

- I am writing to apply for the post/position of …

Some suggested phrases:

● I gained some experience while …

Some suggested phrases

● (If Dear surname) Yours sincerely,

3. Don’t use exclamation marks.

4. Your tone should be serious and respectful.

5. Keep to the word limit.

Features of an effective introduction

Attention-grabbing: Being the starting point of a discursive writing aimed at

Start indirectly: Candidates are recommended to start the introduction with an

2. Starting with set phrases:

Example: Nowadays + simple present tense

Nowadays, most people prefer urban life over rural life.

Example time fixers:

What should come after the introductory sentence?

Who has greater influence on 16 to 18 year-olds – parents or friends?

Use of internet by students

Using robots in household tasks

Is a car the ideal means of transport?

Transportation has always been the cornerstone of human activities. In this

What makes up the main body of an ESL article?

it is the development of ideas that matters, not the sheer number.

Building arguments made simple

Here follows a simple formula that can be applied in writing a topic

Topic sentence = topic + main point

Example 1: One chief argument in favour of building an airport is that it

Topic= building an airport

Main point = create job opportunities

Important points to consider

Example 2: However, there are too many disadvantages of mobile phones.

Example 3: However, one worrying disadvantage of mobile phone is that

Use linking word and phrases:

Since it is of extreme significance to show coherence between paragraphs,

1. In the first place, ....

Use opinion phrases

1. I firmly / vehemently / strongly believe...

The second paragraph (of the body)

Example: idea, notion, concept, sentiment (for general standpoints /beliefs) o

Support may also be presented in the form of a conditional sentence as shown

• If/when we build the airport, it will.... (first conditional)

It is a good idea to use a modifying word/phrase to show the strength of the

Candidates are highly encouraged to use powerful adverbs to strengthen the

The use of precise and powerful adjectives and adverbs in presenting

Building arguments in a nutshell

1) Topic sentence = opening phrase + opinion phrase + topic + main point .

2) Elaboration = modifying words / phrases + explanation of why/how

Example: It is as plain as a pikestaff that the significance and superiority of

3) Exemplification = example phrase/word + real life example

4) Outcome = consequence word/phrase + the result(s)

Example: As a matter of consequence, the task of upholding and reviving the

5) Concluding sentence = restating the topic sentence

Example: The domination of English certainly puts other languages at risk.

First paragraph of the main body (using chemicals in food production)

To begin with, it is my unwavering contention that using chemicals in food

As the name implies, the main objective of a conclusion is to conclude a

1. Paragraph 1: and

2. Paragraph 2: and

3. Paragraph 3: and

4. Paragraph 4: and