THE UNIVERSITY OF DA NANG

UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES

Compiled by Division of Language Skills

Danang 2019
 COURSE OUTLINE
Course Name: English Writing Skills C 1.2
No. of Credits: 3
Course Length: 45 periods/ 15 classes/ 15 weeks
Course Prerequisites: English Integrated Skills B2
Course Objectives:
This course provides students with the theory and practice of writing different types of letter
and essays at CEFR C1 level or level 5 of the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English
Proficiency. The course exposes students to model letters/essays and guided-to-free writing
activities, which introduces them to a range of writing techniques/skills focusing on layout,
register/style, cohesive devices, methods of development, supporting techniques in order to
write successfully at C1 level. Also, reviewing techniques/guidelines are introduced throughout
the units to step by step improve students’ writing skills.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this course, learners will be able to
- RECOGNIZE the layout, register, methods of development, supporting techniques,
cohesive devices used in model letters/essays;
- WRITE a letter at C1 level using appropriate layout, register, conventional structures
and cohesive devices;
- COMPOSE a well-structured essay at C1 level using appropriate methods of
development, supporting techniques, cohesive devices and a wide range of
language/structures;
- REVISE a piece of writing using the theory learned and self/peer reviewing
techniques/guidelines.
Teaching and Learning modes
Teachers are expected to assist students’ development of English writing skills via interactive
and collaborative activities. Learners are to work in pairs/groups analysing the sample writing
to familiarise themselves with the layout/structure as well as the writing style and language of a
piece of writing. Learners are also encouraged to get actively engaged in guided writing
activities, oral preparation, free writing and peer review to develop writing competence, critical
thinking and team work skills.
Course Assessment
 On-going Assessment 50%
o Attendance and In-class participation 10%
o Writing portfolio 10%
o Mid-term Test 30%
o End-of-term Assessment (Final Written Test) 50%
 INTRODUCTION
English Writing Skills C1.2 is designed to develop students’ English writing skills at level 5 as
characterised in the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency. This intensive skill-
focused course book aims to give students exposure to a series of sample letters and essays as
well as guided writing activities which assist them in using appropriate layout, register and
language in a letter or an essay. Students are also provided opportunities to practise using a
range of cohesive devices, methods of development and supporting techniques to produce a
well-structured, coherent and fully-developed piece of work.

English writing skills C1.2 is a task-based course book consisting of three parts: Letter writing,
Essay writing and Revision and Practice Tests. In the first part, each unit begins with a listening
activity to get students exposed to a sample letter. The layout and useful language for letter
opening and closing as well as other language functions are also provided. Students are required
to work in pairs/groups to do a series of guided writing activities, which enables them to step by
step develop letter writing skills and produce a letter using appropriate layout, register, style
and language. The second part – essay writing - provides students with theory about writing
different kinds of essays and guided-to-free writing tasks. These task-based activities aim to
develop students’ writing skills in terms of text organization, idea development, using
appropriate supporting techniques and methods of development as well as using cohesive
devices to achieve coherence. The error correction tasks raise students’ awareness of common
mistakes in writing such as spelling, capital letters and punctuation, organization, link words
etc., which improves learners’ overall writing skills. The final part is devoted to practice tests,
which prepares students for the final exam.

English writing skills C1.2 encourages interactive and collaborative learning. Therefore,
students are expected to take an active part in all stages from analysing the sample writing,
doing guided writing tasks to free writing and peer review. Hopefully, this course book will be a
useful guide for successful English writing.

Division of Language Skills

Introduction to Formal and Informal Letter ………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Lesson A: Informal (Friendly) Letters – Giving News ……………………………………………………………… 10

Lesson B: Asking for / Giving Advice ……………………………………………………………………………………… 12

Lesson C: Letters of Complaint ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

Lesson D: Letters of Apology ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17

Lesson E: Letters of Invitation ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Lesson F: Letters of Application ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 22

PART 2: ESSAY WRITING ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Unit 1: Advantages and disadvantages essays 1: Living abroad …………………………………………… 26

Unit 2: Problem and solution essays 1: Education and teaching ……………………………………………. 38

Unit 3: Opinion essays 1: Crime ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 50

Unit 4: Advantages and disadvantages 2: Work …………………………………………………………………….. 62

Unit 5: Problem and solution essays 2: Cities …………………………………………………………………………. 74

Unit 6: Opinion essays 1: Running a business ………………………………………………………………………… 86

PART 3: REVISION AND PRACTICE TESTS ……………………………………………………………………………… 97

REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 101

6
 PART 1

LETTER WRITING

7
 INTRODUCTION TO
FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTERS

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
 PART 2

ESSAY WRITING

25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
 PART 3

REVISION
PRACTICE TESTS

97
 PRACTICE TEST 1
Task 1: You should spend 20 minutes on this task.

You have recently ordered an item through the internet, but are not happy with the purchase.

Write to the company. In your letter, describe what you purchased, explained why you are not
happy with the purchase and tell them what you would like them to do about the situation.

You should write at least 120 words. You do not need to include your name and address.

Task 2: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In the past, people usually stayed in one place throughout their life. These days, people often
move around and live in several different places in their lifetime. What are the advantages and
disadvantages living in many different places.

You should write at least 250 words.

98
 PRACTICE TEST 2
Task 1: You should spend 20 minutes on this task.

You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum
shop during the holidays. You have decided to apply for the job.

Write a letter to the director of the museum. In your letter, introduce yourself, explain what
experience and special skills you have and explain why you are interested in the job.

You should write at least 120 words.

Task 2: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that children’s leisure activities must be educational. Otherwise, they are
a complete waste of time.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

You should write at least 250 words.

99
 PRACTICE TEST 3
Task 1: You should spend 20 minutes on this task.

You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your
manager about this.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter, explain why you want to take time off work, give
details of the amount of time you need and suggest how your work could be covered why you
are away.

You should write at least 120 words.

Task 2: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Global litter is an ongoing concern which many nations have to deal with. What are the
consenquences of this fact and what can be done to reduce global litter?

You should write at least 250 words.

100
 REFERENCES
1. Evans, V. (1998) Successful Writing, Upper-intermediate. Express Publishing.
2. Brown, R. & Richards, L. (2011). IELTS Advantage-Writing Skills. Delta Publishing
Company.

101