Ekran Resmi 2024-10-31 - 21.22.55

Content Page
Chapter 1 Introduction to Writing page 1

1.1 Basic Sentence Structure
(allocated time: 1.2 Types of Sentences
2 hrs. max. each 1.3 Parts of Speech
week) 1.4 Word Order
Chapter 2 How to Write a Paragraph page 11

2.1 Parts of a Paragraph
(allocated time: 2.2 Advantage / Disadvantage Paragraph
3 hrs. max. each
week)
Chapter 3 Integrated Writing page 23
3.1 Summarizing a Talk
(allocated time:
3 hrs. max. each
week)
Chapter 4 How to Write an Essay I page 28
4.1 Parts of an Essay
(allocated time: 4.2 Advantage and/or Disadvantage Essay
3 hrs. max. each 4.3 Opinion Essay
week) 4.4 Cause and/or Effect Essay
Chapter 5 Graph Interpretation page 57

5.1 Bar Charts and Pie Charts
(allocated time: 5.2 Tables and Line Graphs
3 hrs. max. each 5.3 Extended Graph Interpretation
week)
Chapter 6 How to Write a Report page 73
6.1 Report Writing
(allocated time:
3 hrs. max. each
week)
Chapter 7 How to Write an Essay II (for P3 only) page 80
7.1 Problem and Solution Essay
(allocated time:
3 hrs. max. each
week)
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Writing
1.1 Basic Sentence Structure
In English, sentences usually have a simple structure: subject + verb +
object (S+V+O)
Subject is a person, a place or a thing. It can be a noun, a noun phrase, or
a pronoun. It usually starts the sentence.
- Jake works at a language school. (noun)
- Her name is Jane. (noun phrase)
- They have a flat in London. (pronoun)
In imperatives, the subject is always ‘you’, but we don’t write it.
- Open your books.
- Listen to the recording.
- Don’t forget your passport.
- Don’t wait for me.
Verb is an action or a state. It comes after the subject.
- He is very young. (state)
- My new glasses are very good. (state)
- Help me with my suitcase, please. (action)
- People follow him in the street. (action)
- Sometimes I don’t cook. (action)
Object is also a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun (like subject). It comes
after the verb.
- Becca has two cats. (noun phrase)
- Dave makes pasta and ice cream for lunch. (noun phrase)
- I sometimes help her. (pronoun)
- The paparazzi follow Doug’s children and take photographs. (noun phrase & noun)
Some verbs don’t have an object. They have words to express time,
place, or some additional information. These words are called ‘the
complement’. It usually starts with a preposition. The complement of a
sentence completes the meaning of the subject and the verb.
- She only sleeps for four hours a night. (time)
- The bus arrives at 10:00 p.m. (time)
- I often walk to school. (place)
- My husband runs in the park every morning. (place + time)
- I often walk to school with my sister. (place + additional info)
EXERCISE I – Underline subject, verb and object in the sentences

below and write S for the subject, V for verb, O for the object.
1) We want pizza for lunch.

2) My son’s name is Ryan.
3) Some people work at weekends.
4) Dan has tea for breakfast.
5) People from all over the world live in the UK.
6) Mark doesn’t watch TV in the evening.
7) My boyfriend cooks fantastic curries.
8) I don’t know her name.
EXERCISE II – Put the words in the correct order to make

meaningful sentences.
1) she / usually / in the morning / yoga / practices.
2) they / to school / every day / walk.
3) my dog / the park / loves / chasing squirrels / in.
4) I / with my friends / play / video games / on Saturdays.
5) He / homework / in the evening / does / his.
EXERCISE III – Put the words in the correct order to make

negative sentences.
1) not / Maria / does / homework / her / do
2) their / to / do / not / school / go / children
3) their / do / the / dogs / not / they / every / morning / walk
4) always / not / my / mother / breakfast / cooks
5) every / arrive / time / class / does / on / not / he
6) weekend / travel / do / every / friends / my / not
EXERCISE IV – Put the words in the correct order to make
questions.
1) eat / food / you / do / healthy?
2) play / does / games / son / computer / your?
3) go / does / to / the / park / on / Sunday / Peter?
4) does / when / usually / he / go / to / the / park?
5) she / does /every / eat /what / day?
6) does / when / play / she / the / piano?
7) do / what / you / read / kind / of / books?
8) to / he / why / school / walk / does / every / day?
1.2 Types of Sentences

In English, there are three types of sentences: simple, compound and
complex sentences.
must have two parts, a subject and a verb. Most English
Simple Sentences
sentences have three parts. We call the third part of a sentence the
complement (C). It can be the object and/or words to express time,
place, or additional information.
- Birds fly. (S+V)
- I know her address. (S+V+C) Complement is the object (her address).
- I live in Adana. (S+V+C) Complement is a place (in Adana).
- My father works at night. (S+V+C) Complement is time (at night).
- I play computer games in the evening. (S+V+C) Complement includes the object (computer games) and time
(in the evening).
- I play computer games at home in the evening. (S+V+C) Complement includes the object (computer games),
place (at home), and time (in the evening).
- In the evening, I play computer games at home. (Time expression can be at the beginning.)
- I play computer games in the evenings at home. (Time and place expressions can change place.)
Simple sentences are important for making clear points. Be careful - if

you only use simple sentences in your writing, you don’t add much
detail, so your reader can lose interest.
Compound Sentences have more than one verb. We use connectors to connect
them. Most common connectors are ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’ and ‘so’.
- Mary and Samantha are lawyers, and they love their job. (two similar ideas - and)
- I drink a cup of coffee in the mornings, but I have herbal tea in the evenings. (two different ideas - but)
- Rick meets his friends, or he spends time with family members at the weekend. (two possibilities - or)
- I really want to learn another language, so I study hard. (result of something - so)
In these sentences ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’, and ‘so’ are connectors. Compound
sentences have two independent clauses. Notice that we put a comma (,)
between the clauses before these connectors.
EXERCISE I- Use ‘and’ / ‘but’/ ‘or’ / ‘so’ to connect simple

sentences below
1) My family and I go camping every summer. We always spend a nice
time together.
_________________________________________________________
_______.
2) Andy loves classical music. He doesn’t like rock music.
__________________________________________________________
______.
3) Lin goes for a walk at 8 o’clock. She starts yoga classes at 8 o’clock.
_________________________________________________________
_______.
4) Meg has a nice job. Her sister doesn’t work.
_________________________________________________________
_______.
5) The weather is quite cold. I do not want to go out.
__________________________________________________________
______.
also include two clauses. One of them is an independent

Complex Sentences
clause (it has S+V and it makes sense on its own.) The other one is a
dependent clause (it has S+V but it doesn’t make complete sense on its
own).
- I usually take my umbrella with me because It rains here a lot.
- Because it rains here a lot, I usually take my umbrella with me.
Here, I usually take my umbrella with me is the independent clause. It
has a complete meaning or thought.
because it rains here a lot: does not have a complete meaning or
thought. So, we call it a dependent clause.
- When I am at a meeting, I keep my mobile in silent mode.

- I keep my mobile in silent mode when I am at a meeting.
When I am at a meeting: dependent clause
I keep my mobile in silent mode: independent clause
Notice that ‘When/ because…’ can go at the beginning or in the middle
of a sentence. We put a comma (,) when we start with the dependent
clause.
The table below shows some examples (connectors/conjunctions), their
purpose and how we can use them. Notice the use of commas (,).
Connector /Conjunction Purpose Example
because showing -I need to learn a foreign language because I work for an
reason international company.
when /*after/ *before/ until/ time - When Jane finishes her work, she relaxes in her garden. /Jane
relaxes in her garden when she finishes her work
*after and before show which - After I read a book, I go to bed. / I go to bed after I read a
action happens first and which book. (first action: I read a book)
action happens next/later - Before I go to bed, I read a book / I read a book before I go to
bed. (later action: I go to bed)
- My children play in the park until it gets dark. / Until it gets
dark, my children play in the park.
Notice that because, after, before, until, when can go at the beginning
or in the middle of a sentence. You can write similar sentences with
after / before. But be careful, we use after with the first action, we use
before with the later action.
EXERCISE II- Fill in the blanks using the words in the table. Use
each of them only ONCE.
when before because after until
but
Spring and summer are Janet’s favourite seasons. 1. _______ it is springtime, she gets really happy.
During spring months, she enjoys the flowers and the warmer weather. She often goes to the park, 2.
_______ sometimes it rains, so she stays home.
When summer arrives, Janet feels quite energetic. 3.________ she packs her beach bag; she goes to the
coast. 4._________ she loves the sun, beach, and swimming. She spends her days there. She never forgets
her sunscreen. She always puts it on 5. ________ she goes to the beach. She feels free and relaxed at the
beach. 6. _________ the sun sets, she enjoys every minute. Memories in spring and summer are
unforgettable for Janet.
EXERCISE III- Combine the sentences using the words in

brackets. Be careful with the punctuation.
1. My room is messy. I hardly ever tidy it. (because)
__________________________________________________________
_________________________.
2. Tina finishes all her money. She can do shopping. (until)
__________________________________________________________
_________________________.
3. You share your experiences with others. You join different social clubs. (when)
_________________________________________________________
__________________________.
4. Turn off your phone. You start an important meeting. (before)
_________________________________________________________
__________________________.
5. I can lend you the book. I read it. (after)
_________________________________________________________
__________________________.
6. You can use your tickets on a different day. In bad weather the theatre can cancel a performance. (but)
__________________________________________________________
________________________.
7. Marian thinks she is successful. She plans her work very well. (because)
_________________________________________________________
__________________________.
8. Jane stops eating. It is 7 p.m. (before)
_________________________________________________________
_________________________.
9. I double-check my work. Then, I submit it. (after)
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
10. You are the brother or sister of a famous person. Life can be difficult. (when)
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
1.3 Parts of Speech

Words have different functions in a sentence. Details are as
follows:
Parts of Speech Usage Example
Noun It names a person, a place or a thing. Mary is beautiful.
It can be the subject or object of a Freedom is very important.
sentence. I have two sisters.
Pronoun We use it instead of a noun. I live in Adana. It is a big city.
My mother is 52. I love her.
Adjective It describes a noun. It is used before a I like big houses.
noun or after to be. I live with my family.
My hometown is small and friendly.
Determiner It limits a noun. It is used before a There are ten students in the class today.
noun. Look at that girl over there!
I need some eggs.
She is a doctor.
Verb It describes an action or a state. It is Birds fly.
used after the subject. He is a student.
It rains a lot here.
Adverb It describes a verb, an adjective or an She sometimes does sports.
adverb. It is used before/after verbs, It isn’t very expensive.
before adjectives or another adverb. He speaks slowly.
He speaks really slowly.
Preposition It links a noun and another word. I am from Türkiye.
We don’t go to school at weekends.
I usually go on holiday in August.
Conjunction It joins sentences, clauses, phrases I want a coffee and a cookie.
and single words. I start work at 8:30 and have a break at 10:30.
My husband is away a lot, but we speak on the
phone every day.
I have a fantastic life because I love my job.
After breakfast, I answer my emails.
EXERCISE I – Write the part of speech (noun, pronoun, adjective,

determiner, verb, adverb, preposition, or conjunction) for the
underlined words next to the sentences.
1) How are you? _______________________
2) See you later, Matt. _______________________
3) She is in my salsa class. _______________________
4) Slow down and listen to the city. _______________________
5) My garden is small, but I have flowers and vegetables in it.
_______________________
6) The people are nice and friendly. _______________________
7) The shops are great. _______________________
8) He’s happy with his life. _______________________
9) I see the world of famous people from the outside.
_______________________
10) My meetings usually start at 8:30. _______________________
11) I spend a lot of time with my son. _______________________
12) 34% of American teenagers eat fast food at least once a day.
_______________________
13) 25% of American teenagers never do sport or exercise.
_______________________
14) My work starts in the evening. _______________________
15) When I get home, I have a cup of tea, brush my teeth and say,
‘Thank you for this wonderful life.’ __________
16) My mum is a really good cook. _______________________
17) My mum is a really good cook – she always makes things we like.
_______________________
18) I don’t watch football or other sports. _______________________
EXERCISE II – Fill in the blanks with the appropriate nouns,

verbs, adjectives, or adverbs from the word bank.
1) The _____ (adjective) cat _____ (verb) on the _____ (noun).
Word bank: fluffy, jumps, table, sits, soft
2) She _____ (verb) the _____ (adjective) book _____ (adverb).
Word bank: reads, interesting, quietly, colourful
3) _____ (noun) _____ (verb) very _____ (adverb).
Word bank: cars, drive, fast, bikes, move, slowly
4) A _____ (adjective) bird _____ (verb) over the _____ (noun).
Word bank: blue, flies, tree, sings, sky
5) My _____ (adjective) friend _____ (verb) in/for a/an _____ (noun).
Word bank: best, works, car company, shop
6) The _____ (noun) _____ (verb) _____ (adjective) today.
Word bank: weather, sunny, is, cold

1.4 Word Order
Affirmative (Positive) Sentences:
In English, the word order is Subject + Verb + Complement (S+V+C).
You cannot change their places. The subject includes nouns (e.g.
Susan), noun phrases (e.g. the book, a nice girl), or pronouns (you, she).
The verb is the state or action (e.g. like, hear). The complement can
include more than one thing: It can be the object (a noun, a noun phrase,
or a pronoun. It can also include time phrases (e.g. in 2027, on Sunday)
and/or places (e.g. at home, to the station) or another prepositional
phrase (e.g. with her parents, about the book).
Look at the chart on page 6. Each part of speech has its own place in a
sentence, too. You cannot change their places.
EXERCISE I – Find the missing parts of speech in the sentences
and complete them.
1) Big cities noisy.
2) Sometimes I late for school.
3) Some people ride bicycles. They are.
4) When it rains, people in their houses.
5) The shops usually at 8:00 in the morning.
6) This is a very car. It can 340 km an hour.
7) I eat in the morning.
8) It is difficult book.
EXERCISE II – Write adjectives or determiners to describe the
nouns in the following sentences.
1) I have a friend.
2) My mother cooks food.
3) Smartphones are.
4) Some students are but some students are.
5) Adana is.
6) I love food.
7) My friend likes t-shirts.
8) The man lives in a flat.
EXERCISE III – Add verbs to the following sentences.
1) We our grandparents every summer.
2) In my free time, I the Internet.
3) My department engineering.
4) My best friend two sisters.
5) Isabel French.
6) Whales in the ocean.
7) My brother football.
8) I want for lunch.
Negative Sentences:
When you make a negative sentence, you need to add ‘not’ to the
auxiliary verb. The word order is the same: Subject + Verb +
Complement (S+V+C). You need to be careful about the different
tenses. Each tense has its own verb phrase. Let’s have a look at different
tenses:
Simple Present Tense
A lot of TV programmes aren’t educational.
I don’t like fish and chips.
Present Continuous Tense

I am not looking for a job at the moment.
She isn’t studying history.
They aren’t staying with their parents.
Simple Past Tense

I wasn’t in class yesterday.
We didn’t watch the news last night.
My brother didn’t go to London last week.
EXERCISE IV – Make negative sentences.
1) I’m French, but (from Paris)
__________________________________________________________
_____.
2) Ann is at work, but (in her office)
__________________________________________________________
_.
3) The train stops at Bristol. (Cardiff)
__________________________________________________________
.
4) I like jazz. (pop music)
__________________________________________________________
__________.
5) The children play football on Mondays. (tennis)
________________________________________________.
6) It’s cold, but (rain; now)
__________________________________________________________
_________.
7) I have a lot of problems, so (sleep; these days)
_______________________________________________.
8) Beth and Mike are on holiday, but (have a good time)
____________________________________________.
9) Jen and I knew her address. (phone number)
____________________________________________________.
10) My roommate ate the vegetables. (the meat)
______________________________________________________.
Questions:
There are two types of questions in English, yes/no questions and wh-
questions. The word order is different. Questions start with an auxiliary
verb or a question word, so the word order is:
(Question word) + auxiliary verb + Subject + Verb + Complement
Simple Present Tense
Is your father at home?
Where are my car keys?
Do your parents work at weekends?
What does your best friend do in her/his free time?
Present Continuous Tense
Is it raining?
Who are you talking to/with?
Simple Past Tense

Were you in class yesterday?
How did you go to school last week?
EXERCISE V – Ask follow-up questions using the words in

brackets.
1) Bill isn’t German. (Scottish)
__________________________________________________________
___?
2) Her car isn’t black. (What colour)
_________________________________________________________?
3) She speaks Spanish. (Italian)
__________________________________________________________
___?
4) I like listening to music. (What kind)
_______________________________________________________?
5) Aslı doesn’t live in Adana. (Where)
________________________________________________________?
6) Aslı doesn’t live in Adana. (Mersin)
________________________________________________________?
7) You liked the book. (the film)
__________________________________________________________
___?
8) Sarah went on holiday. (Where)
__________________________________________________________
__?
9) Sarah went on holiday. (Who; with)
_________________________________________________________?
10) Sarah went on holiday. (What; do)
_________________________________________________________?
Chapter 2 – How to Write a Paragraph

2.1 Parts of a Paragraph
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Most
paragraphs follow a certain format. A well-written paragraph has three
basic parts: a topic sentence, several supporting sentences and a
concluding sentence.
Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is often (but not always), the first sentence in the
paragraph. It states the main idea and introduces the topic to the reader.
Remember the topic sentence must have a subject and a verb.
A good topic sentence has two parts: the topic and the controlling idea.
The topic states the subject of the paragraph. It is what the paragraph is
about. The controlling idea limits the topic. It tells what you are going
to say about the subject. Look at the examples below:
a. Cell phones make communication much easier.
Topic Controlling Idea
b. Cell phones are an important invention.
Topic Controlling Idea
Take, for example, the general topic of football. Because there are so
many things to say about football, you can’t put it all into one single
paragraph. So, you need to limit your paragraph to a single idea. This
single idea must be clear in your topic sentence.
EXERCISE I- Look at the paragraphs below. The topic of these two
paragraphs is football. Underline the controlling idea in each
sentence.
Paragraph 1:
Football is a very popular sport in our country. There are a lot of football clubs, and the most
important ones are Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Fenerbahçe. In addition to these, there are local football clubs
almost in each city. Football is popular because people like both watching and playing it with their friends.
Today, six out of ten people support one football club.
Paragraph 2:
Football is dangerous for several reasons. First of all, sometimes players do not obey the rules. They
want to win the match, and start playing violently. They hit, trip or kick each other. Also, football fans
sometimes get too excited or angry. They throw some objects, such as bottles and eggs, onto the pitch.
They attack the fans of the other team. As a result of this, some football fans get injured and go to hospital
at the end of a 90-minute match.
EXERCISE II- Draw a circle around the topic and underline the
controlling idea in each sentence.
1) Written exams make me nervous.
2) Colours have different meanings around the world.
3) The computer is the greatest invention.
EXERCISE III- Choose the best topic sentence for each paragraph.
1) _____________________________. I usually go skiing every
weekend in the winter even though it is expensive. I love the feeling of
going down a mountain. The views are beautiful from the top of a
mountain and along the trails. Even the danger of falling and getting
hurt can’t keep me away from the slopes on a winter day. In short, I
have a strong desire to ski.
a) Skiing is expensive.
b) Skiing is my favourite sport.
c) Skiing is dangerous.
2) ________________________________. North Americans send cards

for many occasions. They send cards to family and friends on birthdays
and holidays. They also send thank-you cards, get-well cards,
graduation cards, and congratulation cards. It is very common to buy
cards in stores and send them through the mail, but sending e-cards over
the internet is also popular.
a) Sending cards is very popular in North America.
b) Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.
c) It is important to send thank-you cards.
3) ________________________________. Firstly, reading keeps our

minds young, healthy, and sharp because it develops the memory
muscles in the brain. In addition, reading develops the imagination and
allows us to dream. For example, if the story in a book takes place in a
jungle or on an island, we have a chance to experience the lives in these
places. Reading can also help improve vocabulary. According to a paper
from Harvard University, when people read a lot, they have a higher
vocabulary and people listen to them more seriously in a work setting.
To sum up, being a good reader takes time but it is worth it.
a) Reading has a lot of advantages.
b) Some people think reading is healthy.
c) I read adventure books.
EXERCISE IV- Write a topic sentence for each paragraph.

1) ___________________________________. It is always sunny and
warm. The beaches are gorgeous with soft white sand and beautiful
water. There are many fine restaurants in the Miami area, and most of
the hotels offer terrific nightly entertainment. As a result, Miami is my
first choice for a vacation destination.
2) ___________________________________. For one thing, feathers
keep birds warm and dry. Colourful feathers also play an important part
in attracting mates. In addition, the colours of a bird’s feathers can
provide camouflage and protect it from predators. Finally, the main
purpose of feathers is to help birds fly. In short, bird feathers have
several functions.
EXERCISE V- Imagine that your teacher has asked you to write a

paragraph about the following topics: movies and computers. Think
of two different topic sentences for each topic. Each topic sentence
should focus on the topic in a different way.
Movies Computers
1)______________________________________ 1)______________________________________
2)______________________________________ 2)______________________________________
Supporting Sentences
The supporting sentences follow the topic sentence. Supporting
sentences can give examples, and/or include facts, explanations or
reasons. After writing the topic sentence, we need to write at least two
major supporting ideas. The major supporting sentences should
continue with minor supporting sentences. A minor supporting
sentence means details about the major supporting sentence. Look at the
paragraph below:
I believe that wearing a school uniform should be compulsory at high school. First of all, it saves
time. Wearing a uniform also saves money. Most importantly, wearing a uniform makes students feel that
they are students. In conclusion, wearing a school uniform is good for both the student and the society.
There are three major ideas in this paragraph, but they don’t include any
details. This paragraph lacks coherence. Now, look at the following
paragraph with the same major ideas. Is it better than the previous one?
Why?
I believe that wearing a school uniform should be compulsory at high school. First of all, it saves
time. Students do not waste time choosing what to wear every day. They can wear their uniforms and
leave home quickly in the mornings. Wearing a uniform also saves money. It is cheaper to buy a uniform
than to go out and buy lots of clothes for school. Most importantly, wearing a uniform makes students feel
that they are students. They feel that they are a part of a community. In conclusion, wearing a school
uniform is good for both the student and the society.
The second paragraph is better because it gives details (minor supports)
about each major idea. See the sentences in bold.
EXERCISE VI- Read the following paragraphs and underline the
major and minor supporting sentences.
I hate my apartment for many reasons. First of all, the windows are small and the apartment is never
sunny. I also have noisy neighbours and I stay awake during the night. In addition, the air conditioner
doesn’t work properly, so it’s too hot in summer. Finally, there are a lot of bugs in my apartment. I really
want to move!
Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system.
All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard
of education. For example, well-trained teachers work at schools and students are motivated to continue
studying at university. Finally, cities in Canada are very clean. There are many parks and a lot of space for
people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
If you write at least three major supporting sentences and you cannot
write a minor supporting sentence for one of them, it does not create a
problem, but you should be careful about the word limit (minimum 120
words).
EXERCISE VII- Write three major supporting sentences for each

topic sentence.
1) I am learning English for many reasons.
a.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
b.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
c.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
2) My hometown is an interesting (or boring) place.
a.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
b.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
c.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
3) Social networking sites have a lot of benefits.
a.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
b.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
c.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
4) Life in a city is better than life in the country.
a.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
b.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
c.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
EXERCISE VIII- Read the following topic sentences and major

supports and write minor supports for each.
1) Topic sentence: People should consider joining a health club.
Major support: Health clubs give members an opportunity to exercise and socialize at the same time.
Minor support:
______________________________________________________
____.
2) Topic sentence: Mobile phones allow parents to stay in better contact with children.
Major support: If his/her phone is turned on, parents can reach their
children at any time.
Minor support:
______________________________________________________
____.
3) Topic sentence: I will never forget my childhood home.
Major support: The house had a large entrance with a spiral
staircase in the centre.
Minor support:
______________________________________________________
____.
4) Topic sentence: Fruit and vegetables are important parts of a

healthy diet.
Major support: Many experts say that nutrients in fruit and
vegetables can help fight diseases.
Minor support:
______________________________________________________
____.
Concluding Sentence
The concluding sentence often repeats the information in the topic
sentence in a different way. Sometimes the concluding sentence offers a
prediction, a request or a warning. Some other concluding sentences
summarize the major supporting ideas.
EXERCISE IX- Read the following paragraph and underline the
concluding sentence.
Turkey is a popular destination for tourists because of many reasons. First of all, it has a huge variety
of nature. There are many different mountain ranges such as Kaçkar Mountains. There are also beautiful
beaches on the west and south coasts. The second reason is that Turkey has a lot of historical sites. In
Istanbul, for example, there is Hagia Sophia. It is a very famous holy place from the time of the Byzantine
Empire. Finally, Turkey is also famous for its rich and healthy food. Kebab is one of the most popular foods
but there are also many different delicious meals in Turkey. To sum up, if you want beautiful beaches,
ancient history or great food, you find them in Turkey.
EXERCISE X- Choose the best concluding sentence for each

paragraph.
1) My brother Sam is a bad driver. Firstly, he usually talks on his cell
phone while he drives. Secondly, he doesn’t pay attention to road signs
or speed limits. Sometimes, he eats something while he’s at a red light
and doesn’t notice when the lights turn green. Finally, he often forgets
to use his turn signal when he’s making a turn. ___________________.
a) I am not surprised if Sam has an accident soon.
b) Sam never forgets a speeding ticket.
c) Sam’s new car is a hybrid; it uses very little gas.
2) Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. To start with, you
need energy to start the day and breakfast gives your body energy. In
addition, eating a healthy breakfast helps you think more clearly and
even improves your memory. Studies show that when children eat a
nutritious breakfast, they become more careful and do better in school.
Similarly, adults perform better at work if they eat breakfast.
___________________________________________.
a) Some people skip breakfast and eat a big dinner.
b) If children have a big breakfast, they usually do better in school.
c) So, we shouldn’t start the day without a good breakfast.
EXERCISE XI- Write a concluding sentence for each paragraph.

1) There are three good options for travelling between Rome and Paris.
The fastest way is by plane. But flying can be a little expensive at
certain times in a year because there aren’t enough discounted tickets.
The second way is by train. Many tourists prefer the train because the
train fare is not so expensive and the service is good. Finally, many
people take a bus. The bus is the cheapest of the three options, but it
takes up to 22 hours. ___________________________.
2) I don’t like wearing my school uniform for many reasons. For one
thing, I don’t like the style of the uniform. The navy blazer and plaid
skirt are too conservative for me. Secondly, the uniform isn’t
comfortable. I prefer to wear comfortable pants and a sweater, not a
skirt and jacket. Finally, I want to be free to choose my own style of
dressing. ____________________.
3) I prefer jogging for many reasons. One reason is that jogging is a cheap sport. I can practise it anywhere without a
ball or any other equipment. Another reason is that it is good for my health. For instance, it develops muscles in the
body and strengthens the bones. Also, according to research in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology,
jogging reduces the risk of dying early. Finally, I prefer this sport because it is safe. It isn’t risky like racing or riding.
__________________________.
Elements of a Good Paragraph

Unity
In a good paragraph, all the sentences support the main idea so that the
paragraph has unity. Unity is an important element in writing a well-
organized paragraph. To achieve unity, the paragraph should have a
single focus. If a sentence does not support the main idea of the
paragraph, it is called an irrelevant sentence. It means that this sentence
does not belong to the paragraph.
EXERCISE XII- Read the paragraphs below and underline the
irrelevant sentences in the following paragraphs.
Paragraph 1
There are ways to reduce the spread of pandemics. First thing you can do is to wash your hands after
you touch things. Wash your hands with soaps for 20 seconds. Secondly, you can wear a mask or cover
your mouth and nose with a cloth. Some people think it can be harmful to wear a mask. Many people do
not feel sick when they carry a virus, so you may not know that you have it. Therefore, it is a good idea to
cover your nose and mouth to avoid spreading the virus to other people. Next, you can clean the surfaces
before you touch them. For example, you can clean the phones, laptops and tables frequently. Finally, when
there is a pandemic, it is necessary to avoid close contact with people. The best thing to do is to stay at
home as much as possible. In conclusion, you can do many things to reduce the spread of global illnesses.
(161 words)
Paragraph 2
I like travelling abroad because of several reasons. Firstly, I meet different people when I go to
different countries. I make friends and learn new things from them. Next, I like going abroad because
experiences are always better than pictures. When I go to a different country, I can smell the street, taste
local food and experience living in a particular place. I can use the public transportation like local people
do and eat food from street sellers. Finally, I can practise a foreign language when I am abroad. When I go
abroad, I can talk to people all day by asking for directions, ordering food at a restaurant and talking to
shop assistants. Also, I can improve my listening skills using online sources. In conclusion, I enjoy
travelling abroad because I can make friends, experience things and improve a foreign language. (141
words)
Coherence
Another element of a good paragraph is coherence. Coherence means
establishing a relationship between the ideas in the paragraph. You can
use transition words to show how one is related to the next.
Listing: First of all, First / Firstly, Second / Secondly, Third / Thirdly, Finally, Lastly, Next, Then, Also, In
addition, etc.
Illustration: For example, For instance, To illustrate etc.
Conclusion: To conclude, In conclusion, To sum up, In summary, All in all, etc.
Here is an example paragraph:

Social media has a good impact on society. Firstly, it helps us communicate with our loved ones
easily. When we don’t have enough time to go and visit our family or friends, we can make a video call
using a social media app and see them. For example, we can make video calls using Skype or WhatsApp.
Secondly, it is possible to learn a lot of things about people using social media. To illustrate, we can check
people’s Facebook or Instagram accounts and learn what kind of people they are. We can learn about their
personalities, hobbies and their friends. Finally, social media is a great source of knowledge. Because
many social media sites have many users, they spread information more rapidly than the official media.
For instance, we can learn about the latest news when we use Twitter. In conclusion, social media has
many positive effects on us. (149 words)
EXERCISE XIII- Underline the transition words and replace them

with some other linkers.
Using credit cards has many benefits for individuals. First, credit cards are convenient because you
don’t need to carry a lot of cash with you.. Also, using credit cards helps people build a credit history,
and this is important for some financial needs like renting an apartment. Furthermore, many credit cards
offer rewards or cashback when you buy something.For example, you save money on things like groceries
and travel. Additionally, credit cards often have fraud protection, making it safer if the card is lost or
stolen. Moreover, credit cards provide a useful way to track spending, allowing students to manage their
budgets more effectively. In conclusion, credit cards are useful for people because of their convenience,
ability to build credit, rewards, security, and their help to manage your budget. (130 words)
2.2 Advantage or Disadvantage Paragraph
In an advantage / disadvantage paragraph your task is to describe the

positive or the negative sides of a specific topic. You must include
examples and reasons to support your ideas. In this type of paragraph,
you should focus on the advantages or the disadvantages of the topic.
You shouldn’t write about both the advantages and the disadvantages.
You can include your personal opinion in the topic or concluding
sentence of your paragraph.
An advantage / disadvantage paragraph includes the followings:
- Topic sentence
- Major supporting sentence 1( Advantage 1 / Disadvantage
1)
- Minor supporting sentence(s) 1
2)
3)
- Concluding sentence
You should write at least two major supports with their minor supports
to develop your ideas successfully. Also, you need to be careful with
punctuation (comma, quotation mark, question mark, capital letters,
etc.) and paragraph organisation. Try not to use contractions (he’s,
don’t, isn’t, etc.).
Now, read one advantage and one disadvantage paragraph and make an
outline for them.
Paragraph 1
There are three positive aspects of using public transport. The first benefit of public transportation
is its price. Buses and the metro are cheap, so people who travel by bus or metro do not have to spend a
lot of money unlike people who drive everywhere. Another advantage of public transport is that it does
not consume too much energy and this is environmentally friendly. Using these vehicles is a good way to
help save the world. What is more, people who travel by public transport can use their time more
effectively by being passengers instead of drivers. Passengers can read a book, study for exams or even
sleep while travelling. This is an important advantage considering how people have difficulty finding
time to do things in the hectic pace of modern life. To sum up, public transportation should be preferred
to save money, reduce energy consumption and use time efficiently. (150 words)
Outline 1:
Topic sentence:
__________________________________________________________
______________________.
Major supporting sentence 1:
__________________________________________________________
___________.
Minor supporting sentence(s)1:
__________________________________________________________
_________.
__________________________________________________________
___________.
__________________________________________________________
_________.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
__________________________________________________________
________. Concluding sentence:
__________________________________________________________
________________.
Paragraph 2
I believe that there are several negative aspects of using public transport. The main drawback of
public transportation is that it takes longer to travel. Buses and trains have a certain route, so travellers
need to walk to and from the stops. This means that the trip will take a longer time. Also, because of their
set route, buses and trains do not take the shortcut as you might if you drive. Another disadvantage is that
public transportation may not be as comfortable as your own car. Sometimes buses and trains are very
crowded, so travellers may not even find a seat to sit and they may have to stand next to many strangers
and personal space may not be available. Finally, cleanliness can be a big issue if public transport vehicles
are not well-maintained. People can get infectious diseases and it is one of the biggest issues of the last
decade. In conclusion, compared to using personal vehicles for transport from one place to another, public
transportation has its negative sides to consider. (172 words)
Outline 2:
Topic sentence:
__________________________________________________________
_____________________.
__________________________________________________________
___________.
__________________________________________________________
_________.
__________________________________________________________
___________.
Minor supporting sentence(s) 2:
__________________________________________________________
________.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
__________________________________________________________
________.
Concluding sentence:
__________________________________________________________
_______________.
of an advantage / disadvantage paragraph should include a
Topic Sentences
topic (public transport in the paragraphs above) and a controlling idea
(Paragraph 1-advantages, Paragraph 2-disadvantages). It needs to state
that there are several advantages or disadvantages. It is usually the first
sentence of the paragraph. Sometimes, there is a general statement about
the topic before the topic sentence. See the topic sentence examples
below:
Topic: living in a dormitory on the campus
Controlling idea: advantages OR disadvantages of it
- There are three main advantages / disadvantages of living in a

dormitory on the campus.
- There are some positive aspects / negative sides of living in a
dormitory on the campus.
- Living in a dormitory on the campus offers three advantages /
disadvantages (to university students).
- Living in a dormitory on the campus has some benefits /
drawbacks (for university students).
- Living in a dormitory on the campus is advantageous /
disadvantageous in many ways.
- I think / believe / suppose that there are several good / bad sides
of living in a dormitory on the campus.
EXERCISE I- Write topic sentences for the topics below.
1) Advantages / Disadvantages of online shopping
______________________________________________________
_______________________________.
______________________________________________________
_____________________________.
2) Advantages / Disadvantages of living in a big city
______________________________________________________
_____________________________.
______________________________________________________
_____________________________.
follow the topic sentence. They develop the

Major Supporting Sentences
advantages / disadvantages by using facts, expert opinions, explanations
and examples. It is a good idea to use some signal words / phrases to
show where a major idea starts. See the list of some signal words below:
The first advantage/disadvantage 2nd, 3rd and more
-The main advantage/disadvantage of… -Another positive/negative aspect/side of …

-To start with, … -Secondly, …
-To begin with, … -In addition, …
-Firstly, … -Moreover, …
-One (major) benefit / drawback of … -Besides, …
-… might be another advantage/disadvantage.
-Finally, (Do not use ‘finally’ if you have only two
major ideas.)
EXERCISE II- Fill in the blanks using suitable signal words /

phrases. Add words/phrases to complete the sentences
meaningfully.
Many university students prefer staying in the dormitories on the campus. However, living in an
on-campus dormitory is not always advantageous. 1)_____________________________________
students are away from the city center. This might be a problem especially for young people in today’s
world because living away from the center means being away from an active social life. Teenagers and
young adults want to go to the cinema, cafes and shopping centers with friends, but they may not go to
these places often if they live on the campus. The strict rules at the campus dormitories
2)____________________________________. There are rules regarding the times you can leave the
campus and come back. 3)____________________________________ dorms typically have shared
bathrooms and kitchens, which can be inconvenient. Sharing such facilities may cause problems between
students. If you care about hygiene but your roommate does not, you will probably have problems with
her/him. In conclusion, while deciding where to stay, students should take these negative aspects into
consideration.
about each major idea makes your paragraph more

Minor Supporting Sentences
coherent and natural. So, do not forget to add some extra information
about each major support.
EXERCISE III-Look at the paragraph in Exercise II and write the
minor supports.
Minor Support 1 -
__________________________________________________________
_____________
Minor Support 2 -
__________________________________________________________
_____________
Minor Support 3 -
__________________________________________________________
_____________
of an advantage / disadvantage paragraph usually states

Concluding Sentence
the main idea using different words. Summarizing the major ideas is
also a good way to write the concluding sentence. It sometimes gives
advice based on the major ideas in the paragraph.
To introduce the concluding sentence, there are some signal words /
phrases you can use:
Concluding sentence
- To sum up, …
- In conclusion, …
- Taking everything into account / consideration, …
- All things considered, …
EXERCISE IV- Look at the concluding sentences of the three

paragraphs on the previous pages.
Which one restates the main idea?
_______________
Which one summarizes the major ideas?
_______________
Which one gives advice based on the major ideas?
_______________
Concluding sentence 1: To sum up, public transportation should be
preferred to save money, reduce energy consumption and use time
efficiently.
Concluding sentence 2: In conclusion, compared to using personal
vehicles for transport from one place to another, public transportation
has its negative sides to consider.
Concluding sentence 3: All things considered, while deciding where to
stay, students should take these negative aspects into consideration.
is something that makes a paragraph more coherent. Repeating the
Variety
same word again and again is not preferred when writing your
paragraph. You need to find synonyms or similar words.
EXERCISE V- Look at the two paragraphs about public transport
on pages 1-2. Write the words that are used instead of the
followings:
Advantage(s):
__________________________________________________________
__
Disadvantage(s):
__________________________________________________________
Public transport:
__________________________________________________________
EXERCISE VI- Write an advantage OR a disadvantage paragraph
of at least 120 words on one of the topics given below. Brainstorm
ideas and make an outline before you write.
- Advantages / Disadvantages of travelling alone

- Advantages / Disadvantages of distance education
- Advantages / Disadvantages of online education
- Advantages / Disadvantages of long-distance relationship
! While writing your paragraph, try to use the grammar items you have
studied in the last few weeks.
! When you finish writing your paragraph, do not forget to check it in
terms of language and content.
About the language, ask yourself:

- Are there any grammar mistakes or incomplete sentences?
- Do I repeat the same words or phrases?
- Are there any punctuation, capitalization or spelling
mistakes?
About the content, ask yourself:

- Is there a suitable topic sentence?
- Are there enough major ideas and details to support the
topic sentence?
- Are the major ideas organized in a meaningful way?
- Are there any irrelevant sentences?
- Is there a suitable concluding sentence?
OUTLINE:
Topic sentence :
__________________________________________________________
___________________
Major support 1:
__________________________________________________________
__________________
Minor support 1:
__________________________________________________________
_______
Major support 2:
__________________________________________________________
__________________
Minor support 2:
__________________________________________________________
_______
Major support 3:
__________________________________________________________
___________________
Minor support 3:
__________________________________________________________
________
- Concluding sentence:
______________________________________________________
_____________
Adapted from Writer 1 & Writer 2
Chapter 3 – Integrated Writing

3.1 Summarizing a Talk
Sometimes you need to take notes while listening and write a short
summary of it. When you take notes while listening, you need to think
about your purpose for listening, recognize the main ideas, and make
decisions about what information is relevant to your purpose. However,
as you take notes while listening, your note-taking must keep up with
the speaker, so you have to take notes quickly. Also, your initial notes
will follow the order and outline of the speaker’s talk, so you may need
to review and re-organize your notes later so that they make sense to
you.
How to take notes?
- Listen carefully to the introduction of the talk because most speakers
might give an overview of their talk in the introduction.
- Use symbols and abbreviations to speed up the process of taking
notes. You can develop your own system of symbols and abbreviations,
but make sure you use them consistently so that you always remember
what they mean. Here are some examples:
@ at increase w/ with < greater than Pros- advantages
# number decrease w/o without > less than Cons-disadvantages
% percent Min. / max. e.g. for example = is the same as Esp.- especially
- Write only the key points, or main ideas. Underline or use capitals for
important points.
- Leave blank space to add or change your notes later. Speakers mostly
summarize the key points or important details in the later part of the
talk. You can write the missing part later.
- Do not try to erase what you have written, just cross it out.
- Listen for phrases (signposts) that indicate how the presentation is
organized and signal different parts of a presentation/lecture. For
example:
Introducing the topic: The topic of my talk today is …

I intend to show that …
Today I’m going to talk about…
Indicating the organization: First, I’d like to talk about …
In the second place …
And finally,...
Emphasizing information: I’d like to stress that …
The main point is that …
One important point is…
In fact,…
This is really important.
The most significant point is …
Repeating information: In other words, …
I mean…
Repeating myself, …
Starting a new point: I’d like to move on to …

Now let’s turn to …
To move on to…
To give an example: For example, …
To give an example…
Imagine (that)….
Reviewing information: As I mentioned previously …
It’s clear that …
You probably remember that …
- Listen for logical connectors that express the relationship between

ideas. For example, as a result of, in contrast to, although.
- Read your notes over to fix handwriting, spelling and clarity.
How to turn your notes into a summary?
- Remember that a summary is a short version of a lecture or a talk.
- While writing the summary, be sure that you start with a topic. (The
talk/lecture is about….;
The speaker discusses/mentions/ talks about…/ gives information
about…)
- Include all the main ideas the speaker mentioned.
- Be sure that you do not include any unnecessary information or
details.
- Be careful with the word count, be sure that you do not exceed the
word count limit.
- Check the grammar, spelling, and punctuation in case of any mistakes.
EXERCISE I- You will hear the introduction of a lecture ONCE.

Listen and write what the talk is about.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
EXERCISE II- You will hear the whole lecture ONCE. Listen and
take notes to write the main ideas and the important points.
Write the main ideas using your notes.

1.
__________________________________________________________
______________________.
2.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
3.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
EXERCISE III- You will hear the introduction of a lecture ONCE.

Listen and write what the talk is about.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
EXERCISE IV- You will hear the whole lecture ONCE. Listen and
take notes to write the main ideas and important points.
Write the main ideas using your notes.

1.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
2.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
3.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
4.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
EXERCISE V- Listen to the lecture and take notes.
Write a full summary (including the topic sentence and main ideas)
of the lecture you have listened in max. 80 words.
Chapter 4 - How to Write an Essay I
4.1 Parts of an Essay
An essay is a group of paragraphs about a certain topic. It's similar to a

paragraph in many ways, but it is longer and more developed. Study the
outlines of two paragraphs and the outline of the complete essay to see
the differences.
There are many advantages of mobile phones. Mobile Phones
They enable us to communicate with other people Today there are many communication
wherever they may be and at any time of the day. devices that make our lives easier. One of these
Teenagers who need help can contact their parents which is indispensable for people is mobile phones.
immediately and emergency services can be called They are no longer a luxury item and they clearly
to the scene of an accident without delay. Another have many advantages for those who use them, but
advantage is that mobiles are undoubtedly one of there are also some drawbacks.
the best sources of entertainment. A mobile phone On the positive side, they enable us to
lets you do a lot of things, such as play games, communicate with other people wherever they may
stream online content, watch videos, read books, be and at any time of the day. For example,
listen to music, and so forth. It is safe to say that teenagers who need help can contact their parents
one can never get bored alone, if they have a immediately and emergency services can be called
mobile. to the scene of an accident without delay. Another
I- Advantages of mobile phones advantage is that mobiles are undoubtedly one of
A. Communication anywhere at any time the best sources of entertainment. A mobile phone
1. Easy contact for teenagers lets you do a lot of things, such as play games,
2. Immediate call for emergency stream online content, watch videos, read books,
services listen to music, and so forth. It is safe to say that
B. Entertainment one can never get bored alone, if they have a
1. Opportunity to do many things mobile.
On the negative side, the mobile phone is
thought to be a serious threat to health, particularly
in the case of children. Moreover, drivers who use
one at the wheel constitute a danger to others and
fatal accidents have occurred. Finally, for many
people it can be a useful device, but for some others
it is a problem and they object to the constant
ringing tones in public places.
There are many disadvantages of mobile In conclusion, cellphones have certainly
phones. Mobile phones are thought to be a serious improved many people’s lives, but we need to be
threat to health, particularly in the case of children. careful about when and where we use them.
Moreover, drivers who use one at the wheel I- Introduction
constitute a danger to others and fatal accidents
II- Advantages of mobile phones
have occurred. Finally, for many people it can be a
A. Communication anywhere at any time
useful device, but for some others it is a problem
1.Easy contact for teenagers
and they object to the constant ringing tones in 2. Immediate call for emergency services
public places. In conclusion, we need to be careful B. Entertainment
about when and where we use them.
1. Opportunity to do many things
III- Disadvantages of mobile phones
I- Disadvantages of mobile phones
A. Serious threat to health
A. Serious threat to health
1. Children
1. Children
B. Danger for causing accidents B. Danger for causing accidents
C. Disturbance in public places
C. Disturbance in public places
1. Constant ringing tones
1. Constant ringing tones IV- Conclusion
An essay has an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and a

concluding paragraph. And it has coherence (logical organisation) and
unity (a focus on a single topic), just as a paragraph does. Transition
signals link the paragraphs into a cohesive whole. Here is an academic
essay:
Owning a Car
In our lives, we travel from one place to another for a great variety of reasons and while travelling,
we greatly depend on cars. The number of car owners is increasing every day because every person
expects the freedom to travel and comfort while travelling. And that is why most of us want to own a car.
However, owning a car has many advantages and disadvantages as well.
The main advantage of owning a car is that it gives the freedom to travel. If you have a car, you
don't need to be limited to fixed routes and timetables. Moreover, a car-owner can take his/her family
members with him/her and necessary goods to use whenever s/he needs. In addition, personal cars give
comfort while travelling on the contrary to the public buses which are so crowded and uncomfortable. It is
sometimes impossible to find a seat to sit in a public transport vehicle.
On the other hand, there are many disadvantages of owning a car. The first disadvantage is
financial because owning a car is very expensive. There are a lot of expenses of a car such as the price of
the car, the cost of the tax, insurance cost, fuel cost and maintenance. All must be considered before
buying a car and that is why it is out of reach of many middle-class people. Moreover, owning a car has
some environmental disadvantages. Perhaps the major disadvantage of cars, in general, is the huge
damage they do to human health and to the environment. As the number of cars increases on the roads,
traffic jams occur. More cars mean more air and noise pollution. Environmental pollution is a serious
issue today and at any cost, we must reduce the amount of pollution and if we consider these negative
aspects, owning a car is never a good idea.
In conclusion, owning a car has many drawbacks besides benefits. In brief, having a car gives
someone freedom while it is expensive and environmentally-unfriendly. In my opinion, when the public
transportation system becomes easily accessible, safe and efficient, many people will prefer public
transport to their own vehicle. (356 words)
EXERCISE I - Look at the essay above and answer the questions.

1) What is the purpose of the introductory paragraph?
2) Which sentence of the introductory paragraph is the
writer’s main idea?
3) Underline the topic sentence of each body paragraph.
4) How many major ideas are there in each body paragraph?
5) Circle the transition words and phrases that introduce a
new paragraph and new major ideas in the paragraphs.
6) What is the purpose of the concluding paragraph?
Here is the structure of an academic essay:
ESSAY STRUCTURE
Introduction (Introductory Paragraph):

General statements
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence
Major supporting sentence 1+ minor supporting sentence(s) 1
Major supporting sentence 3+ minor supporting sentence(s) 3(most of the time writing two major ideas is
enough.)
Concluding sentence (not every body paragraph has this)
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence
enough.)
Body Paragraph 3: (some essays have two, some others have three body paragraphs)
Topic sentence
enough.)
Conclusion (Concluding Paragraph):

Restatement or summary of the main points
Give advice based on major supporting ideas (Do not mention any new supporting points.)
Final comment (your own opinion)
The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay. It serves two

functions: to attract the reader’s interest and present the topic of the
essay. Look at the introductory paragraph of the essay you have just
read:
In our lives, we travel from one place to another for a great variety of reasons and while travelling,
we greatly depend on cars. The number of car owners is increasing every day because every person
expects the freedom to travel and comfort while travelling. And that is why most of us want to own a car.
However, owning a car has many advantages and disadvantages as well.
The introductory paragraph of an academic essay contains two parts:

1) General statements give the reader background information
about the topic of the essay. They should be interesting enough
to take readers’ attention. The number of general statements you
write in an introduction paragraph will depend on how long your
essay is. However, you should write at least two or three general
statements in an introduction. The first sentence should be a
general comment about the topic. The second sentence should be
less general, and so on. The last general statement should be the
least general of all.
2) The thesis statement is usually the last sentence in the
introduction. The thesis statement is the most specific statement
of the introduction paragraph. It names the topic and controlling
idea(s) for the entire essay. Thesis statement introduces the main
idea of the essay. It may list the subtopics of the main topic. It
may also mention the method of organisation (i.e. advantage and
disadvantage, cause and effect, problem and solution, etc.)
EXERCISE II - Read the following introduction paragraphs and
put the general statements in the correct order, from the most
general to the least general and underline the thesis statement.
1) (1) Therefore, workaholics’ lifestyles can affect their
families, social lives and health. (2) In addition, workaholics
may not spend enough time in leisure activities. (3)
Nowadays, many men and women work in law, accounting,
real estate and business. (4) These people are serious about
becoming successful; they work long hours during the week
and even on weekends, so they are called ‘workaholics’.
2) (1)Anyone who wants to drive must carry a driver’s

licence. (2)It is divided into four steps: studying the traffic
laws, taking the written test, learning to drive and taking the
driving test. (3)Getting a driver’s licence is a complicated
process. (4)Driving a car is a necessity in today’s busy society,
and it is also a special privilege.
Here are a few more points to remember about the thesis statement:
1. Thesis statement should be expressed in a complete sentence.
My fear of the dark. (not a complete sentence)
My fear of the dark has made my life miserable.
2. It is not a good idea to ask a question in the thesis statement.
What are the effects of radiation?
The effects of radiation are often unpredictable.
3. It should express an opinion; not a fact.
Cows produce milk. (a fact)
The milk that cows produce is not always fit for human
consumption.
4. Thesis statement should express only one idea toward one topic. If it
contains two or more ideas, you may run the risk of lacking unity
and coherence.
Going to college in Midwest can be fun, and living in a large
city is better while at college.
Going to college in Midwest can be fun.
EXERCISE III - Study the following statements and tick if it is a
good thesis statement.
1. The advantages of majoring in engineering. ______
2. Students should be allowed to manage the bookstore. ______
3. Why do I want to be a lawyer? ______
4. The differences between Mandarin and Hunan dialects. ______
5. Knowing a foreign language can be beneficial to anyone. ______
6. There are many similarities and differences between New York and
Hong Kong. ______
Body paragraphs of an essay develop and support the point of view in
the thesis statement. There are usually two or three body paragraphs in
an essay. Each of these paragraphs has a topic sentence, major and
minor supports (and sometimes there is a concluding sentence) and all
of them support the thesis statement. Look at the body paragraphs of the
essay you have just read:
The main advantage of owning a car is that it gives the freedom to travel. If you have a car
then you don't need to be limited to fixed routes and timetables. Moreover, a car-owner can take his/her
family members with him/her and necessary goods to use whenever he/she needs. In addition, personal
cars offer comfort while travelling, unlike public buses, which are often crowded and uncomfortable. It is
sometimes impossible to find a seat to sit in a public transport vehicle.
On the other hand there are many disadvantages of owning a car. The first disadvantage is
financial because owning a car is very expensive. There are a lot of expenses of a car such as the price of
the car, the cost of the tax, insurance cost, fuel cost and maintenance. All must be considered before
buying a car and that is why it is out of reach for many middle-class people. Besides, owning a car has
some environmental disadvantages. Perhaps the major disadvantage of cars, in general, is the huge
damage they do to human health and to the environment. As the number of cars increases on the roads,
traffic jams occur. More cars mean more air and noise pollution. Environmental pollution is a serious
issue today and at any cost, we must reduce the amount of pollution and if we consider these negative
aspects, owning a car is never a good idea.
EXERCISE IV - Answer the questions.

1) What are the topic sentences of these two body
paragraphs?
2) How many major supports are there in each of them?
Underline the words / phrases that signal a new major support.
When you are writing body paragraphs, you need to use some
transitions to move from one idea to another smoothly. Here is a list of
words and phrases that connect and make logical transitions between
sentences and paragraphs:
To support, add or To introduce details or To indicate order, sequence

continue exemplify or importance
Besides, To start with,

Also, For example, First,
In addition, such as Second,
Next, In fact, Third,
Then, To illustrate, In the first place,
Moreover, Firstly,
Furthermore, Secondly,
Finally, Lastly,
The Conclusion is the last paragraph of an essay. It usually consists of

restatement of the thesis, summary and final thought(s) and sometimes
it might also give advice. Read the conclusion paragraph of the essay
above:
In conclusion, owning a car has many drawbacks besides benefits. In brief, having a car gives
someone freedom, but at the same time, it is expensive and environmentally-unfriendly. In my opinion,
when the public transportation system becomes easily accessible, safe and efficient, many people will
prefer public transport to their own vehicle.
EXERCISE V- Complete the outline of the concluding paragraph

above.
Signal word:
Restatement of the thesis:
Summary of the main points:
Final thought(s):
It is a good idea to start the concluding paragraph with a signal word /

phrase. Here are some examples:
Signal words / phrases for a concluding paragraph
To conclude, _____________ In summary, _____________

In conclusion, _____________ All in all, _____________
To sum up, _____________ Taking everything into consideration, _____________
4.2 Advantage AND / OR Disadvantage Essay

An advantages/disadvantages essay usually presents a balanced look at
both sides of a topic. In this type of essay, you are given a statement to
comment on the advantages and disadvantages of the topic. Basically, in
all advantages and disadvantages essays, your task is to describe
positive and negative sides of a given topic and to give your opinion.
EXERCISE I- Read the sample advantage / disadvantage essay
below. Underline the thesis statement and topic sentences.
Advantages and disadvantages of travelling by plane
People go to different cities or countries for various reasons. Nowadays, there are many means
of transport to travel around the world such as trains, ships, cars, planes, etc. A growing number of people
prefer to travel by plane. While air travel has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks.
One of the main advantages of travelling by plane is that it is much faster than any other form of
transport. For example, you can fly from Toronto to New York in 2 hours, whereas by car, it would take
more than 7 hours. Another advantage is that flying is more comfortable and less tiring because you can
sleep on a long flight. You can also watch movies or read. Finally, it is safer. More people die in car
accidents than in plane crashes.
On the other hand, travelling by plane also has some disadvantages. To start with, it can be quite
expensive, especially if you want to travel in the comfort of First Class or Business Class. What is more,
flights are often delayed, and this means you may have to spend a long time waiting in the airport or miss
connecting flights. In addition, the problem of baggage transfer at airports is a significant issue that often
leads to time loss and negative travel experiences for passengers. Delays, losses, or damages during the
process of transferring luggage from one flight to another can result in stress for travellers.
To sum up, the plane is a great invention because of being faster, more comfortable, and safer
than other vehicles. However, it does have some drawbacks in terms of cost, possible delays, and luggage
problems. Still, in my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. If we didn’t have planes, it would be very
difficult to travel to distant places. (299 words)
As you see in the essay above, this type of essay also shares some
common features which were explained in 4.1 Parts of an Essay (e.g.
thesis statement, topic sentences, etc.) Here is the outline of what you
are expected to write in an advantages / disadvantages essay:
ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES ESSAY STRUCTURE
Introduction (Introductory Paragraph):

General statements
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence (about the advantages OR disadvantages)
Major support 1+ minor support 1(1st adv. / disadv.)
Major support 2+ minor support 2 (2nd adv. / disadv.)
Major support 3+ minor support 3 (3rd adv. / disadv.) -optional
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence (about the disadvantages OR advantages)
Major support 1+ minor support 1(1st adv. / disadv.)
Major support 2+ minor support 2 (2nd adv. / disadv.)
Major support 3+ minor support 3 (3rd adv. / disadv.) -optional
Conclusion (Concluding Paragraph):

Restatement or summary of the main points
Advice based on major supports -optional
Final comment (your own opinion)
of an advantages / disadvantages essay is in the introductory

Thesis statement
paragraph and it is generally the last sentence of the introductory
paragraph, after some general statements about the topic. It states what
your essay is about. You can write your thesis statement in many
different ways. Some of the structures you can use are in the table
below:
Sample Thesis Statements
___X__ is /are both advantageous and disadvantageous for some reasons.
While __X__ have / has some advantages, its / their disadvantages are much greater.
Although __X__ have / has a lot of advantages, ___X___ have / has a few disadvantages.
___X___ has / have both advantages and disadvantages / drawbacks.
There are some advantages and disadvantages of ___X___
You can have a look at 4.1 Parts of an Essay for more information about
writing thesis statements and also general statements in the introductory
paragraph.
EXERCISE II- Read the essay questions below and write thesis
statements for each one.
1) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a
multicultural society.
2) Examine the positive and negative aspects of technology in
education.
3) Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families
but are put in care homes or nursing

homes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
4) Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of using wearable health
tracking devices for personal wellness.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Health Data Tracking Privacy Concerns
Fitness Monitoring Accuracy and Reliability
Lifestyle Awareness Dependency on Devices
Topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the body paragraphs. In

an advantages / disadvantages essay, you usually write two body
paragraphs; one for the advantages, another for the disadvantages. So,
you need two topic sentences, one for the advantages, another for the
disadvantages. Look at some structures you can use when you write
topic sentences for your advantages / disadvantages essay:
Sample advantage topic sentences Sample disadvantage topic sentences
There are many advantages of ___X___. There are also some disadvantages of ___X___.
On the one hand, there are some positive sides of On the other hand, there can be a number of
____X____. disadvantages to ____X____.
____X____ is advantageous in many ways. ____X____ has some disadvantageous sides.
____X____ have/has many advantages. ____X____ also have/has some disadvantages.
There are some advantages of ___X___. For every advantage there is a disadvantage.
EXERCISE III- Now write two topic sentences for each of the essay
questions below.
1) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a
multicultural society.
Body paragraph 1:
Body paragraph 2:
2) Examine the positive and negative aspects of technology in
education.
Body paragraph 1:
Body paragraph 2:
3) Many elderly people are no longer looked after by their families
but are put in care homes or nursing homes. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Body paragraph 1:
Body paragraph 2:
4) Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of using wearable health
tracking devices for personal wellness.

Body paragraph 1:
Body paragraph 2:
Major supporting sentences follow the topic sentence in each body

paragraph. In this type of essay, you need to explain each advantage /
disadvantage and give some details about them. When you are writing
major supports, you need to use some transitions to move from one idea
to another smoothly. Here is a list of words and phrases that connect and
make logical transitions between major ideas:
When you write the first advantage or To add another idea
disadvantage Also,
Firstly, In addition,
To start with, Besides,
The first advantage/disadvantage Furthermore/Moreover,
Another advantage/disadvantage
The second/the third advantage/disadvantage
When you write the last advantage / disadvantage When you give examples to support your ideas
Finally/Lastly, For example/For instance,
The last advantage/disadvantage One example of this
EXERCISE IV- Study the body paragraphs. Underline the

transition words / phrases between major ideas.
One of the main advantages of travelling by plane is that it is much faster than any other
form of transport. For example, you can fly from Toronto to New York in 2 hours, whereas by car, it
would take more than 7 hours. Another advantage is that flying is more comfortable and less tiring
because you can sleep on a long flight. You can also watch movies or read. Finally, it is safer. More
people die in car accidents than in plane crashes.
On the other hand, travelling by plane also has some disadvantages. To start with, it can be quite
expensive, especially if you want to travel in the comfort of First Class or Business Class. What is more,
flights are often delayed, and this means you may have to spend a long time waiting in the airport or miss
connecting flights. In addition, the problem of baggage transfer at airports is a significant issue that often
leads to time loss and negative travel experiences for passengers. Delays, losses, or damages during the
process of transferring luggage from one flight to another can result in stress for travellers.
Conclusion is the last paragraph of an advantages / disadvantages essay,

like all other types of essays. You need to conclude with a brief
summary of advantages and disadvantages. (= Restate the advantages
and disadvantages. You may or may not include your own opinion.
Readers can come to their own conclusions. Look at the concluding
paragraph of the essay on ‘Advantages and disadvantages of travelling
by plane’:
To sum up, the plane is a great invention because of being faster, more comfortable, and
safer than other vehicles. However, it does have some drawbacks in terms of cost, possible delays, and
luggage problems. Still, in my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. If we didn’t have planes, it would be
very difficult to travel to distant places.
EXERCISE V- This essay was written by a YADYO student. It has

some mistakes related to the content, grammar, length, organisation
etc. Can you find the mistakes and improve the essay?
USING THE INTERNET

These days the internet has become an important part of our life. Although the internet has a
lot of advantages, it has a few disadvantages.
There are some positive sides of using the Internet. To start with, it is suitable for
communication. It is easy to communicate with friends and family over the Internet. Secondly, if you
don’t want to go out, online shopping might be a quick way for you to shop. Lastly, you can arrange your
flights by using the Internet. Especially if you don’t have time to go to the airport.
On the other hand, there can be a number of disadvantages of using the Internet. First of all,
some computer users who misuse your information can steal your credit card number or account. So, it is
important to use the Internet carefully. In addition, some people spend too much time playing games or
surfing the Internet, which might be a waste of time. To sum up, using the Internet has some advantages
and disadvantages. In my opinion, the Internet is an important source of information but sometimes it may
be unreliable. (185 words)
Sometimes you would prefer to write only about the advantages or
disadvantages. Then you need to write a separate paragraph for each
advantage / disadvantage. Also, you will need to write more than two
body paragraphs to be able to include enough major ideas for an essay
of about 250 words. See an advantages-only essay below and pay
attention to the organisation of the body paragraphs:
The Advantages of Tourism

Tourism has become a major sector for many countries. Nowadays it generates a significant
portion of national income for many people. This essay will examine the advantages of tourism and
provide a logical conclusion.
The main advantage of a developed tourism industry is a boost in a country's economy.
Tourists spend money on a wide range of services, including hotels, amusements, transportation, food and
medical services. This way, tourism yields an additional income, greatly supporting the countries’
economies. One can state that there are many countries such as the Maldives and the Bahamas which only
depend on tourism as their main source of income.
The next important advantage of tourism is that it increases the level of employment by
bringing new jobs. In this way, a large number of new job openings appear for the local people. For
instance, the influx of tourists results in a larger demand for restaurant workers, tour guides, hotel staff
and employees of retail services, encouraging business owners to hire more people for these positions.
Finally, tourism helps in preserving the customs and traditions of the local people. Tourists
visit local areas and pay to watch or join various cultural activities. This ultimately leads to the
preservation of the values of local people. In addition, tourism may lead to the development of
infrastructure that supports the cultural activities. (223 words)
In conclusion, one can state a few advantages of tourism. As it was mentioned above, tourism
has an extremely positive impact on a country's economy and provides a large number of new jobs for the
local people, while maintaining local traditions. I believe that overall, tourism has a positive influence.
(273 words)
There are plenty of other ways to say "advantages and disadvantages,"

and it's a good idea if you can use these other terms as much as possible
in your essay in order to add some variety:
Pros and cons Good and bad aspects
Benefits and drawbacks Positive and negative sides
Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips:

- Spend time planning the benefits and drawbacks of the statements
given.
- Make sure you have relevant supporting points (i.e. major and
minor supports).
- Put your advantages together in one body paragraph and the same
with the disadvantages.
EXERCISE VI- Write an advantages and / or disadvantages essay

on wearable health tracking devices for personal wellness in 200
words. You can use the major ideas below, if you want. Your essay
will be graded according to task achievement, grammatical range &
accuracy, lexical resource and coherence & cohesion and mechanics.
(See the rubric for a well-written essay)
4.3 Opinion Essay
Balanced Opinion Essay

Opinion essays usually reflect your opinion about a controversial issue.
In this type of essay, you are given a statement and asked to write about
different opinions, with your own, about the statement. You can write an
opinion essay in many different ways. We will study the two most
common opinion essay types. The first one is a discursive essay. In this
type, you present both sides of the issue in a balanced way. In the end,
however, it normally reaches a conclusion; in other words, the writer
states what s/he thinks. See an example of a balanced (discursive)
opinion essay below:
Too Much Testing in Our Schools
All teachers agree that it is important to check students’ progress. However, not everyone
agrees on the best way to do this. While some people say that examinations are the only way to see what
students have learned, others believe that there is too much testing in our schools.
Some people argue that exams are fair. Firstly, all the students take the exam on the same day,
at the same time and in the same conditions. Secondly, all the papers are marked at the same time so the
examiners can compare the students. Finally, universities and employers can look at a student’s results and
know immediately how they compare with others.
However, there are many arguments against too much testing. For example, a lot of students
suffer from exam nerves so they do not do well. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of formal testing:
students are judged on one day when they may be feeling ill or nervous. Another argument against too
much testing is that it hinders creative thinking skills by providing students only with standardized
questions.
In conclusion, testing is necessary, but too much is unfair because it is easier for students who
are good at exams. In my opinion, there should be a combination of formal testing and continuous
assessment so all students can do well. (221 words)
In the following table, you can see the organisation of balanced opinion
essays.
Opinion Essay 1 (Balanced)

Introduction paragraph Introduce the subject of the essay (some general statements on the topic). State
why it is an important and controversial issue at the present time (thesis
statement).
Body paragraph 1 Give the arguments in favour of the statement.
Body paragraph 2 Give the arguments against the statement.
Conclusion paragraph Conclude by giving a well-balanced consideration. State your own opinion at
the end.
When you look at the table, you can see that it is similar to advantages
and disadvantages essays. In fact, advantages and disadvantages essays
are also opinion essays where you mention opinions on advantages and
disadvantages of a topic.
Introduction paragraph includes

general statements and the thesis statement.
Analyze the general statements and underline the thesis statement in the
following introductory paragraphs.
Essay question: Should dangerous sports be banned?
Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in sports such as boxing or motor-racing.
Because of this, many people oppose such sports, and want them to be stopped or controlled. Not
everyone agrees on this view. So, there are some arguments for and against banning dangerous sports.
Essay question: Does space exploration benefit humankind?
Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are excited by the exploration and
potential of space. However, some people believe that we should solve problems here on Earth before
beginning our journey to space. So, this is a controversial issue.
Essay question: Do footballers deserve their high salaries?
Every day, we read about new contracts and salaries earned by footballers. Some people do
not agree with these huge payments. Others believe that our sports heroes deserve every penny.
Therefore, it is highly debatable whether footballers deserve their high salaries or not.
When writing the thesis statement, you can also use the following
conjunctions: although, though, even though, while, whereas, despite, in
spite of (the fact that), etc.:
‘Although some people believe that sports people deserve every penny
they earn, others do not agree with these huge payments.’
EXERCISE I- Write a thesis statement on the topic “Testing products

on animals should be banned.”
__________________________________________________________
_________________________.
Body paragraphs follow the introduction, like in other types of essays.

When you are writing a balanced opinion essay, you usually have two
body paragraphs to write about the two sides of the argument: one for
the supporters, the other for the opponents of the argument.
Each body paragraph should include a topic sentence. See the table
below for some examples:
To introduce points for or against To make contrasting points

(topic sentence for body paragraph 1) (topic sentence for body paragraph 2)
- It is often claimed / suggested that … - On the other hand, it may be said / argued / claimed
that …
- It is generally believed that …
- However, others / many people oppose this viewpoint.
- Many people / Experts claim/suggest/argue
- Still, some people (strongly) disagree…
that…
- However, there is another side to the issue / question /
- Scientists / Critics are in favour of / against argument.
- Most people support / oppose the view…
After the topic sentence, you need to write some major and minor
supports in favour of / against the opinion mentioned in the body
paragraph 1 or 2. See some useful phrases you can use:
To list arguments for (in favour of) To list arguments against

- Firstly / Secondly / Besides / Next / Finally, … - Firstly / Secondly / Besides / Next / Finally, …
- The main positive aspect of ______ is ______. - The first / greatest drawback of ______ is ______.
- One / Another / An additional benefit is … - One / Another / An additional negative aspect is …
To explain / clarify a point (details)

In other words, / That is to say, / This means that …
Conclusion paragraph may contain a brief summary of the two sides of

the argument. It is possible to paraphrase the thesis statement. You need
to state your own opinion in this paragraph. See some useful expressions
for the conclusion:
Expressions to introduce concluding paragraphs Expressions to give your own opinion
- In conclusion, - In my opinion,
- To sum up, - My opinion is that…
- To conclude - I (firmly) believe…
- All things considered, - As far as I am concerned,
- Taking everything into account, - I am (not) convinced that
Analyse the concluding paragraphs. Do they all include the writer’s

opinion?
Essay question: Should dangerous sports be banned?
In summary, although it is sometimes argued that dangerous sports should be banned,

societies would be healthier if more people took part in sports of all kinds. In my opinion, people should
be able to do any sports they want as long as accidents and injuries are prevented.
Essay question: Does space exploration benefit humankind?
In conclusion, some people believe that it is essential for mankind to continue to explore the
universe while others think that governments should spend more money on the problems of their citizens.
I firmly believe that the space program is very crucial and important for the whole world and should be
funded by governments.
Essay question: Do footballers deserve their high salaries?
In conclusion, there are convincing arguments both for and against sports professionals’ high
salaries. I strongly feel that society should identify the real heroes. Every individual should realise that the
people who give benefits to the society should get paid more than those who entertain them.
EXERCISE II- Read the model essays and underline the transition
words. Try to replace the transition words with their alternatives.
Rewrite the thesis statement, topic sentences, the concluding
sentence and personal opinion.
Eating Meat
Although many people in the world enjoy eating meat, more people are choosing to become
vegetarians. They think that eating meat is wrong for many reasons. Therefore, it is highly debatable
whether people should eat meat or not.
Some people say that meat is healthy because it has protein which is vital for the human body.
If we don’t take enough proteins, our body and brain cannot function well. Also, meat eaters say that it is
natural for us to eat meat because our teeth and stomachs are designed to eat everything. In ancient times,
people had to eat anything they found or they died.
On the other hand, opponents claim that a lot of farmers keep animals in environments which are
unsuitable for them. For example, in factory farms the animals are indoors all the time and do not have
enough space to move freely. Furthermore, the animals are at risk of illness because they live close
together so vets give them antibiotics which get into their meat. This is bad for both the animals and the
people who eat their meat. Vegetarians also say that people can get necessary proteins from some
vegetables and that we can have a healthy diet without meat.
All things considered, even though a lot of people eat and enjoy meat, others avoid eating meat for
various reasons. My opinion is that a vegetarian diet is healthier and kinder to animals. (237 words)
Essay question: Should museums be free or should visitors pay for admission?
Museums
Museums are places where history, science, art and culture of a country are stored and displayed.
Such places are definitely difficult to maintain. They need financial help either from the government or
from the visitors. Some people argue that museums are entertainment so visitors should pay for
admission. However, others think it is important that museums are free to provide education for children.
There are arguments in favour of and against charging for museums.
Those in favour of entrance fees to museums state that the government has more important things
to fund. They should fund emergency services and health care, for example. Besides, museums are
expensive to build and maintain. The public should help pay for the staff, security and building costs by
paying entrance fees.
On the other hand, many people argue that museums should be free for the visitors and it is the
government’s duty to build and maintain them. These people say that all children should be able to visit
museums because they make history more interesting and they can motivate children to learn more and
study harder. They also suggest that huge amounts of money can be collected through voluntary
contributions, gift shops and museum cafes.
In conclusion, although museums are expensive, it seems to me that the government should pay
for them. If they do not fund museums, the most important objects from the country will be sold abroad
and children will not be able to see what their country was like in the past. (250 words)
Working Mothers
Nowadays, more and more women work outside the home, which affects many people positively or
negatively. Germaine Greer, the Australian feminist, said, “Most women still need a room of their own
and the only way to find it may be outside their own homes.” If it is true, can it be done without having a
negative effect on the family?
It is often argued that working mothers have positive effects on the family. One point in favour of
working mothers is that their children often learn to be independent from an early age, which can only
help them in the future. Also, in many families, the man’s salary alone is not enough to cover all
household expenses. Thus, the need for extra income arises, and the woman has to work. Moreover,
working outside the home gives a woman a sense of her own personal identity and self-confidence. A
woman who stays at home will always be known as “John’s wife” and not as a person in her own right.
On the other hand, others oppose this viewpoint. They think that the main negative aspect of being
a working mother is related to expensive child care. Therefore, a large proportion of the money a
working mother earns is spent on childcare. What is more, if both parents are out working all day, they
only see their children for a few hours in the evening. This can have a negative effect, as children may
start to see their parents as strangers. Finally, a working mother usually has to look after both the
children and home in her spare time, so she is actually doing two jobs instead of one, which can be very
tiring. She may also miss out on important events in her children’s lives, such as their first words.
To sum up, there are many arguments both for and against working mothers. Every family is
different and
what is good for one family may not necessarily be good for another. Taking everything into account, it
should be left to the individual mother to decide whether working or not is something that she wants to
do. (354 words)
EXERCISE III- These two essays were written by YADYO students. Are they organized well? Are
the ideas clear? Is the punctuation correct?
ESSAY 1
Topic: Technology has made the world a better place to live.
All scientists agree that technology is important to make the world a better place to live. However,
not everyone agrees with them because technology has a lot of bad effects on the world. Therefore, there
are two sides to the argument.
Scientists claim that technology is very useful. Firstly, they think that technology provides easy
access to information, thanks to the Internet. Secondly, technology facilitates transportation. People can
travel everywhere they want by train, bus, plane, boat, etc. Thirdly, communication among people is
getting faster and easier day by day. Finally, technology is used in housework when people wash the
dishes and the clothes, vacuum clean the house, etc. Especially in the kitchen, everyone uses common
household appliances such as mixers or blenders.
However, there are some arguments against the idea that technology has made the world a better
place to live. For example, technology obstructs research information by using books, encyclopaedias
and dictionaries. Another argument against technology is that people get on buses or taxis even when
they go to the nearest place. They don’t walk and they don’t do a lot of exercise when they do
housework. They aren’t very active so they can get ill easily. Besides, technology destroys
communication among people. People phone their family or friends instead of visiting them. Moreover,
mobile phones transmit radiation and it damages our brain cells.
In conclusion, technology is important to make the world a better place to live, but it also has a lot
of harmful effects. It is my opinion that technology is useful and necessary for people. It makes our lives
easy. (267 words)
ESSAY 2
Topic: Television has destroyed communication among friends and family.
Although most people like watching television, some people are choosing not to watch it.
They think that television has destroyed communication among friends and family. I don’t agree with
these people because watching television is a good leisure activity.
First of all, watching television is very enjoyable. People can have a good time while they
are watching TV. For example, they can watch films or sports events. Secondly, watching television
gives a lot of information about the world. We can learn the news, weather forecasts about our city or the
fixture of our team. Also, there are many things to watch on television. We can watch what we want.
Furthermore, we can listen to music or watch documentaries which increase our knowledge about
animals and plants. Finally, watching television is very beneficial for children too. Most children love
watching cartoons and there are a lot of cartoon channels on television for them.
On the other hand, some people oppose this viewpoint. Firstly, they argue that watching
television prevents communication between people. For example, some people concentrate on television
and they don’t want to speak while they are watching television. Secondly, they say that watching
television can prevent creative thinking. Because most people watch TV for pleasure and thy only get
the news. As a result, they don’t think much about other things. Moreover, some people watch television
too much and this can be harmful for their health.
All in all, even though a lot of people enjoy watching television, others avoid watching it for
various reasons. My opinion is that watching television is very beneficial, enjoyable and informative.
(267 words)
To improve your writing skill, write a balanced opinion essay on one of

the statements below in about 250 words.
1. Governments shouldn’t build nuclear power plants.
2. Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten.
3. Should sports classes be sacrificed in high school so students can
concentrate on academic subjects?
For OR Against Opinion Essay
The second most common type of opinion essay is argumentative essay.
An argumentative essay opens with a boldly expressed point of view
and then the rest of the essay presents arguments (examples, proof or
logic) to support that point of view. Normally, it refers to opposing
arguments but demonstrates that these are weak or even false. It
attempts to persuade the reader to adopt a certain point of view or to
take a particular action. See an example below:
Essay question: Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. What is your opinion?
Animals in Captivity
Zoos remain popular places for people to visit for entertainment and to learn about wild
animals. Although some people are of the opinion that zoos can provide a sanctuary for endangered
animals and so should be kept open, I believe that zoos are not suitable places for wild animals and should
be shut down for several reasons.
Firstly, animals in zoos are confined to small spaces, unlike their vast natural habitats. This
restricts their natural behaviors and leads to unhealthy habits. For instance, polar bears, which roam
hundreds of kilometers in the Arctic, are given only about 10 meters of walking space in zoos.
Secondly, breeding programs in zoos are often less successful than claimed. Even well-known
initiatives like the panda breeding program have been costly and ineffective. Additionally, zoo life does
not prepare animals for the challenges they face in the wild, as seen in the unfortunate deaths of lynxes
released in Colorado.
Thirdly, animals in zoos face various dangers, including the spread of diseases between
species that would not naturally coexist. Exposure to toxic substances and the risk of visitors teasing or
provoking them further risk their well-being.
In conclusion, zoos are not truly educational or effective in conserving endangered species. .
In reality, they only teach us how wild animals behave when they are confined in small spaces. Breeding
programmes provide zoos with good publicity, but in fact most of them are failures. Finally, zoo animals
are probably more at risk of dying from disease or poisoning than their wild counterparts It is time to
abolish these institutions for the sake of animal welfare.(267 words)
In the following table, you can see the organisation of ‘for or against’
type of opinion essays.
Opinion Essay 2 (For OR Against)
Introduction paragraph Introduce the subject of the essay (some general statements on the topic).
State that it is an important and controversial issue at the present time (thesis
statement). State your own opinion (for OR against the idea in the essay
question)
Body paragraph 1 Write your first major and minor supports.
Body paragraph 2 Write your second major and minor supports.

Body paragraph 3 Write your third major and minor supports.
Body paragraph 4 Write your fourth major and minor supports.

(optional) (Generally, writing three body paragraphs is enough – This one is not
compulsory.)
Conclusion paragraph Summarise key points. Restate the thesis statement. Write a thought-
provoking closing statement.
EXERCISE I- Read the model essay and underline the transition

words. Try to replace the transition words with their alternatives.
Rewrite the thesis statement, topic sentences, the concluding
sentence and personal opinion.
Animal Testing in Medical Research
Medical research involving animals has dramatically improved the health of the human race.
Without animal testing, the cure for polio would not exist and diabetics would suffer or die from their
disease. Despite these benefits, some people believe that animals should not be used for testing medical
techniques and drugs. However, there is no doubt that animal testing is inevitable for the survival of the
human race.
Animal testing allows scientists to test and create new drugs. Animals such as monkeys or
rabbits have similar physical processes to humans. This allows scientists to test the effects of certain
drugs. If a drug produces adverse effects in animals it is probably unfit for human use.
Animal testing is cheap. There is a large supply of animals for medical research. Animals are
easily bred, and maintained safely in controlled labs. The costs of testing in humans would be extremely
high.
Many people argue that animal testing is cruel. In some cases this is true. On the other hand, it
would be much more cruel to test new drugs on people or children, or to let people die because there was
not enough information about a drug. Furthermore, legislation in most countries sets standards for animal
treatment, and laboratories have guidelines to prevent cruelty.
Opponents of animal research also say that information from animals does not apply to
humans. They point to certain commercial drugs which have been withdrawn because of side-effects in
humans. While it is true that animal systems differ from human systems, there are enough similarities to
apply information from animals to humans.
Animal rights campaigners claim that we don’t need new tests because we already have vast
amounts of information. Nevertheless, many new deadly infections appear every year and new treatments
and drugs are needed to combat these deadly diseases.
Taking everything into consideration, animal testing is needed in the world we live in. Our
responsibility is to manage the animals in our care and balance their suffering against the good that comes
from them. (336 words)
EXERCISE II- This essay was written by a YADYO student. There
is a very important mistake in it. Can you find it? (Clue: Think
about the organization of Opinion Essay) Is it organized well? Are
the ideas clear? Is the punctuation correct?
Essay question: Information will soon be so easy to find on the internet that people will not need to
remember anything. Do you agree?
Nowadays all the information we could ever need is available online and some people say that
means the end of having to learn anything.
It is true that these days everything you want to know is a few clicks away as long as you have
internet access. However, not everyone has the internet all the time, for example in certain buildings or
remote locations, so we do need to be able to remember information. Moreover, it takes time to look up
everything you need to know online, whereas remembering something is immediate. Human memory is a
much more efficient system.
Another problem is the quality of the information online. How do we know if it is accurate or
reliable? We need to think about other facts we know and remember how to compare information from
different websites. Knowing (and remembering) how to find certain information will be more important
than knowing the information itself.
Finally, the internet is a good tool but it is not a useful replacement for our brains. If we did
not remember anything, we would all spend even more time on our phones and computers than we
already do, which is not good for society.
In conclusion, the internet offers us many things but it is still important to use our knowledge
and memories. We need our memories to function without the internet and we also need to know how to
use the internet properly. (240 words)
EXERCISE III- To improve your writing skill, write a ‘for or

against’ opinion essay on one of the statements below in about 250
words.
1- Competitive sports help prepare a person for life. Do you agree?
2- Working women can bring up children better. Do you agree?
3- Should university students be required to attend classes or should attending classes be optional for them?
If you need more practice, see:

https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-
writing/opinion-essay
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b2-writing/opinion-
essay
SELF-STUDY: You will read three essays for the same essay question.
What are the differences? Complete the outlines.
Essay question: “Small children seem to learn very quickly, while
adults sometimes appear to lose the ability to pick up new subjects
such as languages, music, games, or computer programs.” What is
your opinion?
Essay I
The Learning Journey: Kids vs. Adults
Every person experiences all the periods -infant, teenage, adult- during their lives. We learn
new things in each period. It’s argued that small children seem to learn very quickly, while adults
sometimes appear to lose the ability to pick up new subjects such as languages, music, games, or
computer programs. However, not everyone agrees with this viewpoint.
On the one hand, children seem to learn very quickly for several reasons. The first reason is
that their brain is open to more knowledge than adults. Therefore, in just a few years, they can learn
how to play a musical instrument, speak one or even two new languages, and deal with many subjects at
school. What is more, they even have more time for sports and hobbies, and become experts in their
favourite pastimes than adults, and this opportunity helps them to learn faster and better. However,
adults have too much responsibility and may not find enough time to pick up new subjects. The last
reason why children are better learners is that much of their achievement is because of social pressure
which is a big motivating factor. For example, schools force them to take many subjects, parents force
them to practise new sports or to learn music. Even their playmates force them to become better at
computer games or to read Harry Potter novels faster. (To conclude, it is easier for children to learn new
subjects.)
On the other hand, some others disagree with people who say that adults cannot learn quickly.
First of all, adults have better skills that compensate for the decline in the ability of the brain to grasp
and remember new material than children. I mean, children can be distracted easily but adults can
organize their learning by setting times for reading or practice. Also, they can build on skills and
experiences they already know easily because they know how to learn something. Finally, adults usually
cannot learn to do ballet or to play the violin, but even despite these physical challenges, their
motivation can often be higher than a child's. (In summary, further learning isn’t pointless for adults
since they have already achieved many goals at work or in their personal life.)
To sum up, it depends on the situation and the motivation of the person, and the level of
enthusiasm he or she has for learning. I feel that we cannot generalize about children or adults being
better learners. (405 words)
Outline for Essay I:

Introduction (general
statements+thesis
statement)
Body 1(opinions of people - Topic sentence:
who agree with the essay - Major support 1:
question) - Major support 2:
- Major support 3:
- Conclusion (optional):
Body 2 (opinions of - Topic sentence:

people who disagree with - Major support 1:
the essay question) - Major support 2:
- Major support 3:
- Conclusion (optional):
Conclusion (summary of
body paragraphs+writer’s
opinion)
Essay II
new things in each period. It is true that during each period the level of our learning ability decreases
because of several reasons. Therefore, I firmly believe that new subjects are learnt quicker and better by
small children than adults in the light of three causes.
To start with, a child’s brain is open to more knowledge than an adult. Therefore, in just a few
years, they can learn how to play a musical instrument, speak one or even two new languages, and deal
with many subjects at school. They can get the knowledge easily and don’t have a problem of memory
loss like an adult. However, adults have so many things about their surroundings in their minds, so they
may easily forget the things they have learnt.
In addition, small children have more time for sports and hobbies, and become experts in
their favourite pastimes than adults. They don’t have as many responsibilities as adults. They just have
to go to school and do their assignments. After school they can spend their time taking up different
activities according to their interests. On the other hand, adults’ time for further learning is limited
because of their responsibilities in their daily lives. They have to work, look after their family members
and do the household and many other things.
The last reason why children are better learners is that much of their achievement is because
of social pressure which is a big motivating factor. For example, schools force them to take many
subjects, parents force them to practise new sports or to learn music. Even their playmates force them to
become better at computer games or to read Harry Potter novels faster.
All things considered, it is in my belief that as we become older, we lose our ability to learn
new subjects. It is a reality of human nature, so there is nothing to do for this. (332 words)
Outline for Essay II:
statements+thesis
statement+writer’s opinion)
Body 1(first major support )
Body 2(second major support )
Body 3 (third major support )
Conclusion (summary of key

points+ restatement of thesis
statement+ closing statement)
Essay III
new things in each period. Most people support that young children seem to learn very quickly, while
adults sometimes appear to lose the ability to pick up new subjects such as languages, music, games, or
computer programs. However, I totally disagree with this point of view. I firmly believe that new
subjects can be learnt as quickly and well as small children by adults because of several reasons.
In the first place, adults have better skills that compensate for the decline in the ability of the
brain to grasp and remember new material than children. I mean, children can be distracted easily but
adults can organize their learning better by setting times for reading or practice.
Secondly, adults can build on skills and experiences they already know easily because they know
how to learn something. This means they have learned so many things in their education, business and
social lives that they get accustomed to learning. Indeed, they develop strategies for learning new
things. Thus, they have more advantages while learning a new subject compared to small children.
Finally, opponents of this view believe that adults usually cannot learn to do ballet or to play the
violin, but even despite these physical challenges, their motivation can often be higher than a child's. In
contrast to adults, children can’t be fully motivated while learning a new subject. What I mean is
children can get bored easily but adults can concentrate on new things better.
Taking everything into consideration, personally, I believe that further learning isn’t pointless for
adults since they have already achieved many goals at work or in their personal life. We don’t have to be
young to open our horizons. (295 words)
Outline for Essay III:
statements+thesis
statement+writer’s
opinion)
Body 1(first major and

minor support )
Body 2 (second major and

minor support)
Body 3 (third major and

minor support)
Conclusion (summary of
key points+ restatement of
thesis statement+ closing
statement)
4.4 Cause AND / OR Effect Essay
Cause OR Effect essays are concerned with why things happen (causes
/ reasons) or what happens as a result (effects / results). It is a common
method of organizing and discussing ideas. You can write an essay only
about the causes or the effects. In the following table, you can see the
organisation of a cause OR effect essay:
Cause OR Effect Essay

Introduction paragraph some general statements on the topic + the thesis statement
Body paragraph 1 Write your first cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.
Body paragraph 2 Write your second cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.
Body paragraph 3 Write your third cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.
Body paragraph 4 Write your fourth cause or effect with a topic sentence and give some details.
(optional) (Generally, writing three body paragraphs is enough – This one is not
compulsory.)
Conclusion paragraph Restate your thesis statement, using different words. Final thoughts (your
opinion, summary of your ideas, your prediction for the future, etc.)
Analyse two cause essays below.
Why are Cities Becoming Overcrowded?
The fact that the world’s cities are getting more and more crowded is well-known. Cities such
as Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Bombay and Shanghai are now considered ‘mega-cities’, because of their enormous
size and huge populations. There are two main reasons why these and other cities are becoming so
crowded; one economic, the other socio-cultural.
First, the primary cause of cities becoming so crowded is economic. As a country develops, its
cities become the engines of development, thus jobs are available in these areas. Frankfurt, Istanbul,
Bombay and Sao Paolo are all the economic centres of their countries. For example, Tokyo was the motor
for Japan’s rapid economic development in the 1960’s and 70’s; as a result, its population increased
rapidly. People moved to Tokyo because they could find employment and establish economic security for
themselves and their families there.
Second, another factor in the huge increase in urban populations is the socio-cultural factor.
Thousands of people migrate to the cities not only for jobs but also for educational and personal reasons.
The better universities are always located in big cities and this attracts thousands of students every year,
and these students stay on and work in the city after they graduate. Moreover, young people will move to
the city as the villages and rural areas are more custom and tradition oriented. Therefore, young people
believe this is an obstacle to their personal freedom.
In conclusion, economic and cultural factors are the major causes of huge urban population.
People will always move to the areas which provide opportunity and to the places which can give them
the freedom they desire. (269 words)
Taken from https://writing.itu.edu.tr/ce1.pdf
Being a University Student

Being a student at a university is a dream for a lot of high school students. Any student who
wants to have a bright future with a good career, plans to study at a university. However, the road to
success at university is full of obstacles that might interfere with students reaching their goals. Therefore,
students should be aware of the difficulties which they could face during their college years. Despite these
obstacles, students can achieve their dream of getting their degree. In order to be successful at university,
students need strong motivation, and the ability to focus on their goals.
First, students need to keep up the motivation they need to study. Students have many
obligations to fulfil, such as completing homework assignments and research projects, studying for exams
and writing term papers. Allocating enough time for all these things requires students to be highly
motivated. In addition, many students work after school and arrive home late at night. Only dedicated and
responsible students will push themselves to finish their work before going to bed, disregarding their
tiredness. Also, when the options are to go to a party with friends or stay home and work, only determined
students will choose to study.
Students also need to focus on realistic academic goals. Many students are not aware of the
importance of selecting the right university and major. In fact, a wrong decision may result in a waste of
time and money. For example, students may have very high expectations and select a major that presents
demands they cannot meet. In some cases, they find that they are on a career path they do not even enjoy.
As a result, they may have to change their major or drop out of university when they realize that they
cannot keep up their grades. If they are more focused on what they want, the better their chances will be
to achieve their goals.
To sum up, if students are enthusiastic about what they are studying and realistic about their
academic goals, their university journey will be easier. What students gain at university as a person will
have a huge impact on their future life in all aspects, so they should know the value of their time at
university. (375)
Taken from https://ybd.yildiz.edu.tr/images/files/Cause-Effect%20Essay_IYS%20SAMPLE.pdf
Analyse two effect essays below.

Effects of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse. It’s simply defined as the inability to
manage drinking habits. The effects of this disease are really serious. Many people cannot control their
habit of drinking alcohol, and they can easily become addicted; that is a big problem. Alcoholism has a
serious impact on the physical and psychological states of a person.
The first effect of alcoholism is physical. These are the most important because these can
cause your death. For example, alcoholism causes cancer in the stomach, kidneys, and liver. Besides,
alcohol alters the digestion of nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. It also causes severe damage
in the neurons, so it causes changes in the body’s movements, loss of appetite, and depression. There are
other effects in the body like gastritis and cirrhosis of the liver. All these physical consequences could
cause your death if you drink alcohol in mass quantities.
The second effect caused by alcoholism is psychological. At the beginning, alcohol makes
you feel relaxed, but if you drink it in excess, it increases anxiety and causes depression. It can also cause
family and legal problems, violence, changes of behaviour, and suicide, among others. Alcohol is very
powerful and can alter all your normal behaviours.
In conclusion, the effects of alcoholism, which are physical and psychological, can cause
many problems that affect your life in all aspects. Alcohol alters your brain, muscles, digestion process,
and causes other disorders that affect your health. It also can lead to depression or changes in your
behaviour that result in problems with your family, friends, and with yourself. I think there are many
treatment options available to help those in need to overcome alcohol abuse. Thanks to medical
advances, when it is discovered in its early stages, the chance for a successful recovery increases
significantly. (306 words)
Taken from Üsküdar University Preparatory School Writing Booklet
The Effects of the Computer on Our Lives

The twenty-first century is already turning out to be the century of the computer. The
computer revolution that started after the Second World War is now developing rapidly and computers are
beginning to influence and take over nearly every aspect of our lives. Computers are clearly changing and
affecting society in many ways. The two main areas in which computers have brought about a profound
change in our lives are in the economic field and in the field of communications.
The computer has led to immense changes in economic and business life. First, businesses
now have to be computerised or they risk failure. Every big corporation bases its operations on
computing, regardless of which sector they are in. For example, Coca-Cola, the BBC and Levi’s market
and sell different products and services, yet they all share one basic property – without computers their
operations would collapse. Second, computing is an economic dynamo. Japan, China, India and many
other countries have large IT sectors which drive their economies upwards. Furthermore, the developed
world is moving from an industrial-based economy to a computer and IT-based one.
It is not just in business that computers have affected us so profoundly; communication has
been revolutionised totally. Firstly, whereas before, people wrote letters, which would often take weeks to
reach their destinations, or spoke on the phone, which was terribly expensive, now they email. For
instance, instead of waiting weeks for a letter now, we can read it instantly, seconds after it’s been written.
Secondly, many people use computers to communicate with people all around the world using chat rooms
and chat programs, this was impossible before the computer became widespread. As a result, now people
who live thousands of kilometres away from each other can communicate as much as they want and
whenever they want using e-mail and/or chat rooms.
In conclusion, computers have had a profound effect on our lives in many ways and it is in
business and communication that they have had the greatest influence. In the future, if the computer
continues evolving at such speed, our business practices and methods of communication will undergo
even more radical changes. (357 words)
Taken from https://writing.itu.edu.tr/ce1.pdf
Look at some expressions to introduce causes / reasons and effects /

results:
Cause / Reason Effect / Result

- cause (obj.) + infinitive - if / when
- lead (obj.) + infinitive - because / since / as
- be responsible for + noun - because of / due to / owing to + noun
- contribute to obj. - This is because…
- affect - the impact of _____ on _____
-influence - the result / effect / consequence of _____
- as a result / consequence of _____
Here are some sentences to show causes or effects:

Working for long hours causes stress at work / causes people to be
stressed.
Long working hours lead to stress.
Working long hours is responsible for stress.
Long working hours contribute to stress.
Long working hours affect / influence stress levels.
If / When people work for long hours, they are stressed.
People feel stressed as they work for 8 hours on average.
People feel stressed at work because of long working hours.
People feel stressed at work. This is because they work from 9.00 to
18.00 every day.
Stress is one of the impacts of long working hours on people.
One consequence of working long hours is stress.
As a result of working long hours, people get stressed.
It is also possible to write about both the causes and effects of the given
topic in one essay. In the following table, you can see the organisation
of a cause AND effect essay:
Cause AND Effect Essay
Introduction paragraph some general statements on the topic + the thesis statement
Body paragraph 1 Write about the causes with a topic sentence and give some details.
Body paragraph 2 Write about the effects with a topic sentence and give some details.
Conclusion paragraph Restate your thesis statement, using different words. Final thoughts (your
opinion, summary of your ideas, your prediction for the future, etc.)
See an example:
Essay question: Today more people are overweight than ever before. What are the causes and effects of
this?
Causes and Effects of Obesity
Nowadays the number of overweight people is constantly increasing. According to a study,

the percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten
years. It is evident that there are several causes of obesity and a variety of negative effects.
The foremost causes of obesity are inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. Today more
and more people rely on cars instead of walking, have fewer physical demands at work and prefer inactive
leisure activities. This results in burning less calories and gaining weight. Moreover, a growing number of
people eat irregularly and consume large portions of high-calorie food. Approximately 50% of the adult
population in Europe with irregular eating habits suffer from obesity.
The possible effects of this problem include physical health problems and loss of
productivity. First of all, obesity results in incorrect functioning of the human body and contributes to the
risk of developing some chronic illnesses. For example, as body fat percentage increases, the person’s
metabolism worsens, which in turn may result in diabetes or heart diseases. Secondly, overweight people
are very unhealthy and often suffer from stress and tiredness. This lessens their work capacity and results
in lower productivity. For example, it has been proven that an obese person needs to put more effort to
complete some tasks than a person with normal weight.
To sum up, obesity is a big problem that affects a lot of people nowadays. It’s mainly caused
by an inactive lifestyle and eating disorders and results in severe health problems and loss of productivity.
(260 words)
Taken from https://ielts-up.com/writing/cause-effect-essay.html
EXERCISE I- To improve your writing skill, write a cause AND /

OR effect essay on one of the statements below in about 250 words.
1) Nowadays we have become a throwaway society. It is common to
throw away devices and gadgets instead of repairing them. What are the
causes and/or effects of this?
2) People spend less time at home than they used to. Write an essay
about the causes and/or effects of this.
Chapter 5 - Graph Interpretation
5.1 Bar Charts and Pie Charts (sentence level)
Graphs and charts are the most efficient methods for displaying
information in a simple manner. Using this form of representation helps
its viewer to understand and interpret the information more easily and
efficiently, which otherwise could be a very difficult and monotonous
process. Graphs, charts and tables can be invaluable in a formal report.
Two most common types of charts are bar charts and pie charts.
A bar chart is presented in the form of rectangular blocks called bars. It
gives a quick overall impression of the findings. It can present the
relationship of numbers in two or three dimensions. See the examples of
bar charts below:
Chart I
Chart II
You can use the words and phrases below to show the changing trends.
Prepositions Movement: Movement: Up Movement: Up & No Movement

Down Down
between fall rise fluctuate remain steady
1995 and decline go up not change
2000 drop increase remain stable
decrease grow stabilize
from 1995 go down level off
to 2000
Adjectives/ Adverbs Nouns Tops and Bottoms
slight / slightly fall reach a peak

sharp / sharply decrease peak
gradual / gradually rise reach their / its highest level
steady / steadily increase reach a bottom
dramatic/ dramatically growth bottom out
substantial / substantially
EXERCISE I- Match the descriptions and the bar charts.

____ A) …fell dramatically
____ B) … remained level
____ C) … fell steadily
____ D) … rose steadily
____ E) … increased dramatically
1) 2)
3) 4)
5)
EXERCISE II-Write ‘adjective +noun’ and /or ‘verb +adverb’
phrases to describe the trends below. The first one is an example.
1) a steady decrease / decrease steadily

2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
EXERCISE III- The bar chart below shows the amount of money
spent on two types of electronic items in country X. Choose the
correct option to complete these sentences.
1) The chart shows sales of one / two / three types of electronic
item.
2) The graph shows spending over a three / four / five –year
period.
3) The date shows sales from 2011 / 2012 / 2014 to 2015.
4) Sales of both items increased / remained level / fell.
5) Sales of computers / smart phones / both remained level and
then increased dramatically.
6) Sales of computers / smart phones / both increased steadily.
EXERCISE IV- Complete the sentences with a phrase from the box
using the chart in EXERCISE III.
grew overtake increased steadily
increased dramatically in this period remained level
1. Computer sales _______________ (went up at a steady rate) during

the five years.
2. Smartphone sales _______________ (stayed the same) until 2013.
3. In 2014 and 2015 smartphone sales _______________ (went up a lot
in a short time).
4. People's total spending on these electronic devices rose dramatically
_______________ (during these years).
5. Overall, the sales of both these items _______________ (went up).
6. If these trends continue, we can expect smartphone sales to
_______________ (become greater than) computer sales in 2016.
EXERCISE V- Complete the summary of the chart in EXERCISE

III with one or two words.
The chart gives information about how much money was spent on computers and smartphones
in country X 1.____________ the years 2011 and 2015.
According to the chart, spending on both items went 2. ____________. Computer sales
increased 3. ____________by $5 million each year. Smartphone sales 4. ____________at $10 million
until 2013 and then increased 5. ____________and it reached $45 million in 2015.
People’s total expenditure on these electronic devices 6. ____________dramatically in this

period. The total was $40 million in 2011 and it went up to $95 million 7. ____________.
Overall, the sales of both items grew, but smartphone sales grew more quickly. If these trends
continue, we can expect smartphone sales to overtake computer sales in the following years.(125 words)
Pie Charts are one of the most commonly used methods of pictorial
data interpretation. They show the relationship of parts to the whole. Pie
charts are useful for representing percentages, proportions and shares of
a particular quantity.
The pie chart below illustrates how internet users aged 16+ prefer to
access the internet at home and in other places.
EXERCISE VI- Complete the sentences using the pie chart above
with a word from the box.
from over over in
about between for of
1) The participants were aged 16 and _______________.

2) People were asked _______________ their preferred devices for
going online.
3) _______________the pie chart, it is clear that most people prefer
to use a smartphone.
4) 30% _______________ the participants prefer using a laptop.
5) The desktop computer is last _______________ terms of
popularity.
6) Most of the participants prefer to use smartphones and laptops,
with a difference of just three percentage points _______________
the two.
7) A tablet accounts _______________ 19% of users' preferred
devices.
8) _______________ half of the participants prefer a smartphone or
laptop.
EXERCISE VII- Match the numbers with the phrases.
_____ 1) nearly a third a) 100%
_____ 2) just over half b) 85%
_____3) about three-quarters c) 76%
_____4) a small minority d) 52%
_____ 5) the vast majority e) 31%
_____ 6) all f) 4%
EXERCISE VIII- Complete the sentences with the correct form of

the word in brackets.
1) The pie chart _______________ the results of a survey. (show)
2) People were asked about their _______________ devices for
accessing the internet. (prefer)
3) The devices are _______________ in red, green, purple and blue.
(show)
4) Nearly a third of the _______________ prefer to access the
internet using a smartphone. (participate)
5) The laptop is second in terms of _______________. (popular)
6) There is a _______________ of just three percentage points
between the two. (differ)
7) A desktop computer _______________ for 14% of users’
preferred devices. (account)
8) In conclusion, the _______________ of people prefer to use a
smartphone or laptop. (major)
EXERCISE IX- Read the summary of the chart and fill in the
blanks with an expression in the box.
participants least popular majority
nearly a third over fourteen per cent
The graph shows the result of a survey in which people aged 16 and 1) ______________ were
asked about their preferred devices for accessing the internet. The question referred to going online at
home and in other places. 2) ______________ mentioned four main devices in their answers: a
smartphone, a laptop, a tablet and a desktop computer.
From the pie chart it is clear that the 3) ______________ of participants prefer to use
smartphones and laptops, with just three per cent difference between the two. 4) ______________ of
participants prefer to go online with a smartphone. Thirty per cent like to use a laptop. A desktop
computer accounts for 5) ______________ of users’ preferred devices. Only a small minority prefer a
device other than these main four.
In conclusion, it is clear that mobile and portable devices are the most popular choices and the
desktop computer is the 6) ______________ of the four main. In the future, we can probably expect more
people accessing the internet with smartphones as their preferred choice. (171 words)
EXERCISE X- Look at the charts below and write sentences to
interpret them.
1) The chart shows the average number of hours each day that Chinese,
American, Turkish and Brazilian tourists spent doing leisure activities
while on holiday in Greece in August 2019.
a) Describe the chart by paraphrasing the information above.

__________________________________________________________
_______________________
b) Write one sentence explaining an overall trend (Which activity was
performed by the most number of people? Which one was the least
popular?)
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
c) Write sentences comparing the nationalities and activities.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
Adapted from https://www.ielts-

writing.info/EXAM/academic_writing_samples_task_1/1227/
2) The pie chart shows what types of food were consumed in 2014.
a) Write one sentence to say what the chart is about.

__________________________________________________________
_______________________
b) Write a sentence about each type of food.

__________________________________________________________
_______________________
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
c) Can you make an overall comment about the food types?

__________________________________________________________
_______________________
Adapted from https://www.ieltspodcast.com/academic-task-1/pie-chart-
ielts/
3) The pie charts below show the reasons why people cycle or drive to
work.
a) Write a brief description of the charts.

__________________________________________________________
_______________________
b) Write one main feature for each chart.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
c) What is the only reason included in both pie charts? How can you
write about it?
__________________________________________________________
_______________________

5.2 Tables and Line Graphs (sentence level)

Tables are also used in data interpretation. It is an arrangement of data
in rows and columns. It provides an overall view of the situation and
helps in the process of decision making. The table below gives
information about some of the world’s most studied languages along
with the most spoken native languages.
Language Number of people Number of native Number of countries

learning the language speakers where the language is
spoken
English 1.5 billion 527 million 101
French 82 million 118 million 51
Chinese 30 million 1.39 billion 33
Spanish 14.5 million 389 million 31
Italian 8 million 67 million 29
Japanese 3 million 123 million 25
EXERCISE I - Complete the sentences with words and phrases

from the box. Use the information in the table above.
far illustrates as for given compared
twice striking correlation terms
1. This table _______________ the numbers of learners, native speakers

and countries where the language is spoken for some of the most
popular languages to study.
2. The prominence (popularity) of English is _______________.
3. 1.5 billion people are learning English _______________ to 82
million studying French.
4. English is spoken in roughly _______________ as many countries as
French.
5. In _______________ of native speakers, Chinese is the most spoken
language.
6. _______________ Japanese, it is the least studied language of those
_______________.
7. Chinese has by _______________ the greatest number of native
speakers.
8. There seems to be little _______________ between the number of
native speakers and the number of learners.
EXERCISE II -The table below shows the number of full-time

students from India who studied at various universities in the UK in
2020-2021 and 2021-2022.
Full-time Students from India
University 2020-2021 2021-2022 Change % Increase
Coventry 2,390 5,290 2,900 121.3
Greenwich 2,455 4,540 2,085 84.9
BPP 3,505 5,145 1,640 46.8
Sheffield 815 2,345 1,530 187.7
Anglia Ruskin 1,925 3,265 1,340 69.6
Leicester 1,175 2,390 1,215 103.4
1) Rewrite what the table is about by paraphrasing this sentence

‘The table below shows the number of full-time students from India who
studied at various universities in the UK in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.’
__________________________________________________________
______________________.
2) Write a sentence about the greatest increase and lowest increase.
__________________________________________________________
______________________.
3) Write a sentence about Leicester University.
__________________________________________________________
_______________________.
EXERCISE III- The table below shows information and predictions
regarding the change in percentage of the population aged 65 and
above in three countries.
Country 1988 2000 2030
Canada 16.32 20.67 26.35
Germany 20.45 25.32 30.42
UK 14.23 14.89 20.35
1) Write one sentence to say what the table is about.

__________________________________________________________
_______________________
2) Write one sentence explaining an overall trend (Looking at the
three countries and the percentage of old people, is there a rise or
fall?)
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
3) Write about the trend in the UK .
__________________________________________________________
_______________________
Adapted from https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-
task-1-future-prediction-model-answer/
Line graphs can be used to show how something changes over time.
They have an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical). Usually, the x-
axis has numbers for the time period, and the y-axis has numbers for
what is being measured.The graph below shows how people buy music.
EXERCISE IV- According to the table above are the sentences true
(T) or false (F)?
____1. Downloads and physical sales of music gradually fell after 2014.
____2. There was a dramatic increase in people streaming music after
2013.
____3. In 2011, the majority of music sales were downloads.
____4. Physical sales overtook streaming in 2016.
____5. Streaming grew steadily between 2011 and 2013.
____6. Downloads reached an all-time low in 2014.
____7. Physical sales reduced to 25% by 2018.
____8. Streaming represented just over 40% of sales in 2018.
EXERCISE V- Put the words and phrases in order to make sentences.
1. since 2012. / have / sales / Overall, / steadily declined
2. rose / In / downloads / contrast, / 5%. / by
3. a / rise / 2000. / saw / in / dramatic / Sales
4. 2012. / a / in / Downloads / peak / reached
5. both / overtook / downloads and physical sales. / Streaming
6. of / just over / accounted for / in 2012. / 10% / sales / Downloads
EXERCISE VI- Match the definitions (a–f) with the vocabulary (1–
6).
____1. to account for a. to show
____2. to shrink b. to reach the highest point
____3. steady c. to cause or explain

____4. to overtake d. to get smaller
____5. to illustrate e. regular and continuous, without sudden

changes
____6. to peak
f. to go past something by being bigger or
faster, etc.
EXERCISE VII- Complete the sentences with words from the box.
overtook dramatically steadily peaked
shrank sharp doubled contrast
1. Sales of PCs __________________________ increased from 1984 to

2010. (in a gradual and regular way)
2. Smartphone sales __________________________ PC sales in 2010.
(went past)
3. There was a ________________________ rise in smartphone sales
between 2009 and 2015. (sudden and dramatic)
4. PC sales __________________________ in 2010. (reached their
highest point)
5. Smartphone sales continued to grow __________________________
from 2010 to 2013. (suddenly and obviously)
6. In __________________________ PC sales started a slow decline
around the same time. (on the other hand)
7. PC sales __________________________ as the popularity of the
smartphone grew. (got smaller)
8. Smartphone sales __________________________ in five years, then
continued to increase dramatically. (became
twice as many)
5.3 Extended Graph Interpretation (paragraph level)

Analyzing and interpreting visual information presented in the form of
graphs is an important skill to improve. In parts 5.1 and 5.2 the main
focus is on writing separate sentences to interpret data presented in
different types of graphs. In this part, the aim is to be able to write a full
text (three or more paragraphs) on data presented in one or more graphs.
● Start by saying what the graphs show. Change the words in the
question to write the first sentence of your answer, e.g. These
charts/graphs show = These charts/graphs illustrate.
● Normally, you need more than one sentence to write a paragraph,
However, the introduction paragraph of graph interpretation can be
just one sentence, depending on the complexity of the graphs.
● The second paragraph should provide an overview of the key
features of the information.
● The other paragraphs should describe the patterns or trends in more
detail. However, only select the most important ones to write
about, and don't write about your own ideas.
● You can end with a conclusion paragraph, but you don’t have to.
● Make sure you write about 120-150 words. Try not to exceed 200
words.
● Use linking words and a range of vocabulary to describe what you
see in the graphs. (You can write % or per cent, but be consistent.)
● Be careful to use the correct tenses to describe the time periods
shown.
Adapted from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-
writing/describing-charts
EXERCISE I- The table below gives information about some of the

world’s most studied languages along with the most spoken native
languages. Read a summary of the table and write what each paragraph
is about.
Language Number of people Number of native Number of countries
learning the language speakers where the language is
spoken
English 1.5 billion 527 million 101
French 82 million 118 million 51
Chinese 30 million 1.39 billion 33
Spanish 14.5 million 389 million 31
Italian 8 million 67 million 29
Japanese 3 million 123 million 25
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
The table shows significant information about popular languages people are learning
worldwide. It lets us compare the number of learners to the number of native speakers and indicates how
many countries use each language.
English stands out. 1.5 billion people are learning it, while the second most learned language,
French, has only 82 million learners. English is spoken in 101 countries, which is about twice as many as
French and three times more than Chinese. Interestingly, English is the only language with more learners
than native speakers.
Looking at native speakers, Chinese is the most spoken language with 1.39 billion speakers,
more than double the number of English speakers. It is the third most learned language with 30 million
learners. Spanish has over five times more native speakers than Italian, but fewer learners proportionally
(14.5 million for Spanish and 8 million for Italian). Japanese is the least studied language among those
mentioned, with 3 million learners.
In summary, more people are learning English than all the other languages combined, and
English is spoken in most countries. However, Chinese has the most native speakers. There isn't much
connection between the number of native speakers and learners, but there is a stronger link between the
number of learners and the countries where the language is spoken. (212 words)
EXERCISE II- The chart below shows British emigration to selected

destinations between 2004 and 2007. Summarize the information by
selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where
relevant. Write about 150 words.
Adapted from https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/bar-graph.html
EXERCISE III- The pie charts below compare the proportion of

energy capacity in gigawatts (GW) in 2015 with the predictions for
2040. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main
features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write about 150 words.
Chapter 6 - How to Write a Report
6.1 Report Writing
Learning how to write reports is crucial for several reasons. It helps you
express complex ideas clearly. Writing reports also improves critical
thinking because you have to analyse information and present it
logically. Plus, it helps you learn new words and sentence structures.
Reports are used in various contexts, school, work, and research.
Reports are different from essays in format. Like other types of
writings, reports start with the introduction. See what to include in this
part:
● Introduction
Purpose of the Report: Briefly describe what the report will cover
and its objectives.
Background Information: Provide any necessary background
information relevant to the report.
Methodology: Describe the methods used to gather information or
conduct research for the report.
Next, you need to give details about the findings in the body. Unlike
essays, reports may have different number of body paragraphs
depending on their content:
● Body
Findings/Data Analysis: Present the data or findings from your
research. Use charts, graphs, or tables to illustrate points where
appropriate.
The last part of a report is the conclusion:
● Conclusion
Summarize the key findings and their implications.
Suggest recommendations based on the report’s findings.
Adapted from https://www.examples.com/business/english-report-

writings.html
EXERCISE I- Read the report on a student meeting and do the
following tasks.
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the
exercises.
Preparation task- Match the definitions (a–f) with the vocabulary
(1–6).
Vocabulary Definition
1. …… a hall of residence a. work needed to keep a
building in good condition
2. …… a process b. a building where

university students live
3. …… a budget c. a piece of wood or metal

instead of steps to go up or down
4. …… maintenance d. a formal system to do

something
5. …… a concern e. a worry
6. …… a ramp f. an amount of money that

is available to spend on something
Topic: The administrative board of the university has asked you to write
a report on the problems in Oak Hall of Residence and
recommendations to solve these problems.
Here is the report:
Introduction
This report aims to describe problems in Oak Hall of Residence and
discuss possible maintenance work to solve them. The two biggest
issues were discussed at a meeting on 12 May, which was attended by
165 of the 250 students who live in the building.
Issue 1: temperature in rooms
A number of students complained that the second-floor bedrooms are
too hot. Concerns were raised about lack of sleep and students finding it
hard to study in their rooms. Air conditioning was suggested as a
possible solution. However, there is no budget left for installing air
conditioning this academic year. Also, installation can only be carried
out during holidays as students cannot be present in the building while
the work takes place.
Issue 2: improving wheelchair access to Oak Café
It was noted that wheelchair users can only access Oak Café from the
back and not the front entrance nearer the lifts. This makes access to the
café difficult for wheelchair users. The university is looking to improve
its wheelchair access in general by installing ramps in key areas and
work can take place during term time with no issues for staff or
students.
Conclusion and recommendations
Taking the factors mentioned into account, August would be the best
time for the installation of air conditioning. Until then, the university
could consider supplying fans to each second floor room so students can
sleep and study comfortably. The front of the café is recommended as
an ideal place to install a wheelchair ramp. This work can take place
immediately and should be a priority. (262 words)
……………………………………………………………………………
………………
Tips
1. Start with the aim of the report and say where the information comes
from.
2. Use subheadings to make the layout clear. Follow a logical structure,
e.g.:
• Introduction
• Body: The problem(s) (Give each issue a separate section)
• Conclusion and recommendations
3. Assume the person reading the report has asked you to write it and
needs only a brief introduction to the situation.
4. Use an impersonal, formal style.
5. Use the passive to keep the focus off individual people:
Concerns were raised about ...
... was suggested …
6. You should also use objective language for recommendations and
conclusions:
... would be the best …
the university could consider ...
... is recommended …
Task 1- Are the sentences true or false?
___1. You should begin a report with your most important
recommendation.
___2. You should explain the context of the report in detail.
___3. You should use sub-headings.
___4. This sentence is in the right style for a report: In this report I’m
going to talk about a few problems in Oak Hall
of Residence, where we live.
___5. This sentence has the right tone for a report: I think air
conditioning is the best solution for me and my friends.
___6. This sentence has the right tone for a report: Some building work
is needed at Oak Hall.
Task 2- Write the phrases in the correct group.

A number of people complained that…
My housemates and I think…
Maya mentioned that…
It would be better to avoid major building work during term time.
I suggested a solution.
Concerns were raised that …
A range of solutions were suggested.
We do not think it is a good idea to do the work in term time.
Impersonal/Objective Personal/Subjective
Task 3- Complete the second sentence using the passive (in the same
tense) so that it has the same meaning as the first.
1. Oak Hall needs maintenance work.
Maintenance work
______________________________________________________ at
Oak Hall.
2. People raised concerns about the temperature of the rooms.
Concerns
______________________________________________________
about the temperature of the rooms.
3. Someone suggested air conditioning.

Air conditioning
______________________________________________________
4. They can only install air conditioning during the holidays.

Air conditioning can only
______________________________________________________
during the holidays.
5. They can complete the ramp installation during term time.

The ramp installation can
______________________________________________________
during term time.
6. People have made complaints about the budget.

Complaints
______________________________________________________
about the budget.
Adapted from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b1-

writing/report-student-meeting
EXERCISE II- Read the report on working abroad and do the
following tasks.
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the
exercises.
Preparation task- Write the words in the correct group.
a disadvantage a benefit a plus a drawback a minus an advantage
Good Things Bad Things
Topic: The principal of a local college has asked you to write a report
on the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad in the summer
holidays. She would like to know if the college should recommend
‘working holidays’ to its students.
Here is the report:
Introduction
Currently, approximately 25 percent of Hawthorne College students
work abroad during the summer break. This report aims to show the
benefits and drawbacks of working overseas in order to decide whether
the college should recommend the experience to its students. To prepare
for this report, a sample of 100 students were interviewed. 23 of them
had worked abroad. This is a summary of their comments.
Benefits
According to the students interviewed, working overseas during the
summer holidays can bring several benefits. Most of all, students can
improve their foreign language skills by working in a non-English
speaking country. This may help them get a better job in the future.
Additionally, learning about a different culture and way of life makes
people more open minded. A further advantage is that students may
become more confident when they learn practical skills to help them
live independently later in life, for example, finding accommodation
and cooking for themselves.
Drawbacks
However, a large number of interviewees mentioned drawbacks as well.
Students who need to study over the summer will find it difficult to do
so while working abroad. Most significant of all are finance issues: only
a minority of students are able to afford travel expenses,
accommodation and visas. In addition, students may have to take low-
income jobs if they are not fluent in the local language, so they may
struggle to cover their expenses.
Conclusion and recommendation
Working abroad may improve students’ language skills and confidence.
However, students often need to earn money during the holidays to
support their studies and working abroad may not provide the
opportunity to save. Also, the cost of travel means that only students
who are able to afford it have the chance to do this. Therefore, the
college should only recommend working abroad if there is financial
support from the college for students that need it. (310 words)
…………………………………………………………………………
………………
Tips
1.The basic structure of a report is usually the same:
• Introduction (including the purpose of the report and how the data was
collected)
• Body (including benefits and drawbacks or findings if appropriate)
• Conclusion and recommendations.
2. Use headings for each section.
3. Use formal vocabulary (e.g. Currently, ... / in order to ... / Therefore,
...) to give the report a formal style.
4. The ideas and conclusions should be objective. Use non-personal
subjects (e.g. This report aims to …) and passive structures (e.g. 100
students were interviewed).
5. You can also use ‘may’ to show that something is not certain (e.g.
This may help them get a better job in the future)
Task 1- Match the sentences (1–4) with the sections of the report (a–
d).
Sentences
Sections of the report
1. ____ Therefore, this is not a good idea for all students.
a. Introduction
2. ____ The main objective of this report is to …
b. Advantages
3. ____ Students can improve their chances of …
c. Disadvantages
4. ____ Students may have problems getting visas.
d. Conclusion
Task 2- Match the phrases with the same function.
1. ____ The students interviewed said that … a. The main objective of this report is to ...
2. ____ Given the points made above, it is recommended b. To prepare for this report, 100 students
that … 3. ____ This report aims to … were interviewed.
4. ____ This report is based on information from 100 c. According to the students interviewed, ...
interviews with students. d. Taking all these factors into account, it is
suggested that ...
Task 3- Complete the report conclusion with words from the box.
if however also so therefore
Volunteering can develop a range of new skills for students.

(1)……………………………… , there may not be many local
volunteering opportunities (2)……………………………… some
students would need personal transport to attend.
(3)……………………………… , individuals may have specific
training needs and gaps in their skill set that only certain volunteering
opportunities can fulfil. (4)……………………………… , careers
advisers should only recommend volunteering
(5)……………………………… the right role and transport is
available.
Adapted from
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/sites/podcasts/files/LearnEnglish-
Writing-B2-A-report-on-working-abroad.pdf
EXERCISE III- Read the report on a new runway and do the
following tasks.
Task 1- Read the report below and choose the best title.
1. Plans for a new runway at Gatsted Airport
2. Reactions to plans for a new runway at Gatsted Airport
3. Opposition to plans for a new runway at Gatsted Airport
A ____________________________
The aim of this report is to summarise the findings of a recent survey among local residents in the village
of Barnley in southern Sussex on plans to build a runway at Gatsted Airport. AEB Research was asked to
carry out the survey by a local action group. The data was collected by questionnaire and interviews with
400 local residents between 6th and 17th October.
B ____________________________
C ____________________________
The majority of local residents (83%) said that they were against the plans for the new runway. The main
reason (mentioned by 75%) was that it will destroy the village of Barnley, and many families will have to
move house. These people sometimes have long connections with the area, going back hundreds of years.
Another important reason (mentioned by 64%) was that the runway will cause noise and pollution.
D ____________________________
A minority of residents (17%), on the other hand, felt that a new runway could bring benefits to the area, as
it could create new jobs.
E ____________________________
However, 96% of all residents thought that a better idea was to build a new runway at one of the other
airports in the region.
F ____________________________
To sum up, there was a great deal of opposition to the plan for the new runway. There was an almost
universal feeling that the government and British Airport Organisation (BAO) should build an extra
runway at another airport. Because of the strong local feeling, we believe that the government and BAO
should consider other possible locations carefully. (280 words)
Task 2- Put these headings and subheadings in the correct place (A-
F) in the report.
1. Conclusion
2. Arguments against building the new runway at Gatsted Airport
3. Introduction
4. Alternative solutions
5. Arguments for building the new runway at Gatsted Airport
6. Findings
Task 3- What is the main difference between an essay and a report?

An essay
__________________________________________________________
_________________ while a report
__________________________________________________________
_________________________________.
Task 4- Match these phrases (1-6) with their functions (a-f) below.
1. The aim of this report is to … a. the opinion of most people
2. The date was collected by … b. the opinion of a small number of people
3. The majority … said that … c. why the report was written
4. The main reason … was that … d. a summary of the report
5. A minority … felt that … e. how the information was obtained
6. To sum up, … f. why people had particular views
Task 5- In paragraphs C, D, and E of the report, which four verbs

are used to report the residents’ opinions?
____________________, ____________________,
____________________, ____________________.
Task 6- Which other phrases in the report could you use in a report
on any topic?
Chapter 7 How to Write an Essay II (for P3 only)
7.1 Problem- Solution Essay
Problem-solution essays consider the problems of a particular situation

and give solutions to those problems. When your purpose is to describe
a problem and suggest possible solutions, you will write a problem-
solution essay. There are various ways to write this type of essay. Two
most common ways will be studied in this chapter.
EXERCISE I- Work in pairs. Discuss each problem and think of at
least two or three possible solutions.
1) Living in a foreign country can be fun and exciting, but it can also be
problematic. One of the most serious problems that people living in a
foreign country face is culture shock. What ways can you think of to
help people deal with this problem?
Problem: Culture shock
Solutions:
a. Keep in touch with your family and friends at
home___________________________.
b.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
c.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
2) Many people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for an
adequate amount of time. This problem is known as insomnia. What
suggestions would you give to people who cannot get a good night’s
sleep?
Problem: Insomnia
Solutions:
a.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
b.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
c.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
3) Many large cities around the world have high rates of crime. Is crime
a serious problem in the large cities of your native country? What
solutions can you think of to reduce crime?
Problem: Crime in large cities
Solutions:
a.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
b.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
c.
__________________________________________________________
__________.
Problem-Solution Essay Structure

Introduction
1. Describe the problem and state why it is serious.
2. Write a thesis statement that states possible solutions to the problem. (The thesis statement does not
have to give details about the solutions.)
Body (Supporting Paragraphs)

1. Discuss one solution in each supporting paragraph.
2. Provide details to explain each solution. You can write the advantages and the disadvantages of the
solutions.
3. You can order the solutions in the order of importance.
Conclusion
1. Summarize the solutions.
2. You can state which solution is the best for you and give reasons.
3. Draw a conclusion or make a prediction based on your suggestions.
Introduction paragraph for a problem-solution essay should:

get your reader interested in the problem.
convince your reader that the problem is important and needs to be
solved.
propose several reasonable solutions in a thesis statement.
EXERCISE II- Here is a sample introduction paragraph for a
problem-solution essay. Read it and then write an introduction
paragraph for the other problem given below.
1. Problem: Culture shock
Introduction Paragraph:
Living in a foreign country can be fun and exciting, but it can also
be problematic. One of the most serious problems that people living in a
foreign country face is culture shock. Experiencing culture shock can
sometimes have very negative effects on people’s lives. Several ways to
deal with the problem of culture shock include keeping in touch with
your family and friends at home, making new friends in your host
country, and keeping an open mind about new customs and food.
(Thesis Statement).
2. Problem: Crime in Large Cities

Introduction Paragraph:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________.
Body paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence that states one
solution. Remember to use transitions between body paragraphs. The
topic sentence should link the solution in the previous paragraph to the
next solution. Don’t forget to use signals such as in addition, another,
besides, etc. You can mention the advantages and disadvantages of each
solution. It is also possible to state only the advantages. Look at the
sample body paragraphs for the topic ‘culture shock’.
Topic: Culture Shock
One way to deal with culture shock is to keep in touch with friends
and family at home. Hearing the voices of your loved ones back home
or even reading their messages can help you overcome the stress you
face due to the negative feelings you are experiencing.
Another way to minimize the negative effects of culture shock is to
make new friends in the host country. Finding clubs to join and trying to
socialize with students from different countries and people from the
target culture may help you to forget your culture shock-related
problems. Thus, you will adapt more quickly to the way of life in your
host country.
In addition, if you want to mitigate the impacts of culture
shock, you should keep an open mind about new customs and food,
which will help you get accustomed to the culture of the target
community.
The concluding paragraph should include the solutions mentioned in

the body of your essay. Finally, you should draw a conclusion or make a
prediction based on your suggestions. You can also give your personal
opinion and state which solution is the best for you. See an example of
the concluding paragraph for the topic ‘culture shock’.
Topic: Culture Shock
All in all, culture shock, which is a psychological phenomenon
experienced by many people who study or work abroad for an extended
period of time, can have devastating effects on people’s lives if it is not
dealt with properly. This psychological phenomenon can be overcome
by keeping in touch with your loved ones back home, finding new
friends in the host country and being open-minded and accepting the
new customs and food in the target community. I think the best way to
cope with the negative feelings caused by culture shock is to make as
many new friends as you can and socialize with the people around you
as much as possible.
Taken and adopted from Ready to Write 3 pp. 169-170.
You can organize your problem-solution essay in many different ways,
depending on how the question is asked. Two of them are here:
Climate change is a global problem that needs to be solved. What
can be done to solve it?
Introduction Describe the problem and write your thesis statement
Body Explain solution 1 (e.g. using green energy)

paragraph 1
Body Explain solution 2 (e.g. recycling)
paragraph 2
Body Explain solution 3 (e.g. supporting farmers)
paragraph 3
Body Explain solution 4 (e.g. using public transport) - OPTIONAL (Three body paragraphs would
paragraph 4 be enough .)
Conclusion Summarize the topic and write your opinion
OR:
Climate change is a global problem that needs to be solved. What
should governments and individuals do to reduce the problem of
climate change?
Governments: protect the ecosystem, support agricultural producers,
promote green energy
Individuals: save energy, use public transport, recycle more, etc.
(You can use the ideas above as supporting ideas in your essay or you
can use other ideas.)
Introduction Describe the problem and write your thesis statement.

:
Body Solutions part I: Write what governments should do to solve it.
paragraph
1:
Body Solutions part II: Write what individuals should do to solve it.
paragraph 2:
Conclusion: Summarize the topic and write your opinion.
Two Problem Solution Essays on Crime:
Crime
It is quite obvious that the crime rate is increasing day by day in all societies in the world, but I
personally believe that there are a lot of things which can be done by both the governments and the
individuals to reduce the crimes in communities.
First, governments can introduce more police forces everywhere to monitor people’s activities and
stop them from committing crimes. Second, the state can apply new technologies such as surveillance
cameras in the streets, shopping centres, restaurants and all public places to stop criminals. Third, strict
punishments on criminals can have really preventive and deterrent effects on all age groups in society, so
by using harsh penalties like imprisonment, physical or financial punishments the rate of crimes can be
decreased.
On the other hand, individuals in societies can be of great help to cut down on the number of
crimes being committed. The overwhelming majority of people tend to participate in activities which
assist the government to keep the society a safe place for their own families and the others. Take as an
example, most people who report the problems to police can play an indispensable role in crime-
prevention activities.
To conclude, in order for a society to be a safe place to live in, all society members including the
governments and people must take necessary measures to keep it a crime-free place. (228 words)
Crime
It is true that crime rates are increasing, especially in large cities. The reasons for such an
increase might be unemployment, poverty or poor education. Whatever the reason is, crime is a serious
problem that needs to be solved and there are ways to deal with this problem.
First of all, governments should provide all the citizens with the same opportunities, such as
essential housing, healthcare and fair salaries. Although it is difficult to put into practice, with proper
planning and correct steps, governments can surely make it happen.
Promoting migration from urban to rural areas could also help reduce crime in big cities. As the
population is reduced, there will eventually be fewer crimes. People might not want to leave the city
because of the facilities that it offers, but governments can introduce development policies for the rural
areas. Then, more people will be willing to move to the country.
Finally, governments can promote crime-related education. Learning about crime and related
punishments can be a deterrent and decrease the number of crimes. It is clear that this kind of education is
one of the most powerful preventative measures against crime.
To conclude, in order for a society to be a safe place to live in, all society members, especially
the governments must take necessary measures to keep it a crime-free place. (222 words)
Essay question: Poverty is a problem all around the world. What can be
done to solve this problem?
Ending Poverty
Poverty is a global problem. There are poor people all around the world. Both developed countries and
developing countries suffer from poverty. The number of people who live in poverty is increasing around
the globe. Poverty is a huge social problem and governments should take steps to eradicate poverty. The
two most important steps that governments can take to eradicate poverty are to increase access to
education and to
support entrepreneurs.
The first step that governments should take to end poverty is to increase access to education. When
people are educated, they know more about the world and themselves. Educated people can read and
learn. They can find solutions to their problems. They can develop new tools and methods. Education
enables people to improve their lives. If all the people in a society are educated, they will be able to
eliminate poverty gradually.
Secondly, governments should support entrepreneurs in order to eliminate poverty. Entrepreneurs are
people who try to find solutions to everyday problems. They create new jobs and opportunities and they
improve the living conditions in a society. Entrepreneurs provide employment and thus decrease poverty
in a society. Therefore they should be supported by the government through incentives and tax
reductions.
To sum up, poverty is a global problem. However, it is possible to eliminate poverty. By increasing
access to education and by supporting entrepreneurs
governments can eliminate poverty. If the governments around the world embrace these steps, we will be
able to eradicate poverty in a few decades.(252 words)
EXERCISE III- Write a problem-solution essay on the topic

insomnia by using the given prompts below. (250 words)
Solutions
- Learn how to relax before bed

- Go to bed only when you feel sleepy
- Take regular exercise
- Stop eating late at night
- Have a good sleep pattern (Falling asleep at around the same time each night and
waking up at the same time in the morning.)

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Content Page

Chapter 1 Introduction to Writing page 1

Chapter 2 How to Write a Paragraph page 11

Chapter 5 Graph Interpretation page 57

EXERCISE I – Underline subject, verb and object in the sentences

1) We want pizza for lunch.

EXERCISE II – Put the words in the correct order to make

EXERCISE III – Put the words in the correct order to make

1.2 Types of Sentences

Simple sentences are important for making clear points. Be careful - if

EXERCISE I- Use ‘and’ / ‘but’/ ‘or’ / ‘so’ to connect simple

2) Andy loves classical music. He doesn’t like rock music.

4) Meg has a nice job. Her sister doesn’t work.

5) The weather is quite cold. I do not want to go out.

also include two clauses. One of them is an independent

- When I am at a meeting, I keep my mobile in silent mode.

EXERCISE III- Combine the sentences using the words in

1.3 Parts of Speech

EXERCISE I – Write the part of speech (noun, pronoun, adjective,

EXERCISE II – Fill in the blanks with the appropriate nouns,

Word bank: fluffy, jumps, table, sits, soft

2) She _____ (verb) the _____ (adjective) book _____ (adverb).

Word bank: reads, interesting, quietly, colourful

3) _____ (noun) _____ (verb) very _____ (adverb).

Word bank: cars, drive, fast, bikes, move, slowly

4) A _____ (adjective) bird _____ (verb) over the _____ (noun).

Word bank: blue, flies, tree, sings, sky

5) My _____ (adjective) friend _____ (verb) in/for a/an _____ (noun).

Word bank: best, works, car company, shop

6) The _____ (noun) _____ (verb) _____ (adjective) today.

Word bank: weather, sunny, is, cold

Present Continuous Tense

Simple Past Tense

Simple Past Tense

EXERCISE V – Ask follow-up questions using the words in

Chapter 2 – How to Write a Paragraph

2) ________________________________. North Americans send cards

3) ________________________________. Firstly, reading keeps our

EXERCISE IV- Write a topic sentence for each paragraph.

EXERCISE V- Imagine that your teacher has asked you to write a

EXERCISE VII- Write three major supporting sentences for each

EXERCISE VIII- Read the following topic sentences and major

4) Topic sentence: Fruit and vegetables are important parts of a

EXERCISE X- Choose the best concluding sentence for each

EXERCISE XI- Write a concluding sentence for each paragraph.

Elements of a Good Paragraph

Here is an example paragraph:

EXERCISE XIII- Underline the transition words and replace them

2.2 Advantage or Disadvantage Paragraph

In an advantage / disadvantage paragraph your task is to describe the

- There are three main advantages / disadvantages of living in a

2) Advantages / Disadvantages of living in a big city

follow the topic sentence. They develop the

The first advantage/disadvantage 2nd, 3rd and more

-The main advantage/disadvantage of… -Another positive/negative aspect/side of …

EXERCISE II- Fill in the blanks using suitable signal words /

about each major idea makes your paragraph more

of an advantage / disadvantage paragraph usually states

EXERCISE IV- Look at the concluding sentences of the three

- Advantages / Disadvantages of travelling alone

2) She ___ (verb) the _ (adjective) book ___ (adverb).

3) ___ (noun) _ (verb) very ___ (adverb).

4) A ___ (adjective) bird _ (verb) over the ___ (noun).

5) My ___ (adjective) friend _ (verb) in/for a/an ___ (noun).

6) The ___ (noun) _ (verb) ___ (adjective) today.

To conclude, _ In summary, _

_X_ has / have both advantages and disadvantages / drawbacks.

There are some advantages and disadvantages of _X_

X is advantageous in many ways. X has some disadvantageous sides.

X have/has many advantages. X also have/has some disadvantages.