Sách Pre Intensive Writing Task 2-Version 2

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


1
# FOCUS ACTIVITIES
Estimated
Time
MATERIAL
1
Paragraph structure
Linking words
Introduction
- Writing Task 2
- Types of Questions in the WT 2

10 mins
15 mins

N/A
5,6
Paragraph Structure 15 mins 7 or p.8
Features of a Paragraph 15 mins 9
Linking Words: Revision+ Practice 20 mins 10,11 or 12,13
Practice: Identify elements of a paragraph 30 mins 14, Key: 15
Homework 5 mins N/A
2
- Advantage and
Disadvantage Paragraph
- Languages to describe

advantages and dis
Introduction: A&D paragraph 10 mins N/A
A&D paragraph structure 10 mins 17
Useful language to describe A&D 10 mins 18 or 19
Logical order in a paragraph: Exercise 20 mins 20, Key: 21
Group writing 35 mins 22
Teacher’s feedback& model answer 20 mins 23
Homework 5 mins 24 or 25
3
- Discursive essay questions
- Organization of argument-
led essay
- Writing introduction
paragraph
Return HW of lesson 1 with comments 25 mins
Introduction: Discursive essay questions 10 mins 27
Organization of discussion-type essay 10 mins 28 or 29
Introductory phrases to argument-led essays 10 mins 30 or 31
Practice: Writing introduction paragraph 40 mins 32
Teacher’s feedback and model answer 20 mins 33,34,35
Homework 5 mins 36,37
4
- Brainstorming and outlining
- Relevant and irrelevant
ideas
Return HW of lesson 2 with comments 25 mins
Exercise: How to develop an idea 10 mins 39, Key:40
Exercise: Relevant & Irrelevant ideas 10 mins 41, Key:42
Introduction: Brainstorming and Outlining 10 mins N/A
Exercise: Brainstorming and Outline 30 mins 43

Teacher’s feedback and model answer 20 mins 44,45
Homework 5 mins 53,55,57,59
5
- Writing conclusion
paragraph
- Discuss others’ opinions

Return HW of lesson 3 with comments 20 mins
Conclusion paragraph 10 mins N/A
Languages to write the conclusion 5 mins 47
Exercise: Discuss other’s opinion 10 mins 48, Key:49
Practice: Outlining and Brainstorming + Writing
the conclusion paragraph
40 mins 53,55,57,59
(Choose 1)
Teacher’s feedback and model answer 20 mins 54,56,58,60
Homework 5 mins 50
6
- Practice: Writing the whole
essay
Return HW of lesson 4 with comments 25 mins
53,55,57,59
(Choose 1)
Key: 54,56,58,60
Practice: Brainstorming and outlining 15 mins
Teacher’s feedback and decide one outline for
the whole class
10 mins
Practice: Writing the whole essay 40 mins
Teacher’s feedback and model answer 20 mins

7 REVISION AND FINAL TEST
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


2
LESSON CONTENT HOMEWORK
1
- Introduction to Writing Task 2
- Paragraph structure
- Linking Words

Write a paragraph
2
- Advantage and Disadvantage Paragraph
- Languages to describe advantages and
disadvantages
Write an
advantage/disadvantage
paragraph
3
- Discursive essay questions
- Organization of argument-led essay
- Writing introduction paragraph
Write introduction paragraphs
4
- Brainstorming and outlining
- Relevant and irrelevant ideas
Make an outline for a discursive

essay
Write introduction and body
paragraphs
5
- Writing conclusion paragraph
- Discuss others’ opinions
Write conclusion paragraphs/
Write a discursive essay
6 - Practice: Writing the whole essay
7 FINAL TEST
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


3
Content:
Introduction to writing task 2
Types of question in writing task 2
Paragraph structure
Features of a paragraph
Practice: Identify elements of a paragraph (+Key)
Homework

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


4

SAMPLE IELTS WRITING TASK 2 QUESTIONS

TOPIC 1: …………………………………………………………
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Happiness is considered very important in life.
Why is it difficult to define?
What factors are important in achieving happiness?
Give reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

TOPIC 2: …………………………………………………………
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words,
pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government
restrictions on what they do.
Do you agree with this statement?
Give reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

TOPIC 3: ………………………………………………………..
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that wealthy nations should be required to share their wealth among
poorer nations by providing such things as food and education. Others argue that it is
responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens
themselves.
Discuss both views. What is your opinion?

You should write at least 250 words.


RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


5
SAMPLE IELTS WRITING TASK 2 QUESTIONS

TOPIC 1: ACCOUNT QUESTION (Cause and Solution Question)
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Happiness is considered very important in life.
Why is it difficult to define?
What factors are important in achieving happiness?
Give reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

TOPIC 2: ARGUMENTATIVE QUESTION
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words,
pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government
restrictions on what they do.
Do you agree with this statement?
Give reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

TOPIC 3: DISCURSIVE QUESTION
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic:
Some people think that wealthy nations should be required to share their wealth among
poorer nations by providing such things as food and education. Others argue that it is
responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens
themselves.
Discuss both views. What is your opinion?
You should write at least 250 words.
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


6
.THREE TYPES OF IELTS WRITING TASK 2 QUESTIONS
1. The argumentative questions
This question asks directly for the writer's personal opinion. It usually, though not always, has
an additional question after the statement, which may take one of the following forms
- To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- What do you think (of this statement)?
- What is your opinion about ....?
- Is it good idea to ....?
- To what extent is ... always good?
- Which of the views do you agree with?
- "Should" starting questions, e.g., Should children be educated at home by their own parents?
- Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the given statement...

2. The discursive questions/ the for-and-against questions
This question asks for a discussion of both side of the issue raises. It usually has an additional
question after the statement, which may take one of the following forms:
- Discuss (this opinion). Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
- Discuss both of the views. Which do you agree with?
- Present arguments for and against he above opinion. Which one do you agree with?
N.B. The second additional question is given to remind you that you are expected to take
side after discussing both sides of the issue. It doesn't mean that you have to write an
argument essay, too.
3. Cause and effect or cause and solution questions:
This question asks for an account as the answer. It is, therefore, also called Wh question. It may
take one of the following forms:
- What do you think are some of the problems facing a modern city?
- What is your opinion can be done to help the poor improve their situation?
- Discuss the reason why people move to live in cities.
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


7
Topic Sentence: ……………………………………………………………………………….
o ………………..………………………………………………………………………….
o ………………..…………………………………………………………………………..
Supporting Sentence 1: ……………………………………………………………………….
o Developing Sentence 1.1:
o Developing Sentence 1.2:
o Developing Sentence 1.3
Supporting Sentence 2: ………………………………………………………………………
o Developing Sentence 2.1

o Developing Sentence 2.2
o Developing Sentence 2.3
Supporting Sentence 3: ………………………………………………………………………
o Developing Sentence 3.1
o Developing Sentence 3.2
o Developing Sentence 3.3
Concluding Sentence: ………………………………………………………………………





RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


8
Topic Sentence:1 Sentence that state the purpose of the paragraph, including 2 parts:
o Topic: What you want to write about
o Controlling Idea (Focus of the topic): The flow of ideas in the paragraph
Supporting Sentence 1:The First Supporting idea for the Topic Sentence
o Developing Sentence 1.1:
o Developing Sentence 1.2:
o Developing Sentence 1.3
Supporting Sentence 2: The Second Supporting idea for the Topic Sentence
o Developing Sentence 2.1
o Developing Sentence 2.2
o Developing Sentence 2.3
Supporting Sentence 3:The Third Supporting idea for the Topic Sentence

o Developing Sentence 3.1
o Developing Sentence 3.2
o Developing Sentence 3.3
Concluding Sentence:
o Summary: Paraphrase the topic sentence
o Open a new discussion



RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


9
FEATURES OF A PARAGRAPH
Topic sentence
o Controls and guides the whole paragraph: when people read the topic sentence,
they know what to expect in a paragraph.
o Should not be too specific
o Should not be too general
Supporting sentences:
o Each supporting sentence gives ONE supporting idea for the topic sentence
o All supporting sentences are related to the topic sentences and its controlling
idea.
o Good supporting sentences give information that supports and explains the topic
of the paragraph.
Developing sentences: There are several ways to develop a supporting idea
o Give explanation
o Give examples

o Give analysis
o Give facts and/or figures
o Give description
Concluding sentence: This sentence brings the paragraph to a logical conclusion.
There are several ways to conclude a paragraph, including:
o Restate the main idea: Rephrase the topic sentence or summarize the main
points of the paragraph.
o Offer a suggestion, give an opinion or make a prediction





RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


10
Using coordination: Coordinating conjunctions are used to link two …………………………………….
………………………… Normally, two clauses are connected with a comma followed by a
coordinating conjunction.

Using Subordination: Subordinations are used to link ……………………………………………………..
within one sentence.


Coordination
Purpose Coordinating
conjunction

Example sentences
…………………………….
For
The child hid behind his mother's skirt, for
he was afraid of the dog.
…………………………….
And
It was raining hard, and there was a strong
wind.
……………………………. But, Yet
He did not study, yet he passed the exam
……………………………. So
He was tired, so he went to bed early
…………………………….
Or, Nor
We can go to the concert, or we just stay at
home
Subordinate Clauses
Type of clause Examples of subordinating
conjunctions
Example sentences
…………………….
When, before, after, until, since, as
soon as
When he won the money, he decided to
buy a sports car.
……………………. Where, wherever
She drove wherever she wanted.
…………………….
Because, as, since

She got a parking ticket because she
parked illegally.
…………………….
So that, in order that
He drove fast so that he could get to
work on time.
…………………….
So…that, such…that
He drove so fast that he got a speeding
ticket
…………………….
If, unless
If she hadn’t lost her way, she would
have arrived in time for dinner.
…………………….
…………………….
Although, even though
Although she thought she was a good
drive r, she got a lot of tickets for
speeding.
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


11
Using transitions: Transitions are used to link ……………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………..They can also be used to link ……………….

EXERCISE: Complete the paragraph with words from the box.

even if likewise for example though consequently and although
The main drawback is, in my opinion, quite obvious. Take
1
………….. people of all ages who are
traveling on trains nowadays.
2
………… they are reading, they are plugged into the radio,
talking on their mobiles, or listening to music on their MP3-players.
3
……………, others are
playing games, watching a film, and working simultaneously, even
4
………….. they have friends
next to them to talk to.
5
…………… this allows people greater freedom and flexibility
6
…………..
takes away the boredom of journeys, people are becoming more and more isolated in their own
worlds.
7
…………., the art of communication is being lost.
Transitions
Purpose Transitional words and
phrases
Example sentences
…………………
In addition, furthermore,
moreover, also

The city provides many cultural
opportunities. Furthermore, it has a long
and interesting history.
…………………
However, nevertheless, though,
in contrast, on the other hand,
on the contrary
The little boy collected stamps; however,
this hobby never helped him learn
geography.
…………………
Therefore, thus, consequently,
as a result
It rained heavily last night. As a result, the
road was so slippery this morning.
…………………
In fact, of course, indeed,
certainly
The little girl always hates spiders. She
was, in fact, terrified of them.
…………………
For example, for instance
There are many interesting places to visit in
the city. For example, the botanical garden
has numerous displays of plants.
…………………
…………………
In general, overall, in short
Overall, there are 4 types of sentences in a
paragraph: topic, supporting, developing

and concluding
…………………
…………………
Meanwhile, first, second, then,
next, later, finally

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


12
Using coordination: Coordinating conjunctions are used to link to two independent clauses within
one sentence. Normally, two clauses are connected with a comma followed by a coordinating
conjunction.

Using Subordination: Subordinations are used to linked one independent and one dependent
clause within one sentence.


Coordination
Purpose Coordinating
conjunction
Example sentences
To show reasons For
The child hid behind his mother's skirt, for
he was afraid of the dog.
To show 2 ideas And
It was raining hard, and there was a strong
wind.

To show 2 opposing ideas But, Yet
He did not study, yet he passed the exam
To show results So
He was tired, so he went to bed early
To show selections Or, Nor
We can go to the concert, or we just stay at
home
Subordinate Clauses
Type of clause Examples of subordinating
conjunctions
Example sentences
Time When, before, after, until, since,
as soon as
When he won the money, he decided to
buy a sports car.
Place Where, wherever
She drove wherever she wanted.
Reason/Cause Because, as, since
She got a parking ticket because she
parked illegally.
Purpose So that, in order that
He drove fast so that he could get to
work on time.
Result So…that, such…that
He drove so fast that he got a speeding
ticket
Condition If, unless
If she hadn’t lost her way, she would
have arrived in time for dinner.
Concession

(Unexpected result)
Although, even though
Although she thought she was a good
drive r, she got a lot of tickets for
speeding.
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


13
Using transitions: Transitions are used to link two independent clauses within one sentence,
separated by a semicolon. They can also be used to link sentences.

EXERCISE: Complete the paragraph with words from the box.

even if likewise for example though consequently and although
The main drawback is, in my opinion, quite obvious. Take
1
………….. people of all ages who are
traveling on trains nowadays.
2
………… they are reading, they are plugged into the radio,
talking on their mobiles, or listening to music on their MP3-players.
3
……………, others are
playing games, watching a film, and working simultaneously, even
4
………….. they have friends
next to them to talk to.

5
…………… this allows people greater freedom and flexibility
6
…………..
takes away the boredom of journeys, people are becoming more and more isolated in their own
worlds.
7
…………., the art of communication is being lost.

Transitions
Purpose Transitional words and
phrases
Example sentences
To add an idea In addition, furthermore,
moreover, also
The city provides many cultural opportunities.
Furthermore, it has a long and interesting history.
To contrast However, nevertheless,
though, in contrast, on the
other hand, on the contrary
The little boy collected stamps; however, this
hobby never helped him learn geography.
To show result Therefore, thus, consequently,
as a result
It rained heavily last night. As a result, the road
was so slippery this morning.
To emphasize
or expand
In fact, of course, indeed,
certainly

The little girl always hates spiders. She was, in fact,
terrified of them.
To provide an
example
For example, for instance
There are many interesting places to visit in the city.
For example, the botanical garden has numerous
displays of plants.
To generalize or
summarize
In general, overall, in short
Overall, there are 4 types of sentences in a
paragraph: topic, supporting, developing and
concluding
To show time or
sequence
Meanwhile, first, second, then,
next, later, finally

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


14
PRACTICE:
Read this paragraph:
To Shift or Not to Shift
There are many benefits to driving a car with a manual transmission. First of all, a
car with a manual transmission uses less gas than a car with an automatic

transmission. A typical economy car can get up to 35 miles per gallon, but an automatic
car averages 28. In addition to better gas mileage, a manual transmission allows the
drive to start a car that has a low battery. With a foot on the clutch, the driver just needs
to put the car in second gear and have someone push the car until it gains enough
speed. The driver then releases the clutch quickly, and the car should start. This is
impossible with an automatic transmission. Finally, people with manual transmissions
say that they have much more control of their vehicles. For example, if the brakes
suddenly stop working on this type of car, the driver can shift to a lower gear to slow the
car down. In contrast, people who drive automatic transmission cars have to depend on
the automatic system and if something malfunctions, drivers have no control of their
vehicles. While automatic cars are more convenient, manual transmission cars certainly
offer many more advantages.
Fill in the table the organization of the paragraph:
Topic sentence
Topic
Controlling idea
/Focus

Supporting Idea 1:
...............................
Developing Idea 1.1
Supporting idea 2:
.................................
Developing idea 2.1
Developing idea 2.2
Developing idea 2.3
Supporting Idea 3:
.................................
Developing idea 3.1
Developing idea 3.2

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


15
KEY FOR TEACHERS
Read this paragraph:
To Shift or Not to Shift
There are many benefits to driving a car with a manual transmission. First of all, a car with
a manual transmission uses less gas than a car with an automatic transmission. A typical
economy car can get up to 35 miles per gallon, but an automatic car averages 28. In addition to
better gas mileage, a manual transmission allows the drive to start a car that has a low battery.
With a foot on the clutch, the driver just needs to put the car in second gear and have someone
push the car until it gains enough speed. The driver then releases the clutch quickly, and the car
should start. This is impossible with an automatic transmission. Finally, people with manual
transmissions say that they have much more control of their vehicles. For example, if the brakes
suddenly stop working on this type of car, the driver can shift to a lower gear to slow the car
down. In contrast, people who drive automatic transmission cars have to depend on the
automatic systemandif something malfunctions, drivers have no control of their vehicles. While
automatic cars are more convenient, manual transmission cars certainly offer many more
advantages.
Fill in the table:
Topic sentence
Topic Driving a car with a manual transmission
Controlling idea /Focus Benefits
Supporting Idea 1:
Less gas
Developing Idea 1.1 Facts
Manual: 35 miles/ gallon

Automatic: 28 miles/ gallon
Supporting idea 2:
Start car with low
battery
Developing idea 2.1 Explanation of the procedure to start the car
Developing idea 2.2
Developing idea 2.3 Facts: Manual cars cannot do that
Supporting Idea 3:
more control of
vehicles
Developing idea 3.1 Explanation of the case
Developing idea 3.2 Facts of manual cars


RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


16




Content:
Structure of Advantage and Disadvantage paragraph
Language for advantages and disadvantages
Logical order in a paragraph
Homework

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


17

ADVANTAGE & DISADVANTAGE
PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

Topic Sentence:
o Topic: Subject of discussion
o Controlling Idea (Focus of the topic): Advantages OR Disadvantages
Supporting Sentence 1:The First Advantage | The first Disadvantage
o Developing Sentence 1.1:
o Developing Sentence 1.2:
o (Developing Sentence 1.3)
Supporting Sentence 2: The second Advantage | The Second Disadvantage
o Developing Sentence 2.1
o Developing Sentence 2.2
o (Developing Sentence 2.3)
(Supporting Sentence 3):The Third Advantage | The Third Disadvantage
o Developing Sentence 3.1
o Developing Sentence 3.2
o Developing Sentence 3.3

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


18
USEFUL LANGUAGES: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
To introduce the theme:
- There are a number of
Advantages
Disadvantages
Benefits
Dangers
Drawbacks
Of [topic]
Related to [topic]


- [Topic]
Contains
Has
Brings along

many advantages
a number of drawbacks

a lot of bad effects
several positive effects

To list a particular advantage/ disadvantage:
- The main

advantage
benefit
beneficial aspect positive
aspect
good point


disadvantage
negative aspect
drawback
danger

of [topic] is
……………. - The first
- One (major)
- The most
important/obvious/significant
…………….
- Another (major/ obvious/ significant)
- An additional
- A further

Useful linking words
In the first place,

+ …………….
:……………………………………………….
To start with,
To begin with,
Secondly,
: …………………………………………………
Thirdly,
Furthermore,
Moreover,
In addition (to this),
Besides,
Lastly,
: ………………………………………………….
Last but not least,
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


19
USEFUL LANGUAGES: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
To introduce the theme:
- There are a number of
Advantages
Disadvantages
Benefits
Dangers
Drawbacks
Of [topic]
Related to [topic]

- [Topic]
Contains
Has
Brings along

Many advantages
A number of drawbacks
A lot of bad effects
Several positive effects

To list a particular advantage/ disadvantage:
- The main

advantage
benefit
beneficial aspect positive
aspect
good point


disadvantage
negative aspect
drawback
danger

of [topic] is
Noun - The first
- One (major)

- The most
important/obvious/significant
that+ Clause
- Another (major/ obvious/ significant)
- An additional
- A further

Useful linking words
In the first place,
+ Clause
: To introduce the first
advantage/disadavange
To start with,
To begin with,
Secondly,
: To introduce the second/ third advantage or
disadvantage and so on
Thirdly,
Furthermore,
Moreover,
In addition (to this),
Besides,
Lastly, : To introduce the last advantage or
disadvantage
Last but not least,
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11

20
LOGICAL ORDER IN A PARAGRAPH
Exercise 1: Put the following sentences in the most logical order to create a good
paragraph
 Emails are the most valuable tool
a. They can exchange ideas and discuss things more often as they are working, and the result
may be a better end product.
b. This allows people to work together on the same project even if they are on opposite sides
of the world.
c. Emails have certainly had far-reaching effects on people's ability to communicate.
d. It is now possible for people to correspond cheaply and at length from anywhere as long as
they have a connection

 Ambition is a negative attribute of a person's character.
a. This is because, even when they realize an ambition, they are still not satisfied.
b. It is certainly true that ambitious people do not always create happiness for themselves or
others.
c. If we look at the businessman who wants to earn a six-figure salary, we see that in most
cases, when he reaches this position, he will still want more power or even a higher salary.
Exercise 2: Match each of the paragraphs in exercise 1 above with the correct structure:
a. General statement- Explanation (reason why the statement is true)- example
b. General statement- Explanation (reason why the statement is true)- Analysis (effect)-
Second analysis (second effect)

Exercise 3: Complete each sentence a-f with a word below:
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of portable entertainment
devices, such as MP3 or DVD players?
Help difficult interface benefits ideal enable
a. These devices bring a number of …………
b. The main one, in my opinion, is that they ………..people relax, for example, while they are

studying or working in cafes or on trains.
c. Some people find it ………….to do so when it is completely quiet outside their homes.
d. So these devices …………..people to relax and create a familiar environment.
e. Sometimes, however, they do …….with others if the volume is too high, hence the quite
zones in many trains.
f. Nevertheless, laptops, etc are…….., because they allow people to do things where they
want to rather than being restricted to working at home.
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


21

KEY- FOR TEACHERS ONLY
EXERCISE 1:
Emails: C- D- B- A
Ambitions: B- A- C

EXERCISE 2:
Emails: B
Ambitions: A

EXERCISE 3:
A. Benefits
B. Help
C. Difficult
D. Enable/ Help
E. Interfere
F. Ideal

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


22
GROUP WRITING:
Write one paragraph to discuss the advantages of wearing the same uniform in schools
(100-150 words)

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RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


23
MODEL ANSWER
Write one paragraph to discuss the advantages of wearing the same uniform in schools
(100-150 words)

Wearing uniforms give all students equality, identity and pride. Primarily, uniforms give
students equality. All students do not have the same financial resources and not all of them can
afford expensive clothes. Some rich kids might go to school in their designer outfits and despair
others who wear normal or even old clothes. That will never happen if all students are required
to dress the same. Secondly, uniforms give identity. Students feel a sense of belonging when
everyone has the same uniform. If someone is not behaving well, others will know which school
that person is from according to the uniform. Moreover, uniforms give pride. If a sports team
does well, students can feel proud together of that accomplishment. If a student is a good
musician, others can feel proud that they are the student's classmates or schoolmates. Hence,

students can advertise their school just by wearing their uniforms and be proud of the school
they attend. Overall, I think wearing uniform is a good thing, as it makes students feel
equal to one another, have a sense of identity and feel proud of their schools.






RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


24
HOMEWORK (TOPIC 1)
Student's name .............................................................................Class .......................................
Write one paragraph to discuss the disadvantages OR advantages of smoking cigarettes
(100-150 words)
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RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


25
HOMEWORK (TOPIC 2)
Student's name .............................................................................Class .......................................
In some countries, students are encouraged to work or travel for a year between
finishing high school and starting university studies.
Write one paragraph to discuss the advantages OR disadvantages of taking a gap year
(100-150 words)
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