Pee Mri Writing Part 1 (essay) Task information «The essay task in Part 1 tests your ability to write * Your essay must be well organised into paragraphs, an ‘opinion’ essay for the teacher of an English with good linking expressions. class. * As your reader will be a teacher, you should use « There is a question or statement to discuss and you _fairly formal language. are also given some notes to guide your writing, You should write full sentences with correct You should write between 140 and 190 words. grammar and punctuation, using a good range of + You should allow about 40 minutes for this task, language with accurate spelling. including time to plan your work and check for mistakes at the end. Useful language: ordering points or reasons; adding information ‘1 Where would you use these linking expressions? Put them under the correct headings. Finally First of all, On balance, In conclusion, Next, Lastly, Last but not least, To sum up, First: Then To begin with, To conclude, Secondly, for the first point | for further points for the last point in the conclusion First 2 Some linking expressions are used at the beginning of a sentence, but some are not. Circle the correct words in Italies. 1 Inthe city there are more places to go. Also / Too, they stay open later. Working in a coal mine isa hard job. Furthermore / As well, it can be dangerous. Travelling by train is more relaxing than driving. It is better for the environment, besides / too. You have to find somewhere to play, As well / As well as that, you need to buy all the sports equipment. in winter, the nights are much longer. Too / In addition, it isa lot colder then. \g your own furniture is an enjoyable hobby. It saves money, as well /n addition auawn a4 | Test 4. Training Writing Part 1Focusing on the question; text organization 1 Look at this exam task. Would you answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question? In your English class you have been discuss now asked you to write an essay, 1g animals. Now your teacher has Write an essay, using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view. It is wrong to keep animals in 200s? how the animals are treated learning about the animals {your own idea) Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. Quickly read the essays on page 36 written by strong First candidates, A and B (language errors have been corrected). Ignore 1-10 and answer these questions about each essay. 1 Does it include ‘+ only arguments that answer ‘yes’ to the question, followed by the writer’s opinion? ‘+ only arguments that answer ‘no’ to the question, followed by the writer's opinion? arguments on both sides, followed by the writer's opinion? In which paragraph does the writer discuss note 1? Where does the writer discuss note 27 Which point is the writer's own idea? Now read the essays again and complete questions 1~10 with the following notes. You can use the same note more than once. ‘Writer's own opinion Gives an example Sums up points already made Expression that links points Gives a reason Tells the reader what to expect Contrast link 2 Training | 35Essay A In my opinion, keeping animals in zoos is not as cruel as people say - sometimes itis even useful — for three main reasons, First of all, they take care of the animals, giving them the best food. ‘The animals are cleaned every day and they live in good conditions. ‘There is a large number of scientists that care for the animals, for instance if they catch a disease. Secondly, there are some animals that are disappearing because they have been hunted without any control. At the zoo they are away from these hunters, so they are safe and it is possible to prevent them disappearing. Finally, there is also an educational reason. Children can see different ‘animals from all over the world alive and from my point of view this is the best way of learning. They also learn to take care of them and ‘the most important thing, to love them. In conclusion, | believe keeping animals in a zoo is no more cruel than keeping them at home. The only important thing is to care for them, Essay B Keeping animais in z00s is an important issue today because there are many people in favour of animal rights. In this essay | intend to ‘xamine the arguments for and against keeping animals in 2008. ‘One of the strongest arguments in favour is the fact that children can ‘sae animals from other countries. Conseauentiy, visiting zoos can help them learn about nature. Furthermore, zoos can help protect some kinds of animals, which might be in danger of extinction. (On the other hand, there are several arguments against it. To begin with, it is known that animals in zoos suffer from loneliness since they are not living in their natural environment. Secondly, they do not behave as they would do if they were free, because they have to get used to @ new way of living, even if they have been born in the zoo. Laetly, people ean use them to carry aut experiments. ‘On balance, | am not in favour of keeping animals in captivity because, as | have shown, that is like prison, which is very sad. 36 | Testa Training @ @) ... .. . Sums up points already made Outlines the background. Gives « reason (pte renarececr Says which side comes first ©). een Waiting Part 1 enTest 1 Exam practice ATU eg Col \)) Action plan 1 Read the instructions, the question or statement, and the two notes you are given. 2 Decide whether to write for or against, or whether to give arguments both for and against. 3 Think ofa third idea to add to the notes you are given. Write this down, then make a plan. 4 Write a short introductory paragraph, commenting generally on the topic, e.g. The climate is changing, so many people are saying ... . You ‘an give your own opinion here and/or in your last paragraph. 5 Write in a fairly formal style, including linking expressions from Useful language on page 34. 6 Write at least two sentences about each main point, giving reasons and possibly also examples. 7 Give your opinion by summarising your main points in a concluding paragraph, 8 Check your essay for mistakes — and that you have written at least 140 words. Read the exam task below. 11 Who are you writing for? 2 What must you write about? 3 What two main points must you include? 4 Which other main point will you ada? You have had a discussion in your English class about different ways of watching music concerts, Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Which is better: attending a concert, or watching the same concert at home, for example online or on TV? Notes Write about 1. convenien 2 atmosphere 3 (your own idea) Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. Waiting Part 1 GI Not down a few usetul ‘expressions for each paragraph, but don't write all draft — you won't have time in the exam, (RAT Hf you want to think of points you disagree with, imagine what someone who disagrees mignt say (THAT Hryou are going to wre fr ‘= ana against, st your points in two columns so yo balance the essay. Test 1 Exam practice | 37Test 1 Training AAT ear) In Part 2 (questions 2-4) you choose one writing task. The possible tasks are: email or letter, article, report and review. The email task is practised on page 42 in Test 4, the letter on page 87 in Test 2, the article on page 46 i Test 1 and page 93 in Test 2, the report on page 49 in Test 4, and the review on page 90 in Test 2. Task information ‘+ The email task often tests your ability to write to an English-speaking friend or colleague. + You are asked to respond to a situation described in the question. in your email of 140-190 words you must include all the information asked for. + You have about 40 minutes for this task, including time at the end to check your work. + You have to organise your text into paragraphs, with a suitable beginning and ending ‘+ You must use an appropriate style and tone, depending on who your text is for + You need to write grammatically correct sentences with correct punctuation and spelling, and use a good range of language. Useful language: formal and informal expressions 1 Decide whether A or B is more common in formal or informal writing. | full forms: does not wT / contracted forms: doesn’t afore, phrasal verbs: put off . single-word verbs: postpone ~ use of exclamation marks: / couldn't believe it! sc ‘no exclamation marks: | could not believe it. ce commen words: enough less common words: sufficient long words: frequently short words: often active verb forms: | took —_ passive verb forms: / was taken full forms of words: approximately abbreviations: approx. ti ‘textbook expressions: a fimited quantity conversational expressions: a bit friendly, personal tone: Please try to distant, impersonal tone: It would be advisable to ... complete sentences: There was no sound. incomplete sentences: Not a sound. D>OS>T>T> TH OD aPOPODSaD Writing Part 2 38 | Testa Training2 Decide whether each of these expressions is formal or informal and whether it usually goes at the beginning or the end of a letter. Example: Don't forget to write soon. informaliend Bon'tforgettowite-soon Yours sincerely, Well, that’s all for now. Best wishes, « It was great to get your email Dear Sir/Madam, I have received your letter dated June 5. Lots of love, Thanks (very much) for your letter. Dear Stefan, This is just a quick note to say . Hi Susana | apologise for the delay in replying. Give my love to everyone. | look forward to hearing from you. Sorry to be so slow getting back to you. Match the headings with groups of expressions 4-6. In each group there is one expression that is too formal for writing to a friend. Which is it? Requesting information Advising Expressing enthusiasm Changing the subject Apolegising Expressing surprise -Apolagising..... Sorry about forgetting to tell you. Please forgive me for making that mistake. I would like to apologise for arriving so late. Itwas silly of me to suggest that. Can you give me an idea when it'll finish? I would be grateful if you could tell me the cost. I'd like to know if you've got a spare ticket. Could you let me know what time you'll be here? My advice to you is to consider it most carefully It'd be a good idea to try again. {really think you should go somewhere else. If | were you, I'd tell her now. That raminds me, it’s her birthday next week By the way, what's his name? With reference to the accommodation, there are certain changes ... Anyway, how's life in general? Believe it or not, I've just won the lottery! Funnily enough, we were both at the same primary school. | was most surprised to discover that the price has risen. You'll never believe this, but she's his cousin! It's a really exciting place to go with friends | think it’s great that everyone will be there! I'm delighted to hear you won a prize! am extremely enthusiastic about learning Chinese. Test 4. Training 394 Read this text written by a First candidate to a pentriend. It is well organised and there are no serious mistakes, but some of the expressions are too formal. Replace 1-8 with expressions from Exercise 2 and Exercise 3 on page 39. Dear Emma, (1) Lam writing to you in reply to your letter. I'm very happy that you and your parents will stay in my country for a month. lle (2) Lbelieve it is a good idea that you will come to visit my city. 'm sure you will enjoy the holiday because (3) itis an extremely interesting place to visit. (4) Inmy opinion, | suggest that you go and hear music in one of ‘the main squares in the city centre, I'm sure you will enjoy it. ‘Moreover, there are a lot of cultural places to visit and history museums too. (6) Next, | believe it would be better to come in the first part of the month, because that is when there are fewer tourists and fewer people visiting the monuments and the museums. (© Tosum up, (7) Lwill be pleased to receive another letter from you soon, Emma, (8) Yours sincerely, Carlos Understanding instructions ‘L__Look at these exam instructions. ‘1 Who has written to you? 2. What is the situation? 3. What questions does the writer ask you? You have received this email from your English-speaking classmate Sam. = Ee eT TIO From: Sam Subject: party plans I’m pleased to say that all our classmates are able to come to the party we're organising for the ‘end of the course. There are just a few more things I'd like to ask you. Should we hire a band for the occasion? Shall we order some food from a local restaurant? How about making it a fancy dress party? ‘Speak to you soon, All the best, Sam Write your email in 140-180 words. 40 | Test Training Writing Part ¢2 © Fear this text written by a strong First student and answer the questions. Is Anika’s text well organized into paragraphs? Does she answer all of Sam's questions? in which paragraphs? Does she use the correct style and tone throughout? How does she begin and end her email? ‘What reason for writing does she give? How does she respond to the information Sam gives her? How does she encourage Sam to write back? ‘Which linking expressions does she use for ordering points? ‘What kinds of informal language does she use? Dear am, wetting to answer your letter asking for ny opirian on the end-of course party preparations, First ofall ike youto know how happy | am that everyone can come, We wil be altogether and I'm sure well have a wonderful-time. As far a8 food ie concemed, | think it'd be better to aek everyone to bring some food so that we can eave money. tt would also be cheaper for us not to hire a band to play music at the party. We could sing on cur own and have more Fun, Iinaddition, your idea about: fancy dress party is fantastic! We could also indicate the theme of the party 60 that we could all be dreseed up in the same kinds of costume, hope this has helped. im sure the party will be a great success, Looking forward to hearing from you. Very best wishes, Anika Test 4 Training | 4.atm CU eta Writing Part 2 (email) Action plan 1 Read the instructions and any text that is included in the question. 2 Who do you have to write to? Why? Which points must you include? Decide whether to use formal or informal language. 3 Think about the topic and your reader, and note ‘down ideas. How many paragraphs will you need? 4 Make a plan and put your best ideas under short paragraph headings. Do they cover all the points in the question? Look at the exam task below. Note down some words or phrases for each paragraph, including expressions from the Useful language on pages 38-39, but don’t try to write a complete draft. ‘Write your text. Keep to the topic and to your plan. Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar, ‘and make sure your handwriting is easy to read. Check your completed text. Have you made any careless mistakes? Is it at least 140 words? If not, you will lose marks. 4 Is Jamie's message written in a formal or an informal style? 2. What does he tell you about his sister and her friends? 3 What four things does he ask you? You have received this email from your English-speaking friend Jamie, (Tint Use your ovm words instead = From: Jamie Subject: day trips My sister and her friends are planning to spend next week in your area, and during their stay they would like to travel around a litle. Could you suggest somewhere interesting they could go for a day trip? of expressions taken from the question, 6g it says What's YYOUr opiriton, wate my ows Tealing is... oF Fd say .. ipl If ou make any mistakes, cross them out and write the corrections. It doesn't matter if you make a lot of corrections, 38 long as they are easy to read. What would be the best means of transport from your town? What time should they set off in the morning and when should they begin the return journey? Thanks, Jamie ‘Write your email in 140-190 words. “Tia” You may lose marks if you use the same expression all the time, e.g. instead of repeating / want to, Say 0 like to, what enjoy Is oF It'd be good t .. Follow the exam instructions and write your email. Remember to check your wark for mistakes when yout finish. | Test 4. Exam practice Writing Part 2 nsTest 1 Training Task information © The article task in Part 2 tests your ability to write an interesting text for a magazine or newsletter, * You may need to write descriptions, give examples, make comments or give your opinions, * You are writing for readers who are already interested in the topic. + You should write 140-190 words. Useful language: strong expressions 1 You can make your writing more interesting by using stronger expressions. Replace the words in italics with the adjectives in the box. awful enormous essential exhausted fantastic. fascinated filthy freezing furious _ terrified By midnight, we were completely tired. When I found out about it, | was angry with her. The water was cold, so Holly swam quickly. We all had a really good day at the theme park. Matt was afraid, but he tried not to show it. There are two big mountains on the island. After playing rugby, Joe's shirt was dirty. That nightclub is bad ~ the worst in town. ‘When you ge diving, itis important ta stay safe 10. Visitors are interested by the ancient drawings. 2 Write a sentence of your own, using each of the words in the box in Exercise 4. Focusing on instructions 1 Look at this exam task. What two things does the writer have to do? You have seen this announcement on an English-language website. My favourite sport Tell us why you enjoy your favourite sport so much, and what people should do if they want to take it up. ‘We will publish the most interesting articles in the next few days. Write your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. Test 4. Training 432 Study these two articles written by First candidates (language errors have been corrected). For each question 41-42, write Yes or No under A, B or both A and B. Where possible, give a reason or example. Which article a 5 1. has an interesting title and introduction? No... Tite..boo. similar. te. Yes... They.cabeh, task, dull. introduction readers’, attention.. deals with both parts of the task? = 7 is well organised into paragraphs? = 2 8 is written in an informal style? = = makes good use of linking words? 2 uses a good range of vocabulary? 2 2 uses a good range of structures? a a? gives relevant examples? wavauauwn includes the writer's opinions? — 10 describes personal experiences? - ate 11 asks the reader 2 question? 12. has an interesting ending? ee 3 Which article, A or B, got a better mark, do you think? Article A MY CHOICE OF SPORT Inthie article | would lke to explain why Idecided, one day, to take upa certain sport. First ofall doing some eport is good for ‘your health. This is obvious, but which kind of eport suite you? If ‘you want to combine exercise with enjoyment, |can recommend volleyball One advantage is that you can play ina team, which can be really fantastic! Alco, volleyballis never boring, compared to endl gym. For me, this game is an art where you have to use your skill and brain as well roure in the The main advice to anyone who would lke to try this sport is to protect your jointel You can get high-quality equipment for this sport everywhere Secondly, you have to be cooperative with your teammates, Last but not least, enjay yourself! 44 | Test 4 Training Writing Part:Article B DIVING DEEP ‘Are you too scared to try something new, something unusual which involves more risk than everyday sports? IFnot, go diving - youlove it lam 21 and fve been scuba-diving for three years. not just a hobby for me; t's much more than that. At first everybody is terrified of sinking into a deap, dark sea, because anything can happen, at any tine. But you can't keap thinking about this, otherwise youll miss a different, magical world down there. Everybody says you can see all that on TY, but it’s not the same. You have to see everything with your own ayes. It's wonderful when you discover something you rave never seen before, such asa shark swimming. It Is unbelievable. I suggest everyone try scubardlving at least once. Itneeds practice, maybe for three weeks, to be good abit, buba good instructor can help You alo have to buy your equipment. Ask somebody to help you if you don't know exactly what you need [tis well worth it: [lust know that everyone who decides to go scuba-diving wil have a fantastic timel Writing Part 2 Test 4 Training | 45 moTest 1 Training Writing Part 2 (report) Task information ‘+ The report task tests your ability to give factual + The report may be for a teacher or school director, information and make recommendations or or classmates, members of the same club, etc. You suggestions. ‘therefore have to write in an appropriate style. * The instructions include a description of a * Organise your text into report format and use situation. You have to write a report of between headings if needed. 140-190 words. * Write full sentences and try to use correct + Allow about 40 minutes for this task, including grammar and punctuation, with a good range of time at the end to check your work. language with accurate spelling. Useful language: report Put these expressions under the correct headings. Can you think of more to add under each heading? Twould recommend that Ttwould appear that ... In conclusion, This report looks at .. Itis felt that ... ‘The purpose of this report is to .. Itis said to be . Ithas been suggested thet .... There would seem to be ‘The aim of this report isto... To sum up, ... I believe we should (would) suggest ... | strongly recommend ... This report is intended to show that .. Introduction Description and | Recommendations Conclusion findings and suggestions Understanding instructions 1 Study the exam instructions below and underline the key words. 1. What is the situation? 2 Who must you write a report for? Should the style be formal, informal or neutral (neither particularly formal nor informal)? 3 What two things do the instructions say you must do? 4 What else should you write, do you think? You have had a class discussion about sports and your teacher has asked you to suggest a Spor that could he played at your college: Describe spor that vou have tried and sey wh | you think it would be popular with students. Write your report in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. Test 4 Training | 472. The answer below was written by Tomasz, a First Certificate candidate, Quickly read his report and think of a title for It. Introduction ‘The aim of thie report is to describe an activity have taken part in, and also explain why other students would enjoy It Theactivity I did waterpolo, which Is played in a swimming pool. To beat the other team you must score more goals in the time alowed. (1) sem Good things about it Water polo requires muscle and stamina, (2)... By playing water polo you can increase your strength and stamina but also have fun competing against each other Wy it wil be popular Students will have the chance to enjoy themselves and they willlove the sports (8) Conclusion To sum up, | strongly recomend water polo because it isa ‘sport that students can play as a team, score goals and enjoy ‘themselves after a tiring day at school. (4). States purpose Clear headings some paragraphs. quite short | ood ending Study the notes next to Tomasz’s report. Then add sentences A-D in the correct gaps 1-4. A | therefore suggest it should become a college sport. B In addition, it would appear that there are no local water polo clubs. ¢ Although this is only 30 minutes, for the players it seems much longer. D in fact, it is said to be the most physically demanding of all sports. 4 Read the completed report. Ist either too zhort or too long for Writing Part 2? Is it well organised? How many paragraphs does it have? Does it answer both parts of the question? In which paragraphs? Is it written in an appropriate style? ‘Are there any language errors? Which expressions from Useful language on page 47 does the writer use? Do you think this report would get full marks? Moueunes 4g. | Test 4 Training + Avoids repeating ‘words in question Recommendation with reasons Whiting Part 2oe MS ce cin Writing Part 2 (report) Action plan 1 Read the instructions. Do you know enough facts about the topic to write a report on it? 2 Decide who will read your report and what they will want to know. 3 Think about any knowledge and/or personal experience you could mention, and note down some ideas. 4 Decide if you will use headings, and think of a good title that indicates the content of the report. 5 Spend a few minutes making a plan based on all parts of the task, including recommendations or suggestions. 6 Write your text in a style that is appropriate for your readers. Try to make include some facts that may be new to them. 7 Try to use expressions from Useful language on page 47 in each part of your report. In your first paragraph, say what the purpose of the report is. 1 Read the exam task below. Tip! 4 Whois your report for? 2 What two things do you have to do? You see this announcement on a college notice board. Reports wanted ‘This College is always keen to make improvements to the facilities available to students, staff and visitors. The Director therefore Invites you lo wrile @ report describing the current condition of one of the following, and suggesting ways it could be improved: ‘© the reception area © the library + the cafeteria 2 Write your report in 140-190 words in an appropriate style. [ipl Remember to organise your work into paragraphs and insert headings if you ‘think i willbe clearer. Writing Part 2 Test 4 Exam practice | 49 Mebee Mca Listening Part 1 Task information + In Part 1 you hear eight short unrelated extracts from monologues or exchanges. There is one ‘multiple-choice question per extract, each with three options. You hear each extract twice. = Part 1 tests your understanding of: gist, detail, opinion, attitude, function, purpose, relationship, topic, place, situation, agreement, etc. + The question includes information about the situation (e.g. a phone call, a radio programme, an extract from a play, etc.) followed by a direct question (e.g. How does she feel”). Understanding distraction 1 Study this multiple-choice question and the recording script below. Why is B correct? Why are A and C wrong? You hear a man talking about buying a bicycle. ‘What most attracted him to this bike? A its special features B its condition C its price “1 saw it advertised in the local newspaper and | thought I'd ring the seller to see ifit was stil for sale and whether he'd drop the. price because it seemed a bit high to me. He wouldn't, but | liked the sound of it and we arranged a time for me to call round later. Well 2 soon as | saw it, knew | had to have it. twas just ‘an ordinary bike really. nothing remarkable about itat al, but it'd. ‘obviously been very well looked after. It was a faw vears old, but ‘vou really couldn't tell, So | bought it there and then.” Tip” Don't choose your answer until you've heard the whole text at least once. 2a (OI) Look at the next question and listen twice to the recording. Which Is the correct answer, A,B or C? Why? ‘You overhear a conversation in a café between two people. Why didn’t she call him? A She didn’t have his number. B [twas too late in the evening. © Her phone wasn't working. You won't hear the same words as the words in the question, 20 licten for the eame Idea, b (902) Listen again. Why are the other two answers wrong? 50 | Test 4 Training LUstening Part 1 ry