Giao Trinh Writing Level 3
Giao Trinh Writing Level 3
Giao Trinh Writing Level 3
GIÁO TRÌNH
VIẾT 3
WRITING - Level 3
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CHAPTER 1
WRITING SENTENCES
Lesson 6: Review
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LESSON 1: ADJECTIVE CLAUSES 1
(WHO, WHAT, WHICH- AS THE SUBJECT)
A-LANGUAGE FOCUS
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C- PRACTICE IN TOEIC
I. Language building
a- Give some words which may be used to describe pictures 1-3. Compare with your friends
b- Complete the following about pictures 1-3 with the suitable words
Picture 1
1. The man who is holding a suitcase is
………………………….
Picture 2
Picture 3
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Picture 1
………………………………………………
…………………………………………..….
…………………………………………..….
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Picture 2
………………………………………………
…………………………………………..….
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Picture 3
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3. building/ locate/ river
……………………………………………..
……………………………………………..
2. wait/ want/ line
……………………………………………..
……………………………………………..
………………………………………….
…………………………………………
III. Test Practice
In this part of the test, you will write ONE sentence that is based on a picture. With each
picture, you will be given two words or phrases that you must use in your sentence. You can change
the forms of the words and you can use the words in any order.
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hat/ on sale stand/ across
3. The hat which is on sale at the market 4.
woman/ hold
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The following examples show you how to combine two sentences to make a new sentence
containing an object pattern adjective clause
For People
Restrictive The professor is chair of the English Department. You should see the
whom, that, 0 professor.
The professor whom you should see is chair of the English
Department.
The professor that you should see is chair of the English Department.
(informal)
Nonrestrictive TheDr.
professor
White isyou should seeYou
an ecologist. is chair of the English
met Dr.White in myDepartment.
office. Dr. White,
whom whom you met in my office, is an ecologist.
For Animals and Things
Restrictive The book was written in German. The professor translated the book.
that, 0 The book that the professor translated was written in German.
The book the professor translated was written in German.
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Nonrestrictive Environmental science is one of the most popular courses in the college.
which Dr. White teaches environmental science.
Environmental science, which Dr. White teaches, is one of the most
popular courses in the college.
B-LANGUAGE PRACTICE
1. The movie was interesting. We went to it.
…………………………………………………………………
2. I met the people. You told me about them.
………………………………………………………………
3. I couldn’t understand the woman. I talked to her on the phone.
…………………………………………………………………
4. I want to tell you about the party. I went to it last night.
…………………………………………………………………
5. The music was gentle. We listened to it last night.
…………………………………………………………………
6. Alice likes the foreign family. She is living with them.
…………………………………………………………………
7. The market has refresh vegetables. I usually go to it.
…………………………………………………………………
8. The man is over there. I told you about him.
…………………………………………………………………
9. The film is fantastic. They are talking about it.
…………………………………………………………………
10. She’s the nurse. We gave the flowers to her.
…………………………………………………………………
11. We are speaking to the man. The man was our new history teacher.
…………………………………………………………………
12. The teacher is Mr. Pike. We studied with him last year.
…………………………………………………………………
13. We are very interested in the problem. It has been discussed in class.
…………………………………………………………………
14. Lung cancer is very dangerous. Million of people died of it.
…………………………………………………………………
15. I like standing at the window. I can see the park from the window.
…………………………………………………………………
C-PRACTICE IN TOEIC
I. Building language
Picture 1
Picture 3
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5. The building that they are visiting is
…………….
Picture 1
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Picture 2
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3. The man/ is/ bicycle/ fixing/ often/ the/ that
/he/ uses.
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Picture 3
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2. Make sentences about the pictures with the suggested words
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1. street/ repair
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2. tree/ decorate
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3. buy/ car
4.cheap/look
5. modern/ building
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The building which is in front of my house is very modern
6. volunteer/ teach
A-LANGUAGE FOCUS
1. Possessive pronoun “whose”
In possessive adjective clauses, the relative pronoun whose replaces a possessive word such as
Mary’s, his, our, their, the company’s, or its. Possessive adjective clauses can follow the subject
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or the object pattern.
In the subject pattern, the whose + noun phrase is the subject of the adjective clause. In the object
pattern, the whose + noun phrase is the object in the adjective^ clause.
Notes
1. Some writers feel that whose should be used to refer only to people. For animals and
things, they recommend using of which. Compare:
I returned the book whose cover was torn.
I returned the book, the cover of which was torn.
Other writers use whose in all but the most formal writing (such as legal documents).
2. When whose + noun is the subject of an adjective clause, the verb agrees with that noun.
She takes care of two children whose mother works at night.
(The verb works is singular to agree with mother.)
She takes care of two children whose parents work at night.
(The verb work is plural to agree with parents.)
2. Phrases of quantity and quality
A relative pronoun can occur in phrases of quantity and quality.
Quantity Relative Pronouns
some of whom He gave two answers, both of which were correct.
all of whom The top students, all of whom graduated with
each of which honors, received scholarships.
both of which, etc.
Quality Relative Pronouns
the best of whom She has three daughters, the oldest of whom is
the oldest of whom studying abroad.
the most important of The comedian’s jokes, the funniest of which 1 had
which, etc. heard before, were about politics.
B-LANGUAGE PRACTICE
Rewrite the sentences
1. Nam is the boy with black curly hair.
--> The boy ....
2. The man seems very lonely because his wife and children are away
--> The man ...
3. I went to 2 telephone boxes but they were both out of order
--> I went ....................... worked
4. The city has sixteen schools. Two of them are junior colleges.
-> The city has sixteen schools, two of …………………………….
5. Last night the orchestra played three symphonies. One of them was Beethoven’s Seventh.
---> …………………………………. ......................
6. I tried on six pairs of shoes. I liked none of them.
---> …………………………………. ......................
7. The village has around 200 people. The majority of them are farmers.
---> …………………………………. ......................
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8. That company currently has five employees. All of them are computer experts.
---> …………………………………. ......................
9. After the riot, over one hundred people were taken to the hospital. Many of them had been
innocent bystanders.
---> …………………………………. ......................
10. The man called the police. His wallet was stolen.
---> …………………………………. ......................
11. I met the woman. Her husband is the president of the corporation.
---> …………………………………. ......................
12. The professor is excellent. I am taking her course.
---> …………………………………. ......................
13. Mr. North teaches a class for students. Their native language is not English.
---> …………………………………. ......................
14. The people were nice. We visited their house.
---> …………………………………. ......................
15. I apologized to the woman. I spilled her coffee.
---> …………………………………. ......................
C-PRACTICE IN TOEIC
I. Language building
Picture 1
3. The people whose dog is ………………is 5. The children whose teacher is explaining
exercising. looks ……………..
4. The people are walking the dog whose 6. The teacher is explaining to the boy whose
color is … book is ……………
Picture 1
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………………………………………………
………………………………………………
Picture 2
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The woman whose son is reading a book The men who are standing opposite each other
are shaking hand
The men who stand and shake hand with each
other are businessmen.
………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………..
1. women/ yoga
3. eat/ party
5. umbrellas/ all
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These kids who are walking on the street all
have umbrellas
6. woman/ street
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun. A noun clause is often part of an
independent clause, where it can be a subject or an object.
What the newspaper reported was incorrect.
Subject
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People once believed that the world was flat.
Object
A noun clause can also follow certain adjectives and nouns.
We were happy that the semester was over.
Adjective
Who first challenged the belief that the world was flat?
Noun
There are three kinds of noun clauses:
1. that clauses, which begin with the word that
2. if/whether clauses, which begin with the words whether or if
3. question clauses, which begin with a question word, such as who, what, where, when, or how
1.That clauses
3. Question clauses
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Note:
B-LANGUAGE PRACTICE
1. Write that-clauses
a- Give some words which may be used to describe pictures 1-3. Compare with your friends
b- Complete the following about pictures 1-3 with the suitable words
Picture 1 Picture 2
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5. The girl is practising what she
…………………
Picture 1
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
…………………………
Picture 2
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
…….………………………………………..
Picture 3
5. The/ fix/ workers/ are/ they/ doing/ what/
road/ can/ to/ the.
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
2. Make sentences about the pictures with the suggested words
1. heavy/ lift/ athletic 2. look/ what/ man
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…………………………………………… ……………………………………………
…………………………………………… ……………………………………………
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……………………………………………….
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LESSON 5: PASSIVE VOICE
A-LANGUAGE FOCUS
Note:
B-LANGUAGE PRACTICE
B-PRACTICE IN TOEIC
I. Building Language
a- Give some words which may be used to describe pictures 1-3. Compare with your friends
b- Complete the following about pictures 1-3 with the suitable words
Picture 1 Picture 2
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Picture 3
Picture 1
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Picture 2
………………………………………………
………………………………………………
Picture 3
The pile is placed next to the armchair The Bed is made clean by the woman
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3. chef/ prepare/ cake
the man is amazed by a small monkey the electrical box has been repaired by a
mechanic
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A small tree is growed next to a big tree The child is being shouted by her mother
LESSON 6: REVIEW
B-PRACTICE IN TOEIC
Mini-test 1
Question 1 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
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Question 2 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
Question 3 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
horse/ gaze
the two horses which are gazing at the grass are standing side by side
Question 4 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
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interest/ music
the woman who is listening to the interesting music is wearing a pink shirt
Question 5 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
read/ bed
Mini-test 2
Question 1 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
sit/ portrait
Question 2 of 5
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Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
award/ on
Question 3 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
mechanic/ teach
Question 4 of 5
Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
newspaper/ while
Question 5 of 5
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Directions: Write ONE sentence based on the picture using the TWO words or phrases under it.
You may change the forms of the words and you may use them in any order.
make/ speech
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CHAPTER 2
RESPONDING TO AN E-MAIL REQUEST LETTER
In this part of the test, you will be requested to respond to an email enquiring some information.
You will be given specific instructions on what to include in your response. For example, after an
email asking for directions, you may be asked to cover four steps.
Some of the emails in this section of the test will ask you to explain how to do something. For
example, you might be asked how to send a fax or bake a cake. In this unit, you will learn a few
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linguistic “signposts” to use to make your instructions more precise. Using these signposts will
boost your score for organization.
FOCUS.
Basically, when you give instructions, you are guiding someone through a series of steps in
sequence. These are approprite words to indicate sequence:
Using these words will help the reader have a clear idea of the order of instructions.
Often, when you give instruction, you also need to help the person avoid common mistakes. Here
are some phrases that clearly indicate that’s what you’re doing.
Notice that the first phrase specifically tells someone what not to do, whereas the next two remind
the person of what they need to do.
PRACTICEm.
Exercise 1
How to make an English Breakfast
Put each of the following verbs in the correct space in the constructions below.
1. ............... the table (with the table-cloth, knives, forks, spoons, plates, glasses, napkins etc.)
2. To make tea, first ............... the water in a kettle.
3. Put a tea-bag in a cup and .................. the boiling water on it. (This is quicker than using a
teapot.)
4. .............. milk (from a jug) and sugar (from a bowl), and ............. with a spoon.
5. Make some toast, using the toaster, and ............... butter on it.
6. ............. eggs and bacon in a frying-pan.
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7. Put it on a plate with the toast, and eat it with a little salt and pepper.
8. When you”ve finished your breafast, ................ all the breafast things.
Exercise 2
Sentence matching
List A and List B explain how to use a payphone in London. But List A is not in the correct order.
Match List A and List B. Then write the sentences as one paragraph.
List A List B
a. First of all ... 1. pick up the receiver
b. Now, finally you ... 2. dial the number and wait for the person to
c. When the person answers, ... answer
d. When you hear the dialing tone, .... 3. put in the money
4. speak
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Exercise 3
Arranging sentences
These pictures show how to make a papier-mâché pot. The sentences explain the pictures. Put
the sentences in the correct order and write them as one paragraph.
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a) When the paper on the jar is dry, rub it with glass-paper. This makes it smooth.
b) After this, paste on about eight layers of small pieces of paper.
c) Now finally paint the pot with bright colours.
d) Because it is smoother, use tissue paper for the last two layers.
e) You can make a lovely pot with a simple jar.
f) First of all, tear some old paper into small pieces.
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Exercise 4
Guided writing
This is a recipe for Spiced Oranges. Recipes usually have incomplete sentences. Use the information
in the recipe: (i) to write sentences like those in
Exercise 2; (ii) to write a paragraph with those
sentences. Use these words if necessary: First of all;
After this; Then; Now; the; some; for; a; them.
Add articles before the nouns when necessary.
Ingredients:
4 large oranges
4-5dl ( ¾ pint) water
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg sugar
Peel oranges and remove all white parts.
Cut into slices.
Put water, cinnamon and nutmeg into saucepan.
When water is boiling, add orange slices.
Add sugar.
Simmer gently 3-4 minutes.
Put in refrigerator several hours.
Eat cold.
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In this lesson, you will be requested to respond to an email enquiring some information. You will be
given specific instructions on what to include in your response. For example, after an email asking
for directions, you may be asked to cover four steps.
FOCUSm.
For each of the following situations, write a sentence telling someone how to avoid a common
mistake.
Making rice
Setting the TV to show DVD
Sewing a shirt
Training a dog
Turing an office alarm system off
For example,
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Don’t forget to turn it way down after it boils.
If the screen is blank, make sure the channel is set to 3.
Be careful not to stick yourself with the needle!
Be careful not to pet him if he does something wrong.
If the alarm goes off, call the office manager right away.
Now as you answer the next three e-mails, be sure to use the signpost words in all how-to
instructions. Also include instructions for how to avoid common mistakes in at least one response.
Making rice
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Sewing a shirt
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Training a dog
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PRACTICEm.
Practice 1m.
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From: Alyssa Lee
To: Carr Davidson
Subject: Ruth’s birthday
Sent: June 20, 7:32
Hi, Carr,
Thanks so much for making sure Ruth gets a birthday cake tomorrow. I understand she wants
a chocolate icing. I basically know how to make a cake, but wondered if you could tell me
exactly how to make the cake Ruth likes.
Thanks in advance!
Directions: Respond to the email as if you are Ruth’s boyfriend, Carr. In your email, tell Alyssa
how to make Ruth’s favourite birthday cake. You intructions should include at least THREE steps.
To : Alyssa Lee
Subject: Re: Ruth’s birthday
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
Practice 2m.
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Hi, David,
I’m really excited to babysit for you and April tomorrow. I’m a tiny bit worried about getting
Bony to sleep, though. You had said there was a magic way to get him to go to sleep. Could
you tell me again what it is? Otherwise, I can’t wait to spend time with baby Bony!
Thanks!
Directions: Respond to the email as if you are Bony’s father, David. In your email, tell Rachel how
to get the baby to go to sleep . You intructions should include at least THREE steps.
To : Rachel Jones
Subject: Re: Babysitting
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
Practice 3m.
From: My Nguyen
To: Kate Peace
Subject: Sending a fax
Sent: April 30, 8:24 a.m.
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Hi, Kate.
I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to send a fax for the first time since I’ve been working
here, and I realized I don’t know how to do it! I’m using the fax machine in the
administration office. It’s a long-distance fax. Could you tell me how to do it?
Directions: Respond to the email as if you are Kate Peace. In your email, tell My how to send a
fax. You intructions should include at least THREE steps.
To : My Nguyen
Subject: Re: Sending a fax
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Self-Evaluation
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In this lesson, you will learn how to give directions to a certain place. Using the right vocabulary
for giving directions will improve the vocabulary portion of your score.
FOCUS.
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The following phrases / sentences are useful in giving directions.
Go out the door and make a left. Go down one block to 22nd Street. Make a left. Follow 22nd Street
about 5 blocks until you reach South Van ness. Make a right. The grocery store is halfway down the
block on the right. If you reach 21st Street, you’ve gone too fast.
Now, practice giving directions with a classmate. Give instructions from your school to your house
and from your classmate’s house to your own.
As you answer the following emails, use the phrases / sentences above to help you.
PRACTICEm.
Practice 1m.
Hi, Michael.
I wanted to let you know that my flight arrives on Friday at 2:30. I have a rental car all lined
up. So all I need is how to get to your house . I’ll be coming in on Route 1 headed North, so
I just need to know how to get to your place from here. Thanks a bunch, and I can’t wait to
see you.
To : Dan Jack
Subject: Re: Plans
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
Practice 2m.
Hi, Michael.
I am ready to send the mailing out. I have everything in envelopes and ready to go. The only
thing is, the post office told me they won’t pick up a mass mailing, so I’ll need to take them
to the post office myself. Could you tell me where the nearest post office is? I would really
appreciate it.
Thank you!
Directions: Respond to the email as if you areThomas Hardy. In your email, tell Chesson how to
get to the post office. You intructions should include at least THREE steps.
To : Chesson Shaw
Subject: Re: Post office
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
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In this lesson, you will learn how to give directions to a certain place. Using the right vocabulary
for giving directions will improve the vocabulary portion of your score.
FOCUS.
I would like to ask you a few questions about your product / offer and services.
I would like to inquire about your product / offer.
I wonder if I can get another discount on it.
I’m not sure if I can get another discount on it.
I have two questions I’d like to ask you.
I would like to ask you a few questions about the heath and safety seminar.
Actually, I do have some questions about the product.
Could you tell me where ...
Firstly, ...............................................................................
Secondly, ...........................................................................
To stat with, .......................................................................
In addition, .........................................................................
First of all, ..........................................................................
Also, ...................................................................................
Finally, / And finally, .........................................................
For one thing, .......................................................................
For another, ..........................................................................
Lastly, ...................................................................................
Sample
Sincerely,
Henry Thomson
BRAINSTORMING .
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Before writing the reply email, work in pairs to brainstorm your possible questions.
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PRACTICEm.
Practice 1m.
Hi, everyone!
Employee punctuality is important for our company productivity. However, management has
noticed that many employees are frequently late to work. To address this issue, employees
must check in with their managers by 8:30 a.m.
If you have any questions with this policy, please contact me directly.
Directions: Respond to the email as if you are an employee of the organization. In your email, ask
Sarah TWO questions (about flexible working hours, cases of out-of-office meeting, .......................,
................................).
Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
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Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
Practice 2m.
We’re offering all our loyal customers a fantastic opportunity to travel this summer.
For a limited time only, we’re offering discounts on trips to selected destinations.
Email us or visit your local Link Travel branch for more details.
Directions: Respond to the email as if you are R. Robinson . In your email, ask TWO questions
(about the expiry of the offer, what the selected destinations are, ...................., ...............................).
To : Jane Moore
Subject: Opening for overseas tour guide
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
Practice 3m.
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From: Matthew Eaton, Love Valley Travel
To: Jane Moore – Southeast Asian Adventure Tours
Subject: Opening for overseas tour guide
Sent: August 26, 2:40 p.m.
I am attaching an application form for the position. Please let me know if you have any
questions about the application or the job itself.
Matthew Eaton
Directions: Respond to the email as if you are J. Moore. In your email, ask TWO questions (about
the working place and hours, .............................., .............. ..........................., ..................................).
To : Jane Moore
Subject: Opening for overseas tour guide
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
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FOCUSm.
Acknowledging receipt of an enquiry/request
- Thank you for your letter of … regarding / concerning / in connection with …
- I refer to your enquiry about / relating to …
- I have received your letter of … requesting information about
Making suggestions / justifying recommendations / pointing out pros and cons / hedging
- The best choice would be … since …
- I highly recommend … as / due to the fact that …
- I recommend this item since …
- In view of the fact that …, I would strongly recommend … as …
Sample 1
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Subject: Fire extinguishers
Sent: August 16, 2:12 p.m.
Dear Mr Lee
Thank you for your enquiry regarding our newly released range of fire extinguishers.
You will see from the enclosed catalogue that the range has been extended to include some
highly efficient portable extinguishers for use on construction sites.
We are offering to our existing customers a 15% discount on orders of extinguishers from
this new range.
Yours sincerely,
Silvia Choi
Merchandising Manager
PRACTICEm.
................ ................ for your letter of Friday, 27 September 2013 .................. making copies
of the sample battery you sent us.
I have investigated the situation and found that your specifications are exactly the same as
the design of a proprietary camera battery manufactured by a large Japanese electronics
company.
We ................ that it would not be in our interests to supply this type of battery.
However, I ................... ............to thank you for considering our company as your supplier.
Practice 2m
Directions: Respond to the email as if you are a sales representative for Telfo Wire Company. In
your email, give ONE time you are free and make TWO requests for new equipment.
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
Practice 3m
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Subject: Employment
Sent: March11, 10:40 a.m.
I am interested in applying for an entry-level position at your company. I understand that you
are not advertizing any openings right now, but I believe my education and experience would
make me a positive addition to your company. Can we meet to talk?
Sincerely,
Lou Herr
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Self-Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Yes No
Does your reply meet the requirements outlined in the
directions?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence variety?
Does your reply demonstrate good sentence structures?
Does your reply demonstrate good overall organization?
Does your reply use correct and appropriate vocabulary?
59
Chapter 3
WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY
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A-FOCUS
The first paragraph in an essay is called the introductory paragraph. There are two purposes of the
introductory paragraph: to get the readers’ attention and to introduce them to the subject of your
essay. In other words, you need to lead readers to the subject of the essay in an interesting way and
convince them that reading your essay will be worth their time.
It must be relevant to the topic; that is, it should not introduce material not covered in the
essay.
It should not give detailed information about the main ideas of the essay. Detailed
information belongs to the body paragraphs.
There should be at least two sentences before the thesis statement.
The thesis statement should come at the end of the introductory paragraph.
Essay question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do
anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
position.
Sample introduction:
Nowadays, the competition among the businesses has been increasing, and every company
tries to struggle and survive in such a situation. Some people think that businesses should do
anything they can do to reach their goal - maximum profits. In my opinion, however,
businesses must not do anything harmful to the community.
B-PRACTICE
TASK 1: Put the sentences in each of the following sets in the correct order to form a
good introductory paragraph for the intended essay.
2. a. However, in others, the nuclear family with only the parents and young children is the norm.
b. If this new system becomes widespread, it could have enormous effects on the society.
c. In most cultures, people live in extended families, in which several generations share the
same house.
d. People in different cultures have different systems for family life.
e. In recent years, some couples are experimenting with still another system of family life:
living together without marriage.
3. a. I believe that it is cheaper, more convenient, and better for the environment than private cars
are.
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b. In order to get around city, you can use public transportation or private cars.
c. My preference is definitely for public transportation.
d. Your choice of transportation basically depends on where you want to go.
TASK 2: Read the four introductory paragraphs that follow the essay question. Check
(√) the features of a good introduction that they have (Remember: they must have all
four to be a good introduction).
Essay question: Which, in your opinion, is more important in making someone’s life happy: a
good environment or good genes?
1. Some people have a happy life and some people don’t. My friend Tony has a miserable life. He
just got divorced, and now his wife won’t let him see his children. To live a happy life, a good
environment is more important than good genes.
2. First, a good environment can make you healthier, which can make you happy. Second, if you
live in a good environment, you probably have many friends who can help you when you need it.
Friends are important for emotional health as well. People with friends are happier than people
without friends. Also, a good environment is probably safer, so you don’t have to be afraid to walk
down the street. Being safe makes everyone happy. To live a happy life, a good environment is
more important than good genes.
3. It is said that your mother and father make you what you are. You get your genes from them, and
they may have great genes. However, if they don't raise you in a safe, loving environment, you may
never be happy. To live a happy life, a good environment is more important than good genes.
4. Before the nineteenth century, most people lived in dirty, smelly, unhealthy environments. To
live a happy life, a good environment is more important than good genes.
5. Environment is much more important that genes when you are growing up. A good example of
this is the millions of people in the world who were born with physical challenges. If people are
raised in a good environment, they can be successful and live a happy life.
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□ It is relevant to the topic of the essay.
□ It contains at least three sentences.
□ It doesn’t give details that belong to the body of the essay.
□ It ends with the thesis statement.
TASK 3: Read each essay question. Then choose the more general introductory
sentence of the two that follow. This sentence would appear just before the thesis
statement, which states your opinion. Compare your answer with that of a partner.
Say why the other sentence is not appropriate.
1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Consulting with a group of people is
the best way to make an important decision.
a. Making an important decision is not an easy thing to do, and there are different ways to do it.
b. If you want to make an important decision, you should definitely always do it by yourself.
Thesis statement: Many people believe that getting the opinion of other is the best way to make
an important decision; however, I disagree with this approach.
2. When travelling medium distances, some people prefer to fly. Others prefer to take express
trains. Which do you prefer?
a. Trains and airplanes have both advantages and disadvantages.
b. I don’t really like flying because it is very expensive and I often get airsick.
Thesis statement: Although some people prefer to fly, I’d rather take the train.
TASK 4: Write ONE general introductory sentence that would appear just before the
thesis statement.
1. __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
I’m totally opposed to living in the city.
2. __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
In my opinion, the internet is the best place to buy things.
3. _________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
There are several things about my current job, but I believe that the best aspect of my job is the
long vacations.
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As explained in the previous lesson, a good introductory paragraph should be relevant and consist
of at least two general sentences that are followed by the thesis statement. Now, let’s practise
writing complete introductory paragraphs for your intended essays.
B-PRACTICE
TASK 1: Write two or more general sentences for each of the following thesis
statement to make the complete introductory paragraph for your intended essay.
1. _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
I’m totally opposed to living in the city.
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
In my opinion, the internet is the best place to buy things.
3. _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
There are several things about my current job, but I believe that the best aspect of my job is the
long vacations.
1. It is important for travelers and business people to understand the cultures they come into contact
with. What are the main advantages of doing so?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Employers should pay young people the same salary as older colleagues doing the same job. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should make more links
with businesses.
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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When you write about your opinion, it is important to give reasons why you think about things in
this way or that way.
A common way to give support for your ideas is to show how a situation would be different in other
circumstances. Conditional sentences can be used for this purpose. An opinion essay may include a
present condition, so you can use will or other modal verbs to give ideas about possible present or
future results.
If people migrate to cities, they may become trapped in poor, overcrowded accommodation.
B-PRACTICE:
TASK 1: Complete conditional sentences 1-6 with the words and phrases a-f.
TASK 2: Complete sentences 1-3 with your own ideas. Compare your answers with
your partner’s and see if you agree with his or her idea.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. Unless the local governments restrict the number of cars coming into cities, ________________
________________________________________________________________________________
A-FOCUS
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The easiest, and usually the best, way to keep your writing specific and concrete is to use specific
examples whenever possible. A specific example is a particular instance. So to give a specific
example of technology would be to write about particular people using a particular machine. To
give a specific example of any human activity would require that you write about individual people.
To give a specific example of teaching history would be to describe what a particular teacher or
students do. Give examples of every point you make, and make your examples clear and forceful by
making them specific. Write about people and what people actually do, not just about ideas or
concepts.
B-PRACTICE
TASK 1: Match beginning 1-5 to the ending a-e. Note the common phrases for
introducing examples in bold.
1. There are several disadvantages to working in a big city. Some examples include … _____
2. Spending money on research can have a great impact. One clear example of this is … _____
3. I think the most important factor is practical experience. By this I mean … _____
4. We could save money by reducing costs. For example, … _____
5. One example of the problems we faced was high material costs. Another example was … _____
TASK 2: Look at each of the sentences in task 1 and match the phrases s in bold to the
definition of how it is used below.
TASK 3: Use common phrases in task 1 to write examples for the statements in 1-3.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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A- FOCUS
In this lesson, you will be practicing how to use reasons and examples to develop the key ideas in
your answers to opinion essay questions.
B- PRACTICE
TASK 1: Choose one of the prompts below to express your own opinions, and then use
ONE reason or example to support each of your opinions.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
□ excellent.
□ getting better.
□ in need of major improvements.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
□ reduced and people should use their own money to take care of themselves.
□ spent to help those on need.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
1. In general, people are living longer now. How will this change affect society? Use specific
details and examples to develop your essay.
2. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change?
Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
3. Think of the most important class you have ever taken. Why did you enjoy this class so
much? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
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