Study skills B2+ Units
Critical thinking when writing
1 Read the quiz and answer the questions for you.
1 When you are writing an essay, how important do you think it is to be original?
Circle the number that is true for you. (1 = very important, 5 = not important)
1 2 3 4 5
2 Choose true (T) or false (F) for these sentences.
When I write an essay, …
1 I don’t research the topic. I prefer to write my own ideas. T/F
2 I find what experts say on the topic and copy their ideas. T/F
3 I look at different perspectives on the topic and draw my own conclusions. T/F
2 Read the Study tip. Which of the three
STUDY TIP
approaches (1–3) in the quiz does it
recommend? Critical thinking when writing starts with critical thinking
when reading. First you need to analyse information on the
3 Your teacher has asked you to write an essay. topic with an open mind, weighing up different viewpoints
Read the essay question and answer questions and challenging any assumptions. After an objective analysis
1–5 on page 2. you may discuss contrasting views in your own writing,
before making your own views on the subject clear.
Does brain training make you more intelligent?
You have discovered some information on the Internet on the subject and have made the
following notes.
TopBrain is a brain training program designed to improve memory, maths ability and
concentration. Scientifically tested. Proven results for regular users. (TopBrain advert)
According to the British Brain Centre, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that
brain training apps and programs improve intelligence in any way. This view is
supported by 80% of scientists questioned. (London Medical Journal)
Write an essay, considering the notes you have made and giving your own view.
This page has been downloaded from www.macmillangateway2.com
Photocopiable © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016 1 of 2
Study skills B2+ Units
1 Is the essay question clear or do any of the words in the question need defining more clearly?
2 How much do the notes you have taken influence your own point of view?
3 Is there anything in the notes you have taken that should be questioned?
4 Do you have any experience on the subject which supports either view?
5 Do you feel you need to do more research to produce a better essay?
4 Read the Study tip and the conclusions STUDY TIP
of three students. Decide which of the
students follows the advice given in the In your conclusion you should provide a brief overview of your
Study tip most closely. findings and their implications. You should admit the limitations
of your research and restate your opinion. You could also
suggest further research into the subject.
some
In conclusion I would say that I find brain training programs useful. I have
my memor y has
on my phone and I think they are good. I tried TopBrain and I think
improved using it. My friends agree.
Abby, 15
In conclusion, considering my research, and despite the limited scientific evidence, I feel that
it is difficult to
say whether brain training programs increase intelligence. We should use such programs
for entertainment
and not believe what the manufacturers claim. What is certain is that we need more research
into the subject.
Benny, 16
r because I
In conclusion, I think that we need to investigate this subject furthe
don’t really
couldn’t find any real evidence to prove it. It’s difficult because we
and programs
know what intelligence is. What is true is that brain training apps Charlie, 17
are fun so I do recommend them.
5 Write your own answer to the essay question in 3. Use the Study tips in 2 and 4 and your answers to the
questions in 3 to help you to plan your essay.
This page has been downloaded from www.macmillangateway2.com
Photocopiable © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016 2 of 2
