writing card 1

Top Teen 11 MODULE 1

Persuasive language
Complete the expressions with the
Persuasive email words in the box:
When you want to persuade someone important  doubt  obvious
agree  people  question
1. Be polite, respectful.
2. Tone and language will depend on your target audience. 1. The ……… of whether or not…
3. Mention why your idea is good or bad. 2. It is clear/………. that…
4. Write in the present tense. 3. There can be no ……… that…
5. Write in a tone that assumes the receiver will say yes/agree.
4. It is ………. to realize…
6. Don’t sound like a complainer — if you want change, be positive
5. Many …………. agree that…
about and explain what will work.
7. Use strong adjectives. 6. Wouldn’t you ………. that…?
7. The fact is…
STRUCTURE
8. We all know that…
• Introduce your position in introduction. Include a question.

• Provide argument • Use evidence to support

Most important first your argument. Examples

• New paragraph • Use evidence to support

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

for each new idea your argument. Examples
• Reinforce your position in conclusion.
• Provide additional • Use evidence to support Connect to introduction. Wrap up and
argument your argument. Examples give something the reader to think about.
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 1

Writing a summary
What is a summary?
A good summary is easy to read and explains the main points of a text. It shows that you understood the text and
that you can communicate the main idea(s). A summary is much shorter than the original text.

1 Read the text/article you are going to 2 Make sure you only focus on the major
summarize. Identify the main idea/topic. points and put this information in your own
Underline all the major points that you words. Do not include the minor details.
are going to include in your summary. A summary does not have to follow the
same pattern as the original article.
5 There are useful
summarizing verbs and
phrases you can use.
e.g. claims, argues, goes 3 When writing your summary, be sure to
on to say / discusses, ends, paraphrase (i.e. put in your own words). If you
explains, gives the example, have to copy a phrase from the original text
shows, questions, etc. because it’s important, use ‘quotation marks’
at the beginning and end of the sentence.
The structure is:

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

a) Say who the article is by, the title and
where it is from.
4 Read your summary and make sure
you have accurately represented the b) G  ive the overall point/argument of the text.
author’s ideas and main points. c) P rovide main examples.
Do not include your own opinion! d) E  xplain how the article ends.
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 1

Structure Strip ✓
Paragraph 1: W  hat is the name of the series and what is
Review it about?
Task: Paragraph 2: Describe the main characters, who they are
Write a review about your favourite series and who they play.
for your school paper. Say what the series Paragraph 3: Does it have a storyline? If so, what is it?
is about, who is in it, what the plot is
Paragraph 4: Give your opinion – what do you think of
about, whether you recommend it or not
the series and why?
and why. Use the Structure Strip to help
you write between 150-200 words. Paragraph 5: Would you recommend it to others?
Why/Why not?

Remember to:
 ake the review interesting for the reader, use colourful
M
descriptive language – spectacular, impressive instead of
good.
really/extremely/quite + normal adjective;
completely/totally/absolutely + extreme adjective
Use ways to involve the reader – you, your, we
Use direct question Are you like me? Can you think of…?
 se expressions that make connection with the reader —
U

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

imagine, just think
 se comment adverbs and adverbials to express attitudes
U
or opinions – to be honest, personally, frankly,
interestingly, fortunately
Use varied grammar (verb tenses)
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 2

Discursive Essay Read the sentences and answer the questions.

Linking words and expressions to make connections 1. TV and the media not only help learn what
These words help make your writing flow logically. is happening around the world but they also often
They help the reader to move from one idea to the lead to people sending help to those in need.
next and to see the relationship between sentences 2. Furthermore we should all show solidarity.
and paragraphs.
3. As well as winning an award for their achievements
Use different linking words/expressions and avoid the group became well-known in many countries.
overusing the same type of expression. While
grammatically correct, repetition does not add any
interest to your writing. A. Which phrase(s):
1. Links two ideas in the same sentence?
2. Shows we are adding an idea connect
to the previous sentence or paragraph?
3. Is followed by an -ing form?

B. Where should a comma be added to each sentence?

C. Read the sentences and connect the ideas

with the words in brackets. Make any other
changes you need to.

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1. Maggie volunteers at the local shelter. She also
helps out at the food bank. (not only…but also)
2. The school runs a recycling program. They grow
their own vegetables which are then used to
prepare food in the canteen. (apart from)
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 2

Proposal
Write your proposal in a formal and
impersonal style.

1. Start the proposal with an introduction and a 3. Make recommendation.

clear sentence.
It would be advantageous to…
The aims of this proposal are to…
It is recommended that…
The purpose of this proposal is to examine/
There should be an inquiry into…
evaluate/explain/describe/analyse/present
The proposal is intended to show/discuss/
suggest/outline…. 4. Final recommendations.
Include a final sentence summarizing your opinion.
Make a polite recommendation and use a range
2. Describe the current situation – focus on the task.
of persuasive language.
Group ideas under headings for each section of
If the above suggestions are implemented,
your proposal.
there would be…

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

Following a survey among…
Unless the recommendations are taken seriously, it
A number of concerns with regard to… is unlikely that…
were expressed by…
Implementation of the above idea would
As you may be aware, … result in…
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 2

Informal email
When you write a personal email to
someone you know well, your writing
sounds like you are speaking to that
person.

• We use contractions. • We use adjectives for descriptions and to make our
email more interesting. We can use adverbs to
• We can start with informal words and phrases. make adjectives stronger or softer.
Hey Mandy, how’s it going?
Regular = v ery, extremely and really;
We haven’t been in touch for ages.
adjectives quite, a bit and rather (softer)
• We ask direction questions.
Extreme = totally, absolutely, really and huge
Are you still at college? adjectives completely
When are you coming for a visit? awesome
 se the adjectives in the box and
U
• We can use by the way / anyway to change the the adverbs in brackets to make amazing
topic. the sentences more interesting.
Anyway, I want to know what’s happening

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

1. It would be .............. if you could visit. (really)
in your life.
By the way, did you receive the book I sent you? 2. It was a ……….. trip and I want to do it again.
(completely)
• Use simple linking words like and, so, but, though,
3. Her swimming pool is ……….! I think it’s a bit of
because.
an over-kill. (absolutely)
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 3

Informal emails / letters

Decide if these statements are True or False.
Informal letter 1. Use contractions.
You have received a letter from an English-speaking 2. Avoid phrasal verbs.
student called Samantha, who is from another 3. Avoid direct questions to the reader.
school. 4. Use short, simple sentences.
5. Use a personal, conversational style.
6. Use long, more complex words.
Linking words, questions and strong adjectives
Informal emails and letters sound more like a
conversation. We use short sentences and simple linking
words like: and, but, so, while, because.
We use questions as if you’re talking to someone.
Sometimes these questions are rhetorical (you’re not
expecting an answer).
We also use certain strong adjectives as we love to
exaggerate like: good – awesome / brilliant.
Find strong adjectives for these adjectives:
a) big b) small c) nice d) bad

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

Write your letter taking into consideration the recommendations from the box. Write between 140-190 words.
Paragraph 1 – Say hello and introduce yourself.
Paragraph 2 – Talk about you/your opinion. Answer some questions.
Paragraph 3 – Talk about your friends.
Paragraph 4 – Make a suggestion/question and sign off.
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 3

Letter of complaint
Letters /emails of complaint are used to express our dissatisfaction with a service or a product.

Greeting Paragraph 1 Paragraphs 2/3 Paragraph 4 Sign off

Dear Mr Smith, Reason Complain with What you want Yours sincerely,
Dear Sir/ for writing justification/ to happen, Yours faithfully,
Madam, examples closing remarks (your full name)

• Focus on the most important facts. Match the formal words with the less formal words.
Don’t provide unnecessary information. 1. assistance a. ask for
• Be polite.
2. inform b. fix
3. obtain/receive c. tell
• Use a formal style. 4. due to d. help
• Don’t use contractions. 5. request e. more
6. verify f. get
• Use the passive to be
less direct and more
7. further g. because of
formal. 8. repair h. facts
9. information i. check/prove

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

Task: You have bought a robot vacuum. Unfortunately, after about four months it doesn’t work
properly and, in fact, has damaged some furniture in your house. Write a letter complaining
and request both a new robot as well as compensation for the damage caused.
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 3

• Furthermore, • I think…

Opinion Essay • As far as I’m concerned, • To begin with,
There are no right or wrong opinions when you • Personally • On the other hand,
write an opinion essay. You must, however, give • In conclusion, • However
different reasons and examples to defend your
opinion. To organize your ideas, use linkers and Useful expressions and linkers
expressions of opinion.
Expressing opinion
Complete the list of useful expressions with
1.  • I believe that…
the phrases above. • In my opinion,
• 1………………………………………….…
2. Write an opinion essay on:
• 2………………………………………….…
How does consumerism affect the • 3………………………………………….…
environment and nature? • I agree up to a point…
Organizing your ideas
Use this paragraph plan in your opinion essay. • Firstly,4………………………………..
• Secondly, In addition, ………, What’s more,
5
Paragraph 1: Introduction – introduce the
subject and say what you think in general. • Finally, Lastly,
Use a rhetorical question. Providing a contrasting opinion/idea

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Paragraph 2 – First idea • 6……………………………., Nevertheless,
Paragraph 3 – Second idea • On the one hand, …………………………
7

Paragraph 4 – Third idea Conclusion

Paragraph 5 – Short conclusion • 8……………………….., To sum up,
• All things considered…
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 4

Working from home

Expository Essay For many modern workers, the norm is to be working
What is it? – It communicates factual information. You from home. While some rarely go into the office,
research and evaluate information to explain the topic there are workers who work from home only a few
briefly and clearly. Expository writing can clarify a days a week. 1………………
particular topic, give directions or describe how to do While some homeworkers claim that they sometimes
something. You do not provide your opinion. feel isolated from other people and events which may
go on in the office, the advantages far outweigh the
Complete the essay with the supporting examples a-f.
drawbacks. It is clear that working from home is more
There is one example you do not need. cost effective for both the employer as well as the
a. There are savings on office space and certain equipment and employee. 2.……………………..
insurance for the employer whereas the employee saves time Homeworkers also report that they are more
as there is no need to commute and travel expenses. productive and focused at home than in the office.
b. In fact, a recent report has found that 70% of people
3
……………………..
around the world work from home at least once a week. What’s more, working from home helps people
achieve a better work-life balance. The flexibility of
c. A recent report claims that by 2030, 80% of the employees
this “new” environment allows workers to set their
in large companies will be working from home. own time schedules and work around their own needs
d. Research also shows the less commuting reduced stress and and the needs of their family. 4…………………….
anxiety, further contributing to a better work-life balance. To conclude, due to the many benefits for both

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

e. A recent report shows that most of the population prefer to employers and employees, in terms of not only
savings and productivity but also job satisfaction and
work in a place with other people.
a better work-life balance, working from home is the
f. Owing to fewer distractions from office noise and fewer way of future. 5………………… this is an idea that
interruptions from work colleagues, productivity increases companies should embrace.
substantially.
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 4

Formal email

Improve your English in

Scotland as an au pair
• Tell what the email is about in the subject line.
• Au pair needed for summer
period – June to end of
• Write the most important information first.
August • Use bullet points or numbers to make the message clearer.
• 2 days off a week • Separate information by paragraphs.
• Some cooking skills needed • Use simple grammar, but polite vocabulary.
Formal emails should be less complex and
If interested email
wordy when compared to formal letters.
[email protected]
• Keep it simple and clear.
2 preferences required

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

Task: You are interested in applying but need more information. Write a formal
email to Ms Smith and request more information about accommodation, wages,
what cooking skills are needed and how many children you would have to babysit.
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Top Teen 11 MODULE 4

Letter of application
Blog Blog   Volunteering  Contact  About

Volunteer in Thailand

Volunteers wanted to help at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.

• We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work at our
elephant sanctuary.
• Learn how to protect and work with elephants in order to
change the wildlife tourism industry for the better.
• You must be responsible, be able to work as part of a team,
be able to stand for long periods of time, work in humid and
wet conditions and perform basic manual labour tasks.
Send your application to the address on our website.

Write your letter of application.

Polite opening (formal)
Paragraph 1 – Say what job you’re applying for and where you saw the job advert.

© AREAL EDITORES – Top Teen 11 – Cód. 89907

Paragraph 2 – Give reasons for applying. Describe your personal qualities and give examples.
Paragraph 3 – Give/describe any relevant skills or experience you may have. Ask any questions you may have.
 Be sure to use indirect questions (more polite):
Could you tell me when / what…? or Would you mind telling…?
End the letter in a formal way.