A.

ESSAY WRITING TECHNIQUES

1. Read the sample of two academic essays and compare their language use.
HAS THE INTERNET IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF JOURNALISM?

There is no question that the Internet has transformed Internet has transformed the news industry in recent
the news industry in recent decades, and that its decades, and that it has both positive and negative
impact has been both positive and negative. This impacts.
essay will analyse both views looking at the influence
of the Internet on the media quality.

Online news has been frequently criticized for being Online news is frequently criticized for being
unreliable and based on very little evidence. In unreliable and based on very little evidence. In
addition, commercial pressures in this increasingly addition, the pressures of being able to sell news in the
cutthroat market have encouraged journalists to competitive market encourage journalists to
concentrate on what is popular and what will capture concentrate on only what is popular and what will
interest on social media, rather than on what is attract interest on social media.
important. Examples are many scam articles on brutal
crimes or celebrity scandals invented and diffused
online purely to provoke readers’ curiosity.

However, it is also true that the Internet has brought However, it is also true that the Internet has brought
several benefits to news consumers. No longer are several benefits to news consumers. We have a more
knowledge seekers limited to the information source varied choice of news sources than ever before; we are
in a particular part of the world thanks to a more no longer limited to the newspapers and radio and
varied choice of news sources more available than television news services in our particular part of the
ever before. Indeed, Americans can watch Al Jazeera world. Americans can watch Al Jazeera online, while
online, while Australians can access the New York Australians can read the New York Times.
Times.

Furthermore, the Internet has made it possible for new Furthermore, with the Internet, new media companies
media companies to join the industry. For instance, can now join the industry. For example, The
The Huffington Post, now one of the popular and Huffington Post wouldn’t exist without the Internet.
respected news sources worldwide, would scarcely An addition benefit of online news reporting is that
exist in the absence the Internet. An additional benefit smartphones not enable journalists to publish text,
of online news reporting is that smartphones now photos or video wherever they are, which means that
enable journalists to publish text, photos or video it is easier for us to record something at the scene.
wherever they are, rendering the chances of
something important being captured at the scene much
higher.

On balance, I would argue that the benefits of Internet On balance, the benefits of Internet news outweigh the
news outweigh the downsides. It should also be downsides. It should also be remembered that the
remembered that the Internet will never replace Internet does not replace traditional journalism,
traditional journalism, whether delivered via the whether delivered via the Internet or print media: it
Internet or print media: it adds to it. adds to it.

1
 B. ESSAY MARKING CRITERIA
TASK COHERENCE AND LEXICAL GRAMMATICAL
ACHIEVEMENT COHESION RESOURCE RANGE AND
ACCURACY
9 Fully developed Cohesion that attracts A wide range of A wide range of
position no attention vocabulary with very structures with full
Fully extended and Skillful paragraphing natural and sophistical flexibility and
well-supported control of lexical accuracy
ideas features
8 Sufficiently Logical sequences of A wide rang of A wide range of
developed position information and ideas vocabulary structures
Well-developed Appropriate Precise and fluent Error-free sentences
response to the paragraphing conveyance of
question with meaning
supported ideas Rare inaccuracies in
word choice and
collocation
No spelling errors
7 Clear position Logical organization of Sufficient range of A variety of complex
throughout the information and ideas vocabulary structures
response A range of cohesive Less common lexical Frequent error-free
There may be a devices appropriately items with awareness sentences
tendency to over A clear central topic of style and Good control of
generalize/ within each paragraph collocation grammar and
supporting ideas Rare inaccuracies and punctuation
may lack focus spelling errors
6 Uneven Clear arrangement of Adequate range of A mix of simple and
development of the information and ideas vocabulary complex sentence
task Effective use of Attempts to use less forms
Unclear conclusion/ cohesive devices with common vocabulary Some errors in
introduction some inaccuracies with some grammar and
inaccuracies punctuation but rarely
Some spelling errors affect comprehension
5 Partially Logical presentation of A limited range of A limited range of
development of the information with some vocabulary but structures
task lack of overall minimally adequate Attempts complex
Limited supporting progression for the task sentences with
ideas Inadequate, inaccurate Noticeable errors in inaccuracies
No conclusion or overuse of cohesive spelling or word Frequent grammatical
devices formation that affect errors
comprehension

C. WRITING 1: ACADEMIC WRITING FEATURES

A. Tick next to the features you believe belong to academic writing.

1. Contraction can’t
cannot
2
2. Negative forms Not many people like studying
Few people are interested in formal learning.

Strong negatives Weak Stronger

no There was not any X. No X existed/ appeared.

none Not one patient survived. None of the patients survived.
never They had not seen X before. Never had they seen X before.
(Note: Beginning a sentence with a negative is powerful)
Strong prefixes Weak Stronger

un- The cause is not known. The cause is/ remains unknown.
in- The text was not coherent. The text was incoherent.
im- The task was not possible. The task was impossible.
non- Results were not significant. Results were non-significant.
dis- This drug isn’t made anymore. This drug has been discontinued.
Verbs/adjectives Weak Stronger

fail The plan did not work. The plan failed (to succeed).
lack The solution didn’t have X. The solution lacked X.
absent X was not in the samples. In the samples, X was absent.
insufficient Controls didn’t have enough X. Controls had insufficient X.
incomplete The test was not finished. The test was incomplete.
3. Phrasal Verb It’s useful to get up early.
It is useful to start a day early.

4. Idiom It’s raining cats and dogs.

It is pouring.

5. Slangs Parents want their kids to be successful.

Parents want their children to achieve success.

6. Clichés Nowadays, children often want to go their own way.

It is common for modern young people to establish
their own business.
Avoid these Choose among these
a bit a little, slightly, somewhat
a couple two, a pair, a duo (for people, “couple” implies man and woman)
a lot, a lot of, lots of several, many, multiple, (see “plenty of”)
anyhow in any case, in any event, nevertheless, nonetheless

3
anyway although, thus, however
besides; too also, in addition, likewise; furthermore, moreover
enough sufficient (insufficient is also useful)
fix (verb) arrange, manage, handle OR repair, renovate, recondition
give (verb) supply, furnish, offer, provide, yield
gone; none lacking, absent; missing (think cops)
hard difficult, demanding, laborious, time-consuming, taxing
let (v) allow, permit, give permission for
little (=few) few, insufficient, lacking, rare, scarce, sparse
look for (v) try to find, seek (sought), search for
make produce, construct, form, compose, build, create, originate,
constitute
plenty of abundant, ample (vs. sparse), numerous, frequent (occurring over
time)
pretty; quite somewhat, almost, moderately, not uncommon, not infrequent
quite X very (a weak word), rather, considerably, noticeably, notably,
markedly, greatly (I would avoid “remarkably” as too emotional.)
so therefore, thus, hence
start (v) begin, initiate, undertake
take (v) adopt (100%), adapt (with changes), transfer, possess
think X is consider X to be, judge X to be, deem X to be
though even though, although, notwithstanding
too also, in addition, as well as, likewise
try (to) attempt to/ endeavor to
turn out (v) prove/ proven to be X (show by evidence; “It proved to be a wise
choice.”)
way means, approach, method, procedure, manner
work out (v) solve, resolve, determine, devise, OR clarify, elucidate

4
7. Nominalization I’m worried about it.
It is causing concern to me.

• Original: This information enables us to formulate precise questions.

• Nominalized: This information enables the formulation of precise questions.
• Original: Children evidently appeared to have been treated differently.
• Nominalized: There appeared to be evidence of differential treatment of children.

8. General words Parents often have a lot of ambitions for their children.
It is common parents place high ambitions on their offspring.

be becomes exist
see observe
have assess
get measure
determine
possess
assess
confirm
characterize
if
like whether (or not)
becomes such as
a lot of, lots of
big many, several
plenty large, great

He, too, died.

He died, too. becomes
He died, as well.
He also died.
9. Impersonalization Studying in a foreign country can help you broaden your
horizon.
Studying overseas can broaden students’ horizon.

10. Referencing Some parents want their children to follow their footsteps.
Some parents don’t.
Some parents want their children to follow their footstep.
Some others; however, do not.

11. Passive Voice Many people speak English.

English is spoken worldwide.

12. Hedging (certainty) Parents want their children to succeed.

It is generally believed that parents want their children to
achieve success.

5
13. A variety of sentence patterns
SIMPLE SENTENCE

noun + verb = They study.

COMPOUND SENTENCE
noun verb noun verb
+ , conjuction + + b = They study, and they
practice.

MORE COMPLEX SENTENCE

noun + relative clause <noun + verb> + verb = The place where they studied
at, have changed.

SENTENCE WITH MODIFIER

modifying phrase, noun + verb = Prepared for the exam, they passed it.
Elegant (linked and embedded)
Short and choppy X is expensive and is seldom available there.
X costs a lot. You can’t Or do you mean: Because X is expensive, it is
®
get it there often. seldom available there.
Situation ® Result = end-focus
X, being expensive there, is seldom available.

D. DEGREE OF CERTAINTY
Tablet computers also provide access to other learning resources that cater to the particular needs
of gifted young people.
» Tablet computers also provide access to other learning resources that may cater to the particular
needs of gifted young people.

6
 Language used in hedging:

1. Introductory verbs: e.g. It seems/appears/indicates/proves that, It

tends/appears to be,
2. Opinion verbs e.g. I think/believe/doubt/assume/suggest
3. Certain modal verbs: e.g. will, must, would, may, might, could
4. Adverbs of frequency e.g. often, sometimes, usually, in most cases, more often
than not, oftentimes
4. Modal adverbs e.g. certainly, clearly, presumably, possibly,
conceivably, hardly ever, scarcely ever
5. Modal adjectives e.g. certain, definite, clear, probable, possible, unlikely

6. Noun e.g. There is an assumption/possibility/probability/hope

that
e.g. It could be the case that/ It might be suggested that
7. To-clause + adjective e.g. It may be possible to obtain.
e.g. It is important to develop.
e.g. It is useful to study.

Certain (positive) Uncertain Certain (negative)

● evidently/obviously/clearly ● hypothetically/theoretically ●unjustified assumption
● undeniable/undeniably/ ● arguable ● unfounded rumours
there is no doubt that ● not necessarily ● we can reject…
● full consensus about… ● controversial ● invalid
● conclusively proven/has ● debatable ● demonstrably false
been established ● unreliable ● inconceivable
● confidently predict ● on shaky foundations
● well-documented ● claim
● we can safely assume ● apparently
● convincing argument/ ● supposedly
convincingly argues
● there is (very) little doubt
that
● presumably

7
 I. Identify the expressions of certainty in the following sentences.
Communication is probably one of the most important of all human behaviours. Our use of language
may be private – we can think to ourselves in words or write diaries that are meant to be seen by no
one but ourselves – but language certainly evolved through social contacts among our early
ancestors. Speaking and writing are clearly social behaviours: we learn these skills from other people
and use them to communicate with them. An effective language system also tends to abide by certain
rules. Although an exact definition is difficult to pin down, language can be characterised as a system
of visual and/or vocal symbols which have meaning to the user and to the recipient. There are thought
to be around 6000 distinct languages in the world. The world’s largest language is said to be Chinese
– it has more native speakers than any other – followed closely by English, Hindi/Urdu, Spanish and
Arabic. The most popular foreign language is usually claimed (Smith, 2003) to be English.
II. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
1. concluded/ suggested/ proven/ estimated
It can be________ that, for young adult males, the portrayal of alcohol on a television screen
might lead to increased alcohol consumption.
2. definite/ unlikely/ normal
It is not _________ that the characters in the movies are generally regarded as positive, which
should add to the low level priming effect of observing drinking behaviour.
3. if/ whether/ that
However, it is unknown __________ the underlying mechanisms differ for food or drink
portrayals in the media.
4. should/ could/ may
When in real life, anticipation of other’s reactions ___________ be among the causes of
imitation.
5. probable/ possible/ definite – should/will/might
Furthermore, it is also ________ that besides imitation, the activation of alcohol norms appeals
to pre-existing norms and expectancies of people, which ________ lead to alcohol intake.
III. Reformulate the following text, using the hedges below.
estimate; probably; if not; likely; experts claim; presumably; may; most probably; apparently
In Germany, the number of job openings for engineers will continue to grow rapidly in the next
few years. The gap between the number of such positions and the number of engineers available
will widen. This problem must be addressed soon; otherwise, the German economy will stagnate.
There are several reasons for this shortage. One of them is the declining population due to the
lowest birth rate in Europe. Another is the rising demand for transportation and energy
technology. The demand for engineers will increase as we move towards an all-electric society.
More companies will simply need more engines.

8
E. NOMINALIZATION
.
Crime was increasing rapidly and the police were becoming concerned.
Write:
The rapid increase in crime was causing concern among the police.

1. Educators have speculated the role of a good family environment in improving educational
achievement.

2. Economists have tried to define full employment but generally failed.

3. Editorial writers complain about voter apathy, but don’t offer suggestions about dispelling it.

4. We need to analyze library use to provide a reliable base so that we can project needed
resources.

5. Many colleges have understood that continued tuition increases are no longer possible because
of parents have strongly resisted to the soaring costs of higher education.

6. The class assumed that there would be tests on only certain selections, so they agreed on the
reading list.

7. Fraternities recognized that they need to control drinking on campus.

8. If we revise the program, we will serve our clients more efficiently.

9. They all agree to expand the program.

10. Many modern school curriculums are becoming computerized and this is doing a lot to make
each student develop.

9
F. SENTENCES TYPES
I. Compound Sentences
coordinate conjunction: for and nor but or yet so (FANBOYS)
FOR Meagan studied hard, for she wanted to pass the test.
AND Meagan studied hard, and her classmates studied, too.
NOR Meagan did not study hard, nor did she pass the test.
BUT Meagan studied hard, but her brother did not study at all.
OR Meagan studied hard, yet she was not happy with her grade.
SO Meagan studied hard, so she was easy for her.

II. COMPLEX SENTENCES

subordinate conjunction: while although after because if before
The hurricane struck while we were at the mall.
After the president gave his speech, he answered most of the reporter’s questions.

III. INVERSION
After phrases introduced by negative adverbials, use auxiliary verb + subject
under no circumstances seldom not until little never
hardly… + when no sooner…+ than not only… but also
»» Seldom do people realize the dangers of these drinks.
»» Under no circumstances should children consume these beverages.
»» So popular are the drinks that their names are familiar to even the smallest children.
»» Such is the success of the energy drinks industry that sales have doubled in the last eight
years.

IV. CLEFT SENTENCE

Another way to add emphasis is to change the way we start the sentences.
It is/ was (not)… that/who/which V.
It’s not the children who need help, it’s their parents.
What/ All + V/SV + V.
10
What worries me are the long-term effects on health.
The person/ place/ thing/ reason, etc.
The way to stop this is to restrict sales to children.

V. PRACTICE
G. COHESION/ COHERENCE
Introduce an idea
First… First of all … Initially… At the outset,… In the first place,…
From the beginning… To begin with… The first thing that must be considered is…

Introduce example
For example… For instance,… As an example,… To exemplify this…
There are several examples… An illustration of this is… A further example is…
It will be helpful to look at an example at this stage.
Add information
Further… Moreover,… Additionally,… What’s more,…
Aslo,… In addition to this,… And that’s not all.
Show the order of ideas
Firstly, … Secondly,… Thirdly,… Lastly,… Finally,… Next,…
Concurrently,… At the same time,… Beforehand,… Prior to that,… Previously,…
Eventually,… At some point in the future,… The next issue that needs to be considered is…
Compare
Similarly,… Accordingly,… Comparable with this,… In keeping with this,…
Contrast
In fact,… Nevertheless,… Yet,… Conversely,… In spite of this,…
On the one hand,…/ On the other hand,…
Emphasis
Again,… Indeed,… For this reason,… Truly,… In fact,…
Certainly,… Clearly,…Without a doubt,… It cannot be emphasised enough that…
Give cause and effect
(expressions put before the cause)
Since,... Because of… Due to… If…then As a result of…
(expressions put before the effect)
This results in Consequently,… Accordingly,… For this reason,…
Therefore,… This leads to,… As might be expected,…

11
Introduce evidence
To substantiate this, … To support this idea,… Evidence of this is given by…
Summarise
In summary,… To summarise,… For the reasons above… In other words,…
In brief,… In short,…
Conclude
In conclusion,… To conclude,… Finally,… It is evident that…
From all of the evidence given above, it is clear that…

H. COMMON ERRORS IN WRITING

Symbol Meaning Incorrect
Punctuation I live work, and go to school in Iowa.

Capitalization Needed I was born in Hanoi.

Verb Tense She never gets angry when she is small.

Subject-verb Agreement The manager work hard recently.

Close Space Every one works hard here.

Space Needed Goingto class is a must.

Spelling The country is developeing fast.

Plural Many influence have been made on the

environment.
Unnecessary Word The student she is studying English

Missing Word The government to action against public

smoking.
Word Form This book is interested.

Wrong Word, Replace Human actions have been effecting the

environment.
Word Order Friday always is our busiest day.

Run-on sentences Lily is hardworking she is employee of the

month.
Fragment She was elected. Because she sets a good
example.
Parallelism He enjoys watching movies, riding his bike,
and to go to Disneyland.

12
 Dangling Modifier Going to the store, the traffic was unsually
heavy.
Unnatural The house of my mother is always clean.

Other grammar mistakes Environment is being damaged.

Style You shouldn’t litter!!!

Unclear ideas

I. PRACTICE
I. ACADEMIC WRITING
o full forms of words
o tentative statement (hedging)
o nominalized phrasing
o passive voice
o third person pronouns (impersonalisation)
o few direct questions
o formal negative forms
o no clichés, redundant words or colloquialisms
Here is a paragraph that should be written in a more academic tone. Rewrite the numbered parts.
Given the general knowledge of the health risks of smoking, (1) it’s (2) no wonder that (3) heaps
of smokers have tried at some time in their lives to (4) quit. However, in most cases, their attempts
are unsuccessful. People begin smoking, often when (5) they’re adolescents, for (6) lots of reasons,
including the example of parents and pressure from peers. If others in one’s group of friends are
starting to smoke, it can be hard to resist (7) going along with the crowd. Once people start
smoking, (8) they’re likely to get (9) hooked. The addiction to smoking is partly physiological;
smokers become used to the effects of nicotine and experience painful withdrawal symptoms when
they (10) give it up. In addition, (11) people become psychologically dependent on smoking as a
way of reducing anxiety and coping with particular situations.

II. HEDGING
Reformulate the following text, using the hedges below.

estimate probably if not; likely experts claim presumably may

most probably apparently
13
In Germany, the number of job openings for engineers will continue to grow rapidly in the next
few years. The gap between the number of such positions and the number of engineers available
will widen. This problem must be addressed soon; otherwise, the Germany economy will stagnate.
There are several reasons for this shortage. One of them is the declining population due to the
lowest birth rate in Europe. Another is the rising demand for the transportation and energy
technology. The demand for engineers will increase as we move towards an all-electric society.
More companies will simply need more engines.

III. NOMINALIZATION
A. Compare each pair of sentences. How are they different? What effect does this have?

a/ 1…. a temporary reduction in outgoings may allow resources to be allocated

elsewhere.
2…. if we reduce outgoings, we could allocate the money elsewhere.
b/ 1…. Finally, and obviously a decision that cannot be taken quickly, was the suggestion to
relocate.
2…. Finally, staff suggested that we should relocate. This obviously can’t be decided quickly.

B. Underline nominalization technique in the below sentences

1. The sacking of Mr. Phillips was grossly unfair.
2. The company is cutting back on staff. These cuts were instigated as a result of declining
sales.
3. A decision has been reached over pensions.
4. Your flight is at half past eight in the evening.
5. There are a number of discrepancies in his expenses.
6. The commitment to ring-fence frontline services was welcomed by campaigners and
opposition leaders.

C. Rewrite the following sentences, using nominalized form.

1. The government will expand the tax-relief scheme next month.
2. Tax payers are demanding lower taxes.
3. The board of directors restructured the organization and profits increased.
4. Government ministers condemned the banks for reckless practices.
5. The CEO announced that the company is planning to relocate, and this shocked people.

14
 6. It is very important that we reduce budgetary spending.
7. The rising cost of living is slowing down and this has been welcomed by investment banks.
8. Prices of oil have risen suddenly in recent weeks.

IV. SENTENCE COMBINATION

Exercise 1: COMBINING SENTENCE USING CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTION
both…and not only… but also either…or neither…nor whether…or
1. My sister does not know where my notebook is. My mother doesn’t know either. (neither…
nor)
2. We have to make a decision. We could go bowling or play miniature golf. (whether…or)
3. Mr. Tannaka was respected by his students. He was also respected by his co-workers.
(both… and)
4. The band practices every weekday morning. The band also practices on Wednesday
afternoon. (not only… but also)
5. We can walk two blocks to the restaurant. We can find a parking spot close to the
restaurant. (either…or)

Exercise 2: CONCISE SENTENCES

Example: The horses ran in the field. The horses were beautiful. They were palominos. They ran
gracefully.
»»» The beautiful palomino horses ran gracefully in the field.
1. The cousins played inside since it was raining outside. There were two cousins. It was
raining heavily. They played quietly.
2. Andrew told his sister to hand him the phone. Andrew’s sister is older than him. He told
her calmly.
3. The tent and the ground kept me from sleeping. The tent was cold. The ground was hard.
The tent was damp. I did not sleep peacefully.
4. The student responded to the teacher’s question. The student was bright. The student
responded quickly. The student was attentive. The question was difficult.

Exercise 3: INVERSION

rarely have no sooner had under no circumstances are not only did
under no circumstances will as did were you little did rarely have
hardly had 15
 1. __________we arrived at the hotel, when there was a power cut.
2. __________members of staff to accept gratuities from clients.
3. __________Detective Dawson realize what she was to discover!
4. __________to pay the full amount now, there would be a ten per cent discount.
5. I supposed, ____________most people, that I would be retiring at 60.
6. __________the doctors seen a more difficult case.
7. __________Jean win first prize, but she was also offered a promotion.
8. __________late arrivals be admitted to the theater before the interval.
9. __________one missing child been found, than another three disappeared.
10. __________so many employees taken sick leave at the same time.

Exercise 4: COMBINING SENTENCE USING PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE

David Peters has been awarded a knighthood in recognition 1.____________ his services to charity
and the world of athletics. Mr. Peters, who retired from athletics last year, had a talent which was
quite simply 2.____________the ordinary. All of his performances were
3.___________exception, characterized by great effort and determination. He seemed to thrive on
difficult situation and it was when 4._____________pressure that he produced his greatest
performances. In later years he became increasingly prone 5.____________injury. Last year his
talent evidently 6.____________decline, he failed to regain his Olympic long-jump title and
promptly retired. At his best, however, his jumping was sometimes 7.____________belief and in
his greatest year, 2000, he broke the world record no fewer than four times. In the late 1990s, he
was single-handedly responsible 8.___________ bringing British athletic out of a severe slump
with his Insprirational Performances and personal charisma. Peters was capable
9.___________great generosity, and once, famously, failed a jump deliberately in order to let his
great rival win on his farewell appearance. When being interviewed, Peters was also an exception
10.___________the rule for he always try to praise others rather than blow his own trumpet. A
deeply religious man, he was 11.___________ dispute with the athletics authorities on more than
one occasion for his refusal to compete on Sundays. His anti-drugs campaign had a great effect
12.___________ young athletes all over Britain, and throughout his career, he remained very
conscious 13.__________what he saws as his public duty in this respect. Many charitable
organizations have reason to be grateful 14.___________ him 15.___________the time he devoted
to raising money for their causes.
16
Exercise 5: Rewrite the following sentences

1. Caffeine is so popular that 80% of people on the planet consume it regularly. » So…
2. Few people know that a mug of coffee contains more caffeine than an energy drink. »
What…
3. Espresso coffee contains the most caffeine. » It’s…
4. Caffeine does not only act as a stimulant, but it also reduces blood flow to the brain. » Not
only…

17
 TASK 2: QUESTION TYPES
Argumentative Do you think • I am convinced that/ I am persuaded
that
To what extent do you agree or disagree • I firmly believe that/ I definitely
support
• In my view, its benefits prevails the
Positive or negative downsides
(opinion in BOTH intro and conclu)
Discussion Discuss both views • Proponents of… point out that
while the opponents argue that…
(NO opinion in intro)
Discuss both views and give your opinions • Proponents of… point out that
while the opponents argue that…
(opinion NOT in intro, but in conclu) Both sides will be discussed as
follows in this essay.
Account Adv/ Disadv • Has brought many benefits in
terms of A and B.
Prob/ Solu • Has triggered/ has been the culprit
for A and B
Cause/ Effect • This essay will suggest… viable
ways to…

1. Cars cause pollution and other health problems in our cities. Some centres have car-free
areas or drivers have to pay a toll to enter the city centre. Do you agree or disagree?
2. In many countries, students who behave badly in class are expelled from their school and
never allowed to return. Many consider this an effective way to educate while others
disagree. Discuss both sides of the argument and share your opinion.
3. In order to improve a country’s education system, young students should be allowed to
openly criticize their teachers during class time. Do you agree with this? What are some
other ways education systems could be improved?
4. In your opinion, what environmental problems poses the greatest risk to humanity? Suggest
ways it can be solved.
5. Lectures were the traditional way to teach large numbers of students in the past. Now new
technology is being used to teach students. Is this a positive or a negative development?
6. Many people choose to work or live abroad because of the higher standards of living they
can find outside their home country. Do you think this brings more advantages or
disadvantages to the people who follow this path?
7. Should children go to nursery school prior to their primary studies? Share personal
examples in your essay, if applicable.

18
 1. Introducing topic (I)
2. Debated Issue (D)
3. Thesis Statement (T)

Cars cause pollution and other health problems in our cities. Some centres have car-
free areas or drivers have to pay a toll to enter the city centre. Do you agree or
disagree?

Most cities at present are overly suggested with cars, resulting in widespread air and noise pollution
that affects people’s health. To achieve this end, tolls and car-free zones have been introduced in
some major city centers. I firmly believe this is a positive step forward in alleviating this ever-
increasing problem.

Science could help people live up to 100 or 200 years. Do you think that would be a good or a
bad development?

It is undeniable that senior citizens bring certain benefits to their communities, however the surge
of the elderly population recent years has become a nerve-racking issue for many governments. I
am convinced that this tendency is disadvantageous for society for two major reasons: the burden
on social security and the impediment to technological advances.

These days, students tend to go overseas to learn English. Is this a negative or positive
trend? Discuss and give your opinion.

There is no doubt that an increasing number of students go overseas to learn English. However,
not surprisingly, studying in an English speaking country brings many benefits for students in
terms of improving their language skills as well as problems for those who find it difficult to adapt
to being fully immersed in a different culture away from their family and friends. It is my belief
that studying abroad is of more advantages, and in this essay I will examine the obvious benefits
and downsides of learning this way before giving a conclusion.

In your opinion, what environmental problem poses the greatest risk to humanity? Suggest
ways it can be solved.

The environment today is threatened by many factors. However, among the most concerning is
polluted drinking water. Unsanitary drinking water is a growing global problem that impacts the

19
health of millions of people on a daily basis. This essay will suggest two viable ways of improving
this situation.

J. INTRODUCTION TEMPLATE
1. Introducing the topic

More and more people are…

More people are… than ever before.
…has made it easier than ever for us to…
Today, we tend to think nothing of…
…has become the norm in our society today.
In discussion of…,

2. Introducing issues
There has been much debate about…

…has been the subject of much controversy.

A great deal of controversy surrounds…

…is a controversial subject.

One of the most widely debated issues is…

Society is divided between/…has been dividing researches.

Issues such as … are also at stake.

There is no simple explanation for…

There is no clear-cut answer to the question of…

It is difficult to say whether…

The question of… is open to debate.

20
3. Giving thesis statement

I am convinced by…

I firmly believe…

I champion the view that…

K. PRACTICE: INTRODUCTION
1. Fill in the blanks with given phrases to complete the following introductions

A. Some people think that schools are merely turning children into good citizens and
workers, rather than benefitting them as individuals. To what extend do you agree or
disagree?

With/ although/ strongly/ looking/ true/ profound/ This

_1___________the evolution of education and schooling experience in the wake of new

technologies, the schooling experience students receive has profound impact on the ultimate
people they become upon graduating. _2____________it is _3____________that education
stimulates learners to behave prosocially, I _____4____________disagree that schools today are
producing mechanically-thinking workers and refraining from developing students as individuals.
_____5____________will be shown by _______6_______ at the current changes underway in
both modern and traditional school systems.

B. More and more students choose to go to another country for their higher education.
Do you think the benefits outweigh the problems associated with it?

globe/ indeed/ outweighed/ there/ although

____1______is no doubt that going to study in a foreign country is becoming more and more
common across the ____2________. ____3__________overseas study has its drawbacks, the
difficulties are far _____4_________by the advantages. ___5_________, people who go abroad
for study open themselves up to experiences that those who stay at home will never have.

21
 C. In many countries, students who behave badly in class are expelled from their
schools and never allowed to return. Many consider this an effective way to educate
while others disagree. What is your opinion?

debated/ strongly agree/ many/ concern/ others

With the ever-present __1_________for education and its discipline protocols, removal of
problematic students from schools have been much _2_________ recently. While
_3__________are of the opinion that students who misbehave at school should be expelled and
never given a chance to return, _4___________ counter that this approach is ineffective. I
_5__________with the latter viewpoint on the grounds that it both negates the ultimate goal of
education and disrupt students’ schooling experience.

D. The advantages brought by the spread of English as a global language will outweigh
the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

However/ viewpoint/ prevalence/ following/ Indeed/ drawbacks

Over recent years, English has gained _1_________across the globe as a common language used
in various fields ranging from education to commerce. _2_____________ this trend has brought
with it both pros and cons, _3_________ its benefits outshadow its 4__________. The
_5__________essay will prove this _6___________.

E. Many people use distance-learning programs to study at home, but some people
think that it cannot bring the benefit as much as attending college or university. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?

both/ emergence/ While some believe/ latter/ with/ others counter

_1__________the _2__________of a magnitude of advances in transportation and technology,

distance-learning programs have gained prevalence as a flexible fashion to acquire knowledge.
_3__________________________ that this radical learning method has many perks,
_4_________________________________ that learning by attending college or university is of
22
greater advantage. I firmly agree with the _5___________view point as actual involvement in
university environment brings _6___________personal development and career advancement for
students.

F. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher.
Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use
specific reasons to develop your essay. Be an integral part of/ displace.

digital/ undermine/ although/ irrefutable/ firmly/ guides/ play

It is _1___________that students can learn a lot from internet and television in this
_2_____________era. _3__________these have become an indispensable part of education, I
_4_____________believe that teachers _5_____________ a more significant role in the classroom
that no amount of technology can ever _6___________. They still act as _7___________ in the
process of knowledge seeking and they set bright examples of respectable virtues for students to
follow.

G. Some believe that students should be taught how to compete while others say
that they should be taught to cooperate. What is your opinion?
both/ with/ in order to/ debatable/ It/ In my view

_1__________is a highly _2___________issue whether children should learn to compete or co-

operate _3___________become productive society members. _4__________,
_5___________competition and cooperation are necessary life virtues that children should equip
themselves _6___________. What is more important is to teach children how and when to apply
either skills in an appropriate way.

H. Some people say that after finishing their education adults can increase knowledge
through continuous reading. Those who disagree say there are other ways to increase
knowledge. What is your opinion?

strongly/ believe/ counter/ upon/ as/ While/ with/ hold

23
Education is _1__________not to cease _2__________one’s graduation. _3___________many
people _4___________that learning can continue through regular reading, some
_5___________that knowledge enhancement can take place through other forms of learning. In
my opinion, I _6__________agree _7___________the latter viewpoint
_8___________interpersonal communication and travelling have emerged as other effective
sources of knowledge in this global village.

HOMEWORK: TRANSLATE INTO ENGLISH

1. Cập nhật tin tức quốc tế giúp trẻ con mở rộng tri thức, biết được vị trí của đất nước khi so
sánh với các nước khác. (broaden theỉ horizons/ put their country in perspective/ in the
global village)
2. Cập nhật tin tức quốc tế giúp trẻ có nhiều lựa chọn hơn trong sở thích cá nhân hoặc học
hành. (introduce/ a wider range/ preference/ academic opportunities)
3. Trẻ con cấp hai phải chịu nhiều áp lực học hành, trong khi đó tin tức quốc tế lại cập nhật
từng phút. Vậy chạy theo tin quốc tế là không khả thi. (laden with/ ever-changing/
impractical)
4. Nhiều tin tức có nội dung không phù hợp với độ tuổi nhỏ mà nếu trẻ con biết sẽ ảnh hưởng
đến cách nhìn nhận non nớt của chúng. (inappropriate/ inflict/ immature outlook)
5. Vẫn phải dạy môn lý thuyết vì nền tảng lý thuyết vững trong bất kỳ ngành nghề nào đều
giúp giải quyết vấn đề dễ dàng hơn.
6. Vẫn phải dạy lý thuyết vì rất nhiều ngành nghề có tính ứng dụng cao vẫn cần kiến thức
lý thuyết.
7. Em nghĩ cần kết hợp dạy cả hai để người học được trang bị đầy đủ trước khi ra nghề.
8. Mặc dù trí nhớ tốt sẽ tạo điều kiện cho nhiều việc, nhiều kỹ năng khác cũng có ích. Ví
dụ như tư duy logic, tư duy phán đoán sẽ rất cần khi giải quyết các vấn đề khó.
9. Dùng thẻ tín dụng rất tiện, không phải mang nhiều tiền và không sợ bị mất tiền.
10. Dùng thẻ tín dụng gây ra rất nhiều vấn đề ví dụ như tiêu dùng vô độ mà không thể trả
nổi.
11. Nhiều người tin rằng xã hội ngày nay đã trở thành xã hội tiêu dùng.
12. Nên trừng phạt tội phạm bằng cách bỏ tù để họ trả giá cho những sai trái họ làm.
13. Liệu giá xăng tăng có cải thiện được môi trường hay không thì vẫn còn là vấn đề đáng
bàn bạc.
14. Liệu trường đại học nên dạy học sinh kỹ năng thực hành hay kiến thức chuyên môn vẫn
đang là vấn đề bàn bạc.
24
 15. Hiển nhiên là chúng ta đang sống trong thời đại công nghệ thông tin.
16. Điều mà chính phủ nên làm không phải là đầu tư tiền vào nghệ thuật, mà là vào công
nghệ và các lĩnh vực thiết yếu khác.
17. Việc chúng ta có ngôn ngữ khác nhau có nghĩa là chúng ta có văn hoá khác nhau.
18. Chúng ta sẽ không có được nhiều loại thuốc chữa bệnh hiện hành nếu cấm thí nghiệm
lên động vật.
19. Trong khi trước đây nhiều người phải đi lại đến nơi làm việc, kể cả là đi xa, bây giờ
người ta có thể làm việc tại nhà.
20. Nếu giá xăng tăng, mọi người sẽ sử dụng phương tiện đi lại ít đi. Điều này có thể giảm ô
nhiễm không khí.

E. WRITING REVISION
1. Which among the followings is the most successful along the scale 1-5?
A Should students go abroad to study?
A–3 Nowadays more and more people are sending their adolescent children to foreign
countries to continue their education. I think there are some positives but mainly it can result in
financial difficulties for the child’s family because it’s too expensive to live in Britain or USA.
Also, children won’t have so good relationship with other brothers and sisters and may feel
superior living in other culture.

B - ____ To send one’s teenage child abroad for further study currently appealing to more
and more people, especially the middle classes in developing countries. In this essay I shall discuss
benefits and disadvantages of this phenomenon with relation to the child’s family. In my view the
family makes short-term sacrifices, but long-term benefits for their child’s higher level of
education and better job chances.

C - _____ There is proverb in my country if will take camel baby it’s mother young but it will
never win the race, so I not think good idea for a teenager go abroad to study. Teenagers, childs
13-19 inclusive is not ready enough leaving family and may get troubles like drink alcohol or
gumble if very like horseracing.

D - _____ Sending a teenager abroad for education is getting increasingly popular in some
countries. In this essay should talk about the pros and cons of this with regard to the effect on the
child’s family. Overall I consider education abroad is beneficial.

25
E - _____ In this highly competitive society, is very important have best education
particularly the university. In this essay I shall discuss if teenager should studying oversea or in
own country. And university in Indonesia not so high so if rich why not to Australia or another
place.

2. Academic language: use the following clues to write up full sentences.

26