ENG 301
Midterm Revision Booklet
"Writing"
2023/2024
Teacher Senior Teacher School Principal
Mrs. Fatema Hasan Mrs. Fatima Bubshait Mrs. Sara Al Rowaie
Page | 1
Contents
Required Writing for
Unit Title
the Mid-term Exam
1 Communication • Formal and Informal email in
response to a given situation
(invite/reply). Pages 14-15.
2 Environment • Descriptive essay about an
environmental problem. Page 25.
3 Sport • Argumentative/Discursive (For and
Against) Essay. Pages 34-35.
4 Medicine • A report based on given notes. Pages
44-45.
5 Transport • Describing information in a
table/chart. Pages 54-55.
6 Literature & Film • An online review of a film. Pages 64-
65.
Page | 2
Unit 1 - Communication (Formal and informal Email reply and invitation
1. Decide if your email should be formal or informal based on your purpose, e.g.
Formal: inviting someone to make a speech as part of a ceremony; Informal:
inviting someone to give a talk about a trip.
Choose the appropriate greeting.
Formal: Dear Mr. / Mrs.
Informal: Hi / Hello + first name
2. Consider the content: a request, an attachment, additional information, future
contact.
Formal: I would like to invite you to speak... I met with you... Please
find attached... Please do not hesitate to contact me...
Informal: Do you want to give a talk? Great we met... Just let me
know if there's any problem. You could contact me...
3. Use an appropriate ending.
Formal: Yours Sincerely,
First name + Family name
(position)
Informal: Best / Cheers
first name
4. Edit the email for mistakes: grammar, register (formality), vocabulary, spelling and
punctuation.
Page | 3
Unit 1 - Communication (Formal Invitation)
November 3, 2019
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I hope you are doing great and this message finds you well. I attended your
speech on self-confidence and communication in Paris last month and I was very
impressed.
I am involved in organizing a similar event and I would like to invite you to speak
at our college in Sukhair, Bahrain, on April 20. The talk would need to last for
60 minutes (45 minutes for the talk and 15 minutes for questions).
Please find attached a document giving full details of the programme.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Nada Moh'd
Conference Organizor
Page | 4
Unit 1- Communication Formal Reply (Refusal & Acceptance)
Dear Ms. Moh'd,
Thank you for your email of 3 November inviting me to speak at the conference
in Sukhair, Bahrain and for attending my speech in Paris which I am glad you
enjoyed. I am afraid that I will be unable to attend the conference at this time
due to prior engagement. If you wish, I could recommend one of my colleagues
to speak in my place. Once again I would like to apologise for not attending this
time and for any inconvenience caused.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you organise another conference in
the future.
Yours Sincerely,
Mike Johnsons
Dear Ms. Moh'd,
Thank you for your email of 3 November inviting me to speak at the conference
in Sukhair, Bahrain and for attending my speech in Paris which I am glad you
enjoyed. It would be my pleasure to attend the conference at your college to
give the same speech to your classmates. The date and time is fine with me.
Once again I would like to thank you for this opportunity and please send me all
the related details.
I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Yours Sincerely,
Mike Johnsons
Page | 5
Unit 1 - Communication (Informal Invitation)
November 3, 2019
Hello Alia,
How are you doing? I hope you are doing good. How is your study trip going so far?
I heard that you are coming back after one week. We have to meet as soon as you
come back! I have a lot of things to tell you.
I am planning to have a gathering in my house next month, do you want to come to
talk about your experience studying outside? I am sure you have so many tips and
advices to share with my friends on how you survived there. I will give you the details
later.
If you need anything please let me know.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best,
Nagham
Page | 6
Unit 1- Communication Informal Reply (Refusal & Acceptance)
Hi Nagham,
I'm doing great! Thanks for asking about me. How are you doing? And how's
life in Bahrain?
That's true I am coming back to Bahrain in one week and we really have to
meet. Thanks for the invite to talk to your friends about my experience
studying abroad. Sorry, but I won't be able to make it as I've already got
something on. If you want, I can see if I can find someone to step in. Anyway,
sorry again for not coming and I hope it doesn't put you out too much.
Please let me know if we can do something else soon.
Best.
Alia
Hi Nagham,
I'm doing great! Thanks for asking about me. How are you doing? And how's life
in Bahrain?
That's true I am coming back to Bahrain in one week and we really have to
meet. Thanks for the invite to talk to your friends about my experience studying
abroad. Sure, I will come. I have so many stories, tips and stories to share.
Please send me the details and your house directions.
Best.
Alia
Page | 7
Unit 2 – Environment- Designing a Questionnaire
Writing Outline
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Stating the environmental problem and explaining it.
Paragraph 2: Causes
The reasons why it happened. (2-3 reasons)
Paragraph 3: Effects
The results of what happened. (2-3 results)
Paragraph 4: Solutions
Measures that we can take to prevent or stop this environmental problem from
happening. (1-3 solutions) – Your opinion.
Example 1:
Environmental pollution negatively affects our daily lives in various aspects of life, such as socially,
physically, economically, emotionally, and intellectually. Environmental contamination brings many
diseases that humans may suffer for their whole life. It is not a problem of community or city; it
is a worldwide problem that one person's effort cannot solve. If it is not addressed correctly, it
may end the existence of life a day. Every common citizen should be involved in the environmental
safety program launched by the government.
We should correct our mistakes and selfishness towards our environment to make it healthy and
safe from pollution. It is hard to believe but true that only a few positive movements by everyone
may change the declining environment. Air and water pollution is putting our health in danger by
causing various diseases and disorders. Nothing can be said to be healthy nowadays, as what we
eat is already affected by the bad effects of artificial fertilizers, which reduce and weaken our
body's immunity to fight disease-causing microorganisms. That’s why one of us can be diseased
anytime, even after being healthy and happy.
Page | 8
Example 2:
Water is very important for life and useful in various ways. Such water must remain
clean, safe, and free from any pollution. Unfortunately, water pollution takes place
in various water bodies all over the world. This essay examines the concept of water
pollution, its causes, effects, and solutions to it.
There are various causes of water pollution. Water pollution is when garbage and
chemicals get into and dirty the water. Plastic trash that does not break down for
hundreds of years is a common problem. Factories and ships can also pollute water
with their waste. When people flush their toilet or sink, this can also make the
water dirty. Pollution can hurt the animals and plants that live in the water.
Water pollution harms the environment and animals that live in water. Chemicals
used in farming can pollute water, making plants sick and hurting animals. Water
that is polluted can give people rashes, and cancer or make them sick. If there is
too much trash in the water, it can cause flooding and can kill fish, among other
animals, which makes it hard for people to find food. Oil spills into the water can
hurt and kill animals living there.
In conclusion, authorities should enforce regulations and impose stricter penalties
to tackle water pollution. We can help by using less plastic, properly disposing of
waste, limiting the use of chemical fertilizers, and using public transportation
instead of driving. So, it is a major worldwide issue which the continuous efforts of
everyone should solve. We should participate in the World Environment Day
campaign to actively participate in the environmental safety event.
Page | 9
Unit 3 - Sport- A 'For and Against' Essay
1. Start your essay by providing background information on the topic in general.
You can use the following to start it:
For decades... In recent years... People these days...
2. Include the context of the question (Introducing and Restating the question) and
providing the aim or objective of this essay. You can use the following:
It is true that ...
The objective of this essay to .... My aim here is to...
3. Argue for the proposition. ("For" Arguments). Give reasons and examples (explain
the reasons).
Many people agree that... It can also be argued that...
4. Argue against the proposition. ("Against" Arguments). Give reasons and examples
as well.
In contrast, some people argue that... It is also clear that...
5. Write the conclusion- state your opinion, make a recommendation.
In conclusion... To conclude ... To sum up...
It is obvious that...
Page | 10
Unit 1 - Sport- A 'For and Against' Essay
Write For and Against Essay about Animal Testing
Animal testing, also known as animal experimentation or animal research is the use of
animals in experiments that seek to control diseases or get cure or even just for testing
products before selling. Animal testing has benefited human health for years, and thousands
of animals are used for testing all around the world to improve human health and life span.
Some doctors say that animal research has helped for medical advancements, and so
support continuous use of animals for research. However, there are other people, as well,
who believe that animal testing is cruel and it should not be legal. In this essay, I will
outline both the advantages and disadvantages of animal testing.
There are some advantages of animal testing in labs. One of the good points about
animal testing is that it is more difficult for scientists to carry out these tests on humans.
It would be much crueler to test new drugs on people, or to let people die because of it.
Another advantage is that the cost of animal testing makes it an affordable option.
Laboratory animals are in abundance. It is easy to find rats and other animals, and keep
and feed them in labs. Because of these advantages, some people consider animal testing as
advantageous.
On the other hand, animal testing has various disadvantages. Because of the dangers
of animal testing, many people have opposed this idea since it was carried out for the first
time. Opponents of animal testing claim that it is harmful not only for the body of the
animals but also for the psychology of them. Thousands of animals die or live in terrible
conditions as a result of lab studies. Another problem is that the animals used in testing
may face extinction as they are killed in labs. For many people, scientists commit crimes in
these labs.
To sum up, it is a difficult to say whether animal testing is good or bad. Although it
is easier to use these animals in labs for studies, it brings certain problems out for the
animals. Perhaps, we need more detailed ethical rules and a law about animal testing in labs,
and I personally believe that the advantages are greater than the disadvantages.
Page | 11
Write an essay giving reasons for and/or against using computers.
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the
ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer
to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit
or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.
Almost every home, office or school has a computer of some kind these days. Many
people feel that these machines are now an essential part of our lives, but how necessary
are they really? In this essay I will discuss arguments that are for and against using
computers.
On the one hand, one of the main advantages is the time that can be saved by using
a computer. This is especially beneficial in the workplace, where employees can do their
work far faster than they could in the past. In addition to this, computers can be educational
and fun. From a very young age children can gain basic computer skills through programs
that allow them to learn, draw, paint and play. In today’s technological world, this knowledge
can only help them in the future.
On the other hand, there are various negative aspects to using computers. First, many
jobs have been lost due to the fact that computers can do a lot of tasks more efficiently
than humans. This has led to high unemployment in many countries. What is more, computers
can actually cause health problems. That is to say those endless hours in front of a screen
can cause eye strain and headaches, which are serious side-effects.
To sum up, after examining the aforementioned points, it is clear that the advantages
of using computers far outweigh the disadvantages. In other words, the importance of
computers in our daily lives can be judged by the number of people using them each single
day. Computer is not only used by professionals, but also by the little children and grownups
at our homes.
Page | 12
Unit 4 - Medicine- A Short Report
1. Introduction: State your report by identifying the person who asked for it and add
its subject matter and the date of submission.
This report was requested by... It studies/ investigates...
2. Facts and Findings: Write what you discovered in the investigations.
Facts and Findings
3. Conclusion: State your opinion of the facts and findings.
Experts have different opinions ... However, ...
4. Recommendations: Write your recommendations.
It is recommended / advisable/ vital that... It is a good idea...
5. End the report by including your name and position at work.
First Name + Last Name
(Position): Director/ Researcher / Assistant
Page | 13
Unit 4 - Medicine- A Short Report
Introduction
This report was requested by Mr. Hammond from the health department. It
investigates flu vaccinations effectiveness and consider whether its good or bad. The
report was submitted by the 24th of December.
Facts and Findings:
1. Flue Vaccination is a way to protect people against the flu in their daily lives.
2. There are millions of people vaccinated every year for many different
diseases.
3. Flu Vaccinations has shown many benefits which include reducing the risk of
both illness, which leads to hospitalization, and of flu related death in
children.
4. Being vaccinated in particularly important for people who are at risk of
serious complications from influenza.
5. There are some vaccines which are not recommended for certain groups.
6. The factors which determine a person's suitability for vaccination are age,
health both current and past, and allergies to the flu vaccine or its
components.
Conclusion
Experts believe that the effectiveness of vaccination varies from year to
year. Its protection depends on age, health, and the similarity between the
virus in the vaccine and the one in the circulation. Furthermore, the CDC in
the USA recommended it to expand protection for more people in February
2010.
Recommendations
It is recommended to:
o take the flu vaccination before the flu begins spreading in the community.
o take it two weeks after vaccine for antibodies that protect against flu to
develop in the body.
Page | 14
o get vaccinated by the end of October as its recommended by the CDC.
o even to take it late, because it still can be beneficial and it's still provided
and available until January or later.
o tell your if you have any allergies and if you have taken any medicine for a
long period of time.
This report was written by Student Mary Noon
Another Example you can look at:
Page | 15
Unit 5 - Transport- Describing a table/ a chart
Amount of Sugar in Certain Foods
35 33.2
30.3
30 28.9
25
21.4
20
15 11.8
8.8 9.2
10
0
Crackers
Soda
Ice Cream
Peanut Butter
Ketchup
Chocolate Bar
Chocolate Cake
Percent of Sugar
Page | 16
This is how your final text would look like.
The bar chart provides information about the amount of sugar found in
seven different foods.
According to the chart, the four foods with the highest amount of sugar are
chocolate bars, chocolate cake, soda and ice cream. Sugar constitutes 33.2%
of chocolate bars, 30.2% of chocolate cake, 28.9% of soda and 21.4% of ice
cream. Compared to the previous foods, however, the presence of sugar in
crackers, peanut butter and ketchup is relatively limited. Sugar accounts for
11.8% of crackers, 9.2% of peanut butter, and 8.8% of ketchup.
Overall, sugar is found at varying amounts in almost all foods. Therefore, it
is very important to cut down our daily sugar intake to avoid any health
complications with time.
Page | 17
Unit 6 – Literature and Film- An Online Review
Home Alone – Movie Review
Do you like watching films? Maybe comedy or action? Are you interested in Christmas films?
Home Alone is a 1990 American comedy film written and produced by John Hughes.
Broadcasting at 9 p.m. on MBC2. It has 5 sequels so far.
The film is about an eight-year-old troublemaker kid, Kevin McCallister, whose family travels
to Paris during the Christmas holiday and accidentally leaves him home alone. The story begins
when a pair of thieves, Harry and Marv, find out that he is alone and try to rob the house. By the
end of the film, Kevin reunites with his family.
Kevin, who is the main character in the film is short and thin. He has big blue eyes with a small
nose and rosy lips that goes along with his short blond hair. Kevin is a smart and creative kid,
he made a number of traps to stop the thieves from entering his house. Also, he is brave, he
protected the house from the thieves while his parents were away.
To sum up, Home alone is suitable for children, because it teaches them the sense of
responsibility. Don’t miss the chance to watch it.
☺Good Luck☺
Page | 18
