Белошапкина Анастасия Ильинична

Учебно-методическое пособие по английскому языку «Пишем с удовольствием»

Материал опубликован 22 May 2020

“It should not be an unreasonable assumption that

people who have risen to positions of power and respect

can write without difficulty”

WRITING FOR PLEASURE

GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

2019

CONTENTS

General ideas	3
Lead-in	4
Would you like to have reflection?	8
Let’s have practice	9
Paragraph writing	9
Descriptive writing	14
Writing the essay	20
The key	29
Learn more	31

GENERAL IDEAS

Hello, how are you getting on with writing? Do you experience any difficulties? Even avoid English writing lessons? This set of guidelines is for you and your teacher to be able to write not only for marks but for pleasure.

Why writing?

Everybody will agree that writing is a part of our everyday routine and it is also a part of our professional life. But what is writing? What makes it be such difficult? What kind of actions do we accomplish during the time when we produce some kind of a written text? All the questions are reasonable for those acquiring good command of the English written language.

We want you be sure of the benefits of writing even in the language classroom^ there are three areas in which you can benefit from it.

You express yourself and your own ideas. Most people would agree that what we want to say, what comes from the heart, we are happier to work on. Writing can be very stimulating and a lot of fun.

Writing involves playful but rigorous work with language. A lot of people seem to associate writing with an “anything goes” mentally. However, in order to produce a good text, letter, story, essay. The language needs to be correct and it needs to work.

Writing requires greater precision in expression. In order to say precisely what they mean, you have to be very careful in your use of vocabulary and idioms.

What can you write? How does writing benefit?

There no limits in writing as far as genre concerns. You can try short stories, dialogues, poems.

What about paragraphs, letters, compositions, essays? Problems? We will focus on such challenging issues to help you become creative and independent writers.

What does it benefit?

Shows how the written language functions as a system of communication

Develops skills to create different kinds of texts

Teaches to communicate effectively at distance

And more…

Dealing with guidelines you are supposed to be active and inquisitive to acquire necessary skills in writing, go through a difficult process of creating a clear, fluent, meaningful and effective communication through a written text.

ENJOY WRITING FOR PLEASURE!

LEAD-IN

1. What writing is?

Writing is a rather complicated skill. What does it include?

Tick the items to fill in the gap in the sentence:

To define “writing” I think about …………………………………….

	Accurate use of words
	Accurate use of grammar
	Punctuation
	Content
	Organization of the text
	Good ideas
	Cohesive devices
	Spelling
	How the reader will understand the text
	The purpose of my piece of writing

What difficulties do you have with writing?

What would you like to improve?

What are you able to do?

2. Process of writing

Think the scheme over and make your own conclusions about what is important for producing a clear, fluent, meaningful and effective piece of writing which will communicate your message.

Clear, fluent, meaningful and effective text

The process of writing may be presented as a linear process. Look at the model and comment on:

3. Steps of the process of writing

Writing a paper you should go through a number of steps or stages which are represented in the following figures 4 and 5. Think them over and explain why it is important to go through the process of writing step by step.

Figure 1

Pre-writing	Writing and rewriting	Editing
Define the purpose of a piece of writing	The first draft	Find possible reader among your peers
Choose the organization and language	Review the first draft. Revise, rearrange, bring in new ideas, examples, evidence, …
Think about the audience and select what to say and how to present	Write the second draft, check for grammar, use of vocabulary, punctuation, spelling. It is advisable to use one of the checklist
	Write the final draft

Figure 2

Pre-writing: planning the piece of writing	Analise the situation Make a plan Gather information Organize your notes
	Write a quick draft Keep your audience, purpose and voice in mind as you write Keep yourself open to new ideas Allow yourself enough time to do all your writing at the last minute Write as many drafts as you need to write
Revising: changing and improving the rough draft	Rework a written draft to enchance its content and organization Use the checklist for revision to identify ways to improve your paper
Proofreading: correcting any errors in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, capitalization	Use the checklist for proofreading checking for errors in grammar and usage of the words, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and manuscript form
Publishing: letting others read and share the writing	Share your writing with friends, group or to the whole class Read your paper aloud to a discussion group or to the whole class Trade papers with other students of your class or other classes Create a publication that contains writing by all students in your class

Give a brief outline of the process that go on at each of the stages

Generating ideas ________________________________________________

Reviewing _____________________________________________________

Focusing ______________________________________________________

Structuring ____________________________________________________

Drafting ______________________________________________________

Evaluating _____________________________________________

4. How to check your written work?

Consider different checklist and use them to improve your written work

Explain your choice

Checklist 1

CHECKLIST FOR PROOFREADING

Grammar and Usage

Are all my sentences complete? That is, have I avoided sentences fragments?

Do all my sentences express just one complete thought? That is, have I avoided run-on sentences?

Do my verbs agree with their subjects?

Do I use all the words in my paper correctly? Am I sure the meaning and connotation of each word fits the writing?

Does each pronoun clearly refer to something?

Have I used adjectives and adverbs correctly?

Spelling

Is every word correctly spelt?

If I have any doubts, did I look up the spelling of these words in the dictionary?

Have I double-checked the spelling of proper nouns?

Punctuation

Does each sentence end with a punctuation mark?

Have I used commas, semicolons, hyphens, dashes, parentheses, quotation marks and apostrophes correctly?

Capitalazation

Have I eliminated unnecessary capital letters?

Have I capitalized all words that need capital letters?

Layout

Does my paper look nicely?

Is my handwriting legible?

Have I left the margins?

Have I used the indentations where it is necessary?

Checklist 2

CHECKLIST OF THE FOUR STEPS IN EFFECTIVE WRITING

Unity

Clear opening statement of the point of your paper (clear topic sentence)

All material on target in support of opening point

Support

Specific evidence, details, proofs, examples

Plenty of them but not too many

They are not too broad, not too narrow and fit relevantly to the statements

Organization

Clear method of organization

Transitions and cohesive devices are used correctly

Sentence Skills

Fragments eliminated

Run-ons eliminated

Correct verb endings and verb parts

Subject and verb agreement

Misplaced and dangling modifiers eliminated

Awkward expressions and needless words eliminated

Faulty pronouns eliminated

Capital letters used correctly

Punctuation marks where needed

Correct paper format

Possible spelling errors checked

Sentence varied

Checklist 3

CHECKLIST FOR REVISION

Topic and purpose

Is my idea clear?

Does the writing achieve its purpose?

Content and development

Have I developed the main idea?

Have I proved examples or details that support the statements I have made?

Are my sources of information unbiased, up-to-date, authoritative?

Have I avoided including unnecessary or unrelated ideas?

Form

Have I allowed a logical method of organization?

Have I used transitions to make the connections between ideas clear?

Does the writing have a clear introduction, body and conclusion?

Audience

Will my audience understand what I have said?

Will my audience find the writing interesting?

Will my audience respond in the way I intend?

Style and word choice

Does the writing convey the impression I intended it to convey?

Is my language appropriate?

Have I avoided vague, undefined terms?

Have I used vivid, specific nouns, adjectives and adverbs?

Have I avoided jargon?

Have I avoided clichés, slang, euphemism except for humorous effect?

Now that you know much about writing, about the process of writing, about the steps you need to accomplish, it is high time to begin working diligently and independently according good command of your written English.

GOOD LUCK!

************

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE REFLECTION?

I understand……..

I am able to …….

Needs to be reviewed

LET’S HAVE PRACTICE!

PARAGRAPH WRITING

You’ll learn:

the definition of a paragraph

the parts of a paragraph

how to identify and write topic sentences, supporting and concluding sentences

what types of paragraph can be

Paragraph structure

To be a good writer, you have to understand how paragraphs are constructed. A single paragraph is a group of sentences that has one centralidea or topic.

A good example for correct paragraph structure is a burger or a sandwich. The top bun and the bottom bun hold the ingredients.

Similarly, the first and the concluding sentences hold the whole idea of the paragraph.

Thus, next time you write a paragraph think about three important elements: the topic sentence, supporting sentences and the concluding sentence.

Writing a topic sentence.

Every good paragraph has ONE topic sentence, which gives the general topic of whole paragraph. Remember to use a topic sentence, most preferably as the first sentence of the paragraph.

The topic sentence is the most important sentence of a paragraph. It states the main idea and introduces the reader to the topic.

Circle the topic of the sentences. Underline the main idea about the topic.

Switzerland is a very interesting country to visit.

Dogs make excellent pets.

A really good place to study is the library at my school.

Learning a foreign language creates job opportunities.

Football is my favourite because it is exciting to watch.

Choose the best topic sentence for each group of supporting sentences.

Example:

0) _____b_____. I usually go skiing every weekend in the winter even though it is expensive. I love the feeling of flying down a mountain. The views are beautiful from the top of a mountain and along the trails. Even the danger of falling and getting hurt can’t keep me away from the slopes on a winter day.

a) Skiing is expensive.

b) Skiing is my favourite sport.

c) Skiing is dangerous.

1.) __________. North Americans send cards for many occasions. They send cards to family and friends on birthdays and holidays. They also send thank-you cards, get well cards, graduation cards, and congratulation cards. It is very common to buy cards in stores and send them through the mail, but turning on the computer and sending cards over the Internet is also popular.

a) Sending cards is very popular in North America.

b) Birthday cards are the most popular kind of card.

c) It is important to send thank-you cards.

2.) ___________ . I enjoy summer sports like water skiing and baseball. The weather is usually sunny and hot, so I can go to the beach almost every day. Gardening is my hobby and I spend many summer days working in my garden. Unfortunately, the days pass too quickly in summer.

a) I like to garden in summer.

b) Summer is my favourite season.

c) Summer is to short.

3.) ____________. For example, a person can have breakfast in New York, board an airplane, and have dinner in Paris. A businesswoman in London can instantly place an order with a factory in Hong Kong by sending a fax. Furthermore, a schoolboy in Tokyo can turn on a TV and watch a baseball game being played in Los Angeles.

a) Airplanes have changed our lives.

b) Advances in technology have made the world seem smaller.

c) The fax machine was an important invention.

Write a topic sentence for each paragraph. Make sure your topic sentence expressesthe main idea of the paragraph.

Example:

Miami is the perfect place to take a vacation. It is always sunny and warm. The beaches are gorgeous, with soft white sand and beautiful water. There are many fine restaurants in the Miami area, and most of the hotels offer terrific entertainment nightly. It’s no wonder that Miami is my first choice for a vacation destination.

1.) ______________ . He has collected stamps and coins ever since he was a child. He is very proud of his valuable collections. Paul also enjoys painting and drawing. Recently he has become interested in gardening. Out of all his hobbies, Paul’s favourite one is reading. He usually reads at least one book every week. Paul keeps busy with all of his hobbies.

2.) ______________ . I can’t wait to come home from school and eat the delicious meals she has prepared. She is famous for her desserts like peach pie and chocolate soufflé. She is always experimenting with new recipes and trying different ingredients. No one in theworld can cook the way my mother does.

3.) _______________ . It never starts in cold weather. The horn and the left turn signal don’t work properly. Worst of all, the radio only gets one station and the CD player is completely broken. I wish I could get a new car.

Writing supporting sentences

The supporting sentences develop the main idea in the topic sentence. They add details to the topic.

Recognizing supporting sentences

Read the following paragraphs and underline the supporting sentences.

1.) Use of the internet has grown very quickly. In 1983, there were 562 computers connected to the Internet. By the turn of the century, there were 72.3 million computers in 247 countries on-line. Experts say that the Internet is now growing at a rate of approximately 40 percent a year. As time goes on, the Internet is becoming more and more popular.

2.) There are many reasons I hate my apartment. The plumbing doesn’t work properly and the landlord refuses to fix it. I also have noisy neighbours who keep me up all night. Furthermore, there are so many bugs in my apartment that I could start an insect collection. I really want to move.

3.) Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. First, fruits and vegetables are packed with the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your body functioning smoothly. In addition, they give you the carbohydrates you need for energy. Fruits and vegetables have lots of fiber to help your digestive system work properly. Finally, many scientists believe that the nutrients in fruits and vegetables can help fight diseases. If you eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you’ll be on the road to better health.

Read the topic sentences below and think of appropriate supporting sentences to complete each paragraph, as in the example.

Example: Catherine is a very pretty teenager.

She is tall and slim with dark skin and long curly hair. She usually wears jeans and T-shirts.

1 My father is a handsome man.

.......................................................................................................................

2 Nicole is a very sociable person.

.......................................................................................................................

Writing concluding sentences.

Paragraphs end with a concluding sentence. This sentence states the main idea of the paragraph again using different words. It summarizes the main points of the paragraph, or makes a final comment on the topic.

Concluding sentences are not always necessary. In fact, short paragraphs that are part of longer pieces of writing often do not have concluding sentences.

Write a concluding sentence for each paragraph.

1.) There are many reasons why I like wearing a uniform to school. First of all, it

saves time. I don’t have to spend time picking out my clothes every morning.

Wearing a uniform also saves money. It’s cheaper to purchase a new uniform than

to go out and buy lots of school clothes. In addition, I don’t have the pressure of

keeping up with the latest styles. Most importantly, wearing a school uniform

gives me a sense that I belong. I really think that it adds to the feeling of school

spirit and community. _____________________________________________

2.) There are many reasons why I am against wearing a school uniform. For one thing, I don’t like they style of the uniform. The navy blazer and plaid skirt are too

conservative for me. Secondly, the uniform isn’t comfortable. I prefer to wear baggy pants and a sweater instead of a skirt and a jacket. Finally, I want the freedom to express my individuality through my style of dressing. ______________________ .

3.) Credit cards have a lot of advantages. First of all, credit cards are convenient

because you don’t have to carry a lot of cash around. You can buy the products and services you need even if you do not have cash in your pocket. In addition, credit cards are very helpful in emergencies. Finally, you can become a better money manager as you learn to use credit cards responsibly. _______________________ .

Types of paragraphs

A descriptive paragraph describes how something looks, feels, smells, tastes, or sounds. The topic sentence in this paragraph introduces the topic, and the supporting sentences then describe it.

A comparison paragraph shows how two things are alike or different. The topic sentence in this paragraph introduces the idea of similarities or differences between two or more things. The supporting sentences then compare them.

A cause–effect paragraph explains the causes or effects of an event or the reasons why something happens. It gives the results of something. The topic sentence in this paragraph describes an action or event. The supporting sentences then give the reasons why the action or event happened.

In a persuasive paragraph, the writer gives an opinion about a topic and tries to convince readers the opinion is correct or that they should take action. The topic sentence in this paragraph tells the reader what the writer will try to convince them of. The supporting sentences then tell readers why.

Read each paragraph. Decide what type of paragraph it is

DESCRIPTIVE, COMPARISON, CAUSE–EFFECT, or PERSUASIVE.

Korean supermarkets in the United States are similar to supermarkets in South Korea. Both Korean supermarkets in South Korea and in the United States sell kimchi. Most Korean supermarkets in South Korea only sell Korean products, but in the United States they sometimes also sell Japanese products.

It is important to support the new Korean supermarket in the neighborhood. The store offers a variety of products needed in traditional Korean meals. If more people shop at the market, more Korean products will become available.

There are a variety of Korean products in the new supermarket. It is easy to find Korean products, like spicy kimchi and crisp green Korean pears. The salty smell of fresh fish fills the aisles.

Many Korean immigrants are moving to smaller cities in the United States. They are moving because smaller towns are more affordable, and there are opportunities to open small businesses.

Match each sentence (1–6) with the type of paragraph it comes from.

Descriptive b) Cause–effect c) Persuasive d) Comparison

1 The bakery was filled with the scent of chocolate and the sound of noisy customers.

2 People who want to learn to speak Spanish should study in Latin America.

3 Chinese speech may sound like singing to someone who is not a native speaker.

4 Cantonese and Mandarin are different dialects, but they share a writing system.

5 Some people find it difficult to learn Chinese because there are so many vowel sounds.

6 It is a good idea for people traveling to China to visit Beijing and Kunming.

Read each sentence in the chart. Decide which type of paragraph it is from.

Check (✓) the box in the correct column.

	Descriptive	Comparison	Cause-effect	Persuasive
1. St. Petersburg is a huge city in Russia. There are many buildings painted blue, yellow, and green.
2. People should live close to their families. Grandparents should help take care of grandchildren
3. Many people relocate more than once in their lifetimes. One reason is that people move to find work.
4. San Diego and Fairfield are very different. San Diego is a big city, but Fairfield is much smaller.
5. High-speed Internet is available in big cities, and it is now available in small cities, too.
6. New products at the Russian market include brightly colored bottles of sweet and tasty soda
7. Many offices closed down last year. As a result, many employees moved to new cities.
8. Relatives should live close to each other. The best option is to live in the same town.

Read the sentences and write C for Comparison, CE for Cause–Effect, D for Descriptive or P for Persuasive.

Students who study in other countries experience the sights and sounds of another place. For example, they may shop in colorful markets when they have free time.

Some students move back home after they study, while other students stay in the new country. Both decisions greatly affect the students’ future careers and lifestyles.

Many students go to college in other countries. One reason is that they want to learn a new language.

Students should study in a country other than their own for a semester. They should experience another culture to learn more about themselves and the world they live in.

CHECKLIST FOR REVISION

A ___________paragraph describes how something looks, feels, smells, tastes, or sounds.

In a ________ paragraph, the writer gives an opinion about a topic and tries to convince readers that the opinion is correct.

A ________ paragraph can explain the causes, or reasons, of an event.

A _______paragraph compares two or more things. It shows how they are alike or how they are different.

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

You’ll learn about:

descriptive compositions and reasons for writing them.

organising and writing descriptive compositions using adjectives and propositions.

Descriptive composition Outline

A descriptive essay traditionally consists out of three major parts:

Introduction (The writer states the reason he describes a certain object, person or situation).

Body

· Paragraph 1- The object itself (A vivid portrait of the object with all the details observed)

· Paragraph 2- The surroundings (A clear description of the atmosphere and surrounding of the object, person or situation portrayed).

· Paragraph 3- Sensual and emotional description (It is the sensual and emotional replay of the scene).

Conclusion (Reveals the importance of the described object, person or situation. Restates the thesis statement).

Descriptive composition Structure

Introduction (Should start with a strong opening which may be a quote that catches the reader’s attention. At the end of the introduction the writer provides a thesis statement related to the depicted object, person, situation, experience, etc. In the thesis statement the writer reveals the reason he describes a certain object, person or situation).

Body

· Paragraph 1- The object itself (here the author reveals everything that he perceived referred to the object, person or situation he is describing. The author lists all the details which are important for making a vivid portrait. Uses metaphors and comparison).

· Paragraph 2- The surroundings (The author has basically to show the reader all the surrounding of the described object, person or situation. The reader should feel like he is involved in the experience. Uses metaphors and comparison).

· Paragraph 3- Sensual and emotional description (The writer uses his sense of taste, touch smell, sound and sight to make the experience “alive”. In other words, here the author needs to “replay” the object, person or situation to the reader. Uses metaphors and comparison).

Conclusion (The conclusion summarizes the physical and emotional attitude of the author to the described object, person or situation. The conclusion restates the meaning and idea of this experience for the writer and the reason he actually describes it to the reader).

Descriptive compositions

Introduction

Main Body

Conclusion

1.Describing

People

( Informal/semi-formal style)

- name of the person;

- why you know the person;

- how you met;

- how long you’ve known each other

- describe the appearance and character; good/bad points about the character;

- how he/she behaves;

- interests and hobbies;

- your personal attitude to the person (reasons for liking/ disliking);

- what other people think of her/him.

- express your opinion and feelings about the person

2.Describing places/ Buildings

(semi-formal style)

-name the place/building

- its location;

-reasons for choosing it;

-express your attitude to it

- how it is used;

- some more details about it (exterior /interior, historical facts);

- some special features;

-your feelings and emotions

- your comments / feelings / recommendation;

- if you would like to live/ work/ study there

3.Describing events, festivals

(informal/ semi-formal)

-name of festival/event;

-time/place of event;

-reasons for celebrating

- preparations (decorations, rehearsal…)

- description of the actual event (costumes, food, activities, other details)

when you describe annual events , use present tenses; when you describe past events, use past tenses; to describe preparations, use passive.

- comments;

- feelings;

- final thoughts

Describing objects

(informal/ semi-formal)

- name the object you are going to describe;

- say how you got it/ why you chose it for description;

describe the important details (size, shape, colour etc.)

express your attitudes, feelings and emotions

DESCRIBING FESTIVALS/ EVENTS/ CEREMONIES

The plan of a composition describing festivals/ events/ ceremonies

Introduction

Paragraph 1

Set the scene: name, time/date, place of event, reasons for celebrating etc.

Main Body

Paragraph 2

Preparations (decorations, rehearsals, problems etc.

Paragraph3

Description of actual event (costumes, food, atmosphere, activities etc)

Paragraph 4

Explanation 1 and reasons etc.

Conclusion

Final paragraph

Feelings/comments/thoughts etc

Notice!

When you describe annual events (a celebration/ festival which takes place every year), present tenses are used and the style is formal. However, when giving a personal account of an event which you witnessed or took part in, past tenses are used and the style may be less formal. The passive is frequently used to describe preparations/ activities which take place. E.g.: Pumpkins are carved and placed in windows and costumes are designed.

You can use a variety of adjectives and adverbs to make your description more vivid e.g. Cheerful fans shouted enthusiastically as the rock star arrived.

a) Read the rubric and underline the key words, then answer the questions.

A travel magazine has asked its readers to send in descriptions of annual events in their country. Write an article describing an annual event you have attended, including preparations and events on the actual day.

Which of the following should you not write about? Give reasons.

A an event held once a week in your local area

B a festival held every year in your country

C a ceremony that takes place every year in another country

Which of the following must you include in your description?

A detailed description of the town C descriptions of the actual event

B preparations before the event D important monuments in the area

Which tenses should you mainly use? Why?

Look at the picture in the article below and answer the questions.

What kind of event is it?

a boat race b) a carnival

Where do you think it takes place?

In England b) in Africa

What time of year is it?

Winter b) summer

Which of the following match the picture?

huge grandstands alongside the water

exotically dressed dancers

rows of deckchairs

colourful tents

elegantly dressed spectators

boats rushing towards the finishing line

best costume competition

vintage cars

Have you ever attended an event similar to this? How did you feel? Would you like to attend such an event? Why?

Read the article below and put the verbs into the correct tense in the active or passive, as in the example, then match the headings below to the paragraphs.

description of actual event …….

preparations …….

feelings, comments, final thoughts ....

name, place/ time, reason ....

The Royal Regatta by Thomas Brown

Introduction

The Royal Regatta is one of the most famous events in the world of rowing. The Regatta 1) …takes place…. (take place) every year in Henley, a small picturesque town in the south of England. The event 2) ……...… (usually/ hold) at the end of June and 3) ………. (continue) for five days. Teams of rowers from all over the globe compete for prizes, especially for prestigious Grand Challenge Cup. Last year I went to see what the excitement was all about.

Main body

When I 4) ……………. (arrive), I was amazed at the preparations involved. Huge grandstands 5) ………………. (put up) alongside the water and rows of colorful deckchairs 6) ……………… (place) along the edge of the river so that spectators could watch the boat race in comfort. In addition to this tents 7) ………… (set up), in which caterers 8) ………… (serve) delicious food and refreshing drinks. Rowers from many countries 9) ………... (practice) with their team – mates for days before the races began.

During the five days of the Regatta, many of the spectators 10) …………... (dress) elegantly to watch the races. Others, like myself, 11) …………………… (decide) to have a picnic on the river bank. The final, which is the most important race of the Regatta, was the highlight of the event. As the finalists sped towards us, everyone 12) ………… (stand up) and stared shouting for their team. We cheered and 13) ……. (wave) enthusiastically as the boats 14) …… (rush) past in their race to the finishing line. Soon afterwards, it was time for the firework display.

Conclusion

As the last rocket 15) ………...(explode) in the evening summer sky, I felt sad that the event was over. I couldn’t help thinking how much fun it would be to learn to row like the people in the race and be more than just a spectator.

a) Fill in the gaps in the extracts with adjectives from each list.

Which extract describes an annual event? Which one describes a past event?

Well-known, fancy-dress, hand-carved, scary, colourful, creative

Days before the 31st October, children go to 1) ……. shops and decide which 2) ……...costumes to buy. Others who are more 3) ........ prefer to make their own costumes. These can be anything from 4) ………. monsters to 5) …………. characters from fairy tales. Children also go trick-or-treating and make 6) ………………. lanterns from pumpkins.

Dim, disappointed, poor

At the end of the concert, I felt very 1) ……...Not only was the sound quality 2) …….. ..........but also the lighting was so 3) …………. that we could hardly see the stage. I don't think 1'11 be attending next year's Rock Festival.

glamorous, glittering lucky

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, take place once a year at the end of March in Los Angeles. This 1)……….event is eagerly awaited by millions of fans all over the world. 2) ……….. film stars, musicians and directors gather under one roof to see who will be the 3) ……… ones to take home an Oscar.

Which paragraph is an introduction, a conclusion or a main body paragraph?

Your teacher has asked you to describe a wedding anniversary celebrations you have recently attended. Write your composition including descriptions of the preparations and the activities on the actual day.

Read the rubric below and underline the key words, then answer the questions.

Which of the following are not suitable for this composition?

A 25th wedding anniversary B wedding reception

Look at the activities for an anniversary celebration and label them B (for before) and D (for during)

A make guest list ___

B decide on menu ___

C take photographs ___

D dance to music ___

Have you ever been to a similar celebration? What was it? Who else was there? Did you have a good time? Did anything special happen?

Which of the following would be suitable as an introduction to your essay? Why is the other extract not suitable? Give reasons for your answers.

A Every anniversary is special to a married couple, but the twenty-fifth, or silver wedding anniversary is a particularly important occasion. Last Saturday was my parents' silver wedding anniversary. My brother and I organised a huge party so that Mum and Dad could celebrate the big day in style.

B The party had a really lively atmosphere. There were more than fifty guests, and later in the evening, everyone got up and danced. The DJ played my dad’s favourite music from the Sixties - I've never seen him dance so much!

Read the rubric in ex.4 again and then use your answers from ex.4 write your composition (120-180 words). You can use the text in Ex. 2 as a model.

CHECKLIST FOR REVISION

Organisation

Does your composition have an introduction, a main body and a conclusion?

Have you included clear topic sentences to introduce the main body paragraphs?

Have you followed a logical pattern in organizing the supporting sentences in your paragraphs?

Have you read your paragraph aloud (or asked someone to read it to you) to check for trouble spots, such as awkward phrasing or needless repetition?

Finally, have you carefully edited and proofread your paragraph?

Language

Have you used the correct tense(s) throughout?

Have you used a variety of adjectives and descriptive language?

Have you checked your spelling and grammar?

WRITING THE ESSSAY

An essay is a piece of writing with several paragraphs about one topic.

A common essay format is the five-paragraph essay. In a five-paragraph essay, each paragraph has a special role.

In the introductory paragraph, introduce the topic of your essay. Give interesting information to get your reader’s attention. Then clearly state the purpose for the essay. This purpose is called a thesis statement. It tells your reader what the essay will be about and often comes at the end of the paragraph. Some thesis statements are more general, and others are more specific. Thesis statements often list the three points that the body paragraphs will discuss. Each body paragraph will give details about one of these points.

The body paragraphs of an essay support the thesis statement and give specific ideas and examples.

The topic sentences of the body paragraphs tell what each paragraph will be about and they all

should relate to the thesis statement.

The concluding paragraph of an essay can do several things. It can restate the ideas in your essay by giving a short summary, making a prediction, or making a suggestion.

When you write a five-paragraph essay, remember to include an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs that support the thesis, and a concluding paragraph

Read the thesis statement and choose the correct topic sentence for a body paragraph from an essay entitled “Alternative Energy Sources.”

Thesis Statement: There are many advantages of using electricity instead of gasoline to power cars.

a. There are many kinds of vegetable oil fuel.

b. The environment will be cleaner if people use electric cars.

c. Electricity also powers computers.

Look at the different parts of the essay, and circle the correct answer for each item.

Alternative Energy Sources

Some experts claim that we will run out of energy in the future if we do not start using more alternative energy sources. Therefore, people in many countries are currently experimenting with alternative sources of energy.

This essay will talk about three natural sources of energy: sun, wind, and waves.

Sun, or solar, energy is one example. Large panels convert the heat from the Sun into electricity. This type of energy works well in places where there is a lot of sun, such as in a desert

Wind energy is another example. Windmills spin faster and faster with high winds. This creates energy. Wind energy is best in places near the ocean or other locations where there is a lot of wind.

Finally, waves are also a source of energy.

Special machines in the ocean 3

convert the movement from waves into electricity. Wave energy is possible near

oceans, especially oceans where there is a lot of wind.

Depending on their location, people are experimenting with sun, wind,

and wave power. They are converting these natural sources to electricity.

In the future, everyone should use alternative energy.

1. This part of the essay is a thesis statement | topic sentence | conclusion.

2. These parts of the essay are the body paragraphs | the topic sentences | suggestions.

3. This part of the essay is a thesis statement | a topic sentence | a summary.

4. This part of the essay introduces the essay | gives a new idea | restates the main ideas.

5. This part of the essay offers a suggestion | introduces the topic | summarizes the main ideas.

These paragraphs from an essay entitled “Alternative Energy Sources” are in the wrong order. Choose the correct type of paragraph for each one. Write I for Introductory, B for Body, or C for Concluding.

Sun, or solar, energy is one example. Large panels convert the heat from the Sun into energy. This type of energy works well in places where there is a lot of sun, such as in a desert.

Finally, waves are also a source of energy. Special machines in the ocean convert the movement from waves into energy. Wave energy is possible near oceans, especially oceans where there is a lot of wind.

People are experimenting with various alternative energies. Some alternative energies are better for different locations. Learning about them can help you decide what type of energy is best for your town.

Wind energy is another example. Windmills spin faster and faster with high winds. This creates energy. Wind energy is best in places near the ocean or other locations where there is a lot of wind.

Make Sure Statements Develop Only One Idea!

Here are three statements that contain more than one idea:

One of the most serious problems affecting young people today is bullying, and it is time more kids learned the value of helping others.

Studying with others has several benefits, but it also has drawbacks and can be difficult to schedule.

Teachers have played an important role in my life, but they were not as

important as my parents.

Remember, the point of an essay is to communicate a single main idea to readers. To be as clear as possible, then, try to limit your thesis statement to the single key idea you want your readers to know.

Revised thesis statements based on each of the examples above are as follows:

One of the most serious problems affecting young people today is bullying.

Studying with others has several benefits.

Teachers have played an important role in my life

For each pair, write 2 beside the statement that contains more than one idea. Write

OK beside the statement that is a clear, limited point.

1. ___ a. The firefighters in our town do their jobs very well and the fire chief is extremely nice.

___ b. Our town’s fire department is responsive, professional, and charitable.

2. ___ a. My oldest daughter has her own unique system for getting ready for school.

___ b. My daughters get along most of the time, but they still have serious conflicts once in a while.

3. ___ a. School buildings in America need to be improved and more teachers need to be hired.

___ b. Schools in America need more teachers, better facilities, and better technology.

4. ___ a. Working with at-risk youth changed my stereotypical ideas about teens who attend alternative high schools.

___ b. My life has taken an exciting new direction because I learned so much from the job I had working with at-risk youth last summer.

5. ___ a. The sights, sounds, and smells of the amusement park made the visit very interesting.

___ b. The amusement park was uncomfortably crowded and my brother made himself ill eating all the available fried food.

Support the thesis with specific evidence!

The first essential step in writing a successful essay is to formulate a clearly stated thesis. The second basic step is to support the thesis with specific reasons or details, just as you would support the topic sentence of your paragraph.

To ensure that your essay will have adequate support, you may find an informal outline very helpful. Write down a brief version of your thesis idea, and then work out and jot down three or more points that will support the thesis.

Movie going a problem

• inconvenience of going out

• tempting snacks

• other moviegoers

Example:

Following are five informal outlines. Complete any five of them by adding a third logical supporting point (c) that will parallel the two already provided (a and b).

1. College registration can be a confusing process.

a. Some classes fill quickly.

b. Several placement tests are needed.

c. ______________

2. Online shopping is more convenient than going to a brick-and-mortar

store.

a. Online stores never close

b. Don’t have to leave the house

c. ______________

3. Back-to-school shopping can be expensive.

a. Backpack

b. Textbooks

c. ______________

4. Ian moved to Southern California to enjoy water sports.

a. He surfs.

b. He scuba dives.

c. _____________

5. Charleston, a city in South Carolina, is the best place to live.

a. It is a historical city.

b. It has great award-winning restaurants.

c. ______________

Organise and connect the specific evidence!

Linking Words/phrases signal the direction of a writer’s thought. They are like the road signs that guide travelers. In the box that follows are some common Linking words/phrases you have already been using in writing your paragraphs. They are grouped according to the kind of signal they give to readers. Note that certain words provide more than one kind of signal.

Addition signals: one, first of all, second, the third reason, also, next, another, and, in addition, moreover, furthermore, finally, last of all

Time signals: first, then, next, after, as, before, while, meanwhile, soon, now, during, finally

Space signals: next to, across, on the opposite side, to the left, to the right, above, below, near, nearby

Change-of-direction signals: but, however, yet, in contrast, although, otherwise, still, on the contrary, on the other hand

Illustration signals: for example, for instance, specifically, as an illustration, once, such as

Conclusion signals: therefore, consequently, thus, then, as a result, in summary, to conclude, last of all, finally

1. Underline the two illustration signals in the following selection:

Supermarkets also use psychology to encourage people to buy. For example, in most supermarkets, the milk and the bread are either at opposite ends of the store or located far away from the first aisle. Even if shoppers have stopped at the market only for staples like these, they must pass hundreds of items in order to reach them. The odds are that instead of leaving with just a quart of

milk, they will leave with additional purchases as well. Special displays, such as a pyramid of canned green beans in an aisle and a large end display of cartons of paper towels, also increase sales. Because shoppers assume that these items are a good buy, they may pick them up. However, the items may not even be on sale! Store managers know that customers are automatically attracted to a display like this, and they will use it to move an overstocked product.

2. Underline the two conclusion signals in the following selection:

Finally, the works of Joanne Fluke represent entertaining, regional writing that appeals to a wide audience. Her Hannah Swensen series stars a bubbly, mystery-solving cookie baker in a small town in Minnesota, a town much like the one that Fluke grew up in. Although the stories often feature plots that include dealing with the cold of Minnesota winters or the bugs and heat of

Minnesota summers, the books are so well written, even readers in southern Florida or coastal Oregon can enjoy the stories. As a result, Fluke has gained a wide following that has led to a miniseries deal with the Hallmark channel.

3. Underline the three addition signals in the following selection:

To create the time a student needs to pass each semester, he or she should incorporate different types of courses. Mixing course types allows students to access different parts of their brains to avoid overload. One way a student can mix courses is to take a course that keeps him or her active - for example, a physical education course. Hours of studying can be exhausting, but exercise

has been shown to be a positive cure. After studying anatomy facts like the muscular system, a student could work out those very muscles, creating a hands-on review. Another way a student can mix courses is to take a literature course during the same semester as a math course. Math homework can often be repetitive and lengthy, but breaking it up by reading a story about growing up during the Industrial Age can offer the mental break needed. A final way a student can add variety to his or her schedule is to take a “fun” course each semester. For one student, a fun course might be a photography course, but for another student computer programming would be more fun. Fun courses are not necessarily easy, but they are courses that a student chooses based upon his or her personal interest.

4. Underline the four time signals in the following selection:

After a person has acquired the job of TV sports reporter, it is important to begin working on the details of his or her image, so viewers connect. First, it is important that a new sports reporter invests in two or three versatile suit jackets. They should be made from fabrics that are neutral in color, so the reporter can mix-and- match a variety of shirts and ties. The best colors would be basic neutrals like black, navy, and beige. Next, a new sports reporter should invest in a variety of ties. Everyday ties should include basic stripes and muted patterns. However, since a reporter is on TV daily, it is also important to have one or two unique ties that viewers will enjoy seeing occasionally. It is also good to have a few holiday ties that will bring smiles to the viewers.

Finally, it is important that a new sportscaster create a personality that viewers will respond to. Supporting the home team is always important, and a good reporter will find ways to describe both wins and losses in a positive manner. His or her tone should always show that despite the home team’s performance, the fans will remain loyal.

5. Underline the four change-of- direction signals in the following selection:

Last year, my mom and dad decided to quit their corporate jobs and start farming. Both had had very successful careers, but they decided that the stress and hours weren’t worth it anymore. They decided they wanted to become urban farmers and sell fresh, local meats and produce. The first thing they did was sell our house and buy a small farm on the outskirts of our city. The farm came with some cows and farming equipment; however, my parents decided that they didn’t want to raise cows, so they sold them and purchased sheep and goats instead. They also purchased a bunch of hens and baby chicks. I thought having chickens was going to be awful, yet I quickly fell in love with all our ladies and pleaded with my parents to let me be in charge of caring for the flock. Now, every morning I have to get up early to collect the eggs, feed and water the hens, and open the coop, so they can roam the farm. Although I was not initially excited about moving to a farm with my parents, I have loved everything about our new life, including the hard work.

Choose the correct linking word/ phrase to join the sentences.

Simon failed the exam. He had not studied enough. (since, while) ....... ............................................................

Ordering take-away food is very convenient. It can be rather expensive. (although, such as) …………………………………

Aaron wanted to go to the football match. His mother wouldn’t let him. (but, therefore) …………………………………….

Adventure holidays can be very tiring. They can be quite dangerous. (but, and) .........................................................

It started getting cold. I put on a jumper. (so, as) .....................................

The hairdresser said it was perfectly safe. The chemicals in the dye made my hair turn green. (even though, also) ..................................................

Replace the linking words/ phrases in bold with synonymous ones from the list below.

despite, as, even though, such as, therefore

While I was walking home I saw an accident.

He was born in Poland so he can't be Spanish.

Your mechanic took three days to fix my car, in spite of the fact that it required only minor repairs

There are many places to visit in Rome like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

Although Rachel is allergic to dogs, she loves them.

Functions of the Introduction

A well-written introductory paragraph performs four important roles:

1. It attracts the reader’s interest, encouraging him or her to continue reading the essay.

2. It supplies any background information that the reader may need to understand the essay.

3. It presents a thesis statement. This clear, direct statement of the main idea of the essay usually appears near the end of the introductory paragraph.

4. It indicates a plan of development. In this “preview,” the major supporting points for the thesis are listed in the order in which they will be presented. In some cases, the thesis and plan of development appear in the same sentence. However, writers sometimes choose not to describe the plan of development.

Common Methods of Introduction

Here are some common methods of introduction. Use any one method, or a combination of methods, to introduce your subject to the reader in an interesting way.

Begin with a broad, general statement of your topic and narrow it down to your thesis statement.

Start with an idea or a situation that is the opposite of the one you will develop.

Explain the importance of your topic to the reader.

Use an incident or a brief story.

Use a quotation.

Include a startling statement and/or statistic.

1. The box below summarizes the six kinds of introduction. Read the introductions that follow it and, in the space provided, write the letter of the kind of introduction used in each case.

A. General to narrow D. Incident or story

C. Stating importance of topic E. Quotation

B. Starting with an opposite F. Startling statement or statistic

___1. The ad, in full color on a glossy magazine page, shows a beautiful kitchen with gleaming counters. In the foreground, on one of the counters, stands a shiny new food processor. Usually, a feminine hand is touching it lovingly. Around the main picture are other, smaller shots. They show mounds of perfectly sliced onion rings, thin rounds of juicy tomatoes, heaps of matchstick-sized potatoes, and piles of golden, evenly grated cheese. The ad copy tells the reader how wonderful, how easy, food preparation will be with a processor. Don’t believe it. My processor turned out to be expensive, difficult to operate, and very limited in its use.

___2. My father stubbornly says, “You can often tell a book by its cover,” and when it comes to certain paperbacks, he’s right. Whenever a person is browsing in the drugstore or supermarket and he or she sees a paperback featuring an attractive young woman in a low-cut

dress fleeing from a handsome dark figure in a shadowy castle, it is obvious what the book will be about. Every romance novel has the same elements: an innocent heroine, an exotic setting, and a cruel but fascinating hero.

___3. Americans are incredibly lazy. Instead of cooking a simple, nourishing meal, they heat up a frozen dinner in the microwave. Instead of studying a daily newspaper, they are content with quick summaries on social media. Worst of all, instead of walking even a few blocks to the local convenience store, they jump into their cars. This dependence on the automobile, even for short trips, has robbed Americans of a valuable experience—walking. If Americans drove less and walked more, they would save money, become healthier, and discover fascinating things about their surroundings.

A concluding paragraph

A concluding paragraph is your chance to remind the reader of your thesis idea and bring the paper to a natural and graceful end.

Common Methods of Conclusion

You may use any one of the methods below, or a combination of methods, to round off your paper.

1. End with a summary and final thought.

2. Include a thought-provoking quotation.

3. End with a prediction or recommendation.

In the space provided, identify each concluding paragraph. If the concluding paragraph is a summary and final thought, write S in the space; if it is a prediction or recommendation, write P/R; if it is a quotation, write Q.

___1. Even though tens of thousands of people die each year in the United States from lung cancer, there are steps that can be taken to reduce risk factors. Smokers should stop smoking. People should avoid being around smokers, ask those smoking to stop, or leave if others are smoking. Life is too valuable to have it ended by this disease.

___2. My father spent thirty years smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, a habit that he thought was more harmful to his wallet than to his lungs. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the United States . . . and [in 1989] caused more than 400,000 premature deaths in the United States.” My father was one of them.

___3. Lung cancer, then, can spread to the esophagus, the trachea, and the heart. Although an operation to remove the tumor is often unlikely, there are treatments available to control its spread. More research, however, is needed to find a cure.

ESSAY WRITING CHECKLIST

	Point to check	Example	V	X
Content	The problem is stated	Some people believe/claim that …, while others disagree with them and argue that… There is no single/common opinion if… Recently there has been much debate if… It is a debatable/controversial issue if …
	Your opinion is expressed and supported with 2-3 arguments	In my opinion,/To my mind,/As far as I am concerned,/As for me Personally, I believe/think/claim/share the point of view that I am convinced that/It is my firm belief that/I am inclined to believe that
	Opposing opinion is expressed and supported with 1-2 arguments	Introduce it with a contrast link: However,/Nevertheless,/Still,/Yet …some people do not share my point of view/…stick to an opposing opinion. …quite many people have an opposite point of view. Express the opposing opinion: They believe/claim/argue/are of the opinion that… Provide the argument: Their main argument is that…
	Explain why you disagree	Introduce it with a linking word: Nevertheless,/Still,/Yet (Use different linkers in paragraphs 3 and 4!) … I cannot support/share this point of view because… … I disagree with this opinion/ argument because… Clearly explain your reason.
	Restate your position in the conclusion	Start with a concluding linker: Overall,/All in all,/In conclusion,/To conclude,/To sum up,/To summarize,… Highlight the controversial issue: …although it is a controversial issue, there is no doubt that… …despite certain arguments, I firmly believe that… …even though some people think differently, I still believe that… Restate your opinion, shortly mention your reasons
	Style is neutral (no contractions and jargon or informal words)
	Number of words is between 180-275
Logic	The text is coherent
	5 paragraphs
	Linking phrases
	Check grammar, vocabulary and spelling

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE REFLECTION?

I understand……..

I am able to …….

Needs to be reviewed

THE KEY:

Paragraph writing (page 10).

2. a) Choosing topic sentences: 1a, 2b,3 b.

b) Writing a topic sentence: