1 Read about the article in Part 2 of the Writing paper.
In Part 2 of the Writing paper, you choose a task from three possible ones. One of the tasks might be an article. The task will give details about what you should write an article about and what information you should include.
You might be asked to write a description, give examples or give your opinions about something. The task will also say where people will read your article, e.g. on a website or in a magazine or newspaper.
You should make sure you cover all the points in the task, and you should structure your article in a suitable way. You should use creative language to make the article interesting for your reader, and you can ask the reader direct questions to engage them. You should write 140–190 words.
2 Read the exam task. What should you write an article about? What points should you include? Where will people read your article?
You see this notice in an English-language magazine.
Articles wanted
My hobby
Write an article about your hobby. Say what it is, how you started doing it, and why you enjoy it.
The best articles will appear in our magazine next week.
Write your article.
3 Study the model answer and answer the questions.
1 Does the article cover all the points in the task?
2 How many paragraphs does it have?
3 How many direct questions does it ask the reader?
4 Is it written in a formal or an informal style?
MODEL ANSWER
1 The thrill of the stage
2 I’ll never forget the first day I stepped onto a real theatre stage. I knew immediately that this was my hobby for life! I’m now a member of my local drama club. We put on two shows every year and have a lot of fun while doing so!
3 I first started acting by chance. A friend of mine was interested in joining a drama club, and I agreed to go along with her, to give her a bit of support. 4 And I loved it from the first day!
First, drama is 5 incredibly challenging. 6 Not only do you have to learn what you’re going to say, but also understand the character you’re playing, their role in the play, and then communicate that to the audience.
7 Another thing I love about drama is how sociable it is. I’ve made so many good friends at the drama club, and spending time with them, working towards a shared goal, is extremely rewarding. And in addition to all of this, 8 what could beat the thrill of appearing under the lights, in front of a cheering crowd?
1 has an interesting title
2 has a first sentence which interests the reader and encourages them to read more
3 is organised into clear paragraphs, each with a topic sentence
4 gives the writer’s opinions
5 uses creative language with strong meanings
6 gives examples to support the ideas
7 uses structures to add emphasis
8 try to end with a question or a lively final sentence
4 Read the tips.
Remember, to get a good mark for your article:
• you must include all the points in the input
• you should choose an interesting title for your article
• your ideas should be organised into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a clear topic
• you should make the reader feel interested by asking them questions
• you should use a wide range of creative language and language structures
• you should include your own opinion and experiences.
5 It is important to choose a title and first sentence which will engage your reader and encourage them to read more. Choose the best title and first sentence for an article about Nelson Mandela. Why is it the best?
A Nelson Mandela
I really admire Nelson Mandela because of everything he achieved in South Africa.
B A peaceful transformation
Can you imagine one person bringing peaceful change to a whole country?
C An important figure in South Africa
Nelson Mandela is a very important figure in the history of South Africa.
6 The first sentence in each paragraph (the topic sentence) gives the topic of the paragraph. Match the topic sentences (a–e) to the paragraphs from an article about a favourite place to visit. There are two topic sentences you don’t need.
a The people here are incredibly warm and welcoming.
b This is a lovely, relaxing place.
c I first discovered this place about five years ago.
d One thing I really love is the stunning scenery.
e If you love good food, this is a great place to visit.
1 …… When you look in one direction, you can see the beautiful beach and the clear blue sea. In the opposite direction, there are lovely views of the mountains, which have snow on their peaks all year round.
2 …… You can find delicious local cheeses, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And of course there’s fresh fish which the fishing boats bring in each day, and which is perfectly cooked in the restaurants by the beach.
3 …… They always have time to stop and chat and they seem genuinely keen for you to enjoy your stay. There is always someone to help if you have any problems, too.
7 In an article, it is important to use creative words with strong meanings to make your writing more interesting. Replace the bold words and expressions in the sentences with the creative words with similar meanings from the box.
|
absolutely essential fascinated by freezing huge packed terrifying |
1 Like a lot of people, I was interested in the castle’s history.
2 The city centre is always crowded with tourists.
3 His first film was a big success.
4 I always enjoy watching my local football team play, even when the weather’s cold.
5 The drive up the narrow mountain road was quite scary at times.
6 A good fitness programme is really necessary if you’re serious about losing weight.
8 You can use structures to emphasise your ideas and opinions in an article. Complete each second sentence so it has a similar meaning but has more emphasis.
1 I admire his determination.
What ……I admire is…… his determination.
2 I like the freedom you get when you go hiking.
The thing ……………………. the freedom you get when you go hiking.
3 Her honesty really surprised me.
One thing ……………………. her honesty.
4 I will never forget our evening barbecues on the beach.
What ……………………. our evening barbecues on the beach.
5 I noticed how happy everyone looked.
The thing ……………………. how happy everyone looked.
9 Study the words and expressions in the Key language box.
KEY LANGUAGE FOR ARTICLES
Catching the reader’s attention:
Have you ever …? I want to tell you about …
It’s the best …
Ordering ideas:
First(ly), Second(ly), Finally,
Linking similar ideas:
moreover, in addition to this
Linking contrasting ideas:
while, whereas
Linking results:
therefore, which means
Emphasising ideas:
What I love/admire the most is …, The thing I like best is …
Giving your opinion:
In my opinion, For me, as far as I’m concerned
10 Complete the sentences with one word in each space.
1 ………………. me, sailing is definitely the best sport in the world!
2 Painting is relaxing, creative and fun, and ………………. addition to this, you can earn a bit of money by selling your paintings.
3 As far ………………. I’m concerned, cooking is the best hobby.
4 Hiking isn’t expensive, ………………. means that anyone can do it.
5 ………………. I love most is watching live shows in a theatre.
6 I want to ………………. you about something amazing that happened to me last year.
11 Read the exam task and plan your article.
You see this notice on an English-language fitness website.
Articles wanted
Staying healthy
How important is your health to you? What do you think are some of the best ways to stay fit and healthy?
The best articles will appear on our website next month.
Write your article.
12 Write your article in 140–190 words. Use the checklist below.
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
ARTICLE CHECKLIST
• Have you covered all the points in the task?
• Have you organised your ideas clearly into paragraphs?
• Have you got an interesting title and first sentence?
• Have you given your own opinions clearly?
• Have you used creative vocabulary with strong meanings?
• Have you used structures to add emphasis?
• Have you used between 140 and 190 words?
Answer
2
You should write an article about your hobby. You should say what it is, when you started doing it, and why you enjoy it. People will read your article in an English-language magazine.
3
1 yes 2 four 3 one 4 informal
5
B is the best. The title is interesting and makes the reader think. The first sentence is a question which engages the reader and makes them think for themselves about Mandela’s achievements.
6
1 d 2 e 3 a
7
1 fascinated by 2 packed 3 huge 4 freezing
5 terrifying 6 absolutely essential
8
2 I like is 3 that really surprised me was
4 I will never forget is 5 I noticed was
10
1 For 2 in 3 as 4 which 5 What 6 tell
12
Model answer
A healthy life is a happy life
Can you be happy if you’re not fit and healthy? For me, the answer to this question is definitely no, and keeping fit and healthy is an important part of life.
Firstly, a good diet is vital if you want to maintain a healthy life. This means eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and avoiding foods high in fat and sugar. It can be difficult to achieve this if you eat out in restaurants, where portions tend to be large and the food is often rich. However, it is possible to maintain a balanced diet if you make careful choices.
The second important part of a healthy lifestyle is exercise. There are obviously hundreds of different ways to exercise, from running and hiking to playing football and tennis, but in my opinion, the most important thing is to find a form of exercise that you enjoy. A‑ er all, no one can motivate themselves to do something every week if it isn’t fun! By eating sensibly and doing regular exercise, it is possible for anyone to improve their health, and remember – healthier people are happier people!