1 Read about Part 1 of the Writing paper.
In Part 1 of the Writing paper, you have to write an essay for your teacher. This task is compulsory. The topic of the essay is in the form of either a question that you have to answer, or a statement that you have to agree or disagree with.
In your essay, you can either just give arguments in favour of your own opinion or you can give arguments for and against the idea and end by giving your opinion. You must include the two ideas that are given in the notes with the task, and you must add a third idea of your own. You should write between 140 and 190 words.
2 Read the exam task. What question should you answer? What ideas should you include?
In your English class you have been talking about the environment. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
ʻWill environmental problems be worse in 20 years?ʼ
Notes
Write about:
1 pollution
2 climate change
3 ………………………… (your own idea)
3 Study the model answer. What extra idea does it include?
MODEL ANSWER
1 In my opinion, 2 it is possible that environmental problems will be worse in 20 years. We already face a large number of serious environmental problems, and if steps are not taken to tackle them, they will become even more serious.
3 Firstly, there is already a huge amount of pollution in the world, for example from cars, lorries and planes. There is also a big problem with the amount of rubbish that we produce, which often ends up in the sea.
Secondly, 4 our modern way of life produces harmful gases which are causing the planet to become warmer. This is a very serious problem for animals such as polar bears, 5 which may die out if the ice that they live on melts.
Finally, the world’s population is growing rapidly and this will put even more pressure on the Earth’s resources. More people means more food production, more pollution and more waste.
6 In conclusion, the world faces some very serious environmental problems which will definitely be worse in 20 years if nothing is done to solve them. 7 However, I am optimistic that scientists and politicians will find ways to improve the situation.
1 Use phrases to express your own opinion.
2 Start with a general introduction to the topic.
3 Use words and phrases to organise your essay and make it clear when you are introducing a new topic.
4 Give information which is relevant to the topic.
5 Give reasons to support your arguments and opinions.
6 End with a clear conclusion.
7 Use linking words to add similar or contrasting ideas.
4 Read the tips.
Remember, to get a good mark for your essay:
• you must include the two ideas in the notes and your own idea
• all the ideas you include should be relevant to the topic
• your ideas should be organised into clear paragraphs
• there should be a clear introduction and conclusion
• you should use linking words to link your ideas and structure your essay
• you should use a wide range of grammar and vocabulary
• you should avoid informal language.
5 Read the essay question. Then decide which ideas would be relevant to include in the essay.
We shouldn’t spend so much money on exploring space. Do you agree?
1 It costs a huge amount of money to send rockets into space.
2 Rockets have extremely powerful engines.
3 There are more important problems in the world that we should spend money on.
4 We can learn a lot about our own planet and solar system.
5 People first landed on the moon in 1969.
6 A lot of people in the world don’t have food or shelter.
7 I would love to go into space.
8 Important scientific experiments can be carried out in space.
6 Look at the plan for a student’s essay on the question in Exercise 5. Decide which paragraph the correct sentences from Exercise 5 could go in.
Introduction
1 …… Is it worth the money?
Arguments against exploring space
2 ……, ……
Arguments for exploring space
3 ……, ……
Conclusion
We can learn things from exploring space, but it’s probably a luxury the world can’t afford.
7 Read the essay question. Then choose the best introduction and conclusion. Why is it the best one?
Do you think it is better to watch films in the cinema or at home?
1 Introductions
A There are loads of amazing films nowadays. Personally, I love science fiction films and I often watch them with my friends.
B Watching a film on the big screen at the cinema is certainly very impressive. But in my opinion, there are also advantages to watching films at home, with friends.
C Going to the cinema is quite expensive, and some people can’t afford it. Also, some small towns don’t have a cinema.
2 Conclusions
A To sum up, I hardly ever go to the cinema because there isn’t one very close to where I live. But I often watch movies with my friends at the weekend.
B On balance, some people prefer going to the cinema to watch films, and some people prefer to watch films at home. There are lots of different reasons for this, for example some people can’t afford to go to the cinema.
C In conclusion, I would say that for most films, it is more enjoyable to watch at home, with a few friends. However, for films with a lot of special effects, it is worth the trip to a cinema to see these on the big screen.
8 Study the words and expressions in the Key language box.
KEY LANGUAGE FOR ESSAYS
Ordering your ideas:
firstly, secondly, finally
Expressing your opinion:
in my opinion, in my view, I would say
that, Personally, I think
Giving reasons:
because, as, since
Giving results or consequences:
consequently, as a result, therefore, for this reason
Giving examples:
for example, for instance, such as, one example of this is
Linking similar ideas:
in addition to this, furthermore, moreover
Linking contrasting ideas:
however, on the one hand / on the other hand,
in contrast, although, whereas
Giving a conclusion:
in conclusion, to sum up, on balance
9 Choose the correct words and phrases in italics.
1 In my opinion, computers are essential in schools as / for this reason students need them to find information on the internet.
2 It is clearly necessary to test new medicines, but in my opinion / therefore this doesn’t justify causing animals to suffer.
3 Cars create a lot of pollution in city centres. In addition to this / Consequently, they can cause accidents and injure or kill pedestrians.
4 There are several reasons why I am against exams. Finally / Firstly, they only test what someone can remember on one particular day.
5 Sports such as / furthermore tennis and football are more sociable than running.
6 The climate is becoming warmer and in contrast / as a result a lot of animals are now in danger of dying out.
10 Read the exam task and plan your essay.
In your English class you have been talking about city life. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
ʻSome people believe that cycling is the best way to travel around cities. ʼ
Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1 health
2 safety
3 ……………………………. (your own idea)
11 Write your essay in 140–190 words. Use the checklist below.
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ESSAY CHECKLIST
• Have you answered the question in the task?
• Have you included the two ideas in the task and added your own idea?
• Have you included only relevant information?
• Have you started with an introduction and ended with a conclusion?
• Have you ordered your ideas into paragraphs?
• Have you given reasons for your ideas and opinions?
• Have you used words and phrases to link ideas?
• Have you used between 140 and 190 words?
Answer
2
Question: Will environmental problems be worse in 20 years? Ideas: pollution, climate change and your own idea
3
It includes the extra idea of a growing population.
5
Ideas 1, 3, 4, 6, 8
6
1 sentence 1 2 sentences 3, 6 3 sentences 4, 8
7
1 B (It makes general statements to introduce the topic and
the arguments which will be developed in the essay.)
2 C (It sums up arguments on both sides, and expresses a personal opinion.)
9
1 as 2 in my opinion 3 In addition to this 4 Firstly
5 such as 6 as a result
11
Model answer
Cycling is becoming a very popular way of getting around cities nowadays, and a lot of big cities have cycle schemes which allow people to use public bikes. But there are advantages and disadvantages to bikes as a form of city transport. On the one hand, cycling is good for your health. It provides good exercise, and can help you to lose weight and keep fit. It is also cheap, because if you have your own bike, it does not cost you anything to travel around the city. A third advantage is that cycling is good for the environment, because it does not cause any pollution.
On the other hand, cycling on busy streets can be dangerous. Car and lorry drivers do not always notice cyclists, especially when it is dark, and this can lead to accidents.
On balance, I would say that cycling is an excellent form of transport in cities during the day and when the weather is nice. However, when it is dark or the weather is bad, I think that buses and trains are a better option.