HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH

1. Topic Sentence

Parts of a Paragraph 2. Supporting Details

3. Closing Sentence

1. Prewriting Paragraphs

2. Writing Paragraphs
How to Write a
Paragraph
3. Editing Paragraphs

4. Publishing Paragraphs

1. Definition 5. Sequence

2. Classification 6. Choice
Kinds of Paragraphs
3. Description 7. Explanation

4. Compare and Contrast 8. Evaluation

PART 1: Parts of a Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what
your paragraph will be about.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in
the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All
Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price.
Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by
well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at
university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed.
Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As
a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
2. Supporting Details
What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write them?
You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the
world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All
Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price.
Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are
taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue
studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and
efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of
space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
3. Closing Sentence
What is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
How do I write one?
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the
world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians
have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada
has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained
teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally,
Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have
many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is
a desirable place to live.
PART 2: How to Write a Paragraph
1. Prewriting Paragraphs
What is the prewriting stage?
The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your
ideas for your paragraph before you begin writing.
Six Prewriting Steps:
1. Think carefully about what you are going to write. Ask yourself:
o What question am I going to answer in this paragraph or essay?
o How can I best answer this question? What is the most important
part of my answer?
o How can I make an introductory sentence (or thesis statement)
from the most important part of my answer?
o What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory
sentence?
o How can I make this paragraph or essay interesting?
o Do I need more facts on this topic?
o Where can I find more facts on this topic?
2. Open your notebook. Write out your answers to the above questions.
You do not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to
help you remember why and how you are going to write your paragraph
or essay.
3. Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic. Look for
and write down facts that will help you to answer your question.
Timesaving hint: make sure the facts you are writing are related to the
exact question you are going to answer in your paragraph or essay.
4. Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself:
o What else do I want to say about this topic?
o Why should people be interested in this topic?
o Why is this topic important?
5. Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay. Choose the most
important point you are going to present. If you cannot decide which
point is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it
throughout your paragraph or essay.
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main
idea. Once you have chosen the most important point of your paragraph
or essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it. Look at
the facts you have written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide
which facts and ideas will best support the main idea of your paragraph.
Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask yourself
which order to put them in the paragraph. Write down your own note set
that you can use to guide yourself as you write your paragraph or essay.
2. Writing Paragraphs
What is the writing stage?
The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.
Five Writing Steps:
1. Open your notebook and word processor.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your
ideas.
3. Editing Paragraphs
What is the editing stage?
The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and
correct them.
Grammar and Spelling
1. Check your spelling.
2. Check your grammar.
3. Read your essay again.
4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.
5. See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
Style and Organization
1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.
2. Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
3. Make sure you have a closing sentence.
4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
5. See if your paragraph is interesting.
4. Publishing Paragraphs
What is the publishing stage?
The publishing stage is when you produce a final copy of your
paragraph to hand in.
Three Publishing Steps:
1. Make a paper copy of your paragraph.
2. Show your work to your teacher, tutor, or parents.
3. Ask them for hints on how to improve your writing.
PART 3: Kinds of Paragraphs
1. Definition Paragraph
When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and
explain what it is.
Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.
The following words can help you to write a good definition
paragraph:
1. "is defined as"
Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops,
forests, or property.
2. "is a kind of"
Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops,
forests, or property.
2. Classification Paragraph
When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into
specific categories.
Example: Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy
resources.
The following words can help you to write a good classification
paragraph:
o is a kind of Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.
o can be divided into Energy resources can be divided into two
types.
o is a type of Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.
o falls under Coal falls under the category of non-renewable
resources.
o belongs to Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable
resources.
o is a part of Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable
resources.
o fits into Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.
 o is grouped with Coal is grouped with non-renewable
resources.
o is related to Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.
o is associated with Coal is associated with other non-renewable
resources.
3. Description Paragraph
In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a person, place,
or thing is like. Sometimes, you may describe where a place is located.

Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks

like.
Examples
Describe where Canada's industry is located.

The following words can help you to write a good description

paragraph:

Properties Measurement Analogy Location

size length is like in

colour width resembles above

shape mass/weight below

purpose speed beside

near

north/east/south/west

Properties
Size
Example: Polar bears are big in size.
Colour
Example: Polar bears are usually white in colour.
Shape
Example: Polar bears have a special shape.
Purpose
Example: The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.
Measurement
Length
Example: The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.
Width
Example: The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.
mass / weight
Example: Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.
Speed
Example: Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.
Analogy
Is like
Example: A polar bear is like other bears in shape.
Resembles
Example: A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.
Location
In
Example: Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and
Quebec.
Above
Example: The ceiling is above us.
Below
Example: Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.
Beside
Example: Quebec is located beside Ontario.
Near
Example: Many companies are located near Toronto.
north / east / south / west
Example: Ontario is west of Quebec.
4. Compare and Contrast Paragraph
In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities
and differences between two or more people, places, things, or ideas.
Example: Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Vancouver and
Halifax.
The following words can help you to write a good compare and
contrast paragraph:

Similarities Differences

is similar to the other hand

both however

also but

too in contrast

as well differs from

while

unlike

Similarities
is similar to
Example: Spring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in
Halifax.
Both
Example: Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.
Also
Example: Halifax also has a rainy spring season.
Too
Example: Halifax has a rainy spring season, too.
As well
Example: As well, Halifax has rainy spring season.
Differences
On the other hand
Example: On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.
However
Example: However, winter is much colder in Halifax.
But
Example: Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.
In contrast to
Example: In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.
Differs from
Example: Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.
While
Example: While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold
winter.
5. Sequence Paragraph
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events
or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time.
Example: Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the prime
minister.
The following words can help you to write a good sequence paragraph.
Order Time

first, second, third, etc. recently

in the beginning previously

before afterwards

then when

after after

finally

at last

subsequently

Order
First, second, third, etc.
Example: First, you need to become a leader of a political
party. Second, you need to win a seat in the House of Commons. Third,
your party must have a majority of seats.
In the beginning
Example: In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political
party.
Before
Example: Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become
the leader of a political party.
Then
Example: Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.
After
Example: After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must
make sure you have a majority of seats.
Finally
Example: Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the prime
minister.
at last
Example: At last, you can call yourself the prime minister.
Subsequently
Example: Subsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of
seats in the House of Commons.
Time
Recently
Example: She was recently elected prime minister.
Previously
Example: She is the new prime minister. Previously, she worked as a
lawyer in Toronto.
Afterwards
Example: She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won
the election.
When
Example: When she won the party leadership, she was still working as
a lawyer.
after
Example: After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must
make sure you have a majority of seats.
6. Choice Paragraph
In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose
which object, idea, or action that you prefer. Often, you will need to
give your opinion on a choice of actions or events.
Example: Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to play
hockey or lacrosse.
The following words can help you to write a good choice paragraph:
Point of View Personal Opinion

in my opinion like/dislike

belief hope

idea feel

understanding

I think that

I consider

I believe

it seems to me

I prefer

Point of View
In my opinion
Example: In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
Belief
Example: My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
Idea
Example: My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
Understanding
Example: My understanding is that hockey is more fun than
lacrosse.
I think that
Example: I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.
I consider
Example: I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.
I believe
Example: I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
It seems to me
Example: It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
I prefer
Example: I prefer hockey over lacrosse.
Personal Opinions
Like/dislike
Example: I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.
Hope
Example: I hope that I can play hockey in the future.
Feel
Example: I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.
7. Explanation Paragraph
In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something
happens. Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore
causes and effects of certain events.
Example: Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans
moved to Canada during the nineteenth century.
The following words can help you to write a good explanation
paragraph:

Cause Effect

because therefore

since thus

as a result of consequently

is due to hence
 it follows that

if . . . then

Cause
Because
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth
century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.
Since
Example: Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people
moved to Canada.
As a result of
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor
living conditions in Europe.
Is due to / was due to
Example: The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic
pressures in Europe.
Effect
Therefore
Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many
people moved to Canada for a better life.
Thus
Example: Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many
people moved to Canada for a better life.
Consequently
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently,
many people moved to Canada.
Hence
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many
people moved to Canada.
It follows that
Example: Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows
that many people moved to Canada.
If ... then
Example: If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people
would have moved to Canada.
8. Evaluation Paragraph
In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas,
and possible actions. You need to make your evaluation based on
certain criteria that you develop. In the paragraph, you will state your
evaluation or recommendation and then support it by referring to your
criteria.
Example: Write a paragraph evaluating whether pesticides should be
used on farms.
The following words can help you to write a good evaluation paragraph:

Criteria for Evaluation Recommendation

good / bad suggest

correct / incorrect recommend

moral / immoral advise

right / wrong argue

important / trivial

Criteria
Good / bad
Example: The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the
environment.
Correct / incorrect
Example: The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.
Moral / immoral
Example: The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it
harms the environment.
Right / wrong
Example: It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the
environment.
Important / trivial
Example: The issue of pesticides is an important one because it
affects the environment.
Recommendation
Suggest
Example: I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.
Recommend
Example: I recommend that pesticides should not be used because
they are harmful to the environment.
Advise
Example: I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.
Argue
Example: I would argue that pesticides should not be used because
they harm the environment.
Writing a paragraph
Một đoạn văn là một loạt câu phát triển, ủng hộ, chứng minh một ý nào
đó, và ý này thường là câu chủ đề (topic sentence) của đoạn văn. Các
câu còn lại (supporting sentences) phát triển, giải thích, minh họa cho
câu chủ đề. Câu kết luận (concluding sentence) của đoạn văn là câu
khẳng định lại câu chủ điểm, tóm tắt lại các ý chính của đoạn văn.
1. Topic sentence
o Introduces the topic in the paragraph
 o Is the most general sentence in the paragraph
o Contains controlling ideas that the following sentences in the
paragraph will explain/ define/ clarify/ illustrate
* A controlling idea is a word or phrase that the reader can ask
questions about: How? Why? In what ways? What does that mean?
Ex: The conical leaf hat is one of the typical features of the Vietnamese
culture.
Topic: conical leaf hat
Controlling ideas: What is it? (typical feature of the Vietnamese
culture), In what way is it typical?
2. Supporting sentences
develop the topic sentence by giving:
o reasons
o examples
o facts
o statistics
o quotations
3. Concluding sentence
o Signals the end of the paragraph
o Summarizes the main points of the paragraph/ restates the topic
sentence without copying exactly
o Gives a final comment on the topic
Vậy trước khi viết một đoạn văn, HS hãy theo các bước sau:
o Liệt kê tất cả những ý có thể nghĩ ra được có liên quan đến chủ
đề đó.
o Đọc chủ đề cho sẵn, rồi chọn viết một câu chủ đề. Gạch chân
câu chủ đề này để nhắc các em về trọng tâm của đoạn văn.
o Viết ra các ý giải thích và làm rõ câu chủ đề.
o Với mỗi ý lớn, hãy viết ra các ví dụ, số liệu…dùng để minh họa.
 o Nghĩ cách kết thúc đoạn văn và viết nó ra.
Sau khi đã làm dàn ý như trên, hãy bắt đầu viết và bám sát dàn ý đã
vạch ra.
Để đoạn văn có thể liên kết với nhau và thống nhất trong một mạch
chảy của bài viết, HS phải biết cách sử dụng các từ nối câu cho hợp lý.
Sau đây là bảng các từ/ cụm từ nối.

Useful expressions

Sequencing/ Listing First of all, First(ly), Initially, To begin

with; Second(ly); Third(ly); Next;
Then; After that (this); Following this
(that); Finally; The first reason is…/
The second is…; Last but not least…

Adding to what you have Also, Furthermore, In addition,

said Additionally, Moreover, Besides, As
well as, Similarly, not only…but
also…, even beside this/ that

Contrasting In contrast to this, On the contrary, In

contrast, Conversely, On the other
hand, While, Whereas, However,
Despite/ In spite of, Although, Even
though, Otherwise, Nonetheless

Expressing similarity Similarly; Likewise, In the same way

Showing results As a result, As a consequence,

Consequently, Hence, Thus, Therefore,
So

Giving examples For example, For instance, In

particular, Particularly, That is to say,
Namely, Such as

Restating In other words, That is to say, To put it

simply
Inferring In other words, In that case, or else,
Otherwise

Summarizing In summary, To sum up, To conclude,

To recapitulate, In conclusion, In
short, In brief, In a nutshell, Lastly,
Finally

Writing an essay
Một bài luận là một bài viết dài hơn và thường gồm nhiều đoạn và mỗi
đoạn văn thường theo cấu trúc đoạn văn trình bày trên. Tuy nhiên, cách
viết đoạn mở đầu (introductory paragraph) và đoạn kết (concluding
paragraph) đặc thù như sau:
1. The introductory paragraph
• The attention getter
- a sentence that gets the reader interested
• The main idea
- the topic or thesis of the essay
• The guide/ thesis statement (the last sentence of the introductory
paragraph)
- a list of the points that will be discussed, thus showing the
organization of the composition
Ex: There are many things that symbolize the Vietnamese culture.
Among these is the conical leaf hat, a symbol of traditional Vietnamese
girls. The hat is very special because of its physical features and its u se.
- Attention getter: There are many things that symbolize the Vietnamese
culture.
- Topic/ thesis: Among these is the conical leaf hat, a symbol of
traditional Vietnamese girls.
- The guide/ thesis statement: The hat is very special because of its
physical features and its use.
2. Body
Các đoạn tiếp theo sau đoạn mở đầu sẽ phát triển tương ứng các ý được
đề cập trong câu chủ đề của bài luận, và cách viết tuân thủ theo cách
viết đoạn văn đã được đề cập trên. Ví dụ, đối với phần mở bài trên, phần
thân bài sẽ có 2 đoạn: Paragraph 1: physical features & Paragraph 2: its
use
3. The concluding paragraph
Là đoạn cuối của bài luận. Thường có 3 cách để viết đoạn kết.
• A summary repeats the main points of the essay.
• A prediction discusses what will happen in the future.
• An evaluation compares the main points and states what is best.
Tóm lại:
Structure of the Paragraph and the Essay
• Main idea (topic sentence or thesis)
• Support for the main idea (a number of supporting details in a
paragraph or a number of paragraphs in an essay)
• Conclusion (summary of the main points of support for the main idea)
The writing process for the Paragraph and the Essay
• First steps
o understanding the assignment
o narrowing the topic
o determining the writing context
o formulating a main idea
• Generating ideas
o stating the main idea
o brainstorming
o freewriting
o listing
o clustering
 o diving
• Organizing ideas
o Drafting
o Revising
o Editing
Writing an argumentative essay
Thể loại viết tranh luận thường gặp đối với các vấn đề có 2 mặt, ví dụ
như các ưu và nhược của máy tính/ Internet… Đề bài thường yêu cầu
cho biết quan điểm về vấn đề nào đó; ủng hộ hay chống đối; hoàn toàn
đồng ý hay bất đồng.
Thể loại viết tranh luận cũng theo cấu trúc cơ bản của một bài luận, từ
đoạn mở đầu, các đoạn thân bài, cũng như kết luận. Tuy nhiên, viết một
bài tranh luận thường yêu cầu một kỹ năng viết riêng; đó là ngôn ngữ sử
dụng để tranh luận, chứng minh hay biện giải cho quan điểm đưa ra.
Sau đây là một số ngôn ngữ hữu dụng cần khi viết thể loại này.
1. Introducing arguments
• First of all,…
• On the other hand,…
• It is worth remembering that…
• Another advantage is…
• In addition to this…
• Another point is that…
• What is more,..
• Some people believe that…
• To begin with…
2. Contrasting a previous statement or justifying an opinion
a. Common expressions
o On the other hand,…
o In spite of this,…
 o It is worth pointing out, however,…
o In contrast,…
o There again,…
o Others feel that…
o Nevertheless/ However? Nonetheless
o That may be true, but…
o In my opinion, it is true to say…
o Personally, I believe/ I do not believe that…
o Having said that, it is important to remember that…
o At the same time, I feel that…
o Although some people feel…
o Perhaps the most important point, however, is…
o Another important consideration is that…
o One of the main arguments against … is…
Several objections to…may be raised.
o All things considered/ On balance, it is fair to say that…
o It is inevitable/ undeniable that…
o While I appreciate the importance of…, I still think that…
o Most people would argue that…
o On the whole/ Overall,…
o Many people would disagree with the assertion/ idea that…
o The fact that… does not mean…
o It may be true that…but…
o However, it is doubtful/ I doubt whether…
b. Use double negative to give emphasis to an unexpected
o While it is not unusual/ uncommon/ impossible for sb/ sth to do
sth, it is quite usual/ common/ possible that…
 o While it is not inconceivable that…, there is slight possibility
that…
c. Summarizing
Nên tóm tắt các ý chính vừa thảo luận để giới thiệu phần tranh luận tiếp
theo, nhằm cho người đọc biết mình đang tranh luận theo hướng nào.
Có thể dùng các ngôn ngữ sau:
o Having looked at/ discussed a number of problems/ benefits, we
should now consider…
o Given the problems/ factors which have been outlined, we can
now turn to the question of…/ we need to ask…/ we have to
examine the case.
3. Concluding
o In conclusion,…
o In summary,…
o To conclude/ To sum up/ To summarize,…
o In short,…
o In the last analysis,…
o On balance, I would say that…
Describing a film/ a book/ a place
IV. Describing a film/ book
1. What to write
Khi mô tả một bộ phim/ cuốn sách, HS nên đưa vào các phần sau:
o Title and author
o Type of book/ film
o Characters
o Events in the film/ book
o Your opinion of the film/ book
o Personal recommendation
2. How to write
a. Viết tiêu đề
Tiêu đề phim/ sách thường được gạch dưới hoặc in nghiêng. Từ quan
trọng thường được viết hoa, trong khi các từ chức năng như and, in, a…
thường được viết thường trừ phi chúng là từ đầu tiên của tiêu đề.
Ex: Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands
b. Dùng tính từ để làm cho bài mô tả phim/ sách hấp dẫn
o Type of book/ film: a detective story/ film; a romantic novel; a
love story film; an adventure story; a science fiction novel; a
historical novel; a humorous story; a thriller
o Adjectives to describe film/ book: funny; hilarious; horrifying =
frightening; interesting; gripping; exciting; fascinating;
entertaining; brilliant; realistic; sad; tragic; imaginative;
touching = moving; action-packed; well-written; well-directed;
well/beautifully-filmed; wonderfully-acted…
o Adjectives to describe author/ director: great; skilled; observant;
gifted = talented; perceptive; entertaining…
c. Cấu trúc
o Mô tả: It’s called…; It’s by…; It was (written/ directed/
produced/ published/ designed) by/ in…; It’s by the same
(writer/ director) as…; It’s his/ her first/ second (book/ film); It’s
about/ tells the story of…; It stars…; It’s set in…; It’s based
on…; It’s adapted from…; It lasts about…hour(s); The story is
very simple/ complicated.
o Bày tỏ ý kiến cá nhân: The (acting/ story/ graphics) is/ are
brilliant/ terrible.; The best/ worst thing(s) about it is/ are…;
…..is really boring/ annoying/ exciting.; Another thing I really
liked/ hated was…; One weak point was…; It’s well worth
seeing.; I’d recommend it to anyone who likes…; I wouldn’t
recommend it to anyone…..
o Thì V: dùng simple present để mô tả phim/ sách dù là kể lại các
sự kiện xảy ra trong quá khứ.
o Dùng ngữ đồng vị:
Ex: Titanic, a tragic love story film, is about a couple on a sinking ship.
V. Describing a place
1. Outline
o What it is
o Location
o Size
o Population
o Area
o Main attractions
o Your feeling (s)/ opinion(s)
2. Useful language
o What: It is a small/ big village/ town/ city.; It is … in area.; Its
total area is …; It has a population of…
o How: cosmopolitan; crowded; densely-populated; sparsely-
populated; exciting; romantic; charming; historical; industrial;
noisy; ugly; modern; old-fashioned; ancient; peaceful; polluted;
popular with tourists…
o Where: It is located/ situated in the west/ southern/ centre of…;
It is near the border with…; It is on the river X.; It is famous
for…; It is about/ approximately … km from…
o Main attractions: an industrial area; beautiful scenery nearby; an
underground system or trams; sandy beaches; docks or a habour;
spectacular views; shopping malls or street markets; a carnival/
festival or other events
VI. Writing an announcement about a sports event
Writing an announcement cơ bản là viết một bản tin để thông báo một
sự kiện nào đó. Vì thế, ngôn ngữ thông báo thường ngắn gọn, rõ ràng và
dễ hiểu. Thông thường để thu hút sự chú ý của người đọc, các nội dung
chính thường được in đậm, gạch dưới, hoặc viết in hoa.
Tips
o Keep it short, inviting and to the point.
o Making the information in the announcement clear and
complete.
o Be straightforward and concise so the reader can get the
information quickly and be able to refer to it easily.
Ngoài ra, các chữ viết tắt đôi lúc cũng sử dụng, mạo từ, giới từ… cũng
được bỏ đi.

HO CHI MINH COMMUNIST YOUTH UNION

In celebration of the International Workers’ Day
Friendly Football Match
Cantho Youth Union vs. Local Sports Club
4 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 201…
School Stadium
*************
All teachers and students are invited.
Nguyen Van A
Head of the Union

Về nội dung, một thông báo về một sự kiện thể thao thường bao gồm
các thông tin sau:
 Who that announcer is.
 What the event is.
 The purpose of the event
 When and where the event will take place.
 Who can come.
Ví dụ về một đoạn văn viết bằng tiếng Anh:
Your school organizes a competition for students to write about The
world in which I would like to live in the year 2020.
Below is an essay by one of the studens.
My ideal world would be a peaceful one. There are no wars or conflicts
between nations. People won't have to live under the threat of terrorism
but all live together in harmony. Everyone has a job to do, and there is a
good healthy standard of living for all. I would also wish to live in a
clean healthy environment with less noise and less pollution. There are
more and larger parks where children can play and wildlife can be
protected. But my main desire is to see people less materialistic, less
selfish, less violent and more loving than they are now. (Trang 89 - 90
SGK Tiếng Anh 12)
Bản dịch tiếng Việt:
Thế giới lý tưởng của tôi là một thế giới hòa bình. (Thế giới đó) Không
có chiến tranh hoặc mâu thuẫn giũa các quốc gia. Người dân sẽ không
phải sống dưới nỗi sợ khủng bố mà tất cả mọi người cùng chung sống
hòa thuận. Ai cũng có công ăn việc làm và mọi người đều có mức sống
tốt đẹp. Tôi cũng muốn sống trong một môi trường trong sạch, lành
mạnh có it tiếng ồn và it bị ô nhiễm. Nhưng khát vọng của tôi là được
nhìn thấy mọi người bớt tôn sùng vật chất, bớt ích kỷ, bớt bạo lực và
thương yêu nhau nhiều hơn.)
Trong đoạn văn trên, câu đầu tiên (My ideal world would be a peaceful
one.) là câu chủ đề, trong đó topic là My ideal world và controlling idea
là a peaceful one (hiểu là a peaceful world)
Các câu văn còn lại là supporting sentences.
Tác giả sắp xếp supporting sentences theo trật tự từ chi tiết ít quan
trọng nhất đến quan trọng nhất
Đề thi bạn có thể gặp: Write about the ideal world in which you would
like to live in the year 2020. (Trang 90 SGK Tiếng Anh 12)
Như vậy, trong kỳ thi THPT Quốc gia, đề bài yêu cầu viết một
đoạn văn, các em cần bình tĩnh thực hiện các bước sau:
1/ Viết câu chủ đề. (cần triệt để lợi dụng đề bài để viết thành câu chủ
đề.)
 2/ Kiểm tra lại câu chủ đề để biết chắc trong câu chủ đề có topic và
controlling idea.
3/ Tìm ý để chứng minh/diễn giải ý chính bằng cách đặt các câu hỏi mở
đầu bằng từ nghi vấn. Lưu ý: do độ dài của đoạn văn bị khống chế nên
các em chỉ cần đặt khoảng 5 câu hỏi là được. Nhớ rằng các câu hỏi phải
liên quan đến câu chủ đề.
4/ Ráp các câu trả lời cho các câu hỏi (supporting sentences) lại thành
một đoạn văn hoàn chỉnh. Cần nhớ mấu chốt ở bước này là phải biết
chắc mình đang sử dụng trật tự nào để ráp nối supporting sentences.
5/ Cân nhắc có nên viết câu kết hay không. Nếu không chắc chắn thì bỏ
qua bước này.
6/ Kiểm tra lại các lỗi chính tả, lỗi ngữ pháp có thể có trong từng câu
viết của bạn. Lưu ý: cũng như phần viết thư, các em chỉ nên dùng
những loại câu đơn giản như câu đơn, câu kép, câu phức. Nói chung, từ
ngữ, cách diễn đạt càng rõ ràng, càng đơn giản càng tốt.
PRACTICE EXERCISES
Topic 1: writing a letter of job application
Topic 2: Writing TOPIC 2 – A MAGAZINE ARTICLE
Topic 3: DESCRIBING PLACES OF INTEREST
TOPIC 4 – A REVIEW OF A FILM
TOPIC 5 – AN ESSAY ON A GLOBE ISSUE
TOPIC 6 – A STORY DESCRIBING A CRIME
TOPIC 7 – A BOOK REVIEW
TOPIC 8 – A NARRATIVE TELLING THE STORY OF AN
EVENT
TOPIC 9 – PRESENTING OPINION FOR OR AGAINST
STATEMENT
TOPIC 10 – DISCUSSING A THEORETICAL ISSUE
MORE EXERCISES
Exercise 1:
Imagine you are an American student volunteer, who stayed in Mrs.
Mai’s house during your one-month volunteer campaign in a remote
villagw. Now you have just returned home. Write a letter to thank her
for her special help and care to you and your friends during the time you
stayed there.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

1. Paragraph 1 September 12th, 2015

- reason to write New York

- say you really appreciated Dear Mrs. Mai,

1. Paragraph 2
Exercise 2:
Some people think that family is the most important influence on young
adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence
on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons
and examples to support your opinion.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 3:
Write a description of the popular celebrations in Vietnam [e.g. Mid-
autumn festival, National Independence Day, Tet Holiday]. Your
description should include the following main points
 Name of the festival
 Time of the festival
 purpose of the festival
 main activities of the festival
 your fellings about the festival {whether you like it or not and the
reasons}

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 4: describing your prparation for Tet holiday
In 130-150 words, write a paragraph on what you like and don’t like
about out Tet holidays. Your writing hsould include the activities people
often do before and during Tet, the food and the weather at Tet. You
may use the cues below.
Before Tet: clean and decorate the house/buy peach flowers, kumquat
trees/ buy things {sweets, candies, ….}
During Tet: cook traditional foods/ go to pagoda or church/ visit
relatives and friends/ ………..
Typical foods: banh chung/ fruit jams/
The weather: cold and wet/ cool and windy/ sunny

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 5: an essay
Write a paragraph of 120-150 words about the measures to protect the
environment, using the cues below:

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Introduction: we/ try to We are trying to find sollutions to the

find sollutions/
environment pollution environment pollution. There are a number
of

Solutions but I think people should

Body:
- people/ stopcutting
trees for timbers/
instead, they/ plant more
trees and forests./
- people/ reduce using
cars, motorbike/ that
cause noise and air
pollution./
- we / prevent farmers/
use fertilizers and
pesticides/ that damage
soil./
- people/ not to leave/
litter on land and in
water./
- we/ prohibit factories/
dump industrial waster/
rivers and lakes./
Conclusion:
- it/ be/ high time/
government/ have
suitable measures/ that
require companies,
individuals/ stop cutting
down/ polluting
activities.

Exercise 6:
Imagine Vietnam is going to host the coming Asian Games. Write a
paragraph of 130-150 words to desvribe the preparations for the games,
using the cues below.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Build: more national To prepare for the coming Asian Games, we

stadium, some sportd have a lot of things to do.
buildings and cars parks
First of all, we will

Build: National Sports

Centres and local
stadiums (old are not in
good condition)
Widen: training ares and
roads to sports buildings

Equip: hotels, guess

houses, with modern
facilities [also special
services for disabled
athletes]

Promote and advertise:

preparations for the
Asian Games on TV and
radio

Recruit: voluteers to
serve the Games
[university teachers and
students with good
English]

Hold: competition to
choose an official song
Exercise 7:
Write a paragraph of 130-150 words about your collection, real or
imaginary. These guidelines may help you.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Name of collectiom

How to collect them

How to keep them

When to start it

How to clasify them

Why to collect

Your plan for the future

……………………….
Exercise 8:
“Fifty years from now life will be much easier and healthier for ordinary
people than it is today.”
Do you agree or dis agree with the statement. Give the reasons.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 9:
Write a paragraph of 130-150 words about your class’s camping
holiday, real or imaginary, using the information below.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

- the bus leaving the

school at 5 a.m.

- putting up the
unberella tents

- watching wildlife in
the forest

- swimming in the lake

- going fishing and

hiking
- cooking food over an
open fire

- singing and dancing

around the campfire

- playing games

- leaving the campsite at

4 p.m. the next day

- felling relax and active

* useful words: campgrounds/ wildeness/ waterfalls/ dirt bike/ trash/

gaint trees/ depressed/ solitude/

* be atracted to the beauty of nature/ like the solitude of the wildeness/

enjoy spectacular scenery/ have a lot of outdoor activities/ get close to
nature/ become more active/ sleep in a tent/ the weather was bad/ ….
Exercise 10:
Below are some notes made by a visitor to the Ponagar Cham Tower in
Nha Trang. Use his/her notes to write a report of 130-150 words on the
visit.

Your outline here Your writing here

1. Brief information:
- Brief tour to Ponagar
Cham Tower in Nha
Trang
- example of Cham
architecture in central
Vietnam

2. Details
- consists of 4 towers
- located on Cu Lao
Marble Hill, 2 km
north Nha trang
- built between 8th and
13th centuries
- each tower delicated
to a different god
- largest tower 22.5m
high, built in honour of
Lady Thien Y, contain
sandstone statue, sit on
Buddha’s throne
Statue 2.6m high, with
10 hands, hold objects,
illustrate the buddha’s
power

3. Summary of the
visit
- last 5 hours
- tiring but enjoyable,
memorable

Exercise 11:
What rules do you have in your family. Write a paragraph of 180-200
words about your family rules. You can use the cues below.
LET/ ALLOW/ BE ALLOWED/ HAVE TO/ PERMIT
Doing some household chores Talking on the phone
Coming home late Using the family motorbike
Preparing meals Going out with friends
Watching TV ………………………….

Example here Your writing here

Every family has its Every family has its own rules and of course
own rules. Mine has a mine has a few. It was the rules that make our
few. First, I have to
prepare meals because
my mother is very busy
with her work. Next, I
am permitted to watch
TV after I have
finished my homework.
My mother also lets me
talk on the phone with
friends provided that I
don’t use it too long.
As a girl, I am not
permitted to come
home late except for
some special reasons.
My parents don’t allow
me to use the family
motorbike for fear that
I may have accident.
Despite the severe
rules, we all feel
comfortable and safe
because we know that
our parents want the
best things for us.

Exercise 12:
1. Paragraph 1
Your writing here

2. Paragraph 2
Your writing here

3. Paragraph 3
Your writing here
Exercise 13:

Your writing here

Exercise 15:
1. Example
2. Writing task.

Example:
My ideal world will be an interesting one. People won’t use money or
credit cards anymore. Special machines will read our fingerprints and
we will pay for thing that way. We will not have to type on computers.
Instead, we will say the words and the computer will type them. Cars
will drive themselves. We will just tell the cars where to go. So kids at
my age will be able to drive. We will have a pet robot dog. I will not
have to feed it, and I will not have to walk it. The dog will only need
batteries.
People will live longer, and they will be active longer. People will not
get sick any more. There will be many more treatments to cure sickness.

Your outline here Your writing here

- World peace:
 He/She would like to
live in a peaceful
world.
 There will be no
wars, no conflicts.
 People won’t have to
live under the threat of
terrorision.
 People all over the
world live in harmony.
- Employment:
 Every one will have
jobs.
- Environment:
 There will be clean
and healthy
environment.
 There will be less
noise, less pollution,
larger parks and
wildlife will be well
protected.
- People:
 People will be less
materialistic, selfish,
violent and more
loving.
Exercise 16:
1. Example

Problems Solutions

1/ People do not know much a/ Punish severely those who poach

about the need to protect rare for their horns, meat and skin and
and endangered animals. those who buy and sell wildlife
products illegally.
2/ Projects to save endangered
animals do not have sufficient b/ Stop people from hunting
funds. endangered animals for food and for
commercial purposes.
3/ The habitats for endangered
animals are being seriously c/ Ask other non-governmental
damaged and polluted. organizations and individuals to
4/ People who live in or near sponsor by advertising them on mass
media.
endangered animals’ habitats
have poor living conditions and d/ Establish more wildlife habitat
rely mostly on wildlife products reserves.
for their livelihood.
e/ Ask people not to use these
5/ Some countries do not have products. Make them feel guilty to
laws to protect endangered use them.
animals.
f/ Preserve good habitats for
6/ People keep buying endangered species by banning
fashionable wildlife products. dumping wastes into the sea, making
campfires in the forests or destroying
7/ There are not enough wildlife
the forests
habitat reserves.
g/These animals should be kept
together in their natural habitat so
that they can be productive and saved
from extinction.
Answer: 1b 2c 3f 4a 5g 6e 7d
2. Writing task
Write a paragraph of 180-200 words about measures for protecting
endangerd animals.

Your outline here Your writing here

USEFUL There are a number of measures that should

EXPRESSIONS be taken to protect endangerd animals. For me
the main mesures are ………………………
- There are a number of
measures that should
be taken to protect
endangered animals.
First of all,
……………
There should be..
One thing we can do is
..
Moreover……
Last but not least, …..
We can see that………
Exercise 17: Writing a book report.
1. Example:

Example:
I would like to introduce you “Falling into bed”, a funny story. It was
written by Phil Healey. Last autumn an Englishman went to the United
States to visit some important places. On the last day of his holiday he
went to New York to visit the Empire State Building. The weather was
cold and it was very windy but he walked up… and up ..and up. He
arrived at the top and looked down at the street below. Suddenly there
was a strong wind and he fell off the building. But when he was only a
hundred metres from the street, a big car came round the corner with a
bed on top of it . He hit the bed, not the road. Lucky man !
“Falling into bed” is a strange and interesting story.
2. Writing task:
Write a report of 180-200 words on the book you have read
recently. The folowing questions can help you.

Your outline here Your writing here

S1:general
introduction
7. What is the title of
the book? Falling into
Bed
4. Who is the author?
Phil Healey
9. What the type of
book is it? A funny
story.
S2:Summary of the
book’s content
2. Where is the book
set? New York
5. What is the main
theme of the book?
Urban myths
6. Who are the main
characters? Englishman
8. What is the plot of
the story?
S3:Conclusion
1.What was your
opinion of the book?
3.would you
recommend the book?

Exercise 18:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? “ You shouold
never make a decision on your future career alone.”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words to support your answer.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 19:
Write a composition of about 180-200 words on the following topic.
“ The invention of the Internet has had negative effect on our
children.”
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Your outline here Your writing here
Exercise 20:
“What are important quanlities of a good student?”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words, using specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 21:
“Good books are good teachers and friends.”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words, using specific reasons and
examples to support your opinion.
Your outline here Your writing here
Exercise 22:
“In the future students may have the choice of studying at home by
using technology such as computers or television, or of studying at
traditional schools. Which do you prefer?”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words to support your position.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 23:
“Some people prefer to live in the countryside. Others thinkliving in
big cities is better and comfortable. Which place do you prefer to
live in?”
Write a paragraph of about 180-200 to explain your choice.
Your outline here Your writing here
Exercise 24:
“Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than
with a group. Others think that it is always better to work in
groups. Which do you prefer?”
Write a paragraph of about 180-200 words to support your position.

Your outline here Your writing here