IHWO Activity Pack - Level C2

Writing 2

‘In a report or an essay I can give a complete account of a topic based on research I have carried
out, make a summary of the opinions of others, and give and evaluate detailed information and
facts.’

Don’t Think Twice

Aim: Learners increase the range of phrases they can use to describe other people’s opinions.

Topic: Hobbies

Time: 45 minutes

Concept: It is often necessary to cite the opinions of others in a piece of writing but naming a source
directly may not be desirable and/or may sound too informal. This activity provides practice
of this aspect of formal writing and asks learners to manipulate a selection of sentence stems
to give an example report a more formal and authoritative tone.

Suggested Procedure:

1 Ask learners to read the report about possible improvements to a gym’s facilities and to decide
whether they think it is a good report or not. In feedback elicit that the major weakness is the repetition of
the verb ‘think’. Also, naming individuals and repeating ‘the members’ and ‘the staff’ detract from the
content.

2 At this level, there should be no need for learners to use the verb ‘think’ more than once, so pairs
can now try to improve how the report expresses the opinions of others by altering the phrases that
contain ‘think’. Feedback on learners’ suggestions as a class.

3 Next, learners consider ten formal phrases for introducing the opinions of others and work together
to complete the gaps in the phrases. Usually more than one answer is possible, so during feedback elicit
all the options and write them on the board. Emphasise that learning a few sentence stems with flexible
word slots is an excellent way for learners to broaden their writing resources.

4 Pairs work on improving the example report by inserting the new phrases and changing the structure
of the sentences as appropriate. They are allowed to leave one ‘think’ in place. If learners use computers
for this activity, they can print a copy of the improved example to keep. This will assist when they come
to write their own report.

5 Learners choose a hobby of their own on which to write a report, incorporating some of the sentence
stems they have studied.

Variation: If time is short, instead of step four give learners the example of an improved report
to compare with the original.

© International House World Organisation C2 Activity Pack

IHWO Activity Pack - Level C2

Writing 2

‘In a report or an essay I can give a complete account of a topic based on research I have carried
out, make a summary of the opinions of others, and give and evaluate detailed information and
facts.’

Introduction
The aim of this report is to detail how the Muscle Mania Gym is currently used and to examine the
ways in which facilities might be improved to attract a wider membership. Research was
conducted in the form of interviews with members and gym staff and focused on three principle
areas: weight training, cardio and general fitness classes.

Weight training
The staff think that weight training is the most popular area of the gym. Members tend to
incorporate some weight lifting into their routine each time they come and most think that the
number of machines is sufficient. While most people think that the free weights area is spacious
and well-equipped, David Smith thinks that his work-out time is extended at peak times due to
increased waiting time.

Cardio machines
The gym staff think that the cardio area has great potential to attract new clients as this aspect of
the gym compares very favourably with local competition. Nevertheless, many of those
interviewed thought that there was usually at least one step machine out of order and that speedier
maintenance could create a better impression. Caroline Thomas thought that some of the cardio
machines simply needed replacing.

Classes
Nearly all of the classes are well-attended, with a minimum of ten participants in the afternoon,
rising to sixteen in the evenings, and the staff think they are a major attraction for younger gym-
goers. However, the yoga teachers thought that scheduling a weekly welcome class for each
activity would encourage new members to join.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of the existing clientele is happy and able to benefit from the full range
of the gym’s facilities. However, the perceived weaknesses should be rectified as soon as possible
in order to maximise new member intake.

© International House World Organisation C2 Activity Pack

IHWO Activity Pack - Level C2

Writing 2

‘In a report or an essay I can give a complete account of a topic based on research I have carried
out, make a summary of the opinions of others, and give and evaluate detailed information and
facts.’

Improved version:

Introduction
The aim of this report is to detail how the Muscle Mania Gym is currently used and to examine the
ways in which facilities might be improved to attract a wider membership. Research was
conducted in the form of interviews with members and gym staff and focused on three principle
areas: weight training, cardio and general fitness classes.

Weight training
It is apparent that weight training is the most popular area of the gym. Members tend to
incorporate some weight lifting into their routine each time they come and most think that the
number of machines is sufficient. While the general consensus is that the free weights area is
spacious and well-equipped, it has been pointed out that work-out time is extended at peak times
due to increased waiting time.

Cardio machines
A commonly held view is that the cardio area has great potential to attract new clients as this
aspect of the gym compares very favourably with local competition. Nevertheless, the view has
been expressed that there is usually at least one step machine out of order and that speedier
maintenance could create a better impression. An alternative idea is that some of the cardio
machines simply need replacing.

Classes
Nearly all of the classes are well-attended, with a minimum of ten participants in the afternoon,
rising to sixteen in the evenings, and it is generally held that they are a major attraction for younger
gym-goers. However, scheduling a welcome class for each activity is seen to be a good way of
encouraging new members to join.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of the existing clientele is happy and able to benefit from the full range
of the gym’s facilities. However, the perceived weaknesses should be rectified as soon as possible
in order to maximise new member intake.

© International House World Organisation C2 Activity Pack

IHWO Activity Pack - Level C2

Writing 2

‘In a report or an essay I can give a complete account of a topic based on research I have carried
out, make a summary of the opinions of others, and give and evaluate detailed information and
facts.’
Phrases for expressing other people’s opinions

1. It is generally ______________________________ that

2. The ______________________________ has been expressed that

3. X is/was ______________________________ to point out that

4. It would ______________________________ that

5. It has been ______________________________ that

6. An alternative ______________________________ is/was

7. The general ______________________________ is that

8. A commonly held ______________________________ is that

9. Y is ______________________________ to be

10. It is ______________________________ that

© International House World Organisation C2 Activity Pack

IHWO Activity Pack - Level C2

Writing 2

‘In a report or an essay I can give a complete account of a topic based on research I have carried
out, make a summary of the opinions of others, and give and evaluate detailed information and
facts.’

Answers:

1. It is generally held that

2. The opinion / view has been expressed that

3. X is/was eager / quick / keen to point out that

4. It would appear / seem that

5. It has been mentioned / suggested / pointed out that

6. An alternative viewpoint / attitude / idea / view is/was

7. The general consensus / impression is that

8. A commonly held view / opinion is that

9. Y is seen / thought / reckoned to be

10.It is apparent / evident / clear / obvious that

© International House World Organisation C2 Activity Pack