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self-study, you should work through the book, from page one to the end, checking your answers as you complete each of the exercises. Begin by reading the Introduction and learn about the essay form, the key stages and the language features of the essay that are important for this form of persuasive communication. What is the best way to study? First, find a quiet and comfortable place where you can work. You should feel good working there. Do a minimum of 40 minutes each day. Try to make a regular time for study, so that it becomes routine - the same time and place every day. You will need a dictionary to check the meaning of new vocabulary. At this level (advanced) you should use an Advanced Learners dictionary of English - rather than a bilingual dictionary. Whenever you find common or familiar expressions that you dont know, learn these words first. They are the building blocks for the more difficult vocabulary you will learn later. Develop your vocabulary, step by step. The best way to learn new words is to guess their meaning from the context, check the meaning in a dictionary, and practice using them in your writing. The topics in this book are general topics selected to help develop your academic vocabulary. You should also read widely and become familiar with other topics and issues. It is a good idea to read about topics that are less familiar to you, but still relevant for a general English test, like the IELTS. What else can I do? Find a friend who will practice speaking English with you and discuss together the topics and issues that you read about in this book Of course, an English teacher will be helpful when you need to have your essays corrected and get advice about any errors you might be making in your writing. At the end of each chapter there is a checklist of things to look for in your writing. Check that you have done all these things, and, if you need to, make changes and corrections. Finally, it is advisable to attempt the sample essay questions provided at the end of each chapter. By completing all the exercises in this book, you are taking positive steps towards achieving your goals. Remember - every page completed is a giant step toward achieving success in essay writing.
By completing all the exercises in this book, you are taking positive steps towards achieving your goals. Remember - every page completed is a giant step toward achieving success in essay writing.
/ claim context diff. discuss eg. essay etc. exposition exam formal language gaps genre i.e. IELTS intro L match no. practice proposition p/w Q. R re./ref. recommendation recount structure strategy s.o. s.t. text via viz.
- alternative eg. x/y =. (x) OR (y) - to say without proof/evidence something is true - situation and circumstances - different - (1) talk about, (2) consider two or more sides example - type of persuasive/written text etcetera : and so on - factual writing eg. explanation, argument, etc. - examination impersonal language used in formal situations spaces where words are missing - type of text. eg. recount, narrative, exposition that is - International English Language Testing System - introduction - left - put together, link - number - purposeful activity - a statement or claim that may be true - per week - question or essay question - right - reference to / concerning / about - final suggestion, advice - retelling of past events, story about people - form, organization into stages or steps a way of doing s.t., a method or technique - some one - some thing - a written passage, sometimes transcribed spoken - through - such as
contents
INTRODUCTION
The Essay
TOPIC 1 :
LANGUAGE LEARNING
Reading & Vocabulary Grammar : Be Logical Writing practice Review, checklist, sample questions
7 8 12 16 23
TOPIC 2 :
25 31 30 34 39
TOPIC 3 :
THE ENVIRONMENT
Reading & Vocabulary Grammar : Reason Writing practice Review, checklist, sample questions
41 42 46 49 56
TOPIC 4 :
57 58 62 66 75
TOPIC 5 :
77 78 82 84 91
ANSWERS
93
introduction
What is an essay? The essay is a form of academic writing widely used in secondary and higher education. The general purpose of the essay is to demonstrate the importance of a given subject or issue, and persuade an educated reader to consider the writers point of view on the issue. What is an exam essay? What do they examine? Exam essays, like the IELTS Task 2, test a students ability to think analytically, present persuasive arguments and thus communicate effectively in an academic context. In other words, the writer should show that they can : - answer the question, which requires the careful analysis of the question, - present and develop logical and reasonable arguments, and - communicate clearly, using appropriate language (vocabulary and grammar). What are the key stages of an essay? It is important to remember that the exam essay is a response to a given question, so it should answer the question clearly and decisively. To this end, the writer makes their position clear from the start, and then presents a sequence of arguments in support of their position, before finally restating their position. These are the three key stages of any essay.
KEY STAGES
Position
INTRODUCTION
BODY
Sequence of Arguments
A sequence of arguments is given to support the writers position. Each argument is a claim supported with reasons, facts and examples.
CONCLUSION
Restatement
The staging of the essay is (in itself) a persuasive device. Statement and repeated restatement reinforce the writers position. Depending on the number, strength and logical development of arguments, any given essay will be more or less persuasive and more or less successful. Most essays include a few optional stages, such as a lead-in (which introduces the topic by providing some very general background information/ideas), and the preview stage (which previews the arguments that will follow). A recommendation is optional, depending on the essay
question. Though many essays will differ, in terms of optional staging, all essays display the same key stages as above. The sample essay below illustrates a more complex staging of the essay genre. This essay (below) is a good example because it has a clear position statement, previews the arguments that follow, and proceeds to develop argumentation logically and coherently. The recommendation stage follows logically from the essay question, as the writer is required to discuss solutions to the problem of gambling. Q.
What are the causes, effects and possible solutions to the problem of gambling?
STAGING
GAMBLING
sample essay
Many people participate in gambling as a form of recreation and entertainment. It is very popular in countries, like Australia, where more than 20 billion dollars was spent on gambling in the year 2000. However, gambling is viewed by many as a problem for society . There are causes, effects and possible solutions for the problems related to gambling. Generally speaking, there are a number of causes of gambling-related
problems. Many gamblers lose money and some get into debt very quickly. They may spend all their savings, and then borrow more money, to try and get out of debt. In this way, they may get into further debt. The effects of gambling can be devastating on both the individual and Some gamblers neglect their children,
their families. If gamblers get into serious debt, their families may suffer
2.
whom they abandon while they spend time gambling in casinos. If they are caught, the authorities might take their children away. Still others might take out their frustration on their friends or families, and possibly become violent.
3.
government. In general, people should try to help those with gambling problems. The government should also place restrictions on gambling, and run education programs, to help gambling-addicts and raise peoples awareness and understanding of the related social problems.
Restatement Recommendation
In conclusion, if we understand the causes and effects of gambling, the solutions become clear . Through education and support programs , it is possible to give people and addicts the knowledge and assistance they need to resist or overcome their gambling problems.
In an assessment of a candidates essay the examiner will consider (i) whether the writer answers the question, (ii) their expression (grammatical accuracy and vocabulary), and (iii) the cohesion of the text (including whether arguments are logically developed). Therefore, when preparing for a writing exam, it is a good idea to practice developing arguments on many different issues and topics.
The language features of an essay reflect the writers purpose, namely, to persuade the reader of their position (opinion) on a given issue. We have already mentioned that the staging of the essay is itself a persuasive device by repeatedly stating and expanding on their arguments, the writer is being persuasive. The language features of an essay also reflect the persuasive strategies commonly used in argumentation : be logical, reason effectively, sound authoritative and reasonable (dont exaggerate), and communicate effectively (precisely and cohesively). The relevant strategies and language features are summarised in the table below :
PERSUASIVE STRATEGIES
1. Be LOGICAL
Language Features
CONJUNCTIONS for Listing, Addition etc.
2. Be AUTHORITATIVE
3. REASON
4. Be COHESIVE
REFERENCE WORDS
5. Sound REASONABLE
Language of GENERALISATION
Each chapter of this book discusses one of these five persuasive strategies and relevant language features as outlined above. In the Grammar unit of each chapter, further explanation and exercises are provided to help the reader become more familiar with the key language features and their effective use in writing short exam essays.
topic 1
language learning
in this chapter learn new vocabulary and read about the topic learn about conjunctions : being logical learn about three types of essay question develop ideas and write an essay on the topic
a Bizzy moment
visualise (n) to see in your mind, imagine visualisation (n) process of imagining, in your minds eye
1.2
Fill the gap using expressions from 1.1 above. 1. The main .goal. of school is preparation for life. 2. Many language tests are designed to assess 3. Success in exams, .. on how hard you work. 4. In the of the classroom, students can practice speaking. 5. One way to prepare for the test is to ..facts. 6. speaking, classroom learning is easier than self-study. 7. The best . for learning new words is using them! 8. Sallys teacher . that she does more study. 9. The discussion was a very positive . 10. One of studying abroad is making new friends. 11. The most obvious . between America and China is language. 12. Deaf people communicate using sign language.
1.3
Complete the table below, and revise vocabulary from Topic 1: language learning.
Adjective 1. learnt 6. 8. 11. enjoyable repetitive 20. 23. 26. 28. functional/ing 33. 36. 39.. contextual 43. serious 48. 50. conversational 54. necessary
Noun study 4. 7. 9. memory/isation 14. 17. acquisition 24. 27. 29. 30. 34. interaction recommendation 41. advantage 46. 49.. proficiency 52. speech 56.
Verb 2. 5. copy understand 12. 15. 18. 21. instruct teach ___________ 31. 35. 37. 40. 42. 44. ___________ text 51. 53. 55. 57.
Adverb 3. ___________ ___________ 10. 13. 16. 19. 22. 25. ___________ methodically 32. dependently 38. ___________ ___________ 45. 47. ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 58.
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1.4
Reading comprehension. True or False ? 1. Many students of foreign languages cannot speak the language effectively. 2. They study the foreign language without actually using it.. 3. All teachers understand the difference between studying and learning a foreign language. 4. Formal classes are the best way to learn a foreign language. 5. Memorising grammar rules or vocabulary is not as helpful as interacting in the classroom. 6. Students who do not practise speaking do not speak very well. 7. Taking turns at asking and answering questions is not helpful. 8. A knowledge of grammar is more important than using the language. 9. Most books suggest it is best to learn a foreign language through formal lessons in the country where the language is spoken. 10. When students learn in the foreign country they have a strong reason to practice communication. 11. Students experience particular language patterns repeatedly when living in the country where the language is spoken. 12. Few books on language learning recognise the importance of interaction. T / F T / F T / F . T / F T / F T / F T / F T / F T / F T / F T / F T / F
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grammar : be logical
The grammar focus of this unit is how to be LOGICAL or express ideas logically. Conjunctions, or joining words, express the logical relations between ideas, and therefore help us structure and develop our arguments. There are two types: SENTENCE-LEVEL and STRUCTURAL CONJUNCTIONS.
(i)
SENTENCE-LEVEL CONJUNCTIONS join ideas within a sentence. Example 1: Example 2: Toothpaste is good for your teeth and apples are too. Brushing is healthy because it reduces tooth decay.
In Example 1, the conjunction and expresses addition. (1 + 1) In Example 2, the conjunction because expresses causation. (1 -> 2) ( See the table on page 15 for a list of the most common conjunctions. )
1.5
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1.6
BEGINNINGS
1. Although the task is not easy 2. Always seek advice 3. Partly because of advertising 4. Many parents work hard 5. Unless forests are protected 6. When children are young 7. Movies are expensive to make 8. Instead of being lazy 9. Before visiting a country 10. Though fast food is popular 11. The garden is beautiful 12. Sydney has many beaches 13. Hung is studying English 14. Yasmin got the job 15. The postman was sick 16. The man was not hurt 17. There will be trouble 18. He had a bad temper 19. Because I knew my topic 20. Always wash your hands 21. Mexico is a big city 22. Pete has been a top player 23. Cycling is popular 24. Fast cars are dangerous 25. If vegetables are good for you 26. After a year working overseas 27. Too much sunshine is unhealthy 28. We should see a dentist 29. Shopping is a favourite pastime 30. Hair cuts are expensive
ENDINGS
a) if you are confused. b) products are expensive. c) to afford a better life. d) you can still succeed. e) they are easily influenced. f) try working hard. g) it is unhealthy. h) they will be destroyed. i) learn the language! j) so tickets are not cheap. k) but Brisbane hasnt any. l) while working part time. m) so there was no mail. n) even though a car hit him. o) if prices increase. p) and the house is huge. q) but he was still popular. r) I felt very confident. s) before you eat a meal. t) because she was the best. u) whereas Tijuana is small. v) because it is good exercise. w) unless drivers are careful. x) since he won the Open. y) as it can cause skin cancer. z) we should eat more of them. A) if you follow the fashions. B) David moved back home. C) so people cut their own hair. D) if we have a toothache.
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(ii)
For example:
Many people clean their teeth after every meal. Consequently, tooth decay is reduced.
Both types, sentence-level and structural conjunctions, are important and widely used in academic writing. They can be classified as per the table below.
CONJUNCTIONS
1. LISTING First of all / To begin with Firstly / Secondly.. Then After that / Finally
2. ADDING / REINFORCING In addition / Also / and as well as / In other words Another / Besides Furthermore / Moreover
6. CAUSE/EFFECT In order to / In this way / so As a result / Because / then Consequently / As such Subsequently / Therefore
NOTE
The LISTING CONJUNCTIONS are very important because they make the order of arguments clear to the reader, and show that your essay has a logical structure. DO NOT FORGET to leave a CLEAR BREAK between paragraphs and make sure your punctuation is correct!
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1.7
LEARNING ENGLISH In my opinion, learning English is difficult. There are a number of reasons why I think this is true.
(1) Firstly English is very different to my mother tongue, which is Chinese. English is not a tonal language, like Chinese. English (2). has verb tenses, (3). Chinese does not. English words have many syllables, 4)... Chinese characters are monosyllabic. (5). the two languages are very different.
(6)... reason why learning English is difficult is that English speakers talk very fast, (7). they are difficult to understand. My teacher says English speakers use contracted or short forms, which makes it difficult if you do not know these forms. (8). problem is the vocabulary. English people say something one way, but then they write it differently, using language that is more formal. Many new words must be learnt.
(9) , the differences between English and Chinese make it a difficult language to learn. The vocabulary and grammar of spoken and written English (10). presents difficulties.
(11), some people have a special ability for learning languages. They can pick up new vocabulary easily, and learn to speak more quickly then others. They do not seem to be different from other people, (12) languages seem to be easy for them.
another so
firstly but
also
whereas
another consequently
additionally also
also
therefore
another
notably
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writing practice
This unit looks at how to interpret the essay question, and then choose your response/position. It is important to begin with the essay question, and understand that, depending on the type of question there may be a number of possible ways to answer the question. To begin with, there are (3) BASIC TYPES of essay question:
examples
1.8
NOTE
Explain essays do not give you a real choice about an issue or topic. You must answer the question/s or the parts of the question fully. With Discuss and Argue questions, you can choose your position, for or against.
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1.9
Write down the 3 possible answers for each of these essay questions. Note: The VERB in the question is picked up in the Y/N answers. POSITION STATEMENTS
QUESTION/S
a) Should both parents work if they have children?
POSSIBLE
Both parents should work Both parents should not work In some situations, both
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writing practice
In this unit, we interpret the essay question for this chapter, and develop ideas for writing a response. Here is the question:
Q.
The best way to learn a foreign language is by studying in a foreign country. Do you agree? This question has TWO parts or stages:
IN TERPRETATION
Your Answer could be :
YES, I agree NO, I disagree PARTLY Yes & No
There are other more effective ways to learn a foreign language, than by studying in a foreign country.
Learning a foreign language in a foreign country is a good way, but there are other ways just as good.
IF you decide that the proposition is PARTLY true, then you must explain: o why learning a foreign language in the foreign country is good, and o what others ways are also good for learning a foreign language, and why
The easiest way to answer questions like this is to take ONE SIDE (yes OR no), and then develop each supporting reason/argument into a paragraph.
IF, however, you decide that you disagree with the proposition, then you must say what other ways there are that are more effective, and why. Heres one argument/paragraph to support the NO position on the issue :
One way to learn a foreign language is by reading foreign language books. With the aid of a dictionary, you can learn the meaning of new words. Subsequently, by writing about the story you have read, you can be sure that you are really learning these new expressions. Reading stories is fun, and this is a good way to build your vocabulary and knowledge of stories.
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This next exercise will give you some ideas for the essay in this chapter. 1.10
Tick () the reasons for learning a language in a foreign country. a) Students can practise speaking everyday. b) You can learn the grammar from the teacher. c) You can meet people and make new friends. d) The teacher will correct your mistakes. e) You need to communicate to get what you want. f) Students can practice before facing a real situation. g) You can build your vocabulary by reading texts. h) You can learn about the language and the culture. i) Students are more motivated to speak with locals. j) You can pick up how the local people speak. k) You can have a fun holiday and learn the language. l) You can improve pronunciation by doing drills. m) The teacher will correct your writing and homework. n) You can learn useful expressions. o) It is safe to make mistakes in a classroom. p) Students can use the language in real situations. q) You can learn in pairs or in groups. r) You can read the local newspaper. s) Students can take risks, and not feel embarrassed. t) The teacher can select tasks that are suitable. u) Students can practise by doing homework. v) Students can learn by watching TV. w) You do not have to do tests. x) The teacher cannot teach everything you need to know. y) The local people may not be friendly or helpful. z) You can learn vocabulary from a bilingual dictionary.
Now, cross (X) the reasons for NOT learning a language in a foreign country.
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writing practice
Take 40 minutes to complete this task. Make a plan, and write your essay. Q. The best way to learn a foreign language is by studying in a foreign country. Do you agree?
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ASK A TEACHER TO CORRECT YOUR WRITING. COMPARE WITH SAMPLE IN THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
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checklist
Did you read the essay question carefully? Did you make a plan, and follow it? Did you write a clear POSITION statement? Did you have clear paragraphs? Did you use LISTING conjunctions?
COMPARE your essay with the sample answer at the back of the book. Can you see any differences between the two? Can you see any mistakes you have made? Note the mistakes, and think about exercises that might help you to correct your mistakes? IF you have difficulty checking your writing, you might like to ask a teacher to help!
summary
This chapter looked at how to answer the essay question. The student always has choices, and must decide on a clear position. The beginning or introduction of any essay should contain a clear POSITION statement. When planning your answer, choose your arguments carefully, and then use CONJUNCTIONS to sequence your arguments logically and effectively. This chapter introduced vocabulary on the topic of Language Learning.
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It has been said that education is the cause of social inequality of the difference between the haves and the have-nots. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
There is some debate as to whether schooling should be a preparation for life or work. What should be the priorities of the education system, and why?
Boys and girls would seem to perform better when they are in separate classes. If this is the case, shouldnt schools be single-sex, rather than co-educational? Give your opinion.
It is easy to learn a foreign language, like English. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons to support your point of view.
Illiteracy is one of the main problems for school systems in many countries. Nearly a quarter of all students experience difficulties with reading and writing. What are the possible causes, effects and solutions for this problem?
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1.7
(1) Firstly (2) also (3) but/whereas (4) In addition (5) Therefore/As such (6) Another (7) so (8) Another (9) Finally/ In conclusion (10) also (11) By contrast/ However (12)but
1.2
1. goal 2. functional proficiency 3. depends 4. context 5. memorise 6. comparatively 7. method 8. recommends 9. interaction 10. advantage, 11. distinction 12. effectively
1.4
1.T 2.T 3.F 4.F 5.F 6.T 7.F 8.F 9.F 10.T 11.T 12.F
1.6
1.d 2.a 3.b 4.c 5.h 6.e 7.j 8.f 9.i 10.g 11.p 12.k 13.l 14.t 15.m 16.n17.o 18.q 19.r 20.s 21.u 22.x 23.w 24.w
1.8
1.A/D 2.E 3.A 4.A/D 5.E 6.E 7.D 8.A/D 9.A/D 10.E 11.A/D 12.E
1.3
1. studied/ious 2. study 3. studiously 4. learning 5. learn 6. copied 7. copying 8. understood
1.5
1.and 2.because 3.but 4.because 5.and 6.but 7.but 8.but
1.9 b) Credit cards are risky. / Credit cards are not risky. / Credit cards might involve some
risk, but they are generally quite safe. c) Too much hard work is boring. / Hard work isnt boring. / Hard work can be boring. d) The environment should be protected. / The environment shouldnt be protected. / The environment should be protected, though some areas should not be protected. e) Advertising is visual pollution. / Advertising is not visual pollution. / Some advertising is visual pollution. f) Fair trade between rich and poor countries is impossible. / Fair trade between rich and poor countries is possible. / Fair trade between rich and poor countries is possible within certain limits.
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g) Married couples should share household duties. / Household duties should not be shared by married couples. / Some household duties should be shared by married couples, but not all. h) Modern technology makes a great nation. / Modern technology does not make a great nation. / Modern technology does not make a great nation, but it helps. 1.10 a), b)X, c), d)X, e), f)X, g)X, h), i), j), k), l)X, m)X, n)/X, o)X, p), q)X, r), s)X, t)X, u)X, v)X, w), x), y)X, z)/X
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The Author Robert Lewis is an EAP specialist and IELTS Examiner, with over 20 years experience teaching English to students from many countries throughout the world, across primary and secondary schools as well as universities.