Simon‘s writting 全网最全笔记

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An IELTS training course

1. Understand the task: what we need to do
2. Break the task into parts
3. methods, techniques
   • methods for different parts of the task
4. Lots of practice
5. Feedback, measure progress
   • you probably need someone to check your work, give you feedback, on what you doing right, on what you doing wrong

1️⃣ Lesson 01 - Understand the task

Write an essay

• Minimum 250 words, no maximum
  • otherwise you may lose your score
• 40 minutes

About?

• Universal topics
  • e.g. Family, health, education, work
• 3 or 4 main types of question

Four scoring criteria

Each counts 25% score.

1. Task Response
   • Have you answer the question?
   • If you didn’t answer the question, you will get a lower score.
2. Coherence and cohesion
   • Well organized? Logically written? Easy to follow?
3. Vocabulary
4. Grammar

I tell my students to focus on the first three, to forget really about the grammar. You can improve your grammar very slowly in my experiences. Gradually reducing the mistakes you make. But I think you can improve much faster on the other three.

Break the task into parts

• 250 words
• 4 paragraphs
• about 13 sentences

Introduction

• 2 sentences
  • Not too long in this paragraphs, it doesn’t influence much on your scores.

Two main paragraphs

• 5 sentences each
  • if you want a higher score, you really need to focus all of your best words, your best vocabulary, most of your attention on your main paragraphs.

Conclusion

• 1 sentence

Timing

total 40 minutes

• Planning: 10 minuetes
• Introduction: 5 minutes
• Main body: 20 minutes (each 10 minutes)
• Conclusion: 5 minutes

2️⃣ Lesson 02 - Introduction

How to write a short, but effective introduction for writing task 2. To become better writing introductions, you need a method, and you need to practice the same method every time you write the essay. By practicing the same method, you become faster, and you become more confident writing in that way.

Method:

2 sentences

• introduce the topic
• give a general answer to the question

Only two sentences that about 30 to 40 words. Why don’t we write a long introduction?

• That would be a waste of time.
  - You can’t get a high score just from your introduction. If you want get a higher score, you really need focus on the main body paragraphs.

Four types of question:

1. Discussion
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solutions
4. Two-part question
5. Discussion

Question:

Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Plan:

• Topic - study in groups or alone
• Answer - sometimes better alone, usually better in a group

Example:

People have different views about the effectiveness of group study as opposed to working alone.

• have paraphrase ‘some people … , others’ by writing ‘People have different views about’;

• ‘effectiveness’ in stead of ‘more effective’;

• ‘as opposed to (instead of / rather than)’ as a way of contrasting.
  While there are some benefitsto studying independently, l believe that group work is usually more productive.

• ‘While’ - contrast and compare both sides of this issue;

• ‘Studying independently’ instead of ‘studying alone’;

• ‘Productive’ instesd of ‘effective’;

• ‘there are advantages to doing something / there are benefits to doing something’.

1. Opinion (Thre most difficult type)

Question:

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extentdo youagree or disagree?

!!! our own opinion !!! Don’t write some people XXX, other people XXX.

Plan:

• Topic - community service for all teenagers.
• Answer - 3 choices: agree, disagree, or balanced opinion (when possible).

Example:

lt is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities.

• paragraphing what the question is saying.

1. agree
   ​ I completely agree that this kind of scheme would be a good idea.

2. disagree
   ​ In my opinion, it would be wrong to force teenagers to do any kind of unsalaried work.

• it would be wrong to force paraphrase compulsory.
• unsalaried work in stead of unpaid.

1. balanced opinion (when possible)
   maybe like this, however this question is not suit for balanced opinion. Because compulsory is very strong word.

​ While l disagree with the idea of making such programmes compulsory, l do believe that voluntary community service could benefit young people.

1. Problem and solutions

Question:

Many criminals reoffend after they have beenpunished. Why do some people continue to commit crimesafter they have been punished, and whatmeasures can betaken to tackle this problem?

Plan:

• Topic - criminals reoffend.
• Answer - several reasons, a variety of measures (governments, communities)
  the exact answer / solution will be given on the main body, and here we only need to give a brief one.

Example

lt is true that punishments do not always deter criminals from committing more crimes.

• ‘lt is true that’ we can accept that the problem is true. Simon always use this sentences for Problem and solution questions.

• ‘deter’ - means stop criminal / stop them of wanting to commit crime
  There are various reasons why offenders repeatedly break the law, but governments could certainly take steps to address this issue.

• don’t give the reason / solution yet.

• just mentioning there are some reasons.
  paraphrasing:

• ‘repeatedly break the law’ use ‘repeatedly’ instead of ‘continue to’;

• ‘break the law’ instead of ‘commit crime’;

• ‘take steps to address this issue’ instead of ‘measures to tackle this problem’.

1. Two-part question
   similar to 3. Problem and solution, it is just two question.

Question:

As mostpeople spend a major part of theiradult life at work, jobsatisfaction is an importantelement of individual well*-*being. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Plan:

• Topic - job satisfaction
• Answer - several factors, unrealistic / impossible

Example:

Work plays a central role in our lives, and we would all like to feel fulfilled professionally.

• work is a major part of their adult life -> Work plays a central role in our lives;

• job satisfaction ->feel fulfilled professionally
  While a variety of factors may lead to job satisfaction, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be happy at work.

• use ‘while’ to introduce a sentences that has two elements, and it is Simon’s favorite work;

• contribute to -> lead to;

• job satisfaction -> be happy at work.

Summary to Lesson 02

• Download and print the attached documents next to the video, which has some of the good vocabularies. However you don’t need to use best vocabularies in introduction to writting task 2, because your scores really comes from the main paragraphs.
• A short introduction is better.
• 2 sentences in 5 minutes (topic + answer)

3️⃣ Lesson 03 - Main Body Paragraphs (The most important part of your essay)

How to write a good main body paragraph for writing task 2.

4 paragraph essay

• 2 main body paragraphs
• 5 sentences in each
• 90 to 100 words each

This lesson

1. 2 methods (for writing main paragraphs)
2. Ideas, vocabulary, planning

How to write a main paragraph

2 types

1. Firstly, Secondly, Finally
   more than one idea or we need to give more than one idea

   • advantages
   • disadvantages
   • problems
   • solutions

2. Idea, Explain, Example
   If we only have one idea, we have to explain more detail.

   • one idea
   • a reason
   • an opinion

3. Firstly, Secondly, Finally

Question:

Some people believe that unpaid community

service should be acompulsorypart of high schoolprogrammes.

To what extent do you agree ordisagree?

3-minute plan:

• disagree for several reasons
• school timetable is full, no time for community service
• students’ work in other subjects would be affected
• teenagers might not want to do it (reluctant, no motivation)

Example: Linking words & Topic vocalulary

There are several reasons why l would argue against having compulsory community service for secondary school students. Firstly, the school curriculum is already full with important academic subjects, such as maths, science and languages. For example, l remember having an extremely busy timetable when l was at high school, and it would not have been possible to add to it. Secondly, students’ performance in other subjects would be affected if valuable study time were taken by charity work or neighbourhood improvement schemes. Finally, l believe that teenage students would be reluctant to take part in any programme of obligatory work, and this could lead to poor motivation and even bad behaviour.

• ‘curriculum’ <-> ‘timetable’

• can use your own experiences as an examples to support the point.

• students’ performance <-> students’ work (if have better word, usually take place the word in the plan)
  ⭐️Remember: Linking words do not help your “vocabulary” score.

• Linking just need be clear, do the job making your ideas easy to follow.

• Examiners want to see ‘topic vocabulary’

Try to write 5 sentences

1. Topic sentence

2. Firstly (5.explain more, or add example)

3. Secondly

4. Finally

5. Idea, Explain, Example

Another Paragraph

Question:

Some people believe that unpaid community

service should be acompulsorypart of high school programmes.

voluntary

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3-minute plan:

• voluntary (not compulsory) community service is positive -> only point
• students more motivated if they can choose
• gain work experience,self confidence,skills
• good for CVs, career, university admissions, employers

Example: Linking words & Topic vocalulary

On the other hand, the opportunity to do voluntary community service could be extremely positive for high school students. By making these programmes optional, schools would ensure that only motivated students took part. These young people would gain valuable experience in an adult working environment, which could help to build their self confidence and enhance their skills. Having such experience and skills on their CVs could greatly improve school leavers’ career prospects. For example, a period of voluntary work experience might impress a university admissions officer or a future employer.

• why voluntary? why positive? why help their career?

Try to write 5 sentences

• Idea

• Explain (2 or 3 sentences)
  to explain much more detail, because we only have one point.

• Example
  example can change position. (eg. in front of the explaination)

Conclusion

• Main body paragraph arethe most important part of your essay, you need plan them well before you start writing.
• Good ideas, good vocabulary and they will be well structured if you follow the two easy methods.

4️⃣ Lesson 04 - Conclusions

2 easy ‘rules’

• never write anything new.
  • The conclusion should simply repeat or summarize what you already said.
• one sentence: one sentence is enough.
  • repeat, summarize

Conclusion technique

Paraphrase the answer that you gave in your introduction. (in different words)

1. Discussion（+ opinion）
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solution
4. Two-part question
5. Discussion( + opinion )

Question

In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.

Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks

Introduction

It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that there are more benefits than drawbacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of using video security systems in public places do outweigh the disadvantages

• always start with ‘In conclusion’, there is no reason to start in any other way, it will not improve your score.
• I would argue <=> I believe
• video security systems <=> video surveillance
• advantages outweigh the disadvantages <=> more benefits than drawbacks

1. Opinion

Question

Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Introduction

Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view .

Conclusion

In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who choose private education.

• I do not believe <=> I completely disagree
• financial concessions <=> should not need to contribute through taxes
• people who choose private education <=> parents of children who attend private schools

1. Problem and solution

Question

In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.

What problems will this cause for individuals and society Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

Introduction

It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.

• various measures can be taken to tackle <=> societies can take steps to mitigate
• problems that are certain to arise <=> there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences
• populations of countries grow older <=> people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer

1. 2-part question

Question

There are many different types of music in the world today.

Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

Introduction

It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern international music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence. and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

• a necessary part of human existence <=> a vital part of all human cultures
• I believe <=> I would argue
• should be given more importance <=> is more important

Conclusion sentences

• One sentence
• No new information
• Paraphrasing to show variety

5️⃣ Lesson 05 - Planning

Spend 10 minutes planning your essay

3 step essay plan（10 minutes）

Question

Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight /underline key parts
  Some people think that it ismore effectivefor studentsto study in groups,while others believe that it is better for them tostudy alone.Discuss both viewsandgive your own opinion.

1. Plan your essay structure（4 paragraphs)
2. Introduction: topic + answer
   • topic: study in groups or alone
   • answer: sometimes better alone, usually better in a group
3. Benefits of studying alone
4. Benefits of group study（my view）
5. Conclusion: repeat answer
   • repeat answer（say that in different way）
   • both have benefits, but I prefer group
6. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs（6 minutes）

• brainstorm, note down any ideas you have
  • don’t think your idea may be a bad one, just node down anything you can think of those relavant.
• develop ideas in detail (That leads to a better paragraph)
• keep asking yourself why？
  • a reason for something and an explanation for your opinion.
• think of examples to support your ideas
• finally, try to group related ideas（number them）
  1 ^1 1Benefits of studying alone (3 minutes)

2 ^2 2concentrate better, no distractions, focus on the task 3 ^3 3read books or articles, 5 ^5 5study at own pace, 3 ^3 3e.g. when revising for an exam, 4 ^4 4memorise information

1 ^1 1Benefits of group study (3 minutes)

2 ^2 2more ideas, share knowledge, gather more

information e.g. 3 ^3 3research project, 2 ^2 2learn from each other, 4 ^4 4more motivating, responsibility to the group, sense of competition

Try to doing this yourself for this essay question, and remember don’t expect to be good this straight way. It does take practice. It might see easy to plan in the way that I have done, but you don’t become good this with only one and two attempts. You need to practice a lot. If you do lots of essays and planning them in this way, you will get bettter, so practice much as possible before your test.

6️⃣ Lesson 06 - Opinion essay

Attention

• Do YOU agree or disagree? NOT WRITE SOME PEOPLE XXX, OTHER PEOPLE XXX
• your opinion, not other people
• You can use “I” or “my”
  • yes, I agree / disagree.
  • In my opinion.

Question

The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals.

To what extent do you agree or disagree？

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight /underline key parts
  The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals.

To what extent do you agree or disagree ？

(red is task, whilegreen is topic)

1. Plan your essay structure （4 paragraphs）

2. Introduction: government spending (topic)

   • agree - public services instead of space projects (answer)

3. Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all (repeat answer)

4. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs （6 minutes）

5. explain why ‘space’ spending should be stopped.

6. explain why public service spending is better.

1 ^1 1Why space spending should be stopped

4 ^4 4waste of money when projects fail, 2 ^2 2expensive (scientists, facilities, equipment), 3 ^3 3no benefit to normal people, politicians showing power, risk of 4 ^4 4accidents, deaths e.g. 5 ^5 5Challenger space shuttle

1 ^1 1Why public service spending is better

2 ^2 2cheaper e.g. doctors, teachers police instead of astronauts, 3 ^3 3public services impact on everyone, 5 ^5 5reduce poverty, better quality of life, 4 ^4 4$we all use schools, hospitals, police, roads etc.

1. Full essay

Question

The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals.

To what extent do you agree or disagree？

1. Introduction
   Plan: Topic - government spending

Answer - agree, public services instead of space projects

Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes. I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

1. Paragraph 2: Why space spending should be stopped
   There are several reasons why space programmes should be abandoned (<- stopped). Firstly, it is extremely expensive to train scientists and other staff involved with space missions, and facilities and equipment also come at a huge cost (<- expensive) to the government. Secondly, these programmes do not benefit normal people in our daily lives； they are simply vanity *(<- politicians showing off)*projects for politicians. Finally, many missions to space fail completely, and *the smallest technological error (<- that)*can cost astronauts their lives the challenger space shuttle disaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, and in my opinion it is not worth the risk. (97 words)

2. Paragraph 3: Why public service spending is better
   I believe that the money from space programmes should go to vital public services instead. It is much cheaper to train doctors, teachers, police and other public service workers than it is to train astronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on space exploration projects Furthermore, public servants do jobs that have a positive impact on every member of society. For example, we all use schools, hospitals and roads, and we all need the security that the police provide. If governments reallocated the money spent on space travel and research, many thousands of people could be lifted out of povertyor given a better quality of life. (108 words).

3. Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all (repeat answer)
   In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that benefit all members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects (<- programmes) that do not improve our everyday lives.(Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all. )

4. Band 7-9 vocabulary
   The band 7-9 vocabulary makes this essay a really good one.

• space programmes, exploration, missions, projects, travel, research
• funds should be allocated (<- money should be spent)
• should be abandoned (<- stopped)
• facilities and equipment come at a huge cost (<- expensive)
• vanity projects for politicians (<- politicians showing off)
• can cost astronauts their lives (<- can kill people)
• space shuttle disaster
• public servants
• a positive impact on every member of society
• if governments reallocated
• could be lifted out of poverty
• given a better quality of life

7️⃣ Lesson 07 - Discussion Essay

In this lesson, similar to the last one, we are going to go through a full essay. We look the question, we make sure we understand it, see what the task asking to do. Then we go to the planning stage, noting ideas, and then we use those ideas to write an introduction, main body, and conclusion, and the end, we’ll check everything, and I’ll highlight a few things that I did, made it a good essay.

Question

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight/underline key parts
  Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

(red is task, whilegreen is topic)

1. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
   1. Introduction:

   • topic: competition or co-operation?
   • answer: benefits of both, co-operation more important.

2. Why encourage competition

3. Why teach co-operation (my view)

4. Conclusion: accept both views, co-operation better.

1. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

This is very important part of your planning and the whole test really, because you don’t have good ideas and good vocabulary, you don’t have an answer. You have nothing. So it is very important to spend some time brainstorming and getting good ideas.
Why encourage competition

1 ^1 1motivation to 2 ^2 2work harder, be better than otherchildren, 3 ^3 3self confidence, independent work, faster progress, 4 ^4 4competitive situations when leave school e.g. job interviews, 5 ^5 5prepared for adult life

Why teach co-operation (my view)

1 ^1 1co-operation even more important, 2 ^2 2e.g. at work (teams, follow boss’s instructions, help junior staff), 3 ^3 3collaboration more useful than winning, 4 ^4 4better

attitude for young people, 5 ^5 5working together

1. Full essay

Question

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

1. Introduction
   Plan: Topic - competition or co-operation?

Answer - benefits of both, co-operation more important

People have different views (Simon usually use for disscussion essay more than some people xxx, other people xxx) about whether children

should be taught to be competitive (<-competition) or co-operative (<- co-opperate). While (can contrast two different thins in one sentences) a spirit of competition can sometimes be useful in life, l believe that the ability to co-operate is more important.

1. Paragraph 2: Why encourage competition?
   On the one hand, competition can be a great source of motivation for children.When teachers use games or prizes (show competitive) to introduce an element of competitiveness (<- bring competition into the classroom) into lessons, it can encourage children to work harder (<- be better than other children) to outdo (<- to do better than) the other pupils in the class. This kind of healthy rivalry (<- competition between people) may help to build children’s self confidence, while pushing them to work independently and progress more quickly. When these children leave school, their confidence and determination will help them in competitive situations such as job interviews. lt can therefore be argued that competition should be encouraged in order to prepare children for adult life. (102 words)

2. Paragraph 3: Why teach co-operation (my view)
   On the other hand, it is perhaps even more important to prepare children for the many aspects of adult life that require co-operation. In the workplace, adults are expectec to work in teams, follow instructions given by their superiors, or supervise (<- help) and support the more junior members of staff. Team collaboration skills are much moreuseful than a competitive determination to win.This is the attitude that l believe schools should *foster (<- create)*in young people. Instead of promoting the idea that people are either winners or losers, teachers could show children that they gain more from working together. (99 words)

3. Conclusion: accept both views, co-operation better
   In conclusion, l can understand why people might want to encourage competitiveness in children, but it seems to me that a co-operative attitude is much more desirable in adult life.

4. Band 7-9 vocabulary

• competition / co-operation, competitive, co-operative, co-operate, competitiveness
• a spirit of competition
• a source of motivation
• introduce an element of competitiveness
• outdo other pupils, healthy rivalry
• build self confidence, determination
• aspects of adult life
• superiors, junior members of staff
• team collaboration skills
• attitude that schools should foster
• promoting the idea
• a co-operative attitude is more desirable

8️⃣ Lesson 08 - Problem and solution essay

Question

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight/underline key parts
  ln many countriesschoolshave severe problems withstudent behaviour.

What doyouthink are thecausesof this?

Whatsolutionscanyousuggest?

(red is task, whilegreen is topic)

1. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
2. Introduction: student behaviour in schools variety of reasons, steps can be taken to tackle (<- trying to solve it)
3. Causes of bad student behaviour
4. My suggested solutions
5. Conclusion: summarise the problem and steps (repeat answer)
6. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   1 ^1 1Causes of bad student behaviour

2 ^2 2parents not strict (too lenient), 3 ^3 3children don’t accept teachers’ instructions or school rules, 4 ^4 4teachers’ fault, no control, bad classroom management, 5 ^5 5influence of celebrities who are a bad example

• parents -> teachers’ -> celebrities instead of ‘firstly, secondly, finally’
  1 ^1 1My suggested solutions

2 ^2 2parents set rules for children, 3 ^3 3use punishments, actions have consequences, 4 ^4 4schools train teachers and parents, discipline techniques, better

communication, 5 ^5 5famous people act as role models

1. Full essay

Question

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

1. Introduction
   Plan: Topic - student behaviour in schools

Answer - variety of reasons, steps can be takento tackle the problem

lt is true that (start with this for solution problem) the *behaviour of school pupils (<- students’ behavior)*in *some parts of the world (<- many countries)*has been getting worse in recent years.There are a variety of possible reasons for this, but steps can definitely be taken to tackle the problem.

1. Paragraph 2: Causes of bad student behaviour
   ln my opinion, three main factors are to blame (can use in any essays about problem and solution) for the way young people behave at school nowadays. Firstly, modern parents *tend to be (<- usually)*too lenient or permissive (<- allow everything). Many children become accustomed to getting whatever they want, and they find it difficult to accept the demands (<- instructions) of teachers or the limits imposed on them by school rules. Secondly, if teachers cannot control their students, there must be an issue with the quality of classroom management training or support within schools. Finally, children are influenced by the behaviour of celebrities, many of whom set the example that success can be achieved without finishing school. (103 words)

2. Paragraph 3: My suggested solutions
   Student behaviour can certainly be improved. l believe that the change must start with parents, who need to be

persuaded that it is important to set firm rules for their children. When children misbehave or break the rules, parents should use reasonable punishments to

demonstrate that actions have consequences. Also, schools could play an important role in training both teachers and parents to use effective disciplinary techniques, and in improving the communication between both groups. At the same time, famous people, such as musicians and football players, need to understand the responsibility that they have to act as role models to children. (102 words)

1. Conclusion: summarise the problem and steps
   ln conclusion, schools will continue to face discipline problems unless parents, teachers and public figures (<- famous people) set clear rules and demonstrate the right behaviour themselves.

2. Band 7-9 vocabulary

• steps can be taken to tackle the problem (can be used in any problem and solution essay)
• three main factors are to blame
• parents tend to be too lenient or permissive
• children become accustomed to
• limits imposed on them
• quality of classroom management
• celebrities, famous people, public figures
• set an example
• set firm rules, reasonable punishments
• play an important role in
• effective disciplinary techniques
• responsibility to act as role models
• face discipline problems

9️⃣ Lesson 09 - 2-part question

Question

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if more good news was reported?

1. Read and understand the question
   News editors decidewhat to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers.What factorsdo you think influence these decisions?Do webecome used tobad news, and would it be better ifmore good newswas reported*?*

(red is task, whilegreen is topic)

1. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

2. Introduction: decisions about news stories (topic)
   variety of factors, yes too much bad news (answer)

3. Factors that influence news editors

4. Too much bad news, should report more good

5. Conclusion: difficult news choices, more positive

6. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   1 ^1 1Factors that influence news editors

2 ^2 2interest or attract viewers / readers

3 ^3 3inform the public, important issues and events, inthe public interest

4 ^4 4pressure from owners, promote political views

1 ^1 1Too much bad news, should report more good

1 ^1 1accustomed to bad news, 2 ^2 2war, crime, natural

disasters, human suffering, 3 ^3 3desensitises us (<- make us not sensitive to what we see on television), cynical about the world (<- you are not very optimistic, you don’t believe that we can change the world or make it better), 4 ^4 4prefer positive news, e.g. medical workers, volunteers, kindness, 5 ^5 5news to inspire us

1. Full essay

Question

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if more good news was reported?

1. Introduction
   Plan: Topic - decisions about news stories

Answer - variety of factors, yes too much bad news

lt is true that editors have to make difficult decisions about which news stories they broadcast or publish, and their choices are no doubt influenced (<- we are certainly influenced) by a variety of factors. In my opinion, we are exposed to (empasis on) too much bad news, and l would welcome a greater emphasis on good news.

1. Paragraph 2: Factors that influence news editor
   Editors face arange of considerations (<- variety of factors) when deciding what news stories to focus on. Firstly, l imagine that they have to consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough to choosetheir television channel or their newspaper over (choose xxx over <- choosing instead of) competing providers (other newspapers or different TV channels). Secondly, news editors have a responsibility to inform the public about important events and issues, and they should therefore prioritise stories that are in the public interest. Finally, editors are probably under some pressure from the owners who employ them.For example, a newspaper owner might have particular political views that he or she wants to

promote. (98 words)

1. Paragraph 3: Too much bad news, should report more good
   lt seems to me that people do become accustomed to negative news. We are exposed on a daily basis to stories about war, crime, natural disasters and tragic human

suffering around the world. l believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitises people, and we become more cynical about the world and more sceptical (<- you don’t belive something could happen) that we can do anything to change it. l would prefer to see more positive news stories, such as reports of the work of medical staff after a natural disaster, or the kindness of volunteers who help in their communities. This kind of news might inspire us all to lead better lives. (105 words)

topic sentence -> example -> result -> alternative the positive news -> another result of that
instead of
firstly, secondly, lastly
see worksheet for more details!!!

1. Conclusion: difficult news choices, more positive
   In conclusion, it must be extremely difficult for editors to choose which news stories to present, but l would like to see a more positive approach to this vital public service.

2. Band 7-9 vocabulary

• exposed to bad news
• welcome a greater emphasis on good news
• Editors face a range of considerations
• prioritise stories that are in the public interest
• under some pressure from the owners
• promote particular political views
• become accustomed to negative news
• natural disasters and tragic human suffering
• exposure gradually desensitises people
• cynical and sceptical
• inspire us all to lead better lives
• a more positive approach
• vital public service

1️⃣ 0️⃣ Lesson 10 - Agree and Disagree

See also Lesson 6 opinion essay.
The difficult thing about this type of question is you have to decide what your opinion is before you start writing. You have to start write Agree, Disagree or Partly agree. You need to think about what you going to write in your main body paragraphs.
This lesson is to solve a problem when you have strong opinion on noly one side. -> find two seasons to support your opinion.

Question 1

The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals.

To what extent do youagreeor disagree?

Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes. I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

1. explain why’ space’ spending should be stopped

2. explain why public service spending is better

3. Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all

Question 2

Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable.

To what extent do you agree ordisagree*?*

Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge. Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.

1. explain why easy hobbies can be enjoyable

2. explain why difficult hobbies can be fun

3. Conclusion: disagree that difficult hobbies are better

Qusetion 3: (partly agree)

Many people say that we now live in ‘consumer societies’ where money and possessions are given too much importance.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?**(partly agree)

It is true that many people criticise modern society because it seems to be too materialistic. I agree with this to some extent, but I do not think it is the case that everyone is a victim of consumer culture.

1. I believe many people do focus too much on money

2. However, many others are not money oriented

3. Conclusion: partly agree

seems like a discussion essay, but it is not. Simon all uses ‘I think, I believe’. not 'some people XXX, other people XXX.

Question 4: (partly agree)

In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was “a giant leap for mankind”. However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (partly agree)

It is often argued that the act of sending a man to the moon has been of no benefit to normal people. While I agree that this is true in practical terms, I believe that the psychological impact of this great achievement should not be underestimated.

1. no benefit in practical terms(standard of living, health)

2. but it was an inspiring achievement

3. Conclusion: partly agree

Summary

Understand the task

Break the task into parts:

• introductions
• main body
• conclusions
• planning

Four types of question:

• opinion
• discussion
• problem and solution
• two-part question

we need to work on 2 things:

1. Exam technique / methods
   (use this video course)

2. Your general level of English
   (use my blog, books, TV,

films, dictionary, newspapers…)