Ielts

INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED

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How to write

IELTS Essays by ROBERT LEWIS M.A. LINGUISTICS

how to use this book for self study

For

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 don’t 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.

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.

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.

terms & abbreviations

2

/

- alternative eg. x/y =. (x) OR (y)

claim

- to say without proof/evidence something is true

context

- situation and circumstances

diff.

- different

discuss

- (1) talk about, (2) consider two or more sides

eg.

– example

essay

- type of persuasive/written text

etc.

– etcetera : and so on

exposition

- factual writing eg. explanation, argument, etc.

exam

- examination

formal language

– impersonal language used in formal situations

gaps

– spaces where words are missing

genre

- type of text. eg. recount, narrative, exposition

i.e.

– that is

IELTS

- International English Language Testing System

intro

- introduction

L

- left

match

- put together, link

no.

- number

practice

- purposeful activity

proposition

- a statement or claim that may be true

p/w

- per week

Q.

- question or essay question

R

- right

re./ref.

- reference to / concerning / about

recommendation

- final suggestion, advice

recount

- retelling of past events, story about people

structure

- form, organization into stages or steps

strategy

– a way of doing s.t., a method or technique

s.o.

- some one

s.t.

- some thing

text

- a written passage, sometimes transcribed spoken

via

- through

viz.

- such as

www.text2write.com © copyright Robert Lewis

contents

INTRODUCTION

The Essay

4

TOPIC 1 :

LANGUAGE LEARNING

7

Reading & Vocabulary Grammar : Be Logical Writing practice Review, checklist, sample questions

8 12 16 23

TOPIC 2 :

TOPIC 3 :

TOPIC 4 :

TOPIC 5 :

WORK AND LEISURE

25

Reading & Vocabulary Grammar : Be Authoritative Writing practice Review, checklist, sample questions

31 30 34 39

THE ENVIRONMENT

41

Reading & Vocabulary Grammar : Reason Writing practice Review, checklist, sample questions

42 46 49 56

TV & COMPUTER GAMES

57

Reading & Vocabulary Grammar : Be Cohesive Writing practice Review, checklist, sample questions

58 62 66 75

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

77

Reading & Vocabulary Grammar : Sound Reasonable Writing practice Review, checklist, sample questions

78 82 84 91

ANSWERS

93


3

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 writer’s point of view on the issue. What is an exam essay? What do they examine? Exam essays, like the IELTS Task 2, test a student’s 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

INTRODUCTION

BODY

CONCLUSION

Position

The writer states their position or opinion, in response to the question/s.

Sequence of

A sequence of arguments is given to support the writer’s position. Each argument is a claim supported with reasons, facts and examples.

Arguments

Restatement

The writer re-states their position to conclude.

The staging of the essay is (in itself) a persuasive device. Statement and repeated restatement reinforce the writer’s 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

4


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

sample essay GAMBLING

Lead-in POSITION Preview Sequence of ARGUMENTS 1.

2.

3.

Restatement Recommendation

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 problems. Many gamblers lose money and some quickly. They may spend all their savings, and then to try and get out of debt. In this way, they may get

of gambling-related get into debt very borrow more money, into further debt.

The effects of gambling can be devastating on both the individual and their families. If gamblers get into serious debt, their families may suffer hardship and poverty as a result. Some gamblers neglect their children, 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. Solutions to the problems of gambling involve society and the 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 people’s awareness and understanding of the related social problems. 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 candidate’s 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.


5

the language features of the essay

The language features of an essay reflect the writer’s 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 (don’t exaggerate), and communicate effectively (precisely and cohesively). The relevant strategies and language features are summarised in the table below :

PERSUASIVE STRATEGIES 1. Be LOGICAL

2. Be AUTHORITATIVE

3. REASON

4. Be COHESIVE

5. Sound REASONABLE

Language Features CONJUNCTIONS for Listing, Addition etc.

TECHNICAL VOCABULARY & Nominalisation

Language of CAUSE and EFFECT

REFERENCE WORDS

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.

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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 mind’s eye


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reading & vocabulary language learning

1.1

1.2

Match the word/expression with the meaning (R).

1. effectively

a) a positive thing, a benefit

2. context

b) situation, circumstances

3. memorise

c) way of doing s.t., technique

4. method

d) put into the memory

5. advantage

e) with a good effect, result

6. interaction

f) suggest, advise

7. recommend

g) exchange between two ..

8. distinction

h) relies on, conditional

9. comparatively

i) purpose, aim

10. goal

j) ability to function

11. functional proficiency

k) clear difference

12. depends

l) in comparison to s.t. else

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. Sally’s 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.

8


1.3

Complete the table below, and revise vocabulary from Topic 1: language learning.

Adjective 1.

study

2.

learnt

4.

5.

___________

6.

7.

copy

___________

8.

9.

understand

10.

11.

memory/isation

12.

13.

enjoyable

14.

15.

16.

repetitive

17.

18.

19.

20.

acquisition

21.

22.

23.

24.

instruct

25.

26.

27.

teach

28.

29.

functional/ing

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

dependently

36.

interaction

37.

38.

39..

recommendation

40.

___________

contextual

41.

42.

___________

43.

advantage

44.

serious

46.

48.

49..

text

___________

50.

proficiency

51.

___________

conversational

52.

53.

___________

54.

speech

55.

___________

necessary

56.

57.


3.

___________

___________

___________ methodically

45. 47.

58.

9

reading & vocabulary language learning

There are millions of people all over the world who formally study a foreign language, but there are comparatively few who actually learn to use the language effectively. The reason for this is that most people study a foreign language the same way they study a subject at school. They memorise words, like facts or telephone numbers, but don’t know how to use the words to communicate. Sometimes, their teachers do not understand the distinction between studying and really learning a language. The main goal should be to teach students to use the language, not just study it. Formal classes in a foreign language, whilst popular, may not be the most effective way to learn the language. This depends on the teacher and their methods. If the teacher requires the students to only copy text and memorise words and grammar rules, then the students are not learning to use language. It is therefore not surprising that students with this experience of formal classes do not speak the language very well. They have not had the opportunity to actually practice communicating. The key to successful language learning is interaction – that is, using language for a purpose in context. In some language classrooms, the lessons involve students working in pairs or groups, and taking turns at asking and answering questions. In this way, the classroom activity allows learners to use the language, and acquire the basics of communication. Learning through interaction helps students develop their functional proficiency, rather than just some vague or abstract knowledge of grammar or vocabulary. The importance of interaction is acknowledged in many books on learning a foreign language, which recommend that students travel abroad, and learn the language in the country where it is spoken. The advantages are perhaps obvious. The motivation for practise is very strong. Students have to communicate if they want to survive. They have to do things, such as buy food, find accommodation and make travel arrangements. They are also exposed to the same language patterns many times and repeatedly practice what they need to say. This process enables students to learn their new language through using it in actual communication.

10

(355 words)


1.4

Reading comprehension. True or False ?

1. Many students of foreign languages cannot speak the language T /

effectively.

T /

2. They study the foreign language without actually using it.. 3. All teachers understand the difference between studying and

T /

learning a foreign language.

T /

4. Formal classes are the best way to learn a foreign language. 5. Memorising grammar rules or vocabulary is not as helpful as

T /

interacting in the classroom. 6. Students who do not practise speaking do not speak very well.

T /

7. Taking turns at asking and answering questions is not helpful.

T /

8. A knowledge of grammar is more important than using the T /

language. 9. Most books suggest it is best to learn a foreign language through formal lessons in the country where the language is spoken.

.

T /

10. When students learn in the foreign country they have a strong reason to practice communication.

T /

11. Students experience particular language patterns repeatedly when living in the country where the language is spoken.

T /

12. Few books on language learning recognise the importance of interaction.

•

T /

Write down some ways you learnt English or another language.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… www.text2write.com © copyright Robert Lewis

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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

Fill the gap using and, but or because.

Eg. My aunt has been sick … and …. she was taken to hospital. 1. The weather is fine …………. the scenery is beautiful. 2. The police arrested a man ………………. he was driving recklessly. 3. Marcel paints pictures ………………. nobody likes them. 4. The new cars run on solar power ………………. petrol is too expensive. 5. Silvy sleeps all night ………………. she sleeps in the afternoon too. 6. Action films are popular ………………. cartoons are even more popular. 7. Izumi was born in Tokyo ………………. she lives in New York. 8. Chinese writing is very beautiful ………………. difficult to learn. 9. ………………. soccer is fun to play, it is played everywhere in the world. 10. Peter collects stamps ………………. he makes money selling them. Fill the gap using although, so or when.

11. ………………. the bell rings, the children move off to their next lesson. 12. ………………. the man fell from a tall building, he was unhurt. 13. Jane wanted to learn Spanish ………………. she went to night school. 14. Some Americans carry guns ………………. they can protect themselves. 15. ………………. trekking in the desert one should take lots of water. 16. Chocolate is bad for one’s teeth ………………. it tastes delicious. 17. Young Australians can vote ………………. they turn 18 years of age. 18. Sarah bought a second-hand car ………………. she turned sixteen. 19. ………………. a person marries, s/he should choose their partner carefully. 20. ………………. Freddie played tennis, he could not play squash. 12


1.6

Match the beginnings with the correct endings.

BEGINNINGS

ENDINGS

1. Although the task is not easy

a) if you are confused.

2. Always seek advice

b) products are expensive.

3. Partly because of advertising

c) to afford a better life.

4. Many parents work hard

d) you can still succeed.

5. Unless forests are protected

e) they are easily influenced.

6. When children are young

f) try working hard.

7. Movies are expensive to make

g) it is unhealthy.

8. Instead of being lazy

h) they will be destroyed.

9. Before visiting a country

i) learn the language!

10. Though fast food is popular

j) so tickets are not cheap.

11. The garden is beautiful

k) but Brisbane hasn’t any.

12. Sydney has many beaches

l) while working part time.

13. Hung is studying English

m) so there was no mail.

14. Yasmin got the job

n) even though a car hit him.

15. The postman was sick

o) if prices increase.

16. The man was not hurt

p) and the house is huge.

17. There will be trouble

q) but he was still popular.

18. He had a bad temper

r) I felt very confident.

19. Because I knew my topic

s) before you eat a meal.

20. Always wash your hands

t) because she was the best.

21. Mexico is a big city

u) whereas Tijuana is small.

22. Pete has been a top player

v) because it is good exercise.

23. Cycling is popular

w) unless drivers are careful.

24. Fast cars are dangerous

x) since he won the Open.

25. If vegetables are good for you

y) as it can cause skin cancer.

26. After a year working overseas

z) we should eat more of them.

27. Too much sunshine is unhealthy

A) if you follow the fashions.

28. We should see a dentist

B) David moved back home.

29. Shopping is a favourite pastime

C) so people cut their own hair.

30. Hair cuts are expensive

D) if we have a toothache.


13

(ii)

STRUCTURAL CONJUNCTIONS join ideas across sentences.

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 – STRUCTURAL and SENTENCE-LEVEL

1. LISTING

First of all / To begin with

However / Although / unless

Firstly / Secondly.. Then

Even though / Nonetheless

After that / Finally

When / If / In order to

2. ADDING / REINFORCING

6. CAUSE/EFFECT

In addition / Also / and

In order to / In this way / so

as well as / In other words

As a result / Because / then

Another / Besides

Consequently / As such Subsequently /

Furthermore / Moreover

Therefore

3. CONTRASTING

7. SUMMARISING

However / In comparison

To sum up / To conclude

By contrast / Instead / but

In conclusion / In summary

4. EXEMPLIFICATION

8. GIVING ALTERNATIVES

For example / For instance

On the one hand / Alternately

such as / including

On the other hand / or

NOTE –

14

5. CONCESSIVE/CONDITIONAL

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!


1.7

Fill the gap. Choose conjunctions from the box below.

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

therefore

also but


whereas

another

another consequently

additionally also

also

notably

15

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

types of essay questions 1. EXPLAIN

What are the causes and effects of smoking?

This type of question usually begins with a WHquestion word. Here, the writer must explain their view, supported by reasons, facts and examples. 2. ARGUE

The question usually includes a quote or proposition, followed by the Yes/No question, or prompt: Give your opinion. The writer chooses to either AGREE or DISAGREE, and presents one point of view.

“Smoking is bad for your health.” Do you agree?

3. DISCUSS

Discuss the “pro’s and con’s” of smoking.

1.8

What type of essay question is it? (E explain, A argue, D discuss)

1.

NOTE –

16

The key word here is “discuss”. Usually, the writer must present two sides of the issue. There is however the possibility to choose just one point of view, as in B.

A/D

Should both parents work if they have children?

2. ………

What are the reasons for doing further study?

3. ………

Credit cards are risky. Give your opinion.

4. ………

Too much hard work is boring. Do you agree?

5. ………

How can people improve their health?

6. ………

What are the best ways to succeed in exams?

7. ………

Discuss reasons for and against gambling.

8. ………

Should the environment be protected?

9. ………

Advertising causes visual pollution. Do you agree?

10. ………

What are the costs and benefits of travel?

11. ………

Fair trade is impractical. Discuss.

12. ………

How can poverty be eradicated?

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. www.text2write.com © copyright Robert Lewis

A position statement is a possible response to the question.

Before you decide on your response to a given question, it is sometimes helpful to consider all the possible responses (or positions). 1.9

Write down the 3 possible answers for each of these essay questions. Note: The VERB in the question is picked up i n the Y/N answers.

QUESTION/S a) Should both parents work if they have children?

b) Credit cards are risky. Give your opinion.

c) Too much hard work is boring. Do you agree?

d) Should the environment be protected?

e) Advertising is visual pollution. Do you agree?

f) Fair trade between rich and poor countries is impossible. Discuss.

g) Married couples should share household duties. Give your opinion.

h) Modern technology makes a great nation. Do you agree?


POSSIBLE

POSITION STATEMENTS

•

Both parents should work

•

Both parents should not work…

•

In some situations, both …

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

•

…………………………………………

17

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:

(1) Issue-proposition (2) Question-prompt

“The best way to learn a foreign language is ……” Do you agree? INTERPRETATION

Your Answer could be : YES, I agree

NO, I disagree

PARTLY Yes & No

The best way to learn a foreign language is by studying in a foreign country.

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 o

why learning a foreign language in the foreign country is good, and 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. Here’s 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. 18


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.


19

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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review language learning

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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sample essay questions

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, shouldn’t 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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ANSWERS topic 1 : language learning 1.1

1. e 2. b 3. d 4. c 5. a. 6. g 7. f 8. l 9. j 10. k 11. h 12. i 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 1.3

1. studied/ious 2. study 3. studiously 4. learning

5. 6. 7. 8.

learn copied copying understood

9. understanding 10.understandably 11.memorised 12. memorise 13. memorably 14. enjoyment 15. enjoy 16. enjoyably 17. repetition 18. repeat 19.repeatedly 20. acquisitive 21. acquire 22. acquisitively 23. instructive 24. instruction 25. instructively 26. taught 27. teaching 28. methodical 29. method 30. function 31. function 32.functionally 33.dependent 34.dependent 35.depend 36.interactive 37.interact 38.interactively 39.recommended 40.recommend 41.context 42.contextualise 43.advantageous 44.advance 45.advantageously

46.seriousness 47.seriously 48.textual 49.text 50.proficient 51.proficiently 52. conversation 53. converse 54. spoken 55. speak 56. necessity 57. necessitate 58. necessarily

9.Because 10.and 11When 12.Although 13.so 14.so 15.When 16.although 17.when 18.when 19.When 20.Although 1.6

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 1.5

1.and 2.because 3.but 4.because

5.and 6.but 7.but 8.but

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

25.z 26.B 27.y 28.D 29.A 30.C 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 1.8

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

1.9 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 isn’t boring. / Hard work can be boring. d) The environment should be protected. / The environment shouldn’t 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. www.text2write.com © copyright Robert Lewis

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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 Sample Answer - STUDYING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Studying in a foreign country is a good way to learn a foreign language, but there are other ways of learning. First of all, studying in a foreign country is a good way to learn a foreign language, because you can practise speaking everyday. You must communicate to get everything you need, like food and dink. In addition, you can meet local people, and learn how to speak like them. You can also learn everyday expressions that may not be in textbooks. Additionally, you can learn more about the culture, because you are learning and speaking the language in the country. However, there are other ways to learn a foreign language, and the way you learn, probably depends on your purpose. For example, if you want to read a lot in that language, you can build your vocabulary by reading more books. You can go to websites on the Internet that have information in the foreign language, and read and do exercises. Another way to learn a foreign language is in the classroom, with the help of a teacher. Some students want a teacher to correct their mistakes, and teach them the grammar of the language. Perhaps, they prefer a more analytical approach. They might also be a bit shy, so they can build their confidence in the classroom setting. In conclusion, there are advantages in learning a foreign language in the country, but this is not the only way to learn. Much depends on your purpose in the first place. Classrooms can be a good place to start, but learning a language in situ is beneficial..

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About the e-book

This book is designed to help prepare students for Task 2, the Essay writing component of the IELTS examination. In particular, the book: •

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introduces the essay and three types of question / response explains the purpose, staging and language features builds vocabulary on key academic topics provides practical exercises in reading comprehension develops knowledge of grammar for persuasive writing develops strategies for writing short exam essays, esp. for IELTS.

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.

Copyright 2008 text2write.com

Ielts

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