Hello everyone!
The next two weeks we will be focusing on writing. Most importantly: writing : an essay, a letter and an article.
We will practice in class together and we will do the task step by step. We will revise how to write ( for example) the introduction, then students are given 5 minutes to write one and share it with the class. Then paragraph 1 ,2 and so on.
Class 1: essay.
We will do the writing task from the book from the writing reference:
What do you think it´s better listening to live music or recorded music?
- quality
- convenience
- your own idea
What are the ´rules´of writing an essay?
There is a question or statement for you to discuss, and also two notes to help to guide your writing.
• You must invent a third idea. This is not your opinion.
• Put a title.
• Organise your ideas into paragraphs.
• Your language must be formal, so avoid words that are too common or generic
• The word limit is 140-190 words ( the closer to 190 the better)
Structure of the essay:
Introduction: Introduce the topic in a general way and get the attention of the reader. (You may use a rhetorical question to do this.)
‣ Paragraph 2: Write about point 1
‣ Paragraph 3: Write about point 2.
‣ Paragraph 4: Write about your own idea. This is NOT your opinion.
‣ Conclusion: express your opinion to conclude and summarise the essay.
How to develop an idea and transform it into a paragraph?
- POINT – A topic sentence to introduce the main point of the paragraph.
- EXAMPLE – Give (an) example(s) to support your topic sentence.
- EXPLAIN – Explanation of example.
What linkig expressions to use to connect your ideas?
To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe (that) / I feel (that) / it seems to me / in my view /as I see it / I think / personally
To show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so that
To list ideas: Firstly / secondly / finally / In the first place / Lastly
To contrast ideas: However / although / in contrast / whereas / but / nevertheless / in spite of / despite
To describe a cause: Because / since / as / due to
To show a sequence: First of all / then / after that / eventually / in the end / finally
To add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too / furthermore / and
To describe a consequence: Consequently / as a result / therefore / so / thus / for this reason / that is why
To conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up / in short / all in all
Class 2: Informal letter
We will do the writing task from the book, from the writing reference:
The rules of an informal letter:
An informal letter is a form of communication between two people who usually know each other well.
• You may have to give advice, or provide information about a certain topic.
• We can be informal in this type of writing since we are talking to a good friend, so contractions are fine. However,
you should still avoid slang expressions.
• The word limit is 140-190 words, but try to write as near to 190 words as possible.
• Spend 40 minutes on the task
Structure of a letter:
Friendly greeting + introductory paragraph
e.g. Hi James!
Thank you for your letter- it was nice to hear from you! + react to some information ( if possible from the task). Or you can continue with: ¨sorry I didn´t write sooner I ……¨
Paragraph 1
Deal with the first point included in the question with reasons and examples.
Paragraph 2
Develop your next main point with reasons and examples.
Paragraph 3
Develop your final key point with reasons and examples.
Closing paragraph (Say goodbye and request a reply)
One thing you can do before saying goodbye is make up an excuse to ‘leave’.
For example:
Anyway, I’ve got to go now- the kids want their dinner and it won’t cook itself! But don’t be a stranger, give me a call
soon.
Friendly close
All my love,
Signature
[Your name]
Let´s consider this task:
Remember, if you have any doubts or questions you can write to: freewayteachers@gmail.com
See you in class!
