WRITING COMPETENCE B2+

General outline for letters/emails

Greeting

Para 1
- opening remarks, reasons for writing (It is necessary to state who you are and what you
are responding to according to the rubric of the task.)

Paras 2&3

- development of the points raised in the rubric and analysis in different paragraphs. (Don't
forget to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.)

Para 4
- closing remarks, (Depending on the type of letter/email you are writing, you can also
include a summary of your opinion or of the main body, a reassurance, a request/ offer for
further contact, etc.)

Sign off

Remember that formal letters/emails begin and end with either

Dear Sir/Madam,→ Yours Faithfully, OR

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms (recipient's surname), → Yours sincerely, + (your full name)

Note:

If you are asked to describe a point and assess/ evaluate/give your opinion on this point, you should
include two main body paragraphs in your letter/ email: one describing the point presented and one
assessing/evaluating it. When doing so, don't forget to include arguments to support your opinion
followed by examples/justifications.

• If you are asked to write a letter/email of apology, you should include two main body paragraphs:
one explaining the reasons for the problem and one apologising and giving explanations on how the
situation will be resolved/rectified.

• If you are asked to write a letter/email of advice, you should include two main body paragraphs
offering advice and suggestions on how this advice will help.

• It is also essential, when writing such letters/emails, that the register is appropriate for the target
reader. In other words, in a formal letter/email, the tone should be respectful.
2.General outline for opinion essays

Para 1
- a clear statement of the topic and a clear presentation of your opinion on the topic

Para 2
-viewpoint 1 & supporting details

Para 3
- viewpoint 2 & supporting details

Para 4
-opposing viewpoint & supporting details

Para 5
- conclusion,direct or indirect statement of your opinion
ESSAY WRITING SECRETS NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT !!!!
NINE techniques to write introductions !!!!!!!

The purpose of an introduction is to inform the reader of what to expect in the main body of the
essay. A good introduction should contain:

 a catchy opening technique. This can be: a reference to an unusual or striking idea/
scene/situation e.g. What a monotonous world it would be without the Internet.

 background information (possibly how this issue came about/what occurred) e.g. The
face of the communications industry has changed because of the development of
new technology.

 a thought-provoking question (address the reader/rhetorical) e.g. Have you ever

considered what life would be like without technological advances?

 a clear statement of the topic through paraphrasing techniques (using your own
words to state the issue) e.g. Topic: Technology positively influences people's
behaviour Paraphrase: It is apparent that technology can have beneficial effects on
society

 a clear presentation of your opinion using expressions such as: To my mind, the
World Wide Web can function as an important source of knowledge in everyday
lifeAddress the reader directly. eg. Have you ever imagined what life would be like
without electricity?

 Start with an objective statement. e.g. A recent study has shown a link between stress
and heart disease.

 Start with a quotation. eg. Mother Teresa said "If you can't feed a hundred people,
 then feed just one."

 Start with a problem that needs a solution. e.g. In recent years, there has been a rise
in violent crime

 Make reference to a strange scene or situation. eg. Most people would feel disgusted
if you asked them to eat half a cup of sugar but that's the average amount that a person
eats each day.

SEVEN techniques to write conclusions !!!!

The purpose of a conclusion is to summarise the issue and then bring the argument to an end.
A good conclusion should contain:

 A direct or indirect presentation of the writer's opinion e.g. Direct: In conclusion, it is my belief that the
number of active Internet users will continue to grow in the future. Indirect: To conclude, there is little
doubt that there will be an increase in online users in the years to come. an interesting ending using:

 a thought-provoking statement e.g. We cannot succeed unless we embrace technological change a

prediction for the future e.g. Maybe one day the Internet will become obsolete. a
thought-provoking/rhetorical question e.g. After all, is it really possible to make true friends on social media
sites?

 Give the reader something to think about. eg. In future years, we might all become vegetarian.

 Summarise the points made. e.g. To conclude, it appears that the best way to tackle this problem

 End with a quotation. e.g. To sum up, I tend to agree with George Bernard Shaw who said "Animals are
my friends and I don't eat my friends."

 End with a rhetorical question. e.g. In any case, wouldn't doing nothing only makes this problem worse?

 End with an objective statement. e.g. Indeed, numerous experts believe that in the future the Internet
will become an even bigger part of our lives

LINKERS

1.To state topic clearly

It is evident that... By and large...
In general... It is apparent that...

2.To state opinion directly

I believe that... In my opinion/ In my view/To my mind... I am (not) convinced that... As far as I am

concerned, ...

3.To introduce viewpoints

To start with,/For one thing./First of all,...
To introduce more viewpoints In addition,/Secondly,/Furthermore, ...
 4.To add supporting details

examples: For example,/For instance,/In particular, A typical example of (this)...

• elaboration: In other words,/This means that...

emphasis: Clearly,/Naturally,/Of course,/Needless to say./Indeed,/Undoubtedly, reasons: For this

reason, That is why,... Not only ... but also,

5.To introduce opposing viewpoint & argument against:

However,/On the other hand,/That being said,/At the same time, ...Despite/In spite of ...,/Although, To
conclude

6.Concluding
• To conclude,/All things considered,/ Taking everything into account,...

7.To express opinion indirectly

It can be claimed that... It is obvious/ clear that... There is no/little doubt that…

ESSAY TOPICS
1.Many people worry that the younger generation are becoming increasingly dependent on modern technology, which
is replacing real social relationships. Others, however, claim that new technology benefits communication in
numerous ways. Which side of this argument do you agree with, and why? Write your essay (approximately 190 words).

2.Many people worry that innovative technology will supplant humans in all future workplaces, whether industrial, administrative
or creative. Others, however, insist that while technology is an invaluable tool, it could never replace people. Which side of this
argument do you agree with, and why? Write your essay (approximately 190 words).

3. Some experts predict that half the world's languages will become extinct by the end of the century because of
globalisation, and eventually we will have one global language. Write an essay stating if you think these predictions are
justified or not. Write you essay (140-190 words).

4. Nowadays there is growing acceptance of the use of digital currencies for financial transactions. While some
people welcome this new form of payment, claiming that it is an economic innovation, others raise concerns about its
financial stability. Which side of this argument do you, personally, agree with, and why? Write your essay in approximately
190 words.

5.Nowadays there is a growing shift towards the use of cashless transactions. While some people argue in support of
a cashless society, claiming that it is beneficial to citizens, others raise concerns about security. Which side of this
argument do you, personally, agree with, and why? Write your essay in approximately 190 words.

6.Many cities around the world are considering turning streets into car-free zones, which help curb pollution and make
people healthier. However, some people believe that cities will suffer once this becomes the norm. In your opinion, what
are the advantages and disadvantages of banning private cars in city centres? Discuss your ideas, with examples. Write
your essay (approximately 190 words).

7.Renewable energy offers clean sources of power that leave little to no impact on the environment. While some
advocates of renewable energy promote wind farms as an excellent source of unlimited electricity, others argue that they
are expensive to set up and are a noisy eyesore. In your opinion, what are the arguments for and against wind farms?
Support your opinion with reasons and examples. Write your Essay (approximately 190 words).

8.One of the greatest problems faced by humanity today is dealing with the effects of an unstable and changing
climate. In your opinion, what are the main reasons behind climate change? What can be done to slow down or reverse
this process? Discuss your ideas, with examples. Write your essay (approximately 190 words).
9.Contemporary society is generating an increasing amount of household waste Existing landfills will soon reach
capacity if waste production continues at the present rate. In your opinion, what are the two most serious reasons for this
phenomenon? How can it be dealt with Discuss your ideas with examples. Write your essay (approximately 190 words).

10.An English language magazine is inviting readers to submit essays in response to the following excerpt from an article:
'The 21st century workplace requires more technological skills than ever before." You decide to submit an essay
expressing your views. You should briefly describe your experiences using technology, explain the reasons why it has
become important and assess the impact it has in the workplace. Write your essay in 140-190 words.

11. An English language magazine is inviting readers to submit essays in response to the following excerpt from an
article: 'Remote working will become more common in the future. You decide to submit an essay expressing your
views. You should briefly describe a remote working experience that you or someone you know has had. Explain the
reasons why it will become more common in the future and assess the impact it will have on businesses. Write your essay
in 140-190 words.

12.You have seen this notice on an online jobs website.

Marketing Assistant - Advertising Agency Our client is looking for a dynamic social media manager. Duties include
creating content and handling social media pages on all our social media platforms. (Instagram,Facebook,Twitter etc).
 Must be self-motivated, responsible and creative.
 Must have a degree, excellent communication skills and some experience .
Apply by email to Onestop.hire@recruitment.co.uk explaining why you feel you are suitable for the job. Write your email
applying for the job (220-260 words).

13.An English-language magazine is inviting readers to submit essays in response to the following excerpt from an article: These
days young people are willing to work unpaid in order to get valuable experience.' You should briefly describe if you or someone
you know has had such an experience. You should also assess the extent to which gaining experience is valuable for future job
prospects. Write your letter in 140-190 words.

14.An international magazine has recently published a feature entitled

'Higher education is valuable for a young person's future as it provides more opportunities.' The editor has asked readers to
submit essays describing their own or someone else's experiences on the topic. You should also assess the extent to which higher
education is a valuable experience for young people. Write your essay in 140-190 words.

15.An international magazine recently published an article in which the writer posed the question

'Does higher education beat vocational training in preparing graduates for the workplace?'.

The magazine has asked readers to respond to the question expressing their views. You should also state your
preference and assess the extent to which it is of more value. Write your essay. (140-190 words).

16.You missed an important presentation at work with your manager and several clients. Your manager delayed closing the deal
with the clients as a result. You are in the difficult position of having to arrange another meeting with your manager and the same
clients. Apologise and suggest another time. Write your email in approximately 190 words.

17.You had an important job interview. On the way, you had a minor car accident. You are in the difficult position of having to
arrange a new interview. Apologise and suggest arranging another interview. Write your email in approximately 190 words.

18.You have received an email from an English friend.

Next month my class is having a retirement party for one of our favourite teachers and I'm in charge of organising it.

I remember that you organised a party for one of your teachers last year. I'd like your advice please. Can you tell me what
went well at your party and what didn't? I would really appreciate any suggestions you might have.
Cheers,Jenna

Write your email in reply (140-190 words).

19.Write an email of about 140-1900 words to a friend. In your email you should tell your friend that you are happy that
he/she will be visiting your home town.

 suggest some fun activities for your friend as they've asked what to do on weekdays and on weekend excursions.

20.You have received a letter from an English friend who is planning on studying abroad.

I'm nervous about studying abroad. How will I make new friends and cope with the workload at college? Also, I'm worried
that I'll miss my friends and family.

You decide to write to your friend giving your opinion and making suggestions (140-190 words).

21.You have received an email from your English friend.

Now that I've got my first job, I'm thinking of moving out of my parents' home and getting a flat of my own. I know that
you have been living on your own for a few years so I thought maybe you can give me some advice on things I could do
and what to expect. Thanks,
Emma. Write your email (140-190 words) in reply.

22.You have received an email from an English friend.

I'm having problems getting along with my new college flatmate, Tina. She's messy, rude at times
and keeps borrowing my personal belongings. This is starting to irritate me. I'd don't know what to do.
I'd like your advice please. Cheers, Alice . Write your email.

23.Your English friend Kim has sent you an email. Here is an extract from it:

I keep arguing with my parents. They treat me like a young child. They don't respect my privacy and
they criticise my choice of clothes. They don't seem to understand me at all! Have you got any
advice?

Write your email giving Kim your advice (140-190 words).

24.You've had a class discussion about television advertising. Now your teacher has asked you to write an
essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of television advertising for businesses. Write your essay
(approximately 140-190 words).

25.You've had a class discussion about online shopping. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay
discussing the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping. Write your essay (approximately 140-190
words)

ESSAY WRITING SECRETS NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT !!!!

 1. The Discussion Clock
Brainstorming techniques

2.

oo

2. Brainstorming → Opinion essay

 Plan

Introduction

(Para 1)
state the topic & your opinion

Main Body

(Para 2)
first viewpoint & examples/reasons

(Para 3)
second viewpoint & examples/reasons

(Para 4)
opposing viewpoint & reasons/ examples

Conclusion

(Para 5)
Conclude and restate opinion

Arguments Examples Expected result

Supporting details
or reasons
First viewpoint →
Second viewpoint →
Opposing viewpoint →

3. An essay providing solutions to a problem

Plan

Introduction

(Para 1)
state the problem and/or its causes

Main Body

(Para 2)
first suggestion and expected result

(Para 3)
second suggestion and expected result

(Para 4)
third suggestion and expected result

Conclusion

(Para 5)
Conclude and summarise your opinion
Suggestions Examples Expected result
First suggestion →
Second suggestion →
Third suggestion →

4. Brainstorming → A for-and –against essay

Plan

Introduction

(Para1) state the topic

Main Body

(Para 2) arguments for & justifications/examples

(Para 3) arguments against & justifications/examples

Conclusion

(Para 4) summarise arguments/state your opinion

Arguments Examples Expected results

Justifications
Arguments for →

Arguments against →

 Now that you learnt about all the secrets of essay writing , start writing your own essays
instantly.
I am sure you will nail it !!!!!!