Giao trinh writing b full

UNIT 2 WRITING TASK 1 – DYNAMIC CHARTS 2.1 Focus on Lexical resource 2.1.1 Verbs and nouns for describing trends and changes: Upward trend rise rose-risen [to/by] a rise [of] increase

WRITING TASK 1 – DYNAMIC CHARTS

F OCUS ON L EXICAL RESOURCE

2.1.1 Verbs and nouns for describing trends and changes:

The upward trend in the market has shown a significant rise, with an increase of double the previous figures This growth reflects a trebling in demand, indicating a boom in the industry Overall, the data suggests a consistent climb, highlighting the positive trajectory of the sector.

• Lexical resource: Verbs and nouns for describing changes; Adjectives and Adverbs for describing speed and degree; Collocations for changes; Languages for estimation

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence; How to make comparison

• Task achievement: Paraphrasing in Introduction; Main features; Key features

• Coherence and Cohesion: Coherence – Organisational features; Cohesion – The problems of Cohesive devices

Test takers must summarize information from various formats such as graphs, tables, charts, or diagrams, expressing it in their own words Their assessment is based on the type of input and the specific task provided, evaluating their descriptive skills.

• organise, present and possibly compare data

• describe the stages of a process or procedure

• describe an object or event or sequence of events

Responses to both tasks must be written in an academic or semi-formal/neutral style. soar rocket [to/by]

The market has experienced a significant downward trend, with a notable fall and decline in recent months This has resulted in a decrease, as prices dipped and dropped substantially Many sectors have gone down, leading to a reduction in overall value Some stocks have plummeted, while others have faced a slump, causing a plunge in investor confidence The situation continues to deteriorate, reflecting a broader economic slump that has affected various industries.

No change do (did) not change no change remain/stay + stable/steady/static/unchanged [at] maintain the same level

The position stabilized at a plateau, reaching a high point before leveling off It peaked at a specific level before ultimately hitting its lowest point.

Constant change fluctuated [around] a fluctuation

2.1.2 Adjectives and adverbs for the degree of change:

Pervasive change dramatic dramatically huge n/a enormous enormously tremendous tremendously

Extensive change substantial substantially considerable considerably significant significantly remarkable remarkably

Average change noticeable noticeably marked markedly moderate moderately

Small change slight slightly small n/a minimal minimally

2.1.3 Adjectives and adverbs for speed of change:

Quick change rapid rapidly quick quickly sharp sharply swift swiftly steep steeply

Slow change steady steadily gradual gradually slow slowly

Unexpected change sudden suddenly unexpected unexpectedly abrupt abruptly

• there was an upward trend evident in the number of enrolments in Nottingham

• a moderate increase is noticeable in X

• there was a significant increase in

• there was a significant/noticeable increase

• there was a major rise in

• The number of students enrolling in Nottingham University showed a sharp jump

• as illustrated by a sudden decrease

Staying the same Changing direction

• there was a lot of volatility evident

• went from an increase to a decrease

• had by then changed direction

• after dropping slightly, jumped back up

• their numbers peaked at • dived down to a low of

• shot up to a peak of

• reached their highest point at

• increased to their highest point of

• dipped to their lowest point

• going all the way down to

Exercise 1 Using the expressions on the previous page as a reference to fill in the blanks in the sentences below

1 In 2001, employment figures, after having fallen for three years straight, _ direction, with a 6% increase that year and 11% the next (had by then changed direction)

2 Despite an increase in birth rates the year before of more than 1.5%, there was still a _ in rates of more than 2% in 2005 (there was a significant/noticeable increase)

3 Traveling by boat maintained a rate of 3,000 passengers per day for five years, before numbers dipped slightly in 1999 (steady)

4 Car accidents decreased steadily from a high of 900 deaths in 1981 to 452 in

1996, and then the same at this level until 2002 (maintain)

5 One noticeable trend is the increase in students skipping class: there was a increase (from 45 to 92) in unexcused absences in 2009 compared to ten years before

Exercise 2 Use the expression below to fill the blanks in the following Task 1 response

1 it was still at this point

5 numbers were on the decline again

The graph illustrates the trend in health insurance coverage among employees at a specific company from 1998 to 2008, highlighting the decline in both private insurance and uninsured workers In contrast, public health insurance emerged as the preferred choice for the majority of employees during this period.

In 1998, 50 employees had private coverage, making it the most common type of coverage, but (1) 48 in 2000 and then (2) _ to 40 in 2002 Despite (3) 44 staff members in 2004, in 2006,

(4) and by the end of the period only 35 employees had this type of health insurance

Moving on to public health insurance, there were 25 employees with this type of coverage in 1998, though (5) (6) _ 30 in

2002 and then 40 in 2006, and in 2008, 50 employees had it Meanwhile, those uninsured

(7) _ (8), 22 in 1998 (9) 16 in 2004, and (10) _ four years later at the end of the data.

F OCUS ON G RAMMAR AND A CCURACY

Để đạt điểm cao theo tiêu chí Grammatical range and accuracy trong bài thi Viết IELTS, bạn cần viết chính xác và sử dụng đa dạng cấu trúc ngữ pháp Việc sử dụng câu phức một cách hợp lý, đặc biệt khi trình bày và so sánh số liệu trên biểu đồ, sẽ giúp nâng cao điểm số của bạn.

Exercise 3 Take the following short and simple sentences and rewrite them, joining them together one complex sentence

1 According to the third pie graph, certain data was shown

2 28% of French women preferred to shop online

4 They tended to do their grocery shopping in large supermarkets

The third pie graph reveals shopping preferences among French women While 28% of them prefer online shopping, a significant majority of 56% favor grocery shopping at large supermarkets.

The highest portion of smokers are men in their forties at 16%

The highest percentage of smokers is found among men in their forties, accounting for 16% In comparison, men in their thirties and twenties represent 12% and 15% of smokers, respectively.

The chart also indicates other things

University students tended to drink more than others

The chart reveals that 86% of respondents enjoy drinking a bottle of beer at least once a week Additionally, it highlights that university students have a higher tendency to drink beer compared to other demographics This preference for weekly beer consumption is particularly pronounced among the student population.

The first pie graph shows data

Many people keep dogs inside their home at 45%

A notable 40% of pet owners choose to have their pets sleep outdoors, while 45% prefer to keep their dogs inside their homes This preference highlights a significant divide in pet sleeping arrangements among owners.

The fact that most people own a car

Nearly all those surveyed responded

The graph reveals that, although car ownership is prevalent among the population, the majority of respondents typically commute to work using public transportation, specifically buses or subways.

F OCUS ON T ASK A CHIEVEMENT

Write a 1-2 sentence general introduction that answers the questions: What? Where? When?

Begin your Task 1 writing with a 1 to

2 sentence introduction that describes generally what the graph is about Use your own words Don’t copy from the question prompt

The table below (Table 1) provides you some useful language to paraphrase your introduction

Remember, you can combine any phrase in this column with any phrase in another column

The structure below also proves its effectiveness when it

- Assesses how appropriately, accurately and relevantly does the response fulfil the requirements set out in the task

- Must write a minimum of 150 words.

- a defined input and a largely predictable output

- an information-transfer task: describe the factual content of an input diagram/ do not speculate or explain the reasons behind the data.

- write a clear overview – this means summarise the most significant trends or features from the data or information in the diagram comes to expressing the title in your words:

This article analyzes the provided task type by comparing various categories of charts concerning the subject matter over a specified time period It focuses on data spanning from 1955 to 2005, including a detailed examination of twelve months in 2010 and projected figures extending to 2055 Additionally, it highlights trends starting in 1965 and concluding in 2005, as well as the same ten-year period from 1992 to 2002, with a particular emphasis on the years between 2005 and 2010.

2002 for the year 2010 covers a twenty-year period between 1999 and 2009

Table 2 Expressions Used Frequently in Introductions

When presenting the results of a survey or questionnaire, there are various effective approaches to introduce the findings Beyond traditional methods, consider alternative strategies to engage your audience.

THE PROVIDED/GIVE + TaSK TYPE + COMPaRE(S) SOMEONE’S RESPONSES TO a SURVEY EXaMINING +

Table 1 Useful language for paraphrasing in Writing task 1 (Source: IDP Scores Guide)

THE PROVIDED BaR CHaRT COMPaRES aDULTS’ RESPONSES TO a SURVEY aBOUT + N PHRaSE + RELaTIVE CLaUSE

Exercise 4 The graph below gives information about cinema attendance in Australia between 1990 and 2010 è The provided line graph highlights the movie theatre attendance patterns of

Australians across various age brackets from 1990 to

2010 è The given line graph compares different

Australian age brackets in terms of their movie theatre attendance rates over a course of 20 years commencing from 1990

2.3.2 The overview and key features

In Academic Task 1 Writing, it is essential to include an overview after the introduction sentence This overview should consist of one to two sentences that highlight the key trends or features depicted in the graph Failing to provide an overview can result in a loss of marks, emphasizing its importance in your writing.

When you try to find out what are the key features, ask yourself questions below:

• If the graph has a range of dates [e.g

1999-2012] compare the beginning and end dates

• What is the general trend - up, down or fluctuating? (A trend means a change in the data e.g an increase, decrease or fluctuation)

• Do all features show the same trend?

Is one feature different from the general trend? •

• Generally, what is the highest/the most and the lowest/the least?

• Do lines on the graph intersect? What does that mean?

• Only use words like increasing or decreasing with graphs that include a range of dates

Now, look at the Cinema attendance chart again, and decide what the 4-5 most important features are List the key features below:

What is the most significant information the graph tells us? This is the information that you will write in the overview Here is an example overview for this graph:

Overall, cinema attendance in Australia increased over time, with the highest participation rates found among the youngest age group, contrasting with lower attendance among individuals aged over 50.

Cohesive devices Generally speaking, In general, Overall,

To sum up, In summary, In sum,

To get above band 5 in Task Achievement you must write an overview!

Write the overview after the introduction or in the final paragraph.

Exercise 5 The line graph below shows the production of paper, wood pulp and sawn- wood in the UK from 1980 to 2000 (Introduction + Overview)

Exercise 6 The given graph shows the production of 5 main sources of energy for

USA in 1980 and 1990 (Introduction + Overview)

Exercise 7 The bar chart shows the percentage of small, medium, large companies which used social media for business purposes between 2012 to 2016 (The real test on 06 February 2021)

2.3.3 Supporting the key features with data

C OHERENCE AND C OHESION

This is a vital feature of writing – manage this effectively and your readers task becomes much easier – that would be a sign of excellent coherence & cohesion While

Task Achievement involves ensuring that your writing directly addresses the assigned topic, rather than straying off into unrelated subjects Cohesion and Coherence pertain to the clarity and logical flow of your text, allowing readers to easily understand your ideas.

Exercise 8 Discuss with your friends and explain what coherence and cohesion are

Cohesion refers to how everything fits together nicely In other words, how you link your ideas together in sentences, between sentences, in paragraphs and the whole essay

The various methods by which text elements are interconnected include grammatical, lexical, semantic, metrical, and alliterative techniques, as noted by the Faculty of English at the University of Cambridge.

Coherence is the clarity and understandability of the ideas presented in a text It ensures that the message conveyed is logical and makes sense to the reader In contrast, cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical connections within a text; a piece can be cohesive yet still lack coherence, resulting in a text that may be well-structured but ultimately incomprehensible.

AN OCTOPUS IS aN aIR-FILLED CURTaIN WITH SEVEN HEaDS aND THREE SPIKE-FILLED FINGERS, WHICH POKE IN FRILLS aND FURLS aT RIBBON-STREWED BUTTONS.

Effective coherence in IELTS writing begins with careful planning, which is essential for organizing task 1 reports By taking a few minutes to outline your ideas, you can structure information into logical and coherent paragraphs, enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

Time division is a widely used method for body structure, which can be further categorized into two sub-methods: dividing the chart by the first year and the last year.

This method is designed for dynamic charts featuring four or more elements, as this provides sufficient data for each paragraph In the first paragraph, we will report and describe the figures from the initial year, while the second paragraph will focus on analyzing and comparing the trends in these statistical figures over time.

Exercise 9 Exercise 6: The graph shows information about car sales in several countries from 1995 to 2015 Write a report and make comparisons where relevant For the chart in this article, we will report and describe the ranking order of the first-year figures in paragraph no 1 This means that we will focus on describing the chart elements: which elements are at the top, which are at the lowest, which are 2nd and 3rd Besides, we also need to mention the difference in data between the chart elements

In the past year, data trends have shown significant fluctuations, with certain statistics demonstrating an upward trajectory while others have declined Notably, areas such as online engagement and e-commerce sales have experienced substantial growth, reflecting shifting consumer behaviors Conversely, traditional retail metrics have seen a downturn, indicating a transition in market dynamics Analyzing these trends provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of consumer preferences and economic conditions.

SWITZERLaND TOPPED THE LIST/CHaRT IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF aUTOMOBILES SOLD IN 1995

(180000 CaRS), FOLLOWED BY THE UNITED STaTES OF AMERICa, WITH aROUND 150000 UNITS IN TERMS

OF THE REMaINING COUNTRIES, VIETNaMESE STaTISTICS DID NOT RECORD aNY CaR SaLE IN 1995, WHILST THaILaND SaW TINY SaLES OF MORE THaN 10,000 aUTOMOBILES

Despite achieving first place in 1995, Swiss automobile sales saw a significant decline, dropping to approximately 20,000 units by 2015 In contrast, U.S automobile sales experienced a peak of 180,000 in 2010 but generally fell to around 120,000 units thereafter.

In 2015, Vietnam and Thailand experienced upward trends in car sales, with Vietnam selling 160,000 units and Thailand 150,000 units The data can be effectively divided into two halves for a clearer analysis.

When dealing with charts that feature three lines or fewer, simply listing two or three figures from the first year may not meet the required word count To effectively apply time division in these cases, it's advisable to split the graph into two halves, dedicating one paragraph to each half of the graph.

Exercise 10 The graph below shows the proportion of the population aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040 in three different countries

IN 1940, aROUND 9% OF AMERICaNS WERE aGED 65 OR OVER, COMPaRED TO aBOUT 7% OF SWEDISH PEOPLE aND 5% OF JaPaNESE PEOPLE THE PROPORTIONS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE

IN THE USA aND SWEDEN ROSE GRaDUaLLY OVER THE NEXT 50 YEaRS, REaCHING JUST UNDER 15% IN 1990 BY CONTRaST, THE FIGURES FOR JaPaN REMaINED BELOW 5% UNTIL THE EaRLY 2000S

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE, a SUDDEN INCREaSE IN THE PERCENTaGE

OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IS PREDICTED FOR JaPaN, WITH a JUMP OF OVER 15% IN JUST 10 YEaRS FROM 2030 TO

2040 BY 2040, IT IS PROJECTED THaT aROUND 27% OF THE JaPaNESE POPULaTION WILL BE 65 YEaRS OLD

OR MORE, WHILE THE FIGURES FOR SWEDEN aND THE USA WILL BE SLIGHTLY LOWER, aT aBOUT 25% aND 23% RESPECTIVELY

2.4.1.2 Divide according to the similarity of each group of objects

In analyzing the chart elements, IELTS test takers should focus on identifying trends among the components Specifically, they need to determine which elements exhibit a similar upward trend and which show a downward trend For instance, if there are two components that are increasing, one that is decreasing, and one that remains stationary, it is advisable to group the two increasing components into one paragraph, while the other paragraph should address the decreasing and stationary components.

2.4.2 Cohesion – the problems of cohesive devices

Cohesive devices play a crucial role in guiding readers through a text by clarifying the relationships between clauses, sentences, and paragraphs These linguistic tools enhance the coherence of writing, making it easier for readers to follow the flow of ideas.

The biggest mistakes many students make is to use cohesive devices in nearly every sentence If you look at the IELTS Writing Marking Criteria it states that a Band 7

Students often demonstrate a good understanding of cohesive devices, using them effectively within their writing However, some may overuse or underuse these devices, mistakenly believing that frequent application will enhance their scores It’s essential to strike a balance, ensuring that cohesive devices are employed appropriately to improve clarity and coherence without overwhelming the reader.

Overusing cohesive devices can lead to incorrect usage among students, often resulting in a Band 5 rating, which reflects inadequate or inaccurate application Many students mistakenly believe that frequent use of these devices will enhance their scores, without understanding their proper meanings and contextual usage in sentences.

H OMEWORK

Exercise 12 The bar chart shows the number of people who visited different museums in London.

WRITING TASK 1 – STATIC CHARTS

F OCUS ON L EXICAL RESOURCE

Exercise 13 Complete the table with appropriate words and translate all the phrases you do not understand

The pie chart below show the comparison of different kinds of energy production in France in 1995

- Lexical resource: How to describe fractions; How to make comparison

- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Reported speech

- Task achievement: Interpretation question – static chart; Introduction and Overview

- Homework: Rewrite the writing assignment

Describing majority • Energy from coal holds the lion's share of pie chart/ the total energy production in France

• ………… has a slight majority Describing minority/ • Hold/have a small st_ke

• Hydropower holds a rather m_n_sc_le (rất nhỏ) share of the total energy production in France

• The energy generated from Nuclear power is rather n_gl_g_ble, at 5% (không đáng kể)

• next to none Describing share • roughly a quarter of students’ free time is spent on playing sports

• half of the pie is all_tted (chia phần) to Health care i i u

• the chart is partitioned into eight sections

• contains four items of equal size Examples demonstratin g some of the above phrases in action

• The chart is partitioned into six sections, thr ee of which make up more than a 60% shar e

• The countries of Lebanon, Syria and Kuwait, make up a rather miniscule part of the Arab world geographically

• Africa takes the lion's share of the pie, produ cing over 50% of the world's diamond in

2009 3.1.2 How to describe the ranking

3.1.2.1 The highest a To top the list/chart; hold the top spot

Vietnam is the largest rice exporter in the world, holding the top position in global export volume With the highest rice export volume in Southeast Asia, Vietnam continues to lead the market significantly.

The United States leads the chart with a GDP of $45,900, making it the country with the highest economic output However, its average life expectancy of 78 years places it in third position globally in terms of longevity.

3.1.2.2 The second highest a The second highest

- Thái Lan đứng thứ hai về xuất khẩu gạo à Thailand is the second biggest rice exporter b Clause, followed by + N-phrase

Vietnam ranks first in global rice exports, achieving a remarkable 6.2 million tonnes, while Thailand follows closely in second place with 6 million tonnes.

Water usage for industrial purposes ranks second in Asia, following agricultural use.

Hoa Kỳ dẫn đầu về GDP với 45,900 USD, mặc dù tuổi thọ trung bình chỉ khoảng 78, khiến nước này đứng thứ 3 trong bảng xếp hạng tuổi thọ toàn cầu Australia đứng thứ 2 với GDP đạt 38,600 USD và có tuổi thọ trung bình cao nhất, lên tới 82 tuổi Tây Ban Nha xếp thứ 3 về GDP.

32500 USD, mặc dù tuổi thọ người Tây Ban Nha lại khá cao, ở mức 81 à er for industrial purposes ranks second after agricultural ones in Asia 3.1.2.4 The lowest

Vietnamese rice holds the top position in Southeast Asia for export volume, while Laos ranks at the bottom of the list.

F OCUS ON G RAMMAR

Khi phân tích biểu đồ hình tròn trong Task 1, trọng tâm của bài viết là các câu trả lời từ người tham gia khảo sát Điều này đòi hỏi bạn phải sử dụng cách diễn đạt gián tiếp khi mô tả biểu đồ Để tường thuật lời nói của người khác một cách chính xác, việc sử dụng đúng thì (tenses) là rất quan trọng Các ví dụ dưới đây sẽ hỗ trợ bạn trong việc chuyển đổi từ lời nói trực tiếp sang lời nói gián tiếp.

1 Thì hiện tại đơn được đổi sang thì quá khứ đơn

Actual speech: "I drink between 4 and 5 glasses of water every day." à The respondent replied that he drank between 4 and 5 glasses of water every day

2 Thì quá khứ đơn được đổi sang thì quá khứ hoàn thành

Actual speech: "I bought a car yesterday." à The respondent stated that he had bought a car the day before

3 Thì hiện tại hoàn thành/hiện tại hoàn thành tiếp diễn được đổi sang thì quá khứ hoàn thành/quá khứ hoàn thành tiếp diễn

Actual speech: "I have been using CDs for several years now." à The person responded that he had been using CDs for several years then

4 Thì tương lai được đổi sang cấu trúc would/intended to + động t

Actual speech: "I am going to sign up for this music class à He replied to the questionnaire by saying he would/intended to sign up for that music class

Exercise 14 : Look at the following sentences and write in the space provided underneath what the text would be in reported speech a Respondents: I take the subway at least once a week à 12% of those surveyed responded that they took the subway at least once a week b Respondents: I have never been abroad in my life à 13% of respondents said they had never been abroad in their lives c Respondents: I was not scared of little bugs when I was young à 45% of those who sampled said they had not been scared of little bugs when d Respondents: I will never vote for a right-wing political party à More than two-thirds of those surveyed _ e Respondents: There is no such thing as Santa Claus à More than half the children _ f Respondents: I can't stand it when people jump the cue à 11% of respondents said that they became irritated _ g Respondents: I haven't written a personal letter in more than ten years à Almost 90% of all respondents admitted h Respondents: I prefer not to play soccer in the summer because it is too hot à The main reason men gave for not i Respondents: I would like to marry a person with an income similar to mine à 23% of those who responded stated j Respondents: I was able to pass the course because I studied all day long yesterday à Four people replied that they had been able to pass the

F OCUS ON C OHERENCE AND C OHESION

3.3.1 Linking between Phrases and Clauses

Liên từ "while" có nghĩa là "còn, trong khi đó" và tương đương với cụm từ "and at the same time" Nó được sử dụng để kết nối mệnh đề thứ hai với mệnh đề thứ nhất đứng trước.

VD: The first graph indicates the percentage of tourists visiting Germany, while the second categorizes them by gender and their purpose of travel

Ngoài ra, while còn được dùng để so sánh Trong trường hợp này, while có nghĩa là

“mặc dù” cùng nghĩa với từ “although”

The data reveals a clear preference among men for sports over shopping, as illustrated in the first table However, the accompanying pie graph suggests that many men do engage in shopping, primarily for accessories or sports gear.

Cụm từ bắt đầu bằng "with" được sử dụng ở giữa câu nhằm cung cấp thông tin bổ sung, giúp tăng cường sự đa dạng trong cấu trúc câu và nâng cao tính học thuật của bài viết.

A recent survey revealed that history was the least complained about subject among students, with nearly 14 expressing it as their favorite In contrast, 20 students reported finding history to be quite boring.

Compared to chủ yếu được dùng để liên kết hai cụm từ hoặc mệnh đề nhằm so sánh hai đối tượng giống nhau

VD: According to the table, 45 % of part-time workers in the US were covered by life insurance compared to only 13 % in France

VD: Compared to the fourth graders, the sixth graders had a much higher tendency to get into trouble with the teacher, particularly the boys, who were punished on average

42 times during the given school year

Compared with được dùng để liên kết hai cụm tù hoặc mệnh đề nhằm so sánh hai đối tượng khác nhau

VD: Men in their fifties, compared with women in the same age group, tended to have better insurance coverage overall

Liện từ whereas đồng nghĩa với while, được dùng để đối chiếu nội dung của hai mệnh đề trong câu

Here is a rewritten paragraph that complies with SEO rules:According to recent data, Europe's population has already hit its peak, marking a significant demographic milestone In stark contrast, Asia's population is expected to experience a substantial surge over the next three decades, with projections indicating a notable increase in the region's population.

The initial graph illustrates the differing leisure activity preferences between men and women, while the subsequent graph presents the average spending on the five most popular hobbies in New Zealand for the year 2005.

Exercise 15 Use the linking words to fill in the blanks in the sentences on the next page Please note that sometimes more than one answer is possible

Compared to despite and while which while

Although whereas in spite of with and although

1 The two most popular items in 1985 were Walkmans and stereo players, _ in 2005, it was MP3 players and iPods

2 _ the decline in the popularity of soccer during the 1990s, there was a major turnaround in the 2000s as the sport doubled in popularity from 8% in

3 The first graph compares salaries for police officers according to gender in 1997, the table indicates the retirement age for both groups in the same year

4 According to the table, the population of practicing Catholics declined over the last century by more than 20%, there was a 20% increase in Presbyterianism during the same period, overall, the number of non - Catholic Christians also dropped by 24%

5 There was a tendency among students of nearly all of the lower and middle grades to watch more than three hours of TV daily, this was less marked in the two highest grades where daily time spent watching TV was just an hour and a half

6 The majority of dentists surveyed, at 83%, said they took three two-week vacations a year, _ means they had more days off than any other profession listed in the table

7 According to the diagram, the industrial park grew in size by 40% during this twenty-year period, _ most of this growth being due to the expansion of the Williams factory

8 There was a 12% increase in orders for laptops in the last quarter of the year, _ a 4% drop in orders for PCs

Despite over 4 million children being vaccinated against the disease in the EU in 2006, two outbreaks occurred, one in Denmark and another in Portugal.

10 The biggest car company in 1982 was Ford, _ there were some changes in market dominance over the next twenty years, Ford was still selling the most cars in 2008

Exercise 16 The following table compares the life expectancy and GDP for six nations in 2009

GDP (in dollars) Life expectancy

In 2009, a comparison of GDP per capita and life expectancy across six countries revealed a clear trend: individuals in wealthier nations generally experienced greater life expectancies than those in less affluent countries Notably, the USA led in GDP per capita, while Australians exhibited a propensity for longer life spans compared to their counterparts.

The USA leads with the highest GDP of $45,900, yet ranks third in life expectancy at 78 years Australia follows in second place with a GDP of $38,600 and boasts the highest life expectancy at 82 years Spain ranks third in GDP at $32,500, with a life expectancy of 81 years, slightly higher than that of the USA.

Poland, with a GDP of $18,000, has a life expectancy of 75 years, despite its economic output being less than half that of the USA In comparison, India ranks sixth, with a GDP per capita of $3,000 and a life expectancy of 65 years Mali, on the other hand, has the lowest GDP in the group at $1,200 and a significantly lower life expectancy of just 50 years.

F OCUS ON T ASK A CHIEVEMENT

Data, which are presented in a more complex form, tend to make students panic However, when you realise that everything has a pattern, you can learn to control this panic

Exercise 17 The bar chart describes the results of a survey carried out on a sample of 1000 adults aged 25+ to assess what makes modern life stressful

Exercise 18 Look at the chart above and answer the questions

• Is there any trend here?

• What features stand out from the crowd?

Anything you can see when you glance through the chart in 10 seconds?

• What possible groups could you put the factors into?

• Why would you use these groups?

• How would you compare “Moving house” with the other factors?

• How would you compare “Problems with neighbours” with the other factors?

• What other synonyms could you use for the word factors?

Stressors Stress triggers Causes of stress, contributing factors

Exercise 19 The following graph gives a breakdown of US government expenditure in

Exercise 20 The charts below show the percentage of water used for different purposes in six areas of the world Ở đây chúng ta sẽ thấy có 6 vùng địa lý, mỗi cùng lại có 3 loại dữ liệu về tỷ lệ nước được sử dụng! Quá nhiều dữ liệu phải không? Tuy nhiên, thí sinh đừng lo lắng Bây giờ hãy nhìn kĩ lại và chỉ ra:

- Những vùng nào có đặc điểm dữ liệu tương đồng với nhau?

- Nước được sử dụng nhiều nhất ở lĩnh vực gì? Có sự khác nhau giữa các vùng không?

Khu vực Bắc Mỹ và Châu Âu, được xem là những vùng phát triển, tiêu thụ nước chủ yếu cho mục đích công nghiệp, với thứ tự sử dụng nước từ lớn đến nhỏ là công nghiệp, nông nghiệp và sinh hoạt Trong khi đó, nông nghiệp là lĩnh vực tiêu tốn nhiều nước nhất ở cả bốn vùng, với Central Asia đứng đầu về nhu cầu nước, trong khi South America có mức tiêu thụ thấp nhất Đối với sử dụng nước cho công nghiệp, Central Asia có lượng nước sử dụng thấp nhất, chưa bằng một nửa so với Southeast Asia Tất cả các biểu đồ hình tròn đã được đề cập ít nhất một dữ liệu, ngoại trừ khu vực châu Phi, do đó cần bổ sung thêm một hoặc hai thông tin về khu vực này để hoàn thiện nội dung.

3.4.2 Introduction Đối với các biểu đồ với đề bài dạng “đưa ra kết quả của một cuộc khảo sát/bảng câu hỏi” thí sinh có nhiều cách để viết lại mở bài Ngoài các cách thông thường đã học, thí sinh có thể có cách mở bài sau:

- The provided bar chart compares adults’ responses to a survey examining why modern life stresses them out

- The provided bar chart compares adults’ responses to a survey about several stressors/stress triggers they encounter daily

Exercise 21 Rewrite the following test

1 The chart below shows the results of a survey about people’s coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five Australian cities è

- Most stress comes from: Employment + Family

- The lowest: Problem with neighbours

Employment and family are the primary sources of stress for individuals While opinions vary among respondents, a significant majority agree that family-related factors, such as moving to a new house and experiencing divorce, are the most common triggers of stress In contrast, only a small percentage of respondents express concerns about their future.

- Biggest: Health care + Social welfare

- Others take up a considerable part

OF THE UNITED STaTES BUDGET WaS SPENT ON THE COMBINED aREaS OF HEaLTH aND SOCIaL WELFaRE, aLTHOUGH a SUBSTaNTIaL aMOUNT WaS aLSO USED FOR UNSPECIFIED PURPOSES

Here is a rewritten paragraph that conveys the same meaning while adhering to SEO rules:In North America and Europe, the industrial sector dominates total water usage, holding the largest share In contrast, agriculture is the primary purpose of water use in other regions Notably, domestic demand accounts for the smallest percentage of water consumption globally, except in South America, Central Asia, and Africa, where it plays a relatively more significant role.

P RACTICE

Exercise 22 The graph below shows the percentage of male and female academic staff members across the faculties of a major university in 2012 Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

H OMEWORK

Làm lại bài trên vào Google Classroom.

WRITING TASK 1 – MAP

F OCUS ON L EXICAL R ESOURCE

Top Top right-hand corner Left-hand side Middle/centre Right-hand side

Bottom Bottom right- hand corner

- Lexical resource: How to describe fractions; How to make comparison

- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Reported speech

- Task achievement: Interpretation question – static chart; Introduction and Overview

- Homework: Rewrite the writing assignment

4.1.3 Useful structures for Population description

Nếu chúng ta muốn nói 1 thành phố có số dân là 1000 người, ta có những cách nói như sau

• Địa điểm + has a population of + số dân + people

• Địa điểm + has + số dân + inhabitants

• The population of + Địa điểm + is + số dân

Danang city has a population of 1,300 people

The population of Danang city is 1,300

4.1.4 Useful structures for Road description

Giả sử chúng ta muốn nói tuyến đường bộ chạy xuyên thành phố từ Bắc vào Nam, ta sẽ có những cách nói sau

• Tuyến đường + run through/pass through/go through/cross + địa điểm + hướng

Ví dụ: The main road runs through the entire city from east to west

4.1.5 Useful structures for Location description

• to be situated/ located/ positioned: nằm ở … east, west, south, north/left, right, top, bottom, middle, centre

The company is located to the south of the river /The university is situated in the centre of the city

The shopping mall which was located/situated in the centre of the city was knocked down to make way for a new university

There was a new sidewalk along the river

4.1.6 Useful structures for Length description

Ví dụ, khi chúng ta muốn nói hòn đảo nào đó dài khoảng 250 km, ta sẽ có những cách nói sau

• S + has a length of + chiều dài

• S ’s total length is + chiều dài

The street has a length of about 10 km./ The street’s total length is about 10 km./ The street is about 10 km long

To be built in place of

• S + be + demolished/ destroyed/ knocked down + to make way for + cái mới

• S + be + demolished/ destroyed/ knocked down + and replaced by + cái mới

• S + be + built/ constructed/ erected + to replace + cái cũ

• S + be+ built/ constructed/ erected + on the original site of + cái cũ

The car parking was demolished to make way for a new building

The car parking was destroyed and replaced by a new building

A new building was erected to replace the car parking

A new building was constructed on the original site of the car parking

Không có sự thay đổi

Ví dụ: the university remained unchanged for 10 years

The company was slightly expanded

The university became bigger between 2010 and 2015 Kéo dài:

Ví dụ: The industrial complex was significantly lengthened

S + be + moved/ relocated to + nơi mới

Ví dụ: The university was relocated to the south of the city

The car parking became smaller during 2 years

The company was dramatically narrowed over the period of 2 years

Ví dụ: The railway line was slightly shortened during 5 years

The monster disappeared The hospital was destroyed

A new school was constructed next to the park

4.1.8 Some useful Verbs Động từ Nghĩa

Miêu tả sự phá hủy Knock-down

Construct Erect Reconstruct Xây lại

Miêu tả tòa nhà được làm to Expand hơn

Miêu tả sự biến mất của cây Cut down cối

F OCUS ON T ASK A CHIEVEMENT

4.2.1 Describe one map (in the present day) Đối với bài ra chỉ có

Bản đồ thường được chia thành các giai đoạn phát triển khác nhau, giúp thí sinh cấu trúc bài viết dựa trên thông số và thông tin đã cho Ví dụ, với bản đồ có 4 giai đoạn phát triển sắp xếp theo trật tự thời gian, thí sinh chỉ cần viết về hai giai đoạn thay đổi cho mỗi đoạn văn.

Trong bài viết so sánh hai bản đồ, các em nên chia thành hai phần rõ ràng Phần Body 1 sẽ tập trung vào bản đồ của năm quá khứ, thường sẽ ngắn hơn và mô tả những điểm nổi bật của bản đồ trong quá khứ Tiếp theo, Body 2 sẽ phân tích bản đồ của năm tương lai, nêu bật các đặc điểm quan trọng và chú ý đến những thay đổi từ quá khứ đến hiện tại Các em cần so sánh rõ ràng giữa trạng thái trong quá khứ và những thay đổi đang diễn ra trong hiện tại.

- THE MaPS/DIaGRaMS DEPICT/SHOW THE DEVELOPMENT/GROWTH OF X FROM TO

- THE MaPS/DIaGRaMS ILLUSTRaTE/DEMONSTRaTE HOW X HaVE DEVELOPED OVER _ DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS (YEaR aND THE PRESENT)

- THE MaPS ILLUSTRaTE SOME CHaNGES THaT WERE/WILL BE MaDE TO X FROM 2010 TO DaTE

- THE MaPS/DIaGRaMS SHOW X aS IT IS NOW, aND PLaNS FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT

- THE MaPS/DIaGRaMS ILLUSTRaTE THE CURRENT LaYOUT aND SOME PROPOSED CHaNGES TO X

4.2.4 Overall Ở phần này chúng ta sẽ nêu tổng quát về các bản đồ qua 2 – 3 ý Các em cũng có thể nêu ra những điểm khác biệt nổi bật giữa hai bản đồ ở đây Để tìm ra những điểm thay đổi này các em hãy tự trả lời những câu hỏi sau

• Sự thay đổi là đáng kể hay không?

• Khu vực dân cư trong biểu đồ tăng thêm hay giảm bớt?

• Khu vực nông thôn tăng lên hay giảm bớt?

• Cây cối tăng lên hay giảm bớt?

• Có sự phát triển đáng kể nào về cơ sở hạ tầng không?

• Các tòa nhà hay các khu vui chơi giải trí đã thay đổi thế nào?

SUBJECT + WITNESSED/SaW DRaMaTIC/CONSIDERaBLE/REMaRKaBLE CHaNGES/DEVELOPMENTS è Over the period, the town witnessed dramatic changes è From 1995 to 2005, the city centre saw spectacular developments

The town has changed considerably over the past 30 years, with the industrial area undergoing a complete transformation in just 10 years Additionally, the residential area has been entirely reconstructed over the last 20 years, and the old docks have been fully redeveloped during this time.

Significant changes were implemented to the hospital's vehicle access, which included the construction of a new bus station, the addition of new roundabouts, and the establishment of new parking facilities.

The main transformation in the town will be the construction of a ring road surrounding the center This project will be accompanied by various developments related to shops and housing.

The town has completely transformed its industrial area to accommodate more residential, recreational, and academic amenities Furthermore, the infrastructure has been upgraded with the addition of a harbor and expanded footpaths, enhancing accessibility and community engagement.

The park has undergone various renovations and rearrangements, introducing new entertainment areas like a café and a children's play area Despite these significant changes, it still preserves its essential elements of flowers, water, seating, and music, ensuring a harmonious blend of the old and new.

Opened in 1920, Grange Park features a rectangular layout accessible from Arnold Avenue to the north and Eldon Street to the south At its center lies a fountain, with a stage for musicians positioned to the left Flanking the rose gardens are seating areas where visitors can relax, enjoy the floral displays, and listen to music Additionally, the park includes a pond for aquatic plants and a glasshouse located in the top right and bottom right corners, respectively.

The park has undergone significant transformations, featuring a large rose garden at its center, surrounded by seating, where a fountain once stood A smaller rose garden remains on the park's north side The former bandstand has been replaced by an amphitheater designed for concerts, complete with seating The glasshouse has been removed, giving way to a new water feature, while the previous pond for aquatic plants has been transformed into a children's play area with an adjacent café Access to the park continues through the two original entrances, with an additional entrance now available near the water feature from an underground car park.

P RACTICE

Exercise 23 Exercise 1: The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now and plans for its development

The diagrams illustrate some proposed changes to the central area of the town of Islip.

The town will undergo significant transformation with the construction of a ring road encircling the center, accompanied by various developments in retail and housing.

The current map of Islip highlights a primary road that traverses the town from east to west, while the proposed plan for pedestrianisation aims to redirect traffic onto a dual carriageway, creating a ring road around the town center.

The main road currently features a line of shops on both sides; however, the north side will be demolished to accommodate a new bus station, shopping center, car park, and housing development While the shops on the south side will remain, the town's park is set to shrink to allow for additional housing within the ring road.

Exercise 24 Exercise 2: Two maps below show the changes in the town of Denham from 1986 to the present day

The provided maps show 35 years of transformation of a town called Denham, from

Overall, it appears that the urbanisation, accompanied by housing development on the original site of farmland, was the most distinct improvement of this town

Over the years, a remarkable redevelopment has transformed the area east of the River Stoke, where former farmland has been replaced by numerous new dwellings In 1986, the landscape featured only a few residential properties alongside some shops, but these shops have since been demolished to accommodate additional housing, with the post office remaining as a notable landmark Meanwhile, the bridge that crossed the River Stoke continues to stand unchanged since 1986.

In recent years, the landscape has transformed significantly, with the construction of additional side roads to support increased housing densities The gardens that once adorned the front of the large house in 1986 have been eliminated Meanwhile, both the primary school and the large house remain at their original locations but have undergone expansions over the decades; notably, the large house has been repurposed into a retirement home.

Exercise 25 Exercise 3: The diagram below shows the development of cutting tools in the Stone Age

The illustration details the evolution of stone chopping tools dated between 1.4 million years and 0.8 million years ago

Recent advancements in cutting tools have primarily focused on enhancing their size, shape, and finishing quality Both tool A and tool B feature a common design with double-sided sharp edges and a pointed tip, contributing to their effectiveness and versatility.

Dating back 1.4 million years, Tool A is a small and primitive artifact measuring approximately 7 centimeters in length Its crude craftsmanship is evident in the uneven surfaces, with minimal chisel marks visible among the diverse flakes The rough sides suggest it was not primarily designed as a cutting tool.

After 600000 years, it is evident that the cutting tools used by man in the Stone Age had become significantly more advanced First of all, they were larger, measuring 10-

The tool measures 11 centimeters in length and features a pronounced tear-drop shape, characterized by a wider base that tapers sharply to a fine tip, contrasting with earlier models that had a blunt end Additionally, both the front and back surfaces have been ground more evenly and smoothly, indicating an advancement in craftsmanship It appears that humans have also developed the technique to sharpen the edges of their cutting tools, enhancing their effectiveness.

Exercise 26 The diagrams show changes in a student common room (27/02/2021)

The two illustrations depict several modifications made to the layout of an unspecified student common room

The room has undergone extensive renovations, transforming its interior design while still incorporating essential elements like tables, chairs, and kitchen amenities Key upgrades include the introduction of study areas and recreational social spaces, enhancing its functionality and appeal.

Five years ago, the common room featured four seven-piece round table sets dominating the space Recently, two of these sets have been replaced with a single rectangular table and a bench for students' laptops, now positioned on either side of the room The kitchen amenities in the northern part of the room have largely remained unchanged, with the only addition being a new microwave installed in place of a former bench.

Significant updates have been made, including the addition of a vending machine next to the refrigerator Additionally, the former cabinet in the southwest corner has been removed and replaced with a large television, complemented by three surrounding armchairs designed for entertainment.

Exercise 27 The diagrams give information about changes in a student accommodation (04/03/2021)

The provided maps illustrate modifications to the layout of a hall of residence from

The building has undergone significant renovations, transforming its original bathroom and kitchen elements Key changes include the removal of green spaces to accommodate a new cluster of bedrooms and a parking area.

In 2010, the building was surrounded by lush green gardens to the north and south Today, however, the area has changed significantly, with a new car park occupying the original garden space to the south, and a new student bedroom replacing the green area on the left side of the living room.

The main entrance, bathroom, and central student bedroom of the building have been preserved, while a new en-suite room has been added next to the southeast bedroom The kitchen has been transformed into a social space, and the living room has been converted into an additional student bedroom.

Exercise 28 The three pictures below show 3 different kinds of bridge

The given illustrations provide us with a detailed breakdown of three different types of bridge

The primary distinctions among these bridge variations lie in their length, structural elements, location, and water depth Notably, concrete girder bridges provide the longest spans, whereas suspension bridges facilitate the navigation of larger vessels.

WRITING TASK 1 – PROCESS

F OCUS ON T ASK A CHIEVEMENT

Exercise 30 Which diagram shows an artificial process, and which is a natural process?

Original exam statement: The diagram illustrates the process used to manufacture bricks for the building industry è The provided process describes how bricks are made step-by-step for the

- Lexical resource: Vocabulary for natural processes; Vocabulary for manmade processes

- Task achievement: Introduction and Overview

The diagram illustrates the step-by-step process of brick manufacturing for the building industry, detailing the various stages involved in producing clay bricks It presents the essential procedures required to create high-quality bricks used in construction.

The diagram illustrates the life cycle of a frog, an amphibian, detailing the chronological sequence of stages from a tiny egg to a mature adult It highlights the different phases involved in a frog's development, showcasing the typical progression of its life stages.

Exercise 31 Rewrite the following introduction using your own words and phrases

1 The diagram below shows the life cycle of the honeybee

2 The diagram below shows how electricity is produced in a nuclear power station

3 The diagram below shows the process of photosynthesis

4 The diagram gives information about the process of making carbonated drinks

5.1.2 Overview in Process Đối với phần overview ở dạng bài này, candidates nên bình tĩnh và tự đặt các câu hỏi như sau để lấy thông tin:

• Quy trình này là quy trình tự nhiên hay nhân tạo, sử dụng thì gì và thể nào?

• Có tất cả bao nhiêu bước (chỉ cần nói số bước thôi chứ chưa phải mô tả)?

• Bắt đầu từ bước nào và kết thúc ở bước nào?

• Có thể nhận thấy những bước chính trong quá trình này không?

- It is clear that there are steps/stages in the production of _, beginning/commencing with _ and ending/finishing with

The diagram illustrates that the process of manufacturing consists of several stages; however, it is the _ stage that requires the most time and incurs the highest costs.

- There are _ main phases that can be identified in this _, although the _ will take up most of the time/cost

- Overall, it is readily apparent that this linear/cyclical procedure involves _ steps, grouped into _ main stages starting with , followed by _, and in the middle, and finishing with _

The manufacturing of bricks for the building industry involves seven key steps, starting with the mining of clay and culminating in the delivery of finished bricks to construction sites.

The brick manufacturing process is a linear, manmade operation that consists of seven steps divided into three main stages: clay mining, moulding, and burning.

- In general, the process includes a series of stages like a natural circle but involves _ main steps which begins with _ and finishes with

- Overall, the diagram indicates that while the process of building/making/producing/manufacturing _ involves stages/steps, it is the _ stage itself that takes the longest time

- The life cycle of _ consists of stages: (liệt kê)

- Overall, it is readily apparent that this cyclical procedure involves _ steps, grouped into _ main stages starting with , followed by _, and in the middle, and finishing with _

The frog's life cycle includes three distinct stages: egg, larva, and adult During this journey, frogs experience significant transformations through a process called metamorphosis.

• Overall, the growth of jellyfish can be outlined in seven consecutive steps, beginning with gametes and ending with adults

Mở đoạn 1: Looking at the first/initial _ stages (Hãy chừa trống đến khi thí sinh hoàn thành đoạn 1 rồi điền để không sai!)

Mở đoạn 2: Turning to the last phases

• máy mà không biết à specialized machine (manual hay automatic is a good phrase too!)

• có thêm nước/hóa chất/additives mà không ghi bao nhiêu à an unspecified amount of _ is added

• Trong hình có phương tiện gì phải nêu ra à truck/lorry

• Hãy tả hình dáng Ví dụ: Cái hộp hình trụ à cylindrical /səˈlɪndrɪkl/container

• Hộp hình cầu à Spherical /ˈsferɪkl/container

• Hộp hỡnh hộp chữ nhật à Rectangular/rekˈtổŋɡjələ(r)/ prismatic container

• Hộp hình nón: à Conical /ˈkɒnɪkl/container

F OCUS ON C OHERENCE AND C OHESION

5.2.1 Useful vocabularies and phrases for Process

- The first step in the process is

- The first stage in the process is

- Firstly/First/To start with/To begin with/Initially/At first stage/ First of all + Clause

- The first step/stage is/involves + noun phrase/V-ing

- The process commences with (sth + V-ing)/(noun phrase)

Firstly, the production of beer begins with the milling of malted barley

At the first stage of the paper-recycling process, recycled paper is collected

- Next/Then/Afterwards/Subsequently/After that/At the next stage, At the following stage + Clause

- Following (that)/(noun phrase) is V-ing/(noun phrase) In the next/ subsequent step,

• At the following stage, the pulp is poured into a shallow tray and some water is also added This is followed by a hand-mixing process

The process begins with the extraction of clay, which is then meticulously prepared by placing it on a metal grid and passing it through a roller to break it into smaller pieces.

- At the subsequent steps of the process, Subsequently,

- The process continues with + N phrases/Gerund

- The next step is + N phrases/Gerund

• Before being beaten for about 45 seconds to form a pulp, the mixture is left for an hour

• The mixture is soaked for an hour Subsequently, the mixture is beaten for about 45 seconds until a pulp is formed

• At the subsequent stage of the process, the mixture is soaked for an hour

• Then, some water is added, and the mixture is left for an hour

• The mixture is beaten for about 45 seconds and a pulp is formed afterwards

• Once it is ready, the pulp is poured into a shallow tray

Ví dụ: While the mixture of sand and soda is being heated, some other chemicals are added to create various colours

Ví dụ: The mixture of sand and soda is heated At the same time, some other chemicals are added to create various colours

Ví dụ: During its entire life cycle, salmon have lived in both freshwater and saltwater 5.2.1.4 The last stage

- The last/ final process / step is that…

- The process finishes/ends with

F OCUS ON L EXIS

5.3.1 Useful vocabularies for natural processes

The life cycle of certain species undergoes significant changes, passing through three distinct physical stages They begin life as eggs, which hatch within 3 to 5 days into larvae These larvae, commonly called tadpoles, vary in size, color, and shape They grow quickly, doubling in size and developing hind and front legs As they mature, they shed their old skin and breathe underwater before eventually emerging as adults During their development, they feed on various organisms in their feeding grounds Under optimal conditions, this life cycle lasts several weeks, repeating itself as they migrate across long distances Typically, these creatures live for a few months to several years, building their nests in trees or on the ground to ensure the survival of their offspring.

5.3.2 Useful verbs related to solid in artificial process lay bend squeeze form wind rotate reverse fold shrink harden collect recycle convey sort to be baked in the sun mix accumulate press adjust grind unwind unfold fade soften extract adsorb meet separate combine

5.3.3 Useful verbs related to liquid cool down circulate enter flow into melt into pour into condense filter out move/flow lead to evaporate melt

5.3.4 Useful verbs related to gas expand combine heat up burn be fuelled by release/send out compress ignite

F OCUS ON G RAMMAR AND A CCURACY

- Passive voice: S + be + Vpp + (by O)

• At the beginning of the process, clay is dug from the ground

• Sau đó, đất sét được nghiền và vận chuyển tới nơi bảo quản à

Cụm phân từ hiện tại có thể được sử dụng để rút gọn mệnh đề khi hai hành động có cùng chủ ngữ và xảy ra đồng thời, hoặc khi hành động thứ hai là một phần hoặc kết quả của hành động thứ nhất.

After being extruded through a die to create a column of clay, the material is subsequently sliced by an automatic cutter.

Clays are blended with 20 to 30% water content before being shaped into bricks using moulds.

Cụm phân từ hoàn thành (perfect participles) được sử dụng để nhấn mạnh một hoạt động đã xảy ra trước một hoạt động khác Khi muốn mô tả rõ ràng thứ tự thời gian giữa các sự kiện, việc áp dụng cấu trúc này giúp làm nổi bật tính chất trước sau trong câu.

After being poured into a shallow tray with water, the pulp is mixed by hand, and then the worker uses a rolling pin to flatten it.

P RACTICE

Exercise 32 The diagram below shows the process by which bricks are manufactured for the building industry

(Introduction + Overview đã có ở trên)

The process of brick manufacturing begins with the mining of raw clay in open pits using heavy machinery The mined clay is then broken down into smaller chunks on a metal grid, allowing them to fall onto a roller Following this, sand and water are incorporated to create a uniform mixture, which is either molded or cut into brick shapes using a wire cutter Finally, the shaped raw bricks are dried in a drying oven for 24 to 48 hours.

Dried raw bricks are subjected to kiln firing at temperatures reaching up to 1300 degrees Celsius Following this intense heating process, the bricks are allowed to cool in a cooling chamber for two to three days Once cooled, they are packaged and prepared for delivery to their final destination.

Exercise 33 The diagram below shows the life cycle of a frog

- Pit (n): hầm mỏ, hố khoáng sản

The provided diagram describes the chronological sequence of stages involved in the life of frogs

Frogs experience significant transformations during their life cycles, which consist of six key stages, beginning with eggs and culminating in fully developed adult frogs.

Frogs start their life cycle as eggs in jelly-like clusters floating on water After successful fertilization, these eggs undergo embryonic development and hatch into tadpoles, which resemble fish and lack legs As tadpoles grow, they undergo significant changes, including the development of front legs, marking their transformation into adult frogs.

As tadpoles develop lungs, they prepare for their transformation into frogs, growing hind limbs while their tails shrink This marks the crucial transition from water to land, allowing young frogs to hop out of the water for the first time, despite retaining a trace of their tails Over time, they mature into adults, eventually laying eggs and continuing the life cycle.

H OMEWORK

- Jelly mass: đám như thạch

- Cluster (n): đàn, bó, cụm, bầy

- Embryonic (adj): thuộc về phôi

- Simultaneously (adv): đồng thời, cùng lúc

THEME – RHEME INTRODUCTION

P RE - CLASS ACTIVITES

The study of Theme and Rheme is grounded in Systemic-Functional Grammar, as noted by Lixia Wang (2007), with roots tracing back to debates in the 18th century (Weil, 1844) Weil introduced the concepts of point of departure and enunciation to describe the structural divisions within clauses Subsequent linguists have proposed various terms, including topic and comment (Bates, 1976) and topic and dominance (Erteschik-Shir, 1988), to explore the communicative functions of sentences However, Theme and Rheme, as articulated by Halliday (1968, 1985), are particularly significant in this context and form a crucial part of the discussion in this paper.

Theme and Rheme are essential concepts in sentence structure that dictate how information is presented According to Halliday (1985), the Theme acts as "the point of departure" for a message, consisting of given information that is either previously mentioned or shared knowledge within the context This familiar information sets the stage for the Rheme, which represents the remainder of the message and typically includes new or unfamiliar information that the writer believes the reader needs to understand the argument The distinction between Theme and Rheme is straightforward: the Theme is the initial element in a clause, while the Rheme encompasses the rest of the clause.

The lion beat the unicorn all round the town

1 The content of this chapter is extracted from the following reference:

- Wei Jing: Theme and Thematic Progression in English Writing Teaching - Journal of Education and Practice

- Lixia Wang: Theme and Rheme in the Thematic Organization of Text: Implications for Teaching Academic Writing – Asian EFL Journal

All round the town the lion beat the unicorn

However, the unicorn still did not want to bow to the lion

The lion decided to beat him to death

Would the unicorn give in to the lion

When the lion got to the battle field the unicorn was ready for the battle

In analyzing the division of Themes and Rhemes within sentences, it becomes clear that the Theme is not synonymous with the subject, nor is the Rheme equivalent to the predicate For instance, in the first and fourth sentences, the Theme 'The lion' coincides with the grammatical subjects, which Halliday (1985) refers to as an unmarked Theme He notes that unmarked sentences generally feature Themes overlapping with subjects, while marked sentences often have Themes distinct from the subject, such as 'All around the town' in sentence 2 This demonstrates that Themes can be expressed through various elements, including nominal groups, verbal groups, adverbial groups, prepositional phrases, or dependent clauses These elements typically appear at the beginning of a clause, conveying 'given' information, while the remainder of the clause constitutes the Rheme, which represents new information.

Understanding the Theme-Rheme boundary in complex sentences is essential for grasping the writer's intended meaning A careful reading of the sentence in context is necessary to accurately identify this boundary This concept was explored in a study of spoken data by Lovejoy and Lance.

In 1991, researchers observed a significant pitch drop at the conclusion of the Theme section, accompanied by a sharp peak in pitch level at the start of the Rheme, frequently occurring on the first word.

For example in sentences such as:

The man told me where to go

My house in London is valuable but not for sale

We should not, however, confuse theme with subject, which is a grammatical rather than a communicative category, or agent, which is a different grammatical category present in passive expressions, because, for example:

Theme Rheme Yesterday afternoon, we went to the park

Yesterday afternoon serves as the thematic focus of the discussion, highlighting its role as an adverbial noun phrase rather than the grammatical subject Although "we" is the subject of the sentence, it does not represent the theme; instead, it forms part of the rheme.

Spending time at the zoo is just what the children like best

The theme is Spending time at the zoo which is also the grammatical subject but formed by nominalising a non-finite verb phrase

Because it was raining, we stayed in and watched TV

The phrase "Because it was raining" serves as a subordinate clause, meaning it cannot function independently or convey a complete thought While it holds significance in a sentence, it does not serve as the main subject Understanding the role of such clauses is essential for grasping sentence structure and coherence.

The positioning of information within a clause is crucial for effective writing, as the initial element significantly shapes the reader's understanding of subsequent content In cohesive texts, 'given' information should occupy the Theme position, serving as a guide for readers, while new information should be placed in the Rheme position The interplay between Theme and Rheme is vital for clarity; if a writer mismanages this flow, the text becomes challenging to navigate, leaving readers confused about the progression of ideas Inexperienced writers often struggle with this balance, leading to common issues identified by Bloor & Bloor (1992) regarding the misuse of Theme and Rheme.

The Theme of a clause encompasses everything from its beginning up to and including the first element that plays a role in transitivity, concluding at the topical Theme This topical Theme can be preceded by elements that serve textual and interpersonal functions, referred to as textual Theme and interpersonal Theme.

Theme respectively in SFG This typology of Themes into topical, textual and interpersonal

Themes is made in terms of textual metafunction

In a free major clause, Topical Theme is the first experiential element of a clause, whether participant, circumstance or process Please note:

- There is only one topical Theme to a clause

- No clause has both a marked a unmarked topical Theme

- A topical Theme is either marked or unmarked

If a clause has a marked topical Theme, such as a circumstance, then it has no unmarked Theme

Topical Themes can be introduced by textual or interpersonal elements, which are integral to the Theme According to Halliday (2014), the Textual Theme encompasses various elements, including continuative, structural, and conjunctive components A continuative refers to a limited set of discourse signalers, such as "yes," "no," "well," and "oh," that aid in the flow of conversation.

The term "now" indicates the initiation of a new action or serves as a response in dialogue, facilitating a transition to the next point when the same speaker continues A structural theme encompasses essential thematic elements, including conjunctions and WH-relatives, where the group of phrases containing the relative also functions as the topical theme.

The interpersonal Theme is any combination of vocative, modal, and mood-marking

(Halliday, 2014) A vocative Theme is any item, typically (but not necessarily) a personal name, used to address; it may come more or less anywhere in the clause, and is thematic

Table 3.5 illustrates the significance of various concepts such as probability, usuality, typicality, and others, particularly when they appear before the topical Theme A mood-marking Theme can be identified as a finite verbal operator that precedes the topical Theme, or as a WH-interrogative (or imperative "let's") when it stands alone without another experiential element, thereby serving as the topical Theme.

THEMATIC PROGRESSION (1) – LINEAR IDEA DEVELOPMENT

P RE - CLASS ACTIVITIES

The thematic structure of a text analyzes the distribution of themes and rhemes at the sentence level, focusing on how informational blocks are weighted This analysis also examines the thematic progression across sentence boundaries, allowing us to track the overall flow of information throughout a longer text.

Frantisek Danes and Peter Ý Fries argue that the interaction between lexical strings and reference chains with themes is systematic, leading to what they describe as a text's THEMATIC PROGRESSION (Danes, 1974) or METHOD OF DEVELOPMENT (Fries, 1981) Danes defines thematic progression as the selection and arrangement of utterance themes, their interconnections and hierarchy, and their relation to the overarching themes of larger text units, such as paragraphs and chapters, as well as the overall context of the text.

Thematic progression is the technique of using recurring themes to reinforce key concepts throughout a text, ensuring that readers remain aware of these ideas and their development By recycling information from previous sentences as themes in subsequent ones, writers establish strong connections between sentences and paragraphs, enhancing the coherence and flow of the writing.

Dane proposes the following major patterns of thematic progression:

Simple linear progression, where an item from the Rheme of the first clause becomes the first clause of the subsequent clause:

Faigley (1986) categorizes the writing process into two main groups: the expressivists and the cognitivists During the late 1960s and early 1970s, expressivism peaked, emphasizing the importance of individual expression and personal thought in writing education This approach regarded writing as an art and a creative act, focusing on the process of discovery.

OF THE TRUE SELF— IS aS IRNPORTaNT aS THE PRODUCT”

In this example, the writer presents the concept of Expressivism by incorporating the term "expressivist" in the Rheme of Clause 1 This concept is then utilized as the Theme in Clause 2, where the Rheme introduces the notion of writing Subsequently, this idea transitions to become the Theme of Clause 3, illustrating the relationship between Rheme and Theme.

In this text, the writer effectively transforms the concepts from the Rheme of previous sentences into the Themes of subsequent ones, maintaining a cohesive flow of ideas throughout This technique creates a strong connection between the New information and the Themes, exemplified by the repetition of phrases like "economic disadvantage" and "self-betterment," which reinforces the central message of the piece.

In this example, the writer effectively utilizes the ideas from the Rheme of previous sentences to establish the Themes of subsequent ones Rather than direct repetition, the information is presented through exemplification, referencing developing nations like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and various African countries, or through synonyms, such as referring to developed countries as the Western world This approach maintains clear logical connections throughout the text, ensuring a strong sense of cohesion and a clear progression of ideas.

Constant progression, where the item in the Theme of the first clause is also selected as the Theme of the following clause:

The themes presented by the speaker can encompass various aspects, such as geographical locations within the country or historical periods like the last century They may signify the speaker's intent to share a personal viewpoint or provide illustrative examples Additionally, a theme might initiate with a rhetorical question, prompting reflection on issues like societal values.

The writer effectively emphasizes various media used for recording messages by employing a straightforward Theme - Theme - Theme structure This approach maintains a clear focus on the different media throughout the text, ensuring coherence and clarity in the message conveyed.

Derived hyperthematic progression, where the particular Themes in subsequent clauses are derived from a hyperrheme or from the same overriding Theme:

Research by SPaCK (1984) and ZaMEL (1983) on ESL writers supports Hayes and Flower's findings regarding the writing process, though their study focused on different populations Additionally, RaMIS (1987) compared the composing processes of ESL students with those of L2 basic writers and found significant similarities between the two groups The discussion on ESL writing process research is furthered by contributions from KRaPELS and FRIEDLaNDER in this volume.

In this example, we can see that each individual clause Theme is different; they each refer to a different person However, they’re all related under the hypertheme of

Split progression, where the Rheme of the first clause is split into two items, each in turn being then taken as a Theme element in the subsequent clause”

The textual theme comprises three key components: continuative, structural, and conjunctive elements A continuative serves as a discourse signal indicating the initiation of a new move, whether it be a response in dialogue or a transition to the next point in the discussion.

IF THE SaME SPEaKERS IS CONTINUING (3) A STRUCTURaL THEME IS aNY OF THE OBLIGaTORILY THEMaTIC ELEMENT

In this example, the author introduces three ideas in the Rheme of Clause 1 In Clause

2, he chooses as a Theme 1 of the ideas from the previous Rheme, that of continuiative

In Clause 3, the Theme represents the second concept from Rheme 1, specifically the structural idea It is anticipated that a subsequent Clause will address the third idea from Rheme 1, which pertains to conjunctive elements This illustrates how ideas presented in the Rheme of one Clause can be separated and further developed, becoming the Themes of various subsequent Clauses.

WRITING TASK 2 - ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ESSAY

G ETTING STARTED !

- Some countries allow old people to work to any age that they want Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (21-01-2021)

- In some countries, more young adults continue to live with their parents even after they have completed education and found jobs Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (23-01-2021)

- International travel is becoming cheaper, and countries are opening their doors to more and more tourists Do the advantages of increased tourism outweigh its disadvantages? (17-04-2021)

- Some say that it would be better if the majority of employees worked from home instead of travelling to a workplace Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (20-05-2021)

- It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environment, such as South pole Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? (05-06-2021)

F OCUS ON L EXICAL R ESOURCE

8.2.1 How to effectively paraphrase “advantages and disadvantages”

8.2.1.1 Advantages aDVaNTaGE: BENEFIT, MERIT, POSITIVE aSPECT, STRONG POINT, PLUS POINT, UPSIDE, STRENGTH

Lexical resource: how to effectively paraphrase keywords in Advantages and Disadvantages essay

Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Prepositional Phrase

Task response: Understanding the questions; Essay structure

Coherence and Cohesion: Referencing and Substitution

• THE NaTURaL aDVaNTaGE OF COUNTRIES WITH LOW LaBOUR COSTS IS THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING THE WORLD’S FaCTORY

• ONE POSITIVE aSPECT OF THIS CaMPaIGN WaS ITS aBILITY TO BRING TOGETHER STaFF, VOLUNTEERS, aND OTHER PaTIENTS TOGETHER FOR BETTER UNDERSTaNDING, SOCIaBILITY, aND COMPaNIONSHIP (CaMBRIDGE ENGLISH CORPUS)

• ANOTHER STRONG POINT OF REaDING BOOKS IS THE FaCT THaT THEY aRE IMPRESSIVELY RICH IN STaTISTICS aND KNOWLEDGE (CaMBRIDGE ENGLISH CORPUS)

• A KEY STRENGTH OF THE INTERNET IS THaT IT PERMITS SEaMLESS COMMUNICaTION WITHOUT REGaRD TO/REGaRDLESS OF NaTIONaL BOUNDaRIES (CaMBRIDGE ENGLISH CORPUS)

• GOOGLING FOR DEaLS IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF E-COMMERCE’S BIGGEST STRENGTHS/PLUS POINTS (CaMBRIDGE ENGLISH CORPUS)

• ONE/ANOTHER POINT IN FaVOR OF REMOTE WORKING IS FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

DISaDVaNTaGE: DRaWBaCK, WEaKNESS, HaNDICaP, WEaK POINT, NEGaTIVE aSPECT, MINUS POINT, DOWNSIDE

• THE MaIN DRaWBaCK TO IT IS THE COST/THE BENEFITS OF THIS SYSTEM FaR OUTWEIGH THE DRaWBaCKS

• A STRaIGTFORWaRD, YET NOTICEaBLE WEaKNESS OF THIS aPPROaCH IS THaT CONTaCT WITH COLLEaGUES IS MINIMaL (OXFORD ENGLISH CORPUS)

• THIS METHOD’S WEaK POINT IS ITS UNRELIaBILITY

• ON THE DOWNSIDE, SUCH IMPROVEMENTS IN EFFICIENCY OFTEN MEaN JOB LOSSES (OXFORD ADVaNCED LEaRNERS’ DICTIONaRY)

• BRIGHT SIDES & DaRK SIDES / DOWNSIDE

In my view, the drawbacks of an entrance fee are overshadowed by its benefits, as the revenue generated will be reinvested into the operation and development of the museums.

While allowing individuals the freedom to design their homes and buildings can yield numerous positive effects, I believe that these advantages are ultimately overshadowed by the associated drawbacks.

• PaLE IN COMPaRISON/PaLE INTO INSIGNIFICaNCE (V): OUR PROBLEMS PaLE INTO INSIGNIFICaNCE WHEN COMPaRED TO THEIRS

Using adjectives to describe nouns involves placing multiple adjectives before the noun, often requiring a specific order Cumulative adjectives must follow a particular sequence, whereas the arrangement of coordinate adjectives can be flexible.

The wet, cold, and hungry dog

The hungry, wet, and cold dog

The cold, wet, and hungry dog

CUMULATIVE ADJECTIVES The poor little black dog The little black poor dog

Cumulative adjectives precede the noun they modify and must follow a specific order For instance, instead of saying "the little black poor dog," the correct phrasing is "the poor little black dog." Additionally, it is important to note that commas should not be used between cumulative adjectives.

1 Quantity Two, fifty, some, many, a few

2 Opinion Poor, beautiful, interesting, cheerful, expensive, magnificent

- Rusty, broken, hungry, wet, cold

4 Origin or nationality Guatemalan, European, Vietnamese,

5 Material Silk, wood, cotton, gold, metal

6 Kind/use/purpose Shoe (as in shoe store), wedding (as in wedding dress), swimming, reading, hiking

Exercise 1 Rewrite each sentence using the adjectives in parentheses to describe the underlined noun Refer to the chart previously to help you determine the order

1 There were toys in the middle of the floor (broken, several, plastic) à There were several broken plastic toys in the middle of the floor

2 We left the beach when we saw the clouds (black, big) à We left the beach when we saw the big black clouds

When writing, limit the use of adjectives to two or three before a noun to maintain clarity and strength in your descriptions Overloading sentences with excessive adjectives can lead to confusion for the reader For instance, a more concise approach often yields a more impactful statement.

- The poor little hungry black dog was lost

- The poor little black dog was lost and hungry à Rectangular colourful flags hung from every window

4 I dream about relaxing on a beach (Mexican, white, beautiful) à

5 They plan to fix up the car (Italian, expensive, small) à

6 They plan to fix up the car (Italian, expensive, small) à

7 The parents left their children with the grandparents (young, two) à

8 The real estate agent pointed out problems with the house (minor, several) à

Coordinate adjectives can go before a noun or after a linking verb You can write coordinate adjectives in any order, and you can separate them from each other with commas Also:

- When coordinate adjectives come before a noun, you may put the word and before the last one (but you don't have to)

• BEFORE A NOUN: A hungry, cold, wet dog sat outside our front door

• (OPTIONAL): A wet, cold, and hungry dog sat outside our front door

- When two or more coordinate adjectives come after a linking verb, you must put

“and” before the last one

• AFTER A LINKING VERB (REQUIRED): The dog was hungry, wet, and cold

- The capable but old man

- The old but capable man

F OCUS ON G RAMMAR

Here is a rewritten paragraph that summarizes the content of your article, complying with SEO rules:Prepositions are a fundamental part of language, consisting of single words like "of", "to", "from", "in", and "at", although some can be phrasal, comprising two or three words, such as "next to" or "in front of" A comprehensive understanding of prepositions is essential for effective communication, and familiarizing oneself with common prepositions is a crucial step in this process.

A preposition typically pairs with a noun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase, like "in the house" or "at six o'clock." Common types of prepositional phrases include various expressions that indicate location, time, and other relationships.

Prepositional phrases of place, such as "on the desk," "opposite the door," and "in the middle of the room," effectively answer the question "Where?" These phrases are essential for creating space-order paragraphs, as they clearly indicate the location of objects within a description Examples include "in the distance," "in the closet," "next to the window," "in front of the house," "under the bed," and "at the beginning."

- Prepositional phrases of time answer the question When? These are useful in

To effectively organize your tasks, start by outlining your steps clearly Begin on New Year's Day to set a positive tone for the year After that, prioritize your activities by scheduling them after class Make sure to review your materials before the test to ensure readiness In the morning, focus on completing essential tasks Upon arrival at your destination, take a moment to gather your thoughts Finally, celebrate your achievements at midnight, marking the end of a productive day.

- Prepositional phrases of possession answer the question Whose?

(the father) of the bride

(the name) of my boss

(the colors) of the rainbow

(the director) of the company

- Other prepositional phrases describe or identify someone or something They answer the question Which one/ones?

(the men) in the blue uniforms

(the boy) with red hair

A sentence is a group of words that contains three things:

- A subject (that makes sense with the verb)

- A verb (that goes with the subject)

A sentence fragment is a group of words that fails to form a complete thought due to missing essential elements Typically, fragments arise from three common issues: the absence of a subject, the lack of a verb, or an incomplete thought Understanding these components is crucial for constructing coherent sentences.

Some fragments are missing subjects Often the subject appears nearby, perhaps in the preceding sentence; however, each sentence must have a subject of its own The following fragment lacks a subject:

I was running late that day, raising the question of who was actually delayed—was it the instructor or the train? To correct this fragment, the simplest solution is to add a subject.

On Thursday, Mitchell enjoyed biking and swimming after work This raises the question: who else might join in on biking and swimming activities? Are we suggesting that everyone participate in these refreshing outdoor exercises?

Some fragments are fragments because they are missing a verb or an essential part of a verb Any phrase, no matter how long, is a fragment if the verb is missing:

THE BIRCH TREES WITH THEIR RaTTLING YELLOW LEaVES à THE BIRCH TREES WITH THEIR RaTTLING YELLOW LEaVES SWaYED IN THE WIND

What about the birch trees? Adding a verb makes this fragment complete

Unfinished thought fragments are a prevalent type of sentence fragment Unlike other fragments that may need a subject or verb added, you can often correct unfinished thought fragments by linking them to nearby sentences For instance, a sentence may include both a subject and a verb but still leave the thought incomplete.

BECaUSE TUITION INCREaSED aGaIN THIS SEMESTER à BECaUSE TUITION INCREaSED aGaIN THIS SEMESTER, KOU GOT a SECOND JOB aS a STUDENT ASSISTaNT

Starting a sentence with "because" is acceptable as long as you complete the thought within the same sentence If you encounter a fragment, check the preceding or following sentence to provide the necessary context and closure.

F OCUS ON T ASK RESPONSE

IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay questions fall into two main categories:

• Questions that ask for your opinion

• Questions that do not require you to state your opinion

The initial segment of the question presents a statement, followed by a request to discuss both the pros and cons of the proposed idea Additionally, you may be asked to share your personal viewpoint on the matter.

If you are asked “What are the advantages and disadvantages of… ” you are not being asked your opinion You simply have to discuss the benefits and drawbacks

When asked whether a trend's effects "outweigh" the positives or negatives, it's essential to express your opinion clearly You must identify whether the trend has more positive or negative impacts, as failing to do so could result in a lower score for 'Task Response' due to not fully addressing the question.

Reviewing the IELTS public band descriptors, which can be found online or at your local IELTS center, reveals that certain factors can potentially lower your score to a band 5 for specific criteria, although this may not impact the other three criteria.

Clustering is a prewriting technique that allows you to brainstorm and develop your ideas with the help of a diagram called a cluster Here is how to do it

To brainstorm effectively, start by placing your main topic in the center of your paper and encircle it Next, generate related ideas by writing words or short phrases in surrounding circles, connecting them to the central topic with lines Allow your thoughts to flow freely without judging the quality of each idea, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of your subject.

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of household energy in many countries around the world

Do the advantages of solar energy outweigh its disadvantages?

8.4.4 Step 4: Using the essay structure

Trong bài thi IELTS Academic, dạng đề yêu cầu liệt kê ưu điểm và nhược điểm hiếm khi xuất hiện, vì vậy chúng ta nên tập trung vào việc giải quyết các dạng đề khác.

“advantages/disadvantages outweigh disadvantages/advantages” và “Is this a positive or negative development/trend?”

Câu 1: Giới thiệu bối cảnh

• NOWaDaYS, aN INCREaSING NUMBER OF PEOPLE aRE CONCERNED aBOUT A (VớI A LÀ MộT CụM DaNH Từ)

• AS A HaS/HaVE BEEN INEXORaBLY INCREaSING IN RECENT YEaRS

• A HaS aLWaYS BEEN a TOPIC OF INTEREST

• A aRE/IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTaNT IN MODERN SOCIETIES

• NOWaDaYS, IT IS TRUE (OBVIOUS/EVIDENT/aPPaRENT) THaT A IS WIDELY CONSIDERED/ REGaRDED aS a TOPIC OF CONCERN FOR THE WHOLE SOCIETY

• WE LIVE IN aN aGE WHEN MaNY OF US + V

Câu 2: Giới thiệu vấn đề cần bàn luận

Tuỳ thuộc vào từng đề và từng cách áp dụng mà mỗi bài sẽ có một kiểu viết khác nhau

Câu 3: Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân

Có thể tham khảo một số kiểu câu sau:

• ADVaNTaGES = DISaDVaNTaGES à IN MY OPINION, THIS TREND COULD HaVE BOTH POSITIVE aND NEGaTIVE CONSEQUENCES IN EQUaL MEaSURE

• ADVaNTaGES > DISaDVaNTaGES à WHILE I aCCEPT/UNDERSTaND THaT A MaY HaVE SOME DRaWBaCKS, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THaT ITS BENEFITS aRE GREaTER

• ADVaNTaGES > DISaDVaNTaGES à I FIRMLY HOLD THE VIEW THaT THE DRaWBaCKS PaLE IN COMPaRISON WITH THE BENEFITS THaT A PROVIDES

• ADVaNTaGES > DISaDVaNTaGES à WHILE THERE aRE aDMITTEDLY SEVERaL DRaWBaCKS TO THIS TREND, I BELIEVE THaT THESE DOWNSIDES PaLE IN INSIGNIFICaNCE WHEN COMPaRED TO POSITIVE INFLUENCES OF _

• ADVaNTaGES < DISaDVaNTaGES à IN SPITE OF SEVERaL BENEFITS THaT THIS TREND PROVIDES, IT

• ADVaNTaGES < DISaDVaNTaGES à ALTHOUGH THERE aRE SEVERaL aDMITTEDLY BENEFITS IF _, I aMONG OTHERS BELIEVE THaT THESE BENEFITS PaLE IN COMPaRISON WITH ITS POTENTIaL DRaWBaCKS

• ADVaNTaGES < DISaDVaNTaGES à WHILE THIS DEVELOPMENT MaY BRING aBOUT SOME BENEFITS,

I WOULD aRGUE THEY aRE ECLIPSED THE DRaWBaCKS

8.4.4.2 Body: Nếu viết theo hướng tiếp cận cân bằng

Khi viết một bài luận theo cấu trúc cân bằng, số lượng lợi ích và bất lợi giữa hai đoạn cần phải bằng nhau, thường là hai điểm cho mỗi đoạn Do đó, thứ tự trình bày lợi ích và bất lợi không quá quan trọng; thí sinh có thể lựa chọn viết về lợi ích trước hoặc bất lợi trước đều được.

- ON THE ONE HaND, THERE aRE a VaRIETY OF DISaDVaTaGES OF/TO A

- TO BEGIN WITH, A IS PROBLEMaTIC FOR a NUMBER OF REaSONS

+ A CaN BE SEEN aS POSITIVE FOR a NUMBER OF REaSONS

+ ON THE ONE HaND, THERE aRE SEVERaL REaSONS WHY N IS BENEFICIaL

- ONE OBVIOUS ISSUE/BENEFIT WITH A IS THaT _

- THE FIRST/MaIN/GREaTEST/MOST PRINCIPaL/FUNDaMENTaL aDVaNTaGE/DISaDVaNTaGE OF

- TaKE A aS aN EXaMPLE (XEM LạI PHầN đà HọC PHÍa TRướC)

- ANOTHER NOTEWORTHY POSITIVE EFFECT IS _

- AS a RESULT/ HENCE/ THUS / THEREFORE/ CONSEQUENTLY, S + V

- N CaN LEaD TO/ RESULT IN / BRING aBOUT + N/ N PHRaSE

- N IS a TESTaMENT/TESTIMONY TO THE + N

(TESTaMENT (N): a THING THaT SHOWS THaT SOMETHING ELSE EXISTS OR IS TRUE)

Nếu đoạn trên viết về Advantages thì đoạn dưới viết về Disadvantages và ngược lại Câu 1: Topic sentence

- HaVING SaID THaT, THERE aRE STILL SOME OUTSTaNDING ISSUES/BENEFITS THaT aRE WORTH MENTIONING

- DESPITE THESE BENEFITS MENTIONED aBOVE, SEVERaL DRaWBaCKS DO EXIST

- HOWEVER, THERE aRE SEVERaL NEGaTIVE/POSITIVE aSPECTS THaT SHOULD BE TaKEN INTO CONSIDERaTION

Câu 2: Làm tương tự như trên

Câu 3: Làm tương tự như trên

Câu 4: Làm tương tự như trên

Câu 5: Làm tương tự như trên

8.4.4.3 Body: Nếu tiếp cận theo góc nhìn thiên lệch

Khi tiếp cận theo góc nhìn thiên lệch, thí sinh cần chứng minh rằng lợi ích (Ad) vượt trội hơn bất lợi (Disad) hoặc ngược lại Nếu thí sinh cho rằng lợi ích lớn hơn bất lợi, đoạn đầu tiên sẽ cần trình bày hai bất lợi và đoạn thứ hai sẽ nêu ba lợi ích Ngoài ra, thí sinh cũng có thể lựa chọn viết hai bất lợi trong đoạn đầu tiên.

Trong đoạn 2, cần nhấn mạnh rằng hai quảng cáo nổi bật hơn nhiều so với các quảng cáo khác, điều này giúp người đọc dễ dàng nhận ra sự khác biệt Nếu không thể làm rõ điều này, bài viết sẽ gặp lỗi "vị trí không rõ ràng" Để minh họa, hãy coi bài viết như một bài viết TFNG, trong đó bạn thể hiện quan điểm rằng lợi ích của quảng cáo vượt trội hơn so với bất lợi Khi giám khảo đọc bài viết, họ sẽ nhận thấy rõ ràng sự ưu việt của hai quảng cáo này.

- Số lượng ads > số lượng disads à True (Nhận định đúng với bài viết)

- Số lượng ads < số lượng disads à False (Nhận định sai với bài viết)

- Số lượng ads = disads và không có liên quan đến nhau à Not given (Không thể dựa vào bài đọc để suy ra nhận định)

Trong hai trường hợp sau thì rõ ràng các thí sinh đã bị trừ điểm TR rất nặng

(Viết tương tự như phần trước)

- ON THE OTHER HaND, I WOULD aRGUE THaT THE BENEFITS/PROBLEMS aRE MORE SIGNIFICaNT THaN SUCH DISaDVaNTaGES/aDVaNTaGES

- HOWEVER/HaVING SaID THaT, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THaT A OFFERS MORE DRaWBaCKS/BENEFITS

- DESPITE aLL aRGUMENTS MENTIONED aBOVE, I BELIEVE THaT THESE aDVERSE IMPaCTS PaLE

IN COMPaRISON WITH THE ENORMOUS BENEFITS BROUGHT aBOUT BY INTERNaTIONaL TOURISM (aDS > DISaDS)

Các câu còn lại viết tương tự bên trên

- WEIGHING UP BOTH SIDES OF THE aRGUMENT aGaIN, aLTHOUGH THERE aRE a NUMBER OF PROBLEMS THaT A BRINGS, THE BENEFITS THaT IT BRINGS TO C, D aRE IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE

- IN CONCLUSION, WHILE………MaY HaVE SOME POSITIVE aSPECTS, I BELIEVE THEY aRE OUTWEIGHED BY ITS SIGNIFICaNT NEGaTIVE aSPECTS

- IN CONCLUSION, THOUGH THERE aRE NEGaTIVE IMPaCTS OF A, IT IS UNDENIaBLE THaT THESE aDVERSE aRE OUTSTRIPPED BY A’S BENEFITS INCLUDING C, D aND E.

F OCUS ON C OHERENCE AND C OHESION

8.5.1 Types of text reference - substitution

Referencing allows you to refer back to previously mentioned ideas without repetitive language, utilizing pronouns such as "they," "it," and "this." To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, techniques like substitution and ellipsis can be employed Substitution involves replacing specific words or phrases, streamlining communication and improving the flow of speech or writing.

LaBOUR VOTED FOR THE PROPOSaLS aND THE LIBERaLS VOTED FOR THE PROPOSaLS TOO

Here is the same sentence with substitution:

LaBOUR VOTED FOR THE PROPOSaLS aND THE LIBERaLS DID TOO

The most common substitutes for nouns or noun phrases are pronouns, such as personal pronouns (subject, object, possessive or reflexive)

• ON THE ONE HaND, IT IS UNDERSTaNDaBLE WHY SOME PEOPLE OPPOSE INTERNaTIONaL COOPERaTION THEY BELIEVE SEVERaL ISSUES CaN ONLY BE TaCKLED BY NaTIONaL aSSISTaNCES

• ANOTHER REaSON IS THaT INTERNaTIONaL COOPERaTION DOES NOT aLWaYS YIELD POSITIVE RESULTS THIS IS BECaUSE EaCH COUNTRY, WITH ITS HIDDEN INTERESTS, OFTEN FINDS WaYS

TO REaP THE MOST BENEFITS FROM COOPERaTING aT THE EXPENSE OF OTHERS, WHICH EVENTUaLLY RESULTS IN THE FaILURE OF JOINT COOPERaTION aMONG THOSE COUNTRIES

We can use the pronouns one/ones (to refer to singular/plural countable nouns) after adjectives or demonstratives:

• I'D LIKE a SWEET SHERRY PLEaSE aND JOHN WOULD LIKE a DRY ONE

• DaVIS aPPEaRED IN NUMEROUS MaJOR FILMS BUT PRaCTICaLLY NO GREaT ONES

It is also possible to replace a noun or noun phrase with a quantifier, e.g some, all, each, none, either, neither, both, other, a few, enough

• THE DOCTOR SUGGESTED I SHOULD TRY aSPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN, BUT NEITHER WORKED

For example, look at a sample below from IELTS Simon:

Ex-prisoners can reintegrate into society as productive members, and sharing their experiences with teenagers is an effective way to deter them from criminal behavior Teens are more likely to heed advice from individuals who have firsthand experience with crime Reformed offenders can provide insights into their paths to crime, the perils of a criminal lifestyle, and the realities of prison life, helping to dispel any misconceptions about the glamour of criminality While adolescents may often disregard guidance from older generations, they are likely to be more engaged when listening to the compelling and potentially shocking stories of ex-offenders.

OF THESE STORIES IS LIKELY TO HaVE a POWERFUL IMPaCT

For more details, please look at Unit 35 – Longman Advanced Learners’ Grammar

Exercise 2 Decide the best pronoun or relative pronoun, add them to the sentences below they/ it/ their / they / this / our / they / it / which / they

1 Property prices tend to be very high in big cities, which means that many people cannot afford to buy a house

2 Some people believe that children should not be given homework because it is not necessary for their education They think that teachers should focus on more creative ways to teach subjects

3 One important advantage of labour-saving machines and household appliances is that they are more efficient and save time, because housework takes up a lot of time and energy

4 I think it is very important that the government maintains and restores old buildings as they are a reflection of our cultural heritage

5 Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation's history Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by new ones

6 Violent crime is a concern in many societies and some hold the view that this cannot be solved.

P RACTICE

Some say that it would be better if the majority of employees worked from home instead of travelling to a workplace Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The rise of telecommuting has gained significant traction, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic While there are acknowledged drawbacks to a large workforce operating from home, the potential benefits outweigh these concerns.

Remote working on a large scale presents several notable disadvantages One significant drawback is that remote workers often experience decreased productivity due to various domestic distractions, such as cooking or managing energetic children Additionally, many jobs necessitate personnel to work in a shared office environment, ranging from manufacturing roles that require manual labor on assembly lines to positions where confidentiality makes it impractical to complete tasks at home.

The advantages of remote work significantly outweigh its drawbacks Primarily, the reduction in commuters leads to fewer traffic accidents, enhancing societal safety Additionally, remote work positively impacts the environment by decreasing traffic and, consequently, exhaust emissions, which mitigates air pollution and supports the recovery of the ozone layer, as observed during the COVID-19 lockdown Furthermore, working from home is crucial for maintaining individual income amid widespread business closures.

The COVID-19 lockdown has forced individuals to adapt by managing their work tasks from home, enabling them to maintain their employment and support their livelihoods.

In conclusion, despite the challenges associated with employee productivity and the nature of various jobs, the social and environmental benefits of remote working, along with the current circumstances, make it an increasingly attractive option.

H OMEWORK

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of household energy in many countries around the world

Do the advantages of solar energy outweigh its disadvantages?

WRITING TASK 2 – DISCUSSION ESSAY

G ETTING STARTED !

The debate over whether a healthy lifestyle is more attainable in the countryside or in urban areas is ongoing Proponents of rural living argue that the natural environment promotes physical activity and mental well-being, thanks to cleaner air and access to outdoor spaces Conversely, advocates for city life highlight the availability of healthcare facilities, diverse food options, and fitness resources that can contribute to better health Ultimately, the choice between rural and urban living for a healthy lifestyle depends on individual preferences and priorities, with both environments offering unique advantages and challenges.

The debate over whether schools or parents should be responsible for teaching children about healthy diets is ongoing Proponents of school-based nutrition education argue that schools provide a structured environment where children can learn about healthy eating habits and make informed choices Conversely, advocates for parental responsibility believe that parents play a crucial role in instilling lifelong dietary habits and values at home Ultimately, a collaborative approach that involves both schools and parents may be the most effective way to ensure children develop a healthy relationship with food.

The debate over the best childcare option for preschool-aged children is ongoing, with some parents advocating for childcare centers due to their structured programs and professional staff, while others prefer the personal touch and familial bonds offered by grandparents or other relatives Proponents of childcare centers argue that these facilities provide a stimulating environment that promotes socialization and learning, essential for early development Conversely, those in favor of family care emphasize the emotional security and individualized attention that children receive from their relatives, which can foster strong family ties Ultimately, the choice between childcare centers and family care depends on individual family circumstances, values, and the specific needs of the child.

Animal experimentation is a prevalent practice in the development of new medicines and the safety testing of various products Proponents argue that using animals in medical research is justifiable as it contributes to advancements that benefit human health Conversely, opponents contend that such practices are unethical and inflict unnecessary suffering on animals This debate highlights the moral complexities surrounding animal testing and raises important questions about the balance between scientific progress and animal welfare Ultimately, the discussion reflects the ongoing tension between the pursuit of medical breakthroughs and the ethical treatment of living beings.

F OCUS ON L EXICAL R ESOURCE

9.2.1 Agreeing and Disagreeing (Collocations – 55 – Intermediate)

- I go along with this view that crime and poverty are linked

- Differences exist/have arisen between governments and the public over who is responsible for environmental protection

Lexical resource: Agreeing and Disagreeing; Talking about beliefs and opinions;

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Inversions and Fronting

Task response: Understanding the questions; Brainstorm ideas, Essay structure

Exercise 3 Put the expressions from the box into the appropriate category below

9.2.2 More formal ways to discuss your opinions

Exercise 4 Match each verb in the box with its noun collocation in the table below Then write one sentence for each collocation

9.2.3 Giving opposing views and your own opinion

Exercise 5 Look at the Task 2 essay question Then read the extracts (1-6) from candidates' answers Label them A (opinion A) or B (opinion B) (Mindset 3 – Ex 07 – page 170)

The debate surrounding the influence of a person's country of origin on their culture reveals two contrasting opinions Opinion A posits that culture is predominantly shaped by one's nationality, suggesting that traditions, values, and social behaviors are deeply rooted in national identity Conversely, Opinion B argues that while nationality plays a role, it has only a minor impact on an individual's cultural identity, which can be influenced by various factors such as personal experiences, global interactions, and multicultural environments Ultimately, I believe that while a person's country of origin provides a foundational cultural framework, individual experiences and exposure to diverse cultures significantly shape one's cultural identity.

1 In my experience, it depends on which cultural background someone is from Some people are able to discard their national identities more readily than others

2 Although many people believe a person's country no longer has a great influence on their culture, what I believe is that, under the surface, the impact of where a person is from is enormous

3 It is evident to me that we can never truly escape our origins They are with us from birth and are present during our formative years

4 Some people are of the opinion that, for example, because the same fast-food chains exist in every country, everyone likes the same food However, the reality is that in most parts of the world people eat the same food, typical of their own country or region, almost every day

5 While it may be true that certain aspects of culture are shared by people from all over the world, we cannot deny that our beliefs and behaviours are shaped by the national environment in which we grow up

6 While I admit that the country of origin is a major factor in determining one's culture,

I strongly believe that anyone who moves overseas for work or study can be equally influenced by the culture of this host country

In this type of essay, it's essential to explore two differing viewpoints on a specific question before presenting your own stance Your opinion may align with one position, partially agree with either, or even disagree with both, offering an alternative perspective Clarity in expressing your viewpoint is crucial, and, as with all Task 2 essays, it's important to substantiate your arguments with relevant examples, reasons, and explanations.

Exercise 6 Complete the sentences with your own ideas (Mindset 3 – Ex 09 – page

1 Some people believe that you can learn a language without knowing the culture

2 There is a widespread belief that the world is a global village However, it seems to me that

3 On the one hand, it is possible to argue that our country of origin defines us On the other hand,

F OCUS ON G RAMMATICAL R ANGES AND A CCURACY

Inversion, as defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary, refers to the reversal of the typical word order in a sentence, primarily affecting the subject-verb arrangement For instance, in a declarative statement, the subject precedes the verb; however, to form a question, this order is inverted, placing an auxiliary or modal verb before the subject.

Getting word order correct in inversion is crucial Remember that many types of inversion follow the structure of auxiliary verb + subject + main verb Auxiliary verbs like "be," "do," and "have" assist in forming the tense, mood, or voice of main verbs Additionally, inversion typically places the emphasized element at the beginning of the sentence, such as the adverb "never" in the previous example.

One type of inversion common both in academic writing and on the TOEFL is starting a statement with the past participle In this inversion, the word order is

PaST PaRTICIPLE + BE + THE SUBJECT

Exercise 7 Read the paragraph below and find the inversion (VOA English Grammar)

Gone are the days when American families would gather around the television for scheduled programming Today's viewers prefer on-demand access to their favorite shows, often binge-watching entire series on cable TV or streaming platforms.

1) Did you find the inversion? It begins with the word “Gone.” But that statement has more than one clause in it, which is very common in English

The phrase "Gone are the days" signifies a shift in cultural habits, particularly highlighting the decline of American families gathering around a television program at a scheduled time It's essential to note that the relative clause following it does not employ inversion, which is a key aspect to remember Inversion typically appears in more complex statements with multiple clauses, but should be used sparingly to maintain clarity and coherence in writing.

Inversions with negative words or phrases are frequently used in formal writing, particularly in essays In such cases, the negative term typically starts the sentence, emphasizing the statement's significance.

“Never.” In addition to “never,” you can use inversion with the negative adverbs “rarely,”

Exercise 8 Read the paragraph below and find the inversion

Owning a hybrid car offers several advantages, including cleaner operation compared to gasoline vehicles and improved gas mileage Beyond these environmental benefits, hybrid cars also provide financial incentives such as tax credits and a higher resale value.

The construction "not only but also" employs inversion in its first clause, as seen in the phrase "Not only do hybrids run cleaner than gasoline." This structure follows the auxiliary verb + subject + main verb format, starting with the negative phrase "not only," followed by "do," the subject "hybrid cars," and the main verb "run." In the second clause, which contains "but also," inversion is not used It's important to note that "also" can be omitted or substituted with "too" at the end of the statement Although using inversion can be challenging for English learners, it effectively adds emphasis and variety to academic writing.

We also invert the subject and verb after not + a prepositional phrase or a clause in initial position:

NOT FOR a MOMENT DID I THINK I WOULD BE OFFERED THE JOB, SO I WaS aMaZED WHEN I GOT IT NOT TILL I GOT HOME DID I REaLISE MY WaLLET WaS MISSING

Fronting in English grammar involves repositioning a word group that typically follows the verb to the start of a sentence, a technique also known as front-focus or preposing This focus strategy enhances cohesion and emphasizes key elements, making conversations more engaging and compelling.

Exercise 9 Read the paragraph below about child labourers Do you notice anything about the structure of the sentence and the position of the subject? (Writing for IELTS 6.0 – 7.5 – Ex 4 – page 58)

Many prominent charities report that millions globally endure slave-like working conditions, particularly children For instance, Compassion indicates that one in six children aged 5 to 14 in developing nations is engaged in some form of labor, with this figure increasing to 30% in the least developed countries Although these statistics may not be entirely precise, they highlight a significant issue.

Child labor remains a significant issue, particularly among children who endure hazardous working conditions and face cruelty, including beatings Alarmingly, approximately 22,000 children die each year in work-related accidents The majority of these children are employed in the informal sector, such as homes or on the streets, where they lack legal protections In Sub-Saharan Africa, 49 million children work under dire conditions, representing the highest proportion of child laborers globally.

Exercise 10 The sentence 1-4 below contain examples of “fronting” Match each sentence with a pattern a – d (Writing for IELTS 6.0 – 7.5 – Ex 5 – page 58)

1 Much more shocking is the fact that 73 million working children are younger than

10 years old à The fact that 73 million working children are younger than 10 years old is much more shocking

2 So shocking are these figures that charities across the world are attempting to find solutions to the problem à These figures are so shocking that charities across the world are attempting to find solutions to the problem

3 Standing behind the problem, however, are world governments who need to listen to concerned charities à However, world governments who need to listen to concerned charities are standing behind the problem

4 Outraged the charities may be, but without the action of governments change will be hard à The charities may be outraged, but without the action of governments change will be hard a object/complement of sentence or clause in subject position c adverbial phrase of position/movement + be + subject d such/so/also + adjective + be + subject

Exercise 11 Make the following sentences emphatic by 'fronting' them using the patterns a-d in the previous exercise (Writing for IELTS 6.0 – 7.5 – Ex 6 – page 58)

1 The amount of time spent at work is so high that people often suffer from stress related illnesses 2 à So high is the amount of time spent at work high that people often suffer from stress related illnesses

2 The manager, who was standing at the front of the meeting, announced some redundancies 3 à Standing at the front of the meeting, the manager announced some redundancies

3 Employees are so satisfied with the opportunities to progress in the business that they don't leave the company 4 à So satisfied are employees with the opportunities to progress in the company that they don't leave

4 Social work was much more exciting than his previous role in banking 5 à Much more exciting than his previous role in banking was (his job in) social work

5 The job might be badly paid, but it provides a high level of job satisfaction 6 à Badly paid it might be, but the job provides a high level of job satisfaction

F OCUS ON T ASK R ESPONSE

The test will present you with a common social issue that you should know about and two opposing/different views on it You are required to:

2 So high is the amount of time spent by people at work that they often suffer from stress-related illnesses

3 Standing at the front of the meeting, the manager announced some redundancies

4 So satisfied are employees with the opportunities to progress in the company that they don't leave

5 Much more exciting than his previous role in banking was (his job in) social work

6 Badly paid it might be, but the job provides a high level of job satisfaction

Therefore, if you miss any of the above requirements, you will lose Task response points

9.4.4 Step 4: Using the essay structure

Exercise 12 Read this sample essay from an examiner below Then answer the questions on the next page (Mindset 3 – ex 11 – page 171)

Note: this is a response from a candidate and it may contain mistakes regarding different aspects of an essay

Some people believe that a person's culture is defined by their country of origin, while others believe that has only a minor influence

Discuss both these views and give your opinion Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience

IF WE DEFINE CULTURE aS SHaRED BELIEFS, VaLUES, aTTITUDES aND BEHaVIOURS, IT STaNDS TO REaSON

THEN THaT a PERSON'S COUNTRY OF ORIGIN IMPaCTS THEIR CULTURE THE QUESTION IS TO WHaT DEGREE IS

NaTIONaLITY THE DEFINING INFLUENCE OR IS IT JUST ONE OF MaNY FaCTORS IN PLaY? PERSONaLLY SPEaKING,

I WOULD SaY BOTH aRGUMENTS HaVE VaLIDITY, BUT I WOULD LEaN TOWaRDS THE LaTTER

IT IS EaSY TO UNDERSTaND THE 'DEFINING INFLUENCE' aRGUMENT IF SOMEONE IS BORN aND RaISED

Psychologists highlight the 'nurture argument,' suggesting that individuals are significantly shaped by their environment For instance, the culinary traditions of one's country can profoundly impact personal preferences and habits.

CERTaIN INGREDIENTS, YOUR PaLaTE GETS aCCUSTOMED TO THOSE INGREDIENTS, BUT MaY STRUGGLE WITH

OTHER LESS FaMILIaR FLaVOURS IF YOUR COUNTRY HaS a TRaDITIONaL STYLE OF MUSIC, SaY, REGGaE OR ROCK,

Globalization has significantly impacted our daily lives, providing us with constant access to diverse cultures This influence is evident in the proliferation of international restaurants, films, and foreign businesses in our communities One of the key advantages of globalization is the enrichment of our cultural experiences.

The diverse cultural options available to us highlight that individuals from any country typically have preferences influenced by external cultures As globalization continues, an increasing number of people are working, studying, or traveling far from their home countries, exposing them to new cultural influences.

Here is a rewritten paragraph that captures the essence of your original text, optimized for SEO:"In today's globalized world, our nationality undoubtedly shapes our identity, but it's only one facet of our collective culture As we interact with diverse communities and experiences, we unconsciously or intentionally adopt elements from other cultures on a daily basis, reflecting our personal preferences and experiences."

TO MY MIND, THIS IS WHaT MaKES THE WORLD SUCH aN INTERESTING PLaCE (327 WORDS)

1 Does paragraph 1 (introduction) clearly explain what the essay will be about? à Yes The candidate gives a definition of culture, mentions both views but clearly states their own opinion on the question

2 Where does the candidate make their position/opinion clear in this essay? à At the end of the introduction (I would lean towards the latter) and again in the conclusion (My own view is that while we are influenced by our nationality, in this globalised world, one's country of origin is only one aspect of our collective culture.)

3 Which opinion from the question does the candidate discuss in paragraph 2? Underline the topic sentence that expresses it How many reasons/examples are given to support it? à Opinion A The topic sentence is: If someone is born and raised in a place, they will be heavily influenced by it There are three reasons/ examples: the psychologist argument, the cuisine of a country and the music of a country

4 Which opinion does paragraph 3 discuss? Underline the topic sentence that expresses it Why do you think the candidate chose to discuss this here? à Opinion B The topic sentence is the first one The candidate has probably decided to include this argument here because it supports his/her opinion given in the introduction, and having it at the end makes her conclusion stronger

5 Make a list of opinion phrases used in this essay à Personally speaking, my own view is and To my mind

Câu 1: Giới thiệu bối cảnh

• Nowadays, an increasing number of people are concerned about

• As sth has/have been inexorably increasing in recent years

• A has always been a topic of interest

• Sth are/is one of the most important in modern societies

• Nowadays, it is true (obvious/evident/apparent) that sth is widely considered/ regarded as a topic of concern for the whole society

• We live in an age when many of us + V

Trong câu 2, thí sinh cần nêu rõ chủ đề tranh luận bằng cách xác định hai quan điểm chính cần được thảo luận Có thể sử dụng các mẫu câu như: "Một quan điểm cho rằng ", "Ngược lại, một quan điểm khác cho rằng " Việc này giúp làm rõ nội dung tranh luận và hướng dẫn người đọc hiểu sâu hơn về vấn đề.

OPINIONS DIFFER aS TO WHETHER OR (CÁC ý KIếN KHÁC NHaU LÀ LIệU HaY )

Opinions vary on whether the primary goal of university education is to secure lucrative employment or if it offers broader advantages that benefit both individuals and society as a whole Some argue that the main focus of higher education is to prepare graduates for successful careers, while others contend that the impact of university education extends far beyond job acquisition, fostering personal growth and societal development.

PEOPLE HOLD DIFFERENT/CONFLICTING VIEWS WITH REGaRD TO THE QUESTION OF HOW/WHaT/WHICH/WHEN

People have varying opinions on the best approach to address the declining health levels in the general population Some argue that increasing the number of sports facilities is the most effective strategy for improving public health Conversely, others believe that simply building more sports venues will have minimal impact and that alternative measures are necessary This debate highlights the complexity of public health issues and the need for a multifaceted approach to enhance the well-being of communities.

- BOTH VIEWPOINTS aRE JUSTIFIaBLE, BUT I PERSONaLLY LEaN TOWaRDS THE LaTTER/FORMER

- I aM IN aGREEMENT WITH THE FORMER/LaTTER VIEW, EVEN THOUGH THE OTHER ONE aLSO SHOWS SOME POSITIVE aSPECTS

- FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, I WOULD SaY BOTH aRGUMENTS HaVE VaLIDITY, BUT I WOULD LEaN TOWaRDS THE LaTTER

AS FaR aS I’M CONCERNED/FROM MY POINT OF VIEW/IN MY OPINION, I DO THINK BOTH VIEWS aRE REaSONaBLE aS EaCH HaS ITS OWN MERITS

In various countries, there is a debate regarding the allocation of funds for transportation; some advocate for investing significantly in new high-speed railway lines connecting cities, while others argue that resources should be directed towards enhancing existing public transport systems Proponents of new railway construction believe it can boost economic growth and reduce travel time, whereas supporters of improving current transport argue that it addresses immediate needs and increases accessibility for the public Ultimately, the decision on how to allocate these funds should consider both the long-term benefits of high-speed trains and the pressing requirements of current public transport infrastructure.

IT IS UNDERSTaNDaBLE WHY SOME PEOPLE PROPOSE SCHEMES TO INTRODUCE NEW INTERREGIONaL HIGH SPEED RaILWaYS TO BEGIN WITH, THIS MODE OF TRaNSPORT HaS THE VIRTUE OF SPEED THE MaJORITY

Bullet train systems worldwide, including the Shinkansen and Shanghai Maglev, are renowned for their impressive performance, achieving average speeds of 250 kilometers per hour.

Here is a rewritten paragraph that conveys the same meaning while complying with SEO rules:"High-speed trains outperform other land-based public transportation modes in terms of speed Another significant advantage of these trains lies in their capacity to transport large numbers of passengers For instance, the Maglev system, with its 574-seat configuration, can carry as many passengers as a dozen buses, making it a more effective and efficient option for commuting between cities."

DESPITE THE aRGUMENTS MENTIONED aBOVE, I SIDE WITH THOSE WHO THINK THaT IT WOULD BE MORE PRUDENT TO aLLOCaTE NaTIONaL BUDGET FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF CURRENT TRaNSPORT

Infrastructure development in underdeveloped countries like Vietnam and South Sudan is heavily constrained by financial limitations, particularly the high operational and maintenance costs associated with high-speed railway systems Unlike China and India, which benefit from a significant daily influx of commuters between regions, most Vietnamese residents live close to their workplaces and primarily rely on inner-city buses for transportation Consequently, enhancing the quality of roads and bus systems within cities presents a more practical and cost-effective solution than investing heavily in intercity railway systems.

IN CONCLUSION, THE HIGH-SPEED RaILS WOULD BE a REaSONaBLE CHOICE FOR COUNTRIES WHERE THERE

WRITING TASK 2 - CAUSES – EFFECTS – SOLUTIONS ESSAY

G ETTING STARTED !

- Many people are working longer hours Why is this happening? What problems can this cause to people? (20-03-2021)

- Many students find it difficult to concentrate or pay attention in school What are the reasons? What could be done to solve this problem? (10- 04-2021)

- People are having more and more sugar-based drinks What are the reasons? What are the solutions to make people drink less? (01-02-2020)

- Many parents nowadays organise extra classes for their children after school and at the weekends Why is this the case? What problems can this cause to children?

F OCUS ON L EXICAL RESOURCE

10.2.1 Vocabulary describing causes – effects - solutions

VOCAB CHO CAUSE - EFFECT - SOLUTION

1 Các adjectives chỉ mức độ nghiêm trọng của problem hoặc effect important A significant/important/noticeable problem that many countries face today is falling birthrates

Unemployment is not a minor issue, rather it is a fundamental problem that the government needs to resolve promptly pressing

This isa pressing problemthat needs to be dealt with urgently

Lexical resource: Agreeing and Disagreeing; Talking about beliefs and opinions;

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Inversions and Fronting

Task response: Understanding the questions; Brainstorm ideas, Essay structure serious

Climate change is a serious global issue that must be addressed immediately concerning

The increase in crime rates in this area is very concerning complex the level of divorce isa complex issue and there is no easy solution to it

2 Các adjectives chỉ mức độ/ tính chất của solution radical:

This is a desperate situation which requires a truly radical solution important/ significant/ noticeable:

Actions to promote trade facilitation are very important/ significant/ noticeable for the relationship among countries fundamental:

People have to make fundamental changes to the way of treating their environment prompt:

Millions of people lack health insurance, which requires prompt actions before the situation gets worse drastic

Governments and relevant departments must take drastic measures in order to prevent the increase in crime rates practical/effective:

A practical/ effective solution to combat the overcrowding in large cities is population redistribution possible:

Banning students from bringing mobile phones along when going to school would be a possible solution to increase their attention in class

3 Các Verbs nói về hậu quả problem, tương đương với "cause"

The bright light caused her to blink

I hope the children have not caused you too much trouble create/pose

While the use of modern technology in education has brought about many benefits, it will also create/ pose a set of problems bring about

The fundamental changes are poised to bring significant benefits to human life, but overpopulation may lead to serious challenges for urban residents in their daily lives.

4 Các verbs nói về giải pháp, đồng nghĩa với 'solve (giải quyết)' solve/resolve

Encouraging people to move to smaller regional towns would be the best way to solve/ resolve urban overpopulation deal with:

Governments should issue and implement strict laws and regulations regarding the prevention of violent films in order to deal with increasing crime rates tackle/ handle/ address/ combat:

The first step to tackle/ handle/ address/ combat fraud in advertising would be to verify the content of advertisement before publishing take actions/ measures:

Parents should take actions to protect their children from inappropriate films and advertisement find a solution to:

So as to find a solution to this issue, schools and educators should be more active in educating children respond to:

Young generations are the main force that motivates a nation to respond to its social issues

5 Các verbs nói về tác động, đồng nghĩa với 'affect (ảnh hưởng)' affect

The divorce affected every aspect of her life influence

What influenced you to choose a career in nursing? impact

Engineers say the newenginecouldimpact onthe way future cars are designed

6 Các nouns nói về tác động, đồng nghĩa với 'effect (sự ảnh hưởng)' effect

Theradiationleakhashadadisast rous effect on/upon the environment influence

Helen has a good/bad influence on him impact

The anti- smoking campaign had had/made quitean impact onyoung people

7 Các nouns đồng nghĩa với 'solution' step / measure / action

We should take measures/ steps/ actions to protect the environment remedy / solution

The governments should offer/ find/ propose remedies for/ solutions to this issue

8 Các nouns đồng nghĩa với 'problem' issue Vấn đề environmental/ethical/personal is sues matter Vấn đề

Talking about the world's problems is one thing, but solving them is another matter challenge

Finding a solution to this problem is one of the greatest challenges faced by scientists tod ay difficulty

Peoplelearninga new language often encounter so me difficulties at first obstacle

The biggest obstacle in our way was a tree trunk in the road

10.2.2 Collocations with cause and effect (Collocations – 53 – Advanced)

10.2.3 Other ways to express the meaning of “cause”

F OCUS ON C OHERENCE AND C OHESION

AT THE HEaRT OF THE EXERCISE PROBLEM 7

The lack of sufficient exercise can be attributed to three primary causes, with the first being the physical ease provided by modern conveniences This is evident in the increasing tendency for individuals to drive short distances rather than walk, as well as the common choice to use elevators instead of opting for stairs.

A significant reason for the decline in physical exercise among individuals today is the lack of time Many people are increasingly occupied with work, studies, and family responsibilities, leaving them with minimal opportunities to engage in physical activity.

Deciding between going to the gym or playing sports often hinges on personal attitude Many individuals lack interest in exercise, which leads to minimal effort in pursuing physical activity.

TO GET MOVING OTHERS MaY FEEL THaT THEY aRE TOO OLD OR TOO OUT OF SHaPE TO BEGIN aN EXERCISE

PROGRaM, WHICH EXPLaINS WHY THERE IS a DECREaSE IN THE aMOUNT OF PHYSICaL EXERCISE THaT PEOPLE GET

Rooftop gardens are essential green spaces that positively impact urban neighborhoods by providing a serene environment for residents to relax and connect with nature, alleviating daily stress and anxiety These gardens help regulate building temperatures, cooling them in summer and warming them in winter, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower heating and cooling costs Additionally, rooftop gardens contribute to cleaner air as plants absorb harmful gases like carbon dioxide through photosynthesis Overall, the stress relief, financial savings, and improved air quality associated with rooftop gardens demonstrate their value in modern cities.

WHY HYBRIDS ARE ON THE RISE

The rising popularity of hybrid cars can be attributed to three key factors Firstly, a strong belief in environmental protection motivates consumers to choose hybrids, as these vehicles utilize a combination of gas and electricity, resulting in lower gas consumption and reduced carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional gasoline cars This leads to less air pollution and a smaller environmental footprint Secondly, the desire to save money plays a significant role, especially as fuel prices continue to rise; hybrids offer excellent mileage, with models like the Toyota Prius achieving up to 53 miles per gallon in city driving, compared to just 27 miles per gallon for a traditional Toyota Corolla Lastly, the "cool factor" appeals to certain buyers who are attracted to modern technology and the uniqueness of owning a hybrid, making them feel special and ahead of the curve in automotive innovation.

F OCUS ON T ASK R ESPONSE

This is a type of test that asks candidates to state the causes, effects or solutions of a certain social problem

Usually, the test will only ask candidates to focus on 2 out of 3 problems: either Cause - Effect, or Cause - Solution, or Effect - Solution

This type of question is relatively easy because the question is clear, and it is difficult for candidates to go off at a tangent

10.4.2.1 How to find the causes of a problem

Thí sinh nên tìm ý tưởng từ các hoạt động và thói quen trong đời sống, vì đây là nguồn gốc của nhiều vấn đề xã hội Đề thi thường tập trung vào những vấn đề mới xuất hiện trong xã hội hiện nay, điều này cho thấy sự thay đổi trong các yếu tố như công nghệ mới, đô thị hóa, toàn cầu hóa, lối sống nhanh và sự khác biệt văn hóa giữa các vùng miền.

10.4.2.2 How to find the effects of a problem

Khi một vấn đề trở thành 'vấn đề' hoặc 'tạo thuận lợi', nó sẽ tác động đến ba đối tượng chính: Cá nhân, Xã hội và Chính phủ Mỗi đối tượng sẽ có những khía cạnh khác nhau bị ảnh hưởng Trong quá trình brainstorm, bạn nên xem xét tất cả các khía cạnh, nhưng chỉ chọn lọc những ý tưởng quan trọng để viết Tùy theo từng vấn đề, mức độ ảnh hưởng đến các đối tượng và khía cạnh sẽ khác nhau, vì vậy hãy ưu tiên những ý tưởng có nhiều nội dung nhất để phát triển.

Mỗi đối tượng có thể áp dụng các giải pháp khác nhau với quy mô riêng biệt Bạn không cần liệt kê tất cả các giải pháp từ mọi đối tượng, chỉ cần chọn ra những giải pháp quan trọng nhất.

Solution: đối tượng là ai (1) government > < individuals / public (people) / citizens/ residents/ workers and students / city dwellers (2) local authorities - (3) educational institutions/ establishments

To effectively address the issue, it is crucial to implement strict regulations and policies that introduce a ban on specific activities These measures aim to prevent individuals from engaging in harmful behaviors, thereby ensuring a safer environment for all.

(2) launch propagation campaigns via mass media (thực hiện chiến dịch tuyên truyền qua ……) à raise/ heighten public awareness of sth, which could be the cornerstone/ contributing factor to do sth

Integrating relevant subjects into the school curriculum enhances students' education by engaging experts in school activities and after-school programs These initiatives provide educational talks that equip students with essential knowledge and enable them to recognize the importance of various topics As a result, students gain in-depth insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects at hand.

10.4.4 Step 4: Using the essay structure

Câu 1: General statement: Viết tương tự như bài Argumentative essay

The thesis statement addresses the question posed in the prompt by providing a general overview of the various causes, effects, or solutions related to the topic In the case of cause and solution, it is essential to identify the underlying issues and propose effective strategies to address them.

• This essay will analyze several main causes of this and propose some effective solutions to deal with the conundrum/dilemma

• There are a number of problems that people suffer as a result of topic A, but also some straightforward measures we can take to mitigate/ eradicate this problem ỉ Effects & Solutions:

• Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, governments and societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems

• I believe there are three main problems associated with these products, and also two/three remedies we can adopt ỉ Causes & Effects:

• This trend is caused by several reasons regarding Consequently, there are numerous negative effects that will arise

THERE aRE SEVERaL UNDERLYING REaSONS EXPLaINING WHY _

FIRST/TO BEGIN WITH, A IS a MaJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO (VấN đề đượC NÊU TRONG BÀI)

THE MaIN CULPRIT IN (VấN đề đượC NÓI TRONG BÀI) SEEMS TO BE

ANOTHER IMPORTaNT FaCTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PHENOMENON IS THaT

TOPIC A HaS FaR - REaCHING EFFECTS ON OUR (ENVIRONMENT, DaILY LIFE, SOCIETY) / INDIVIDUaLS Câu 2:

FIRST OF aLL/THE MaIN/ PRINCIPaL/ MaJOR ISSUE IS THaT……

THERE aRE SEVERaL aCTIONS THaT COULD BE TaKEN TO ERaDICaTE THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED aBOVE Câu 2:

FIRSTLY, a SIMPLE SOLUTION WOULD BE + V(TO-ING)/THE FIRST IMPORTaNT SOLUTION IS + N // THaT +

Câu 3: Phân tích và phát triển ra

Câu 5: Phân tích và phát triển

IN CONCLUSION, A CaN BE aSCRIBED TO (NUMBER) REaSONS WHICH aRE X aND Y, aND THIS ISSUE CaN

BE DEaLT WITH BY a JOINT EFFORT OF BOTH X’ aND Y’ (X’ VÀ Y’ LÀ CÁC NHÓM NGườI CÓ THể đưa Ra GIảI PHÁP đà đượC NÊU ở PHÍa TRÊN)

IN CONCLUSION, TOPIC A aFFECTS NEGaTIVELY OUR LIFE (TÓM TắT LạI EFFECT) IN MY VIEW, IF THE SOLUTIONS MENTIONED aBOVE aRE TaKEN, TOPIC A WILL BE EFFECTIVELY CHECKED.

P RACTICE

People are having more and more sugar-based drinks What are the reasons? What are the solutions to make people drink less? (Đề thi thật năm 2020)

Sugar-based drinks = sugary drinks = sugar and artificially sweetened beverages sugar-based beverages = soft drinks

Luận điểm: Sugar and caffein in sugary drinks à cause addiction

Give people an instant energy boost à help them to escape the rat race

However, people can experience some common withdrawal symptoms

(triệu chứng vật vã vì thiếu thuốc), such as headaches, tiredness or poor concentration à people have to drink more

• Governments Impose higher taxes on the production and distribution of sugar- based drinks à higher price à les people consume it introduce a prohibition on mass promotion of soft drinks

• Individuals Adopt a healthy lifestyle Replace soft drinks by substitutions such as freshwater

Achieve the work – life balance

Luận điểm: Heavy consumption of soft drinks is partly attributed to vigorous commercial promotion

For example: quảng cáo tràn lan trên Tv và các Phương tiện truyền thông đại chúng à Trẻ em, nhóm người rất hao ngọt, thấy được à đòi mua

The rising consumption of sugary drinks poses serious threats to public health, driven by various factors To address this growing concern, we can implement straightforward yet effective measures to mitigate the situation.

The rise in sugar-based drink consumption can be attributed to several factors, primarily the addictive nature of substances like caffeine and sugar found in these beverages These compounds provide an instant energy boost, making soft drinks appealing for those looking to escape daily stress Once individuals become dependent, withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue often lead to continued consumption Additionally, aggressive marketing strategies by companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi play a significant role, particularly influencing children who are drawn to sweet flavors and are exposed to pervasive advertisements, prompting them to request more soft drinks from their parents.

Several effective solutions can address the issue of excessive sugary drink consumption One significant approach is the taxation of sugary beverages, similar to how tobacco taxes have successfully reduced tobacco use; higher prices can deter customers from purchasing these drinks Additionally, implementing governmental restrictions on the marketing of sugar and artificially sweetened beverages to children can further mitigate consumption Finally, collaboration between schools and parents is essential to educate children about the negative impacts of high-sugar foods and beverages.

IN THIS WaY, THEY MaY BE MORE aWaRE OF THE IMPORTaNCE OF LEaDING a HEaLTHY LIFESTYLE

IN CONCLUSION, aDDICTIVE SUBSTaNCES aND RaMPaNT COMMERCIaL PROMOTION aRE THE PRIMaRY CULPRITS BEHIND THE OVER-CONSUMPTION OF SUGaRY BEVERaGES TO REDUCE THIS PROBLEM, COUNTRIES

NEED COMPREHENSIVE aCTION PLaNS THaT COMBINE TaXaTION, RESTRICTION OF MaRKETING OF SUGaRY PRODUCTS TO CHILDREN, aND EDUCaTION (347 WORDS)