How to write IELTS Essays ppsx

Begin by reading the Introductionand learn about the essay form, the key stages and the language features of the essaythat are important for this form of persuasive communication.. In ot

INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED text

How to write

how to use this book for self study

For self-study, you should work through the book, from page one to the end, checkingyour answers as you complete each of the exercises Begin by reading the Introductionand learn about the essay form, the key stages and the language features of the essaythat are important for this form of persuasive communication

What is the best way to study?

First, find a quiet and comfortable place where you can work You should feel goodworking there Do a minimum of 40 minutes each day Try to make a regular time forstudy, so that it becomes routine - the same time and place every day

You will need a dictionary to check the meaning of new

vocabulary At this level (advanced) you should use an

Advanced Learners dictionary of English - rather than a

bilingual dictionary Whenever you find common or familiar

expressions that you don’t know, learn these words first

They are the “building blocks” for the more difficult

vocabulary you will learn later Develop your vocabulary,

step by step The best way to learn new words is to

guess their meaning from the context, check the meaning

in a dictionary, and practice using them in your writing

The topics in this book are general topics selected to

help develop your academic vocabulary You should also

read widely and become familiar with other topics and

issues It is a good idea to read about topics that are

less familiar to you, but still relevant for a general English

test, like the IELTS

What else can I do?

By completing all the exercises in this book, you are taking positive steps towards achieving your goals Remember - every page completed is a giant step toward achieving success in essay writing.

Find a friend who will practice speaking English with you and discuss together thetopics and issues that you read about in this book Of course, an English teacher will

be helpful when you need to have your essays corrected and get advice about anyerrors you might be making in your writing

At the end of each chapter there is a checklist of things to look for in your writing.Check that you have done all these things, and, if you need to, make changes andcorrections Finally, it is advisable to attempt the sample essay questions provided atthe end of each chapter By completing all the exercises in this book, you are takingpositive steps towards achieving your goals Remember - every page completed is a

terms & abbreviations

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

claim - to say without proof/evidence something is true

context - situation and circumstances

diff - different

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

eg – example

essay - type of persuasive/written text

etc – etcetera : and so on

exposition - factual writing eg explanation, argument, etc.

exam - examination

formal language – impersonal language used in formal situations

gaps – spaces where words are missing

genre - type of text eg recount, narrative, exposition

practice - purposeful activity

proposition - a statement or claim that may be true

p/w - per week

Q - question or essay question

re./ref - reference to / concerning / about

recommendation - final suggestion, advice

recount - retelling of past events, story about people

structure - form, organization into stages or steps

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

s.o - some one

s.t - some thing

text - a written passage, sometimes transcribed spoken

via - through

viz - such as

I N T R O D U C T I O N T h e E s s a y 4

Review, checklist, sample questions 23

Review, checklist, sample questions 39

Review, checklist, sample questions 56

Review, checklist, sample questions 75

Review, checklist, sample questions 91

What is an essay?

The essay is a form of academic writing widely used in secondary and higher education The general purpose of the essay is to demonstrate the importance of a given subject or issue, and persuade an educated reader to consider the writer’s point of view on the issue.

What is an exam essay? What do they examine?

Exam essays, like the IELTS Task 2, test a student’s ability to think analytically, present persuasive arguments and thus communicate effectively in an academic context In other words, the writer should show that they can :

- answer the question, which requires the careful analysis of the question,

- present and develop logical and reasonable arguments, and

- communicate clearly, using appropriate language (vocabulary and grammar).

What are the key stages of an essay?

It is important to remember that the exam essay is a response to a given question, so it should answer the question clearly and decisively To this end, the writer makes their position clear from the start, and then presents a sequence of arguments in support of their position, before finally restating their position These are the three key stages of any essay.

KEY STAGES

INTRODUCTION Position The writer states their position or opinion,

in response to the question/s.

BODY Sequence of

Arguments A sequence of arguments is given tosupport the writer’s position.

Each argument is a claim supported with reasons, facts and examples.

CONCLUSION Restatement The writer re-states their position to

conclude.

The staging of the essay is (in itself) a persuasive device Statement and repeated restatement reinforce the writer’s position Depending on the number, strength and logical development of arguments, any given essay will be more or less persuasive – and more or less successful.

question Though many essays will differ, in terms of optional staging, all essays display the same key stages as above The sample essay below illustrates a more complex staging of the essay genre.

This essay (below) is a good example because it has a clear position statement, previews the arguments that follow, and proceeds to develop argumentation logically and coherently The recommendation stage follows logically from the essay question, as the writer is required to discuss solutions to the problem of gambling.

Q. What are the causes, effects and possible solutions to the problem of gambling?

Generally speaking, there are a number of causes of gambling-related problems Many gamblers lose money and some get into debt very quickly They may spend all their savings, and then borrow more money,

to try and get out of debt In this way, they may get into further debt.

The effects of gambling can be devastating on both the individual and their families If gamblers get into serious debt, their families may suffer hardship and poverty as a result Some gamblers neglect their children, whom they abandon while they spend time gambling in casinos If they are caught, the authorities might take their children away Still others might take out their frustration on their friends or families, and possibly become violent.

Solutions to the problems of gambling involve society and the government In general, people should try to help those with gambling problems The government should also place restrictions on gambling, and run education programs, to help gambling-addicts and raise people’s awareness and understanding of the related social problems.

In conclusion, if we understand the causes and effects of gambling, the solutions become clear Through education and support programs , it is possible to give people and addicts the knowledge and assistance they need to resist or overcome their gambling problems.

In an assessment of a candidate’s essay the examiner will consider (i) whether the writer answers the question, (ii) their expression (grammatical accuracy and vocabulary), and (iii) the

the language features of the essay

The language features of an essay reflect the writer’s purpose, namely, to persuade the reader

of their position (opinion) on a given issue We have already mentioned that the staging of the essay is itself a persuasive device – by repeatedly stating and expanding on their arguments, the writer is being persuasive.

The language features of an essay also reflect the persuasive strategies commonly used in argumentation : be logical, reason effectively, sound authoritative and reasonable (don’t exaggerate), and communicate effectively (precisely and cohesively) The relevant strategies and language features are summarised in the table below :

PERSUASIVE

STRATEGIES Language Features

1 Be LOGICAL CONJUNCTIONS for Listing, Addition etc.

2 Be AUTHORITATIVE TECHNICAL VOCABULARY & Nominalisation

3 REASON Language of CAUSE and EFFECT

5 Sound REASONABLE Language of GENERALISATION

Each chapter of this book discusses one of these five persuasive strategies and relevant language features as outlined above In the Grammar unit of each chapter, further

explanation and exercises are provided to help the reader become more familiar with the key language features and their effective use in writing short exam essays.

topic 1

language learning

… in this chapter

 learn new vocabulary and read about the topic

 learn about conjunctions : being logical

 learn about three types of essay question

 develop ideas and write an essay on the topic

a Bizzy moment…

visualise (n) to see in your mind, imagine

visualisation (n) process of imagining, in your mind’s eye

reading & vocabulary

language learning

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

1 effectively a) a positive thing, a benefit

2 context b) situation, circumstances

3 memorise c) way of doing s.t., technique

4 method d) put into the memory

5 advantage e) with a good effect, result

6 interaction f) suggest, advise

7 recommend g) exchange between two

8 distinction h) relies on, conditional

9 comparatively i) purpose, aim

10 goal j) ability to function

11 functional proficiency k) clear difference

12 depends l) in comparison to s.t else

1.2 Fill the gap using expressions from 1.1 above

1 The main goal… of school is preparation for life

2 Many language tests are designed to assess ……… ………

3 Success in exams, ……… on how hard you work

4 In the ……… of the classroom, students can practice speaking

5 One way to prepare for the test is to ……… facts

6 ……… speaking, classroom learning is easier than self-study

7 The best ……… for learning new words is using them!

8 Sally’s teacher ……… that she does more study

9 The discussion was a very positive ………

10 One ……… of studying abroad is making new friends

11 The most obvious ……… between America and China is language

12 Deaf people communicate ……… using sign language

1.3 Complete the table below, and revise vocabulary from Topic 1:

serious 46 _ 47.

50 proficiency 51 _ conversational 52 53 _

reading & vocabulary

language learning

There are millions of people all over the world who formally study a foreign language,but there are comparatively few who actually learn to use the language effectively Thereason for this is that most people study a foreign language the same way they study asubject at school They memorise words, like facts or telephone numbers, but don’tknow how to use the words to communicate Sometimes, their teachers do notunderstand the distinction between studying and really learning a language The maingoal should be to teach students to use the language, not just study it

Formal classes in a foreign language, whilst popular, may not be the most effective way

to learn the language This depends on the teacher and their methods If the teacherrequires the students to only copy text and memorise words and grammar rules, thenthe students are not learning to use language It is therefore not surprising thatstudents with this experience of formal classes do not speak the language very well.They have not had the opportunity to actually practice communicating

The key to successful language learning is interaction – that is, using language for apurpose in context In some language classrooms, the lessons involve students working

in pairs or groups, and taking turns at asking and answering questions In this way, theclassroom activity allows learners to use the language, and acquire the basics ofcommunication Learning through interaction helps students develop their functionalproficiency, rather than just some vague or abstract knowledge of grammar orvocabulary

The importance of interaction is acknowledged in many books on learning a foreignlanguage, which recommend that students travel abroad, and learn the language in thecountry where it is spoken The advantages are perhaps obvious The motivation forpractise is very strong Students have to communicate if they want to survive They have

to do things, such as buy food, find accommodation and make travel arrangements.They are also exposed to the same language patterns many times and repeatedlypractice what they need to say This process enables students to learn their newlanguage through using it in actual communication (355 words)

1.4 Reading comprehension True or False ?

1 Many students of foreign languages cannot speak the language

2 They study the foreign language without actually using it T / F

3 All teachers understand the difference between studying and

learning a foreign language T / F

4 Formal classes are the best way to learn a foreign language T / F

5 Memorising grammar rules or vocabulary is not as helpful as

interacting in the classroom T / F

6 Students who do not practise speaking do not speak very well T / F

7 Taking turns at asking and answering questions is not helpful T / F

8 A knowledge of grammar is more important than using the

9 Most books suggest it is best to learn a foreign language through

formal lessons in the country where the language is spoken T / F

10 When students learn in the foreign country they have a strong

reason to practice communication T / F

11 Students experience particular language patterns repeatedly when

living in the country where the language is spoken T / F

12 Few books on language learning recognise the importance of

• Write down some ways you learnt English or another language

………

………

………

………

………

………

grammar : be logical

The grammar focus of this unit is how to be LOGICAL or express ideas logically Conjunctions, or joining words, express the logical relations between ideas, and therefore help us structure and develop our arguments There are two types: SENTENCE-LEVEL and STRUCTURAL CONJUNCTIONS.

(i) SENTENCE-LEVEL CONJUNCTIONS join ideas within a sentence

Example 1: Toothpaste is good for your teeth and apples are too

Example 2: Brushing is healthy because it reduces tooth decay

In Example 1, the conjunction and expresses ‘addition’ (1 + 1)

In Example 2, the conjunction because expresses ‘causation’ (1 -> 2)

( See the table on page 15 for a list of the most common conjunctions )

1.5 Fill the gap using and, but or because

Eg My aunt has been sick …and… she was taken to hospital

1 The weather is fine ………… the scenery is beautiful

2 The police arrested a man ……… he was driving recklessly

3 Marcel paints pictures ……… nobody likes them

4 The new cars run on solar power ……… petrol is too expensive

5 Silvy sleeps all night ……… she sleeps in the afternoon too

6 Action films are popular ……… cartoons are even more popular

7 Izumi was born in Tokyo ……… she lives in New York

8 Chinese writing is very beautiful ……… difficult to learn

9 ……… soccer is fun to play, it is played everywhere in the world

10 Peter collects stamps ……… he makes money selling them

Fill the gap using although, so or when

11 ……… the bell rings, the children move off to their next lesson

12 ……… the man fell from a tall building, he was unhurt

13 Jane wanted to learn Spanish ……… she went to night school

14 Some Americans carry guns ……… they can protect themselves

15 ……… trekking in the desert one should take lots of water

16 Chocolate is bad for one’s teeth ……… it tastes delicious

17 Young Australians can vote ……… they turn 18 years of age

18 Sarah bought a second-hand car ……… she turned sixteen

1.6 Match the beginnings with the correct endings.

1 Although the task is not easy

2 Always seek advice

3 Partly because of advertising

4 Many parents work hard

5 Unless forests are protected

6 When children are young

7 Movies are expensive to make

8 Instead of being lazy

9 Before visiting a country

10 Though fast food is popular

11 The garden is beautiful

12 Sydney has many beaches

13 Hung is studying English

14 Yasmin got the job

15 The postman was sick

16 The man was not hurt

17 There will be trouble

18 He had a bad temper

19 Because I knew my topic

20 Always wash your hands

21 Mexico is a big city

22 Pete has been a top player

23 Cycling is popular

24 Fast cars are dangerous

25 If vegetables are good for you

26 After a year working overseas

27 Too much sunshine is unhealthy

28 We should see a dentist

29 Shopping is a favourite pastime

a) if you are confused

b) products are expensive

c) to afford a better life

d) you can still succeed

e) they are easily influenced.f) try working hard

g) it is unhealthy

h) they will be destroyed

i) learn the language!

j) so tickets are not cheap.k) but Brisbane hasn’t any.l) while working part time

m) so there was no mail

n) even though a car hit him.o) if prices increase

p) and the house is huge

q) but he was still popular.r) I felt very confident

s) before you eat a meal

t) because she was the best.u) whereas Tijuana is small.v) because it is good exercise.w) unless drivers are careful.x) since he won the Open.y) as it can cause skin cancer.z) we should eat more of them.A) if you follow the fashions.B) David moved back home.C) so people cut their own hair