Improve your IELTS writing skills - Full book

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IMPROVE YOUR IELTS

Sam McCarter

~

The importance

of the past

Machines, cycles, and processes

Related verbs and nouns

Understanding data

Comparing information Adverbs in comparisons

Comparing and contrasting The passive

Sequencing

General and spedfic

statements Comparing information

Avoiding irrelevance

taking predictions

Factual accura y Varying vocabulary

Checking pelling

Word order

Lin ing using with Task 1 revision

Ta ,k Z Understanding questions Expressing solutions Lin king ph rases

Using trigger words Using itltheylthislthese Planning essays Devel ping ideas Using which to organize information

Expressing result and purpose Avoiding ov rgenerajization Developing reasons

Developing and justifying opinions

Writing introductions Expressing advantag sand disadvantage

Advantage and disadvantage

va abulary Concession (2) DiSCUSSing other people's opinion

Hy olhe izing

Article

Writi g conclusions Organizing words Verb-subject agreement Paragraph struClure Relevant and irrelevanr information

Task 2 revision

What is Improve your IEL TS Writing Skills?

Improve YOllr fELTS Writing Skills is a complete preparation course for the Academic

Writing paper o( the International English Language Te"t ng System Thro gh

targeted practice, it develops skills and language to help you achieve a higher JELTS score in the Academic Writing paper

How can I use this book?

You can use Improve YOllr lELT S Writil1g Skills as a book for tudying on your own or in

a class

If you arc studying on your own, f mprove YOllr fELTS Wri tillg S kills is designed to guide

au step"by"step through the activities This book is also completely elf-contained:

a clear and accessible key is provided so that you can easily check your answ r as

you work through the book in addition, there is a sample answer to acc mpanyeach

Task 1 and Task 2 question

If you are studying as part of a class, your teacher will direct you on how to use each

activity Some activities can be treated a discussions, in which case they can be a

useful opportunity to _hare ideas and techniques wih oth r le rners

J[ consists of ten units based around topics wbich occur commonly in the real test Each unit consists of three sections:

Task I: exercises and examples to d velop skills and language for Ta k 1 questions

Task 2 exerdses and examples to develop skills and language for Task 2 questions Practice test: a complete Academic Wri ing p per b sed on the u it topiC to practise the skills learned

Each Task 1 and Task 2 section is su divided further into skills se ti ns These focus

n spedfic areas of relevance to each task

In a dition, there are echniqlles boxes throughout the b ok These reimor e k.ey points on how to approach Academic Writing tasks

How will Improve your JELTS Writing SkiJJs improve my

score?

By developing skills

The skills sections form a detailed syllabus of essential IELTS wriling skills For example, key elements of Task 1 preparation, such as Descr ibi ng t r ends and COlI/par i l1g information, are fully covered Similarly, Task 2 skills, such as Expressing sO/II/iom and

Dnelopil19 ideas are dealt with in detail

By developing language Each unit also contains a resour e of useful phrases and vocabulary to II e in each writing task Over the ourse of Irnprol ' eyollr fELTS Writing Skills, you will encounter

a wide rang of ideas (0 ensure thaI you are not lost for words when you get to the real test These include concepts such as organjzjng word, trigger words, and linking phrases, which all contribute to an appropriate academic writing style

BV d eveloping test technique

The Tedlllique boxes contain shari tips which can easily be memorized and used

as reminders in the real test These include quick and easy advice about planning, under tanding questions, and how to use eUectively the language you have learned

•

The academic writing omponent of the IELTS lasts one hour 111 the test, there are

two task of different length both of which 'ou must all'wer

What does each task consist of?

In Task I you will hav to write at least 150 words to describe som e data or a

diagram Data will normally be presented in the form of a graph, a bar or pie chan

a table r a ombination of these A diagram will normally (elate [Q a process, the workings [ an object or changes in map o er time You are always ex e ted to

summarize the information by describing the main features makin J comparison

give views about two differem opinions and give your own opinion

discuss advantages and dis d antage

give a solution to a problem by suggesting measures

discuss c uses of a problem and suggest solutons

You are ahvays expe ted to give reasons and include any relevant examples from

your own knowledge and experience

How will I be assessed?

In b th tasks ou will be Clssessed on your ability to expre s yourself clearly and

a curately in English

In Task 1 your an wer is asse sed according to y ur ability to write about d ta in an

organized way and compare infoID1ation where it is relevant to do so You hould write about the main features of the data an a ld relevant d rail where ne essary

In Task 2 y ur answer assessed a cording to your ability to wri in a logical

manner as you give a solution 10 a problem, present andjuslify an opinion, compare

and contrast evict nce and opinions, r evaluate and challenge ideas or arguments How much time should I spend on each task?

You are ad is d to spend 20 minutes on Task l

You are advised to spend 40 minut s on Task

Even though Task 2 c rrie more marks, you should always do Task 1 first This

is because it is shorter, and psychologicCllly it feels better if you have completed

o e task

Tas~ 2 Understandmg questIOns ExpreSSing soluttons Linking phrases USing trigger wards

Task 1 Describing trends

1 The gTaphs relate to sales of media technolog

Which graph a-h do au think shows sales for each item in the photos 1-4?

2 Match each grapb (a-h) with the most appr priate description below (1-1 )

] Sales of auelio cassettes fell steaelily ~

2 iPo sales rose gradually

3 Plasma TV sales fluctuated wildly, but the trend was upward

4 Sales of video cassettes n uctuated wildly, and the

tTend was downward _ _

5 Total digital camera sales dropped slightly

10 CD sales dropped suddenJy

3 Underline the verbs in 2 used to describe trend

E xample

I Sales of audio cassettes kU steadily

4 The verbs in 2 are modified by adverb such as

steadily Find the adverbs and decide wheth r they mean slow or fast changes Complete the lists below

Related verbs and nouns

5 S en tc' n Cf: ~ containing verb phrQses such as j e Jl s t ea dily call often be re\-\'J.iLLen

using the correct form of there islar e and a related noun Read the examples

Then rewrite sentences a-j below

adjeCtive + noun)

Th production of film has risell dramaticalry (verb + adverb)

a Spic e ex p ns fr om Afri ca fl uc tu a t e d wildly o ver th e period

• • • • • 7

Technique

To l1el~ you read

the graphwrite the

• Ilames nt tie t.afes

at the end of each

Il n~

Model text

Understanding data

7 Read the graph and the Task 1 que li.on Wh l was the in me in dollar for:

a The Tea Room in January? $160,000 .

b Internet Express in July?

c Wi-fi Cafe in November?

S utn mal'i Z the informalion by selectil)D and repo r l iJ.I D the maill f e att/r es, and

m a ke co m p llri ons wh e r e re levallt

Write a t l east 150 words The TeB Room

-+ - Internel Expr ess

J F M A M J J A SON D

8 Answer these questions about rhe graph

a What do the letters ,F, M, etc along th b ll om of the graph mean?

me graph providef, informa1ion about the

in c.ome trend~ of fo ur c.afe~ over the la5t

There are two baf,ic general trendf, :

d ownwar and upward A s regards the

f ir5t, the earning5 for The T ea \Zoom, \ ~ere

down over the ~ear, falling I from

a lm0 5l $ \ ~O,OOO earning5 a month tO jU 5t

under $50,000 in December ,

B-t con t rast, the inc.ome f or ih c o th er thre.e

, ak5 went up b'j vat"(ing degrees , There

" las :2 ., in Gafe c.ool' (') 5ale5 over

the fir~t ten month5, followed b'j a sudden

Between Janua'1 to :ru\~, earning s

I from $ 0,000 to nead'j $100 , 0 0

and I to around $lqO , ooo

It if, n oticeable that th e inc ome fo r The

i ea \Zoom i5 lowel' in tn e winter montho than f or th e olne.r tnree c.afes

1-7 in Ibe model text

1

•

Task 2 Understanding questions

1 Task 2 questions cOlltdin a g n ral subject and often include a spe jfic

organizing word to help y u organize y ur t:ssay In each group a-d below, 'o.vhich organil'Zing word has a different meaning fx JJ1 the lher two?

a ad anlages drawbacks benefits

b measures steps reasons

c ause eHecls consequences

d disadvantages drawbacks solutions

2 Cmnpkt ~ e,lCh Task 2 question below v-'"liih organil.ing words 1t!n!)] the bo You may use each item more than nce

agree or disagree advantages

solutions measures

disadvantages

benefits

causes

a What are the ~~~~0 of learning skills jn the mod rn v odd?

b Any attempts to preserve the n tural world will alva is hinder economic

developmenL The benefit will howev r far outweigh the

Every day, animals are becoming extinct throughout the world What do

you think the of this are? What can you uggest

g Ov rcrowding in large cities has always been a problem, but with

populations around the world a out to double, the social problems are

c rtain to multiply What can y u suggest to control the problems

3 How many pans are [here in each question in 2? For example, (a) bas one

part If there are two or three parts, how are they related?

• • • 9

- - -

Technique

•

Identlf the type 01 •

que lion For c ause/

Expressing solutions

each category belov 1-5 accord'ing to how rapidly each is changing in your

hange for each category

Task2

Jou should spend about 40 minute s 0 11 this t ask

Write about the f ollowing topic

/.ore lind /}l o re p op le cla im ti m " HlO " ~ '''''1 1\" r k p a tterns a r e a SOlI/ ' c e o f s l r ess

What do YOII think are the causes of this? Can you sll gges t som e possi bl e SOIIi/iolls'?

Give reasons for your anS'lve r and inc/ude any relevant exam plf! s from your ow n

k n owledge or experienCe

a Which part of the question states a problem?

b Which t wO words in the que lion are important for the organization of your answer?

with the phrases in a-f for pr Selliing

solutions, examples, and results,

a A further step is to

b for example

Shen: Tina:

How do you think people c n deal with their

stressful live , especially at work?

Firstly, I think employers should encourage workers to relax

How? Well in some companies, gym facilities or

massage therapies are available

Mass g ?

Ye If you help your employees to rela , this

improves their effi iency and production

Are there other solutions?

Of course Employees could be train d in

how to plan their time more effectively

One way is to stop people taking work

home And then the work lace will become

a lot happier

1 for employers to encourage workers to relax

2 " in some companies, gym facilities or massage therapies are available 3 ' , this

improves their effiCiency and production 4 train employees in how to plan their time more effectively,

5 , by stopping people taking work home

6 , the workplace will become a lot hapPier

U IT 1 coIIseqllellCe !

&I

8 There axe several ways to express solutjons S ho uld is used for SIl'ong

suggestions; c o uld is used for possible sugge (io s Other phrases can also be

used to express solutio s Read the example [rom 6 and 7 on page 10 Then

rewrite the sentences in a-f

Exam p l e s

Employers should eJ/courage workers to relax

[think the most obvious solution is/or employers to ncouTag e workers [Q relax Employees could be [rai/led in how to plan their Lime more effectively

A further step is to train employees in how [Q plan Iheir lime more dfe [i vely

a 1 think the most obvious solution is to encourage people to exercise more PeopleshouJd , , ,., , , , ,

b The obvious answer is to reduce the number 0 working hours,

The number of working hours , , , ,

c The government could provide each employee with their own computer

One possibility is ,

d One option is to persuade parents to spend more time with [heir children Parents could , , ,

e A good idea is to restrict the number of ars coming into iries,

The number of cars coming into cities " ,'

f The go emmenl should build more sky rapers to solve the problem

A good idea is "

9 Which problems ('[modern life do (he SentenceS in S rein Ill?

overcrowding traffic congestion obesity lack of discipline stress technology

10 Use·the following phrases (0 add re ults to the Solulions above Use YOUT own ideas and words

Exam p l e

a I think the most obvious solution is to encourage people to exerdse more,

By doing this , th e y would lose weight and would f eel better generally

As a result, This would enable/help them to This would lead to This means that they would By doing this, Consequently,

12 •• •

Linking phrases

11 Linking phrases mark the ftloctions 01 other sentent:es i1nd phrases, s u c l ~ as solutjons, results, and e xam ple s Match e ch linl(ing phrase ''',Itch the cor C l function

a d di r ion a nd condition

e x ar np1e

purpose reason

r e s u I t

Usi n g trigger words

8ftt! conseq uentJy,

a d so since because therefore, if

as a result

for instance,

in order to

fu rth crmore, for example,

12 Read the pa r a gra ph from a Task 2 essay on overcrowd d ci ies and find the

Reason Result Example Solution

M an \' c i ti e i n th e w o rl d have n o w b ecome ve r y

ov e r~ r owded becau se people are mi gra t ing i n fr o m th e

c o nr r ysi d e i n sea rch of work As a res u lt , fa ci lities li ke

w ate r su p p l ies a n d p ublic transport c n no t c ope w ith the deman d s from i ncr e s ed num b ers of people , and

so th e y are under s ev e re s tra in Th e obvi o l1s a nsw e r is

to e n co ura g e the cr eatio n o f j obs ou t s ide the citi es Fo r examp l e ) we c ou l d enc o urag e c rt a i n bus in e s s s to s e t

13 Li n ~", ing phrases can be used to tr.i g e r ideas becau e they mark functions When you plan a Task 2 answer, write down some trigge r words to help you

devd QP YOUT basic idea Use [11e trigger words below (a develop the ideas given

A

lfpeople migrale 1 0 ci l ies , they b come

And so

And as a restill

A good idea would be to

By doing this,

B People spend 100 /lllIch time watching TV For example,

Con equemly, ,

If , then

This \vill l ea d to

C The development of t ourism of Tell cr eates resentment among local people because For example,

The obvious a ns wer is to _._ Furthermore, _

to Jil(){il'm tecJl11vlo9.\ J il1 homes in the UK

SIUJllII{//";ze flu "information by selectil1g and rep(wtillij tI,e IJ1l1in /catllres, anrl make comparisons where relevant

Yo u sho u l d sp end a out 4 0 II/inur e s on this Jask

Wri te about the followil1g topic:

People naturally resist making changes;n their lil'e~

What kind of problems can this calise? What solutioJls can you suggest?

G ive r easo ns for y our a llswer a d i n clu de a n y releva nr examples from your OHI1"1 k nowledge

or exper imce

W rit e at least 250 word s

• • • 13

Task 2 Using it/they / this/these

Planing essays

Developing Ideas

• •

Answer the questions

First mercury thermometer, Gabriel Fahrenheit

Safety pin, Walter Hunt

a Which is the oldest invention?

b Which is the most recem invention?

Paper money in China

c Which do you think are the most and least important inventions?

d What other important historical inventions are not induded here?

2 The chan shows {he results of a survey about the most important inventions

in the last 300 years Answer [he questions Most importan inventions in the last 3 0 years

The TV was more popular among males than females (morel less + adjective +

than)

The most popular form of conununication was the Internet (the most/least +

adjective)

2 TIre of the pasr

••

a More females males chose [he bicycle

b The bicycle was more than any other invention

c The car was popular among females than males

d invention among both sexes was the TV

e women than men voted for the mobile phone

invention among both sexes was the bicycle

g males than females picked the radio

h The computeT was for women than for men

More people seleded the bicycle any other invention

The TV was popular than any other invention

4 You can also compare information by using a m a /l y as when numbers are

very dose, or by using I/ot as many _ as Read the examples Then compare

male and female ani( udes (0 cars and mo ile phones

Examples

As many females as males chose the computer

Not as ma n y females as males chose tb radio

5 Make comparative sentences based on notes a-g below and the chart in 2 Use the passive or active form of the verb in italics

Examples

female sJmalesl se l e ct fthe bicycle M ore females th an male sf/ eeted the bicycle

males/female sl seleetfthe bicycle Fewer males thall f males selec ted the bicycle the bicyclelchooselfemales/male s The bicycle was chosen by more females than

16 • • • • •

Adverbs in c omparisons

6 You can a d a verbs to comparisons to make them more precise, such as

significantly (more) or almost (as many) Read the examples Then underline the

adverbs in sentenc s a-i

E xa mp les

Significantly mOT e people voted for the bicycle than tbe other inventions

The bicycle was chosen by almos t as many males as females

a Slightly more women than men voted for the bicycle

b In the past, considerably more people lived in the countryside than towns

c Many more people can use a computer today than thirty years ago

d Substantially less time is now spent doing housework than before

e There are significantly fewer people now worldng in manufacturing than in

the past

Sports programmes are watdled by practically as many peopl n o w as jn

previous years

g The exhibition about dnerna attracted far fewer visirors than expected

h Illiteracy is much less common than in previous generations

Nearly as many children as adults watch progranmles about ancienL history

7 Which adverbs above mean:

8 Look again at the sentences you wrote in 5 on page 15 Add suitable adverbs

9 Answer (hese questions about (he bar chart

a Wh t do you mink the bar chart provides information about?

b What could the numbers on the left relate to?

c What do you trunk the words along the bottom of the dlan relate to?

d What could the numbers in the box refer to?

e Is there a time reference for the graph?

Te chnique

In the test, make

a qUick list of

the comparison

structures you know

before you write

UNiT 2 Tire ;mportallu ofllle past

1 0 Match sentence beginnings 1-6 with endings a-f to form correct senlences

abom the chart

1 The arts and crafts society has the greatest number of 20-30 year-olds,

2 Only 25 people fTom the younger age group are members of the historical

society,

3 Some societies are clearly more popular with one of tbe age groups,

4 The keep fit and social clubs have slightly more members in the younger age

bracket,

5 In generaL the 20-30 year-olds are more actively involved in societies

6 The keep fit and social clubs attract a broader range f people

a wh reas the archaeological society is equally popular with both

b ill c om pariso11 wit h [he histori al society,

e but it is one of the least popular clubs with the ol'er age group

-d comp.11'ed with the Ider age group,

e whilt! the figure for 45-65 year-olds is abou 50

althollgh they are fairly popular with both age grou s

1 1 In which of [he sentences in 10 uld the ending a-f orne fir t? Which

cOlmecting words in italics are followed by a noun phrase only,

12 Read the description of (he chan in 9 For aeh of 1-6, two options are

possible and one is ineorreCL Delete the incorrect option

Model text

l'he G hart p rovides i nformation about

how two ag e groups partic.ipate i n 'b evera l

d ub\') at a L entr£ for ,j (ktl1 s

W e c.an '5C e fro m the data that th e

arG ha eologic.al, Keep fit and wc.ial dubs

are p opular with both older and ~ounge-r

people I \-IIhile/How e v er~ c ontraM , the historic.al and art'b and c.rafts wc ietie-s

d ead,! appeal more to one of the groupD In the historic.a l Wc.iet-j, SO of th e

age-members are between 4'5 and (,?,

2 but/whilelhowever "lhere are onl~ 2 5 from "lhe ~ounger age group For the art and c rafts soc.iet-j , the- pattern i s reve-rsed

l'here- are ab ou t ~o membe-rs aged

b e- tw e-e-n'}.() and 3 , -; but/wh ereaslin c- o m pari50n ~Ji t h th e number of people- in

th e- 4 5 to (pI5 age g r oup is 4 Jar/sl i ghtly/ cons iderably l ower 1he Ke-ep fit and wGia l

du b s are popular with both age- groupD,

'i howeverlbut/although th ere are sllghH'i fewer o lder people , e-mbe-rship of th

;; rc.haeologic.al Mc.iet., stand5 at it? fo both groups

In ge-ne-ral, the-~ounge-r age- group are

v signific.antly/almost/noticeably more

involved in the various wc.ieties than tl1 it?-(;j ~ear-01d5

• 17

18 • • • • •

Task 2 Using i tlthe ylthislti'ze s e

1 Read the text below writlen by a student as part of a Task 2 essay Replace

the words in italics with ii, they, t his, or these

Archaeologists, for example, help us to learn about the past Archaeologist s

look for evidence in artefacts like p ts and jewellery Pots aJldjewellery

reveal a lot of information about our ancestors Revealing infonnatioll about the past is very useful, but the information is still quite limited

2 Match 1-4 witb a-d to explain how ro use il, Ihey, this, and tll ese

I It and this refer to

2 They and thes e refer to

3 This and these are often used to refer to

4 This can also refer to

a nouns at the end of the previous sentence

b plural nouns

c situations and processes

d singular nouns

3 Underline the exact text which it they, tilis, and these refer [0 in sentences a-h

The first one has been done for you

a History teaches children not just fa ts, but a range of skills For example,

t hey can learn how to analyse material, do basic sorting and research

b Old buildings help create a more relaxing environment in cities than

concrete office blocks This makes them more pleasant to work and live in

c Studying history may trigger an interest in other subject areas This , in tum, may Lead to other hobbies

d Built-up areas can be made more attractive by adding monuments and

statues Thes e can then enrich people's lives considerably

e Governments should provide more money to preserve historical siles By

doing t his, our heritage would be saved for future generations Tradition does not hold us back as some people believe In facr, it helps us to

build the future

g Schools and colleges need to emphasize history and related subjects as th ese

will help give them a wider view of the world

h The Internet and computers can b<;.' used to preserve the past For example,

they can be used by children to do basic research and store images

4 Complete sentences a-g with ii, they, 1111:5, or t hes e

a If the past i to be preserved, must be done by using modem

technology

b The an and language of a country represent its history, so it is important

that are both preserved

c The primary role of advenising is to encourage the public to replace the old witb the new is called progress by some people

d History broadens the minds of most people ,"vho study , but also has the potential to narrow the minds of some

e History should be given more emphasis in schooL as will help

children to understand better the world they live in

If hlstory is emphasized more in schools, : wiU lead to a b tter

understanding of the world

g The past infom1.s us of the present and the future, but few people are suificiently aware of , ""

uNiT 2 Th e imparlQllce afllre pasl

•

P ] an n in g e s says

5 Read (he historical facts in a-f below Rank the events 1-6 according to how important you think rhey were in human history (1 = most impoTlam; 6 =

least importanr) What other events would you add to the list?

a In 1792, France abolished the monarchy and instituted the first republic

b In 1953, Francis Watson and James Crick described the structure and

importance of DNA

c In October 1492 Christopher Columbus set foot in the Americas

d In 1885 Karl Benz built and patented the first automobile

e In 1983 a computer system connecting universitjes was created whkh later became the Internet

In the nimh cemury gunpowder was first invented and used by the

Chinese

6 Read the Task 2 essay question below Dedde which of points a-g ar

relevant to this answer

It i s so me t imes said tll at h istory /lever r epeats itself, yet there i s mild/ ill

it which is relevant to our moder n w orl d S uggest so me ways in whicJI

the st u dy of h istory migllt he l p liS today

a There is often uncertainty about what really happened with regard to

well-known historical events

b Studymg other historical periods gives insights into different ways of life

e We can learn about the recent past by asking older relatives

d HiStory involves investigation and interpretation, so its study develops thinking skills

e Learning ab out conflicts i n the past can teach u S h vv to avoid them in

future

History is a more dHficult area of study than most p ople imagine

g The past can often provide explanations for the situation W ' face today

7 Read the idea below Choose some of the trigger words to develop tlus point The first one has been done for you Refer to Unit 1 page 12 for more examples of similar phrases

Studying other historica.l periods gives insights into different ways of life

For example, students ca11 investigate the way in which people lived in ancient limes

such as

As a resulr,

Therefore,

Furthermore

8 Look back at Ihe other relevant sentences you chose in 6 above Develop those ideas in the same way llsiJlg trigger words Then writt: out yow ideas in a pa.ragraph • • 19

Some children find lem'fling history at school very exciting but matlY

others think it is I'ery boriug In w h t ways can histo ry b e br ought to life for 0,1/ school children?

10 The list a-i below contains ideas that a student came up with for [he essay

question in 9 There aI\:' thr,ee solutions, each whb an example and an ffe l

Complete (he table by matching each idea with the appropriate function

Paragraph 1 Paragrapb 2

Examples EUects

a using the Inte rn et and computer s

b isiting historical sites

c historical places seem more real l: make a poster about local history

(' go to a local archaeological site

it increase motivation to do research

g these kill can be applied in other subjects

Y ou shou l d s pend ab o ut 20 minutes all this task

The graph below SllOWS the contribution of three sectors - agriculture, manufacturing, llnd b1lSi1l2.5S ilIId fin lll/cia I services -to the UK economy ill the twentieth cClllury

Summarize tile infonnatiol1 by selecting alId reporting tile main jea tw'e s, and make

cOlllpm'isolls where relevant

Writ e a least 150 war ds

Contribution of s elec ted sectors to the

UK economy in the tw e ntieth century

Task 2

h'U sh olild spend about 40 minutes on this task

V"'I"it t" , l b c,ut Ihe/t'llu" il1g topic:

o Agriculture

• M anu fac turi ng

o Business and F i n ancial

To some people studying the past has lillIe value it! tile modem I For/d Wil y do you tlIil1k it is important to do so? What will be the effect If children are not ta ugll t history?

Give reaso n s foryour ans w er and i ncl ude any relevant exa mp l es fr olll you r o wn kno wledg e o r

e xp en ence

Write Cit l e as t 250 w ords

• • 21

• • Machines, cycles, and processes

II

When describing

processessho',",

hat you can use

active and passive

Using w hIch to organize informatron

Expressing result and purpose

Task 1 The pass iv e

1 Look at the five objects a- and answer the questions

a Which materials are used to make these objects?

b Which of the material in your list are natural and which are manufactured?

2 Natura] processes are often de cribed using (he active form whereas

man faClUIiog processes are usually described using the passive Read rh examples Then omplete 1-6 with the correct fonns of the verb in bra kelso

Ex amples

A riverf10ws from its source to the ocean (active) Many electronic goods are manufactured in Japan (passive: bi + past paniciple)

Limestone is the main ingredient of cement Firstly, it 1

(extract) from the ground Then, at the factory it 2 (heat)

(Q a high temperature with other ingredients After thiS, it

3 (cool) with blasts of cold air

When warm air ~ (reach) high ground it is force to rise

and, as a result, it 5 cool) Moisture in the air

6 (condense) to form rain

3 When describing processes, make sure the subject and verb agree Read the example, then complete 1-8 with the carr ct forms of the verbs in brackets

Example

The sun shines and the temperature rises

Some rock formations I (hold) large amounts of water, When it

2 (rain) the tiny spaces in th rock gradually 3 (fill) with

water so that the rock 4 (become) saturated Tbe top of this saturated

zone is called the wate( table If long periods of rain 5 (occur) the

water table 6 (rise) If there is no rain, the rock 7 (begin) to

dry out and the water table 8 (fall)

3 Machines, cycles, and

•

4 Verbs which require an object are called transitive Verbs "vhich never have

an object are caUed ~Intransilive Are the verbs in sentence a-c transitive, intransitive, or both? Which sentence cannot be put iOlO the p s ive?

a The temperature falls

c Sunlight opens the leav s The leaves Opel!

5 Put each verb in the box into the correCllist: transiti ve, intransit i e O r both

design produce rise

become

send dry

begin grow

car/rna s·produce; car/distribure; car/sell

After the car is designed , a prototype is made and the car is mass-produced The car is OUr1

d istn ' bute d and sold

plant; crop/harvest; whe t/tra sport to the mill wheat/make flour; ourl

buy/baker; bread/bake; bread/sold

7 Some diagrams require descriptions using past tenses COIllpJe!e lhe

paragraph with lhe verbs from the box

a died and dropped b was formed

c lived d was covered e was trapped

f turned 9 is now mined h built up

The diagrams show the process by which coal

I over a period of millions of years

First of all, large plants 2 in enonnous

swamps a long time ago These 3 • • to the

bottom of t.he water Over the years, the dead

4 on top of this layer Subsequently,

this layer 5 by rocks and dirt, and so the

energy of the d ad plants 6 und rne th

As the pressure a d the heat grew over time,

the layer of dead plants 7 into coal

Seams of c al were formed, and coal 8

• • • • 23

a How is the coal carried to [he pO'wer plant?

b What is added to tbe furnace in addition to coal?

( What gas is produced when coal is burnt in the furnace?

d What do you think is removed from the gas?

e What is the gas called following trus pro ess?

What do you think [he gas does in the turbine?

g What d es the turbinE do to the generator?

h Where do the hot ex aust gases come from?

What bappens [0 the gases?

O xygen

m e diagram !>hO"'~5 the variouf> f>tage!> i n

th e pr o au c.tio n o f dea n e.nerg~ from w a\

I firM of aU/At first/One the wal if>

m ined in deep pitf> underground a n d then

c an - j ed to the $urf aa 2 F ur the rmore/

A fte r that/As a r esult , it i$ c.ar rie d along a (.onve~or b t to a pow er p lant

'3 w hen/then/where it i 5 burned in a

lar ge furnac e t o ~h i(.h o'l'~gen i5 a dde d

4 Of h erwise/from this/T he rej ore, ra l"

$~n9a!> i!> proauc.ed At tne ne~t 5tage

of the proc.ef>f>, h ar mful f>ubf>tanc.es l e

c arbon dio'l'i de , m{';rw~ and su lp hu r are

r emoved S Fol/owi ng th at/ Followino/

Subsequent, the purified gas i$ U$ed to

drive a gas turbine me turbine" in turn/ afterwar d s/there fo re p owerf> a generator ,

prod u ng eled ri c.i t{ m e gas t urbine aIM produc.e5 hot e~haust ga5es mef>e are

1 then/thertfore/consequently piped to

a h e t re w ve.t"{ s te am g e ner a t or , \~hic.h

w nvertf> the heat into $team \he 5team i 5

I) tonsequently/subsequent/subsequentl y

LI $ed to power a steam turbine, whid1 ilgil in if> u f>e d t o g en erate e lu tri( i~

m e e.nerg'1 if> dean buau5e narmfu

produd$ are removed and the c.oal if> not

transpo rt ed t o a n othe c 5i te to pro duc.e e.lec.tr i ( i~

3 alld

•

10 ConneCl the sentences below Use the Unldng words in brackets in each case

Example

After the parts of the ca r ar e a ssembled, the c ars are exported

a Tbe snow falls It covers the gro nd with a protective layer (when)

c The paper is colle ted It i sent for recyclin (once)

e The plants perspire The air becomes humid (when)

11 Connect these sentences using your own words

a The food is processed Ir is packaged It is distributed

b The cycle is completed Jt repeats itseli all over again

c The rubbish is collected It is sent to a centre for sorting It is recycled

d A new model of the bicycle is develope( Tlic bicycle is tested

e The TV is assembled It is sent to the shops

The water is purified It is bottled

g The data about the weatl1er is collected The infonnation is then broadcast

h The prototype is tested It is rnodilied

12 From your own knowledge, write a short paragraph to describe each of the

processes below

a The proc ss of digital photography from the action of taking a photograph

to displaying the image

25

26 • • • • •

Tas k 2 U s i ng which to orga niz e information

Answer the questions about the list of technologit.'s

computers a tomatic doors mobile phones video games

TV remote controls MP3-players satellite navigation systems

digital cameras

difficu ?

c Whicll technologies do you find annoying and which impressive?

2 Read the Task 2 question What two kc'!' elements must you include in your

answer? Underline the organizing words which tell you [his

A recent survey has shown that people of all ages are losing the ability

to pe r f onn basic practic al tasks and processe s at w or k Wha t do you think are the main causes of this? W h a s ol ur ion s ca n you s ugge s t?

3 Read the following paragraph vvritten by a student and answer questions a-e

function in everyday life This has come about in my opinion, because

switching mach.ines on and off Consequently, workers annat do basi

a What kind of skills are people losing?

e ''''hat is the mental consequence?

4 In each sentence below, what does the word in italics refer to?

II

b People generally are losing traditional ractical skills whic h they need to

f u ction in every day life

5 Combine [he following pairs of sentences using w h i c h

c Machines now give us more freedom This means that we have more time

for leisure activi.ties

6 What does whieh refer to in each of your answers in S? In which cases does the wlll'ell clause express an effect as in 4a?

7 When combining sentences, a which clause of len contains information that

is non-essential to the sentence Read Ehe examples Then combine Ih sentences in a-e, decidin which information is non-essential

Examples

can make people feel anxious

The situation, w hich people blame the g vernment for, is everyone's fault

control

b The problem is everyone's responsibility The public blame the goverrunent for it

c The cause of the problem is the lack of basic Iraining The cause is not

d The solution is, in my opinion, by far the best The solution is to have a day

at work where peopJe do not use computers or other machines

e Office technology is the cause of much frustration at work It requires only basic training to use

':J ~-::: 1.1 2 7

Expressing result and purpose

8 The extract below contains three paragraphs, each organized to express functions such as cause and result Identify the ideas that relate to each function and underline them The first paragraph has been done for you

?roblem rirf>t of all, in recent ~earf>, man~ people

~ all over the worla have aemonf>tratea

fi'l-ing a plug, menaing a pundure on

a bi c ~de, or even sewing a button on

a f>hirt

a dear lacK of abilitj to carC'j out certain baf>ic ta;,K;, A number of reaf>onf> have been put forwara for thif>, but b~ far the mOf>t important, I feel, if> the comple'l-itj of

c aUf>e the moaern a@e

Apart from parents, the international arive towaras learning new technolog~ also neeas to car~ a gooa part of the blame mif> has lea to ioun9 people leaVing school lit era te in certain computer f>Kills But it has alw createa

a generation almost aeficient in baf>ic practical f>Kills, because technical

problem-wiVing liKe maKing things in

carpent~ has been sguenecl out of the school curriculum

Technique

Learn at least one

result phrase and

one purpose phrase

• and use these as

Young people are wnseguentli aeprivea

of valuable time to learn the pradical f>Kills nemsa~ for eve~aa~ life liKe Paragraph 1: Problem/Cause Paragraph 2: Example/Cause/Effect Paragraph 3: Cause/Result I /Result 2/Reason/Example

9 Which linking phrases are used in 8 to express the functions listed?

10

11

Decide whether the linking phrases below express Result or Purpose

so therefore in order to consequently so as to as a result with the aim of and so so that for this reason as a consequence

hence which leads to which means that

For each idea below, continue the sentence or write a follow-on sentence using your own ideas to express Result or Purpose

b Some cities charge motorists to take their cars into the centre

c Machines are manufactured to break down after a certain time

Y ou shou l d spmd abollt 20 minute s on thi s las

Summ ar i z e Ih e illf o rT1Jilliotl vJ.' s t'/ c '{(ill.'J alld rq ' ort i Jl!} Il l e mdilJ f cd //./res, and make

Write at least 1 50 words

;

-Sea

l ask2

Filter 1 backwash -

Wate r

forced through membrane at high pressure

1 Seawater

con centr ate

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task

Writt' about th e foll owing lopic:

Task 1 General and specific statements

1 The statements he10w give students' reasons for choosing a particular

university Which of these statements do you agree with?

••

a The lecturers' q alifications are more important' than the quality of the

-b The sports facilities are as important as the academic resources

students

d A pleasant en ironment is more important than the university's reputati n

2 Look at the pie charts and [be Task 1 question Answer questions a-e below

The pie charts below illustrate tilt' number of journal articles read p er

week by all students, PhD Sludents, and jun for lecturers at an Alistralian

IIIJiI·ersity

read by ju nior l ec turers

75 ')'

l - tt05 _6totl 012'!-1

Summa rize the infon n at i oH by select i n9 and reporting r! ' e m a ill feL r t llu' S,

and make comparisotTS' where relevant

What does each pie cban describe?

What do tbe numbers on each pie chart represent?

Wbat does the box at the bottom of tbe pie chart refer to7

What noticeable feature can you see in each chan?

' !\T bat general statements can you make abo t each chart?

,

3 Complete sentences a-g using the phrases below

that respectively for example how but which meanwhile whereas and

journals are read weekly by PhD students junior lecturer compared to other students at an Australian unjversity

b the overwhelming majority of those studying doctorares read at

five articles, the average for all student in tbis category is a hefty

e for junior lecturers the pattern appe rs to be slightly differenl

Most read six or more articles per week (99 per cent), : out of this

corresponding figure for PhD level students

g It is clear those students who are re earching Jor a phD read more

4 The sentences in 3 form a model text Group the sentences into foU(

6 Divide the following sentences into general and specific statements

Examp les

a Far fewer female lecturers as opposed to male lecturers are employed at the uruversity, 25 and 75 respectively

b We can see that there are considerable dHferences in the proportion of

classes

articles

The sales for all four comparue showed similar trends

h The vast majority of those students preparing for PhDs read twelve or more

The average juni.or lecturer

c The other students at the university do not read as many articles as the

close to one half

9 These adjective-noun collocations can also be used to describe proportions

10

Write the adjectives next to the correct meaning in the table

the vast majority a tiny minority a ma ssive 85 per cent

a mo de st twelve per cent a h efty 85 per cent

a mere tw elve per cent the o v e n, vhelming majority

Very big

Very big (used before numbers)

Very small

Not very big (used before n mbers)

c In 1960 34 per cent of seence graduates went into the teaching profession

but in 1970, the figure was just ten per cen t

d Ex adly one half o the student population were members of the union in

2001, bu t live years la ter the figure was 64 per cent

e N inety-nvo per cent of people surveyed felt that mixed sex schools were preferable

••••

11 Read the Task 1 question below and all $ \>\' eT qu~stions a-e

Task 1

Tlte pie charts below show the t1l1mber of I,ours spent ill a BritislI IIniversity /ibra ry

by un d er g raduates, pos/Bradlla les , ( /lid tile t ol al s iu d ellt population

a What are the similarities between postgraduate and all students?

b What are the main differen es betwe n undergraduate and postgraduate

c The most striking dillerence in the data for undergraduates was that a

sizeable maj or ity / m i n ri ty/ n m b er spent only 1-7 hours per week in the

library

d A m ajority/minority/tota l of undergraduates (nine per cent) used the library for fifteen or more hours per week

e There is a clear tren d/progr ess/drift towards using the library more as students

move towards graduation and p st-graduation

Undergraduate students were less likely than postgraduate students to use [he library witH just under one quarter/one third/two-thirds of the former

spending 1-7 hours ther

g About a third/quarter/minority of undergraduate students as opposed to

nearly a third of postgraduate students spent between eight a d f urteen hours studying

13 In your own words, write twO sentences about eacb pie chart and one summarizing sentence

1 Read the sentences below Then 8J1 wer que fion a-c

The international community should ensure that education is free for all

schoolchildren

• They should provide books

• Parents should be encouraged to become involved in schools

a How are the ideas connected?

b Do the second and third sentences support the first sentence?

c What ideas an y u think of to support th first sentence?

2 The opinion statement below is very broad In yOUT opinion, which rea on is

most appropriate?

0\ inion slatem Jl!: Ed calion is a n1iljor Lx! r in liftng people o t o p ' rty

Reason 1: ince it gives people more ideas Clb Ul what t do with their liv"

Reason 2: , ' because it gives them greater opportuni ies \ hen they I ok for

work

3 A 11 of the opinion statem nts a - h below are very broad or each slatement,

decide vvhelher you (gree or disagree

a Univ r iries should make more links with businesses

b The pre en! young generation knows more rhan their previous counterparts

Teaching thin ing at c 100 ) i essentiaL even at primary level

d More time needs to be devoted to learning music either during or aft r

school bours

e Phy ieaJ edu ation i a neee ary part f the learning process for all pupils

Play is a major pan of the learning pr ce for children

g II is important r children to try [0 learn another lanquage c rly in [heir educa lion

h Being b red and learning to deal with boredom is a n ce sary p<lrt f the

learning proces for children

4 Look again at the tatements you agreed with in 3_ Choose from the phrases

below 10 intensify your opinions and add the e to the s n! nces y u agreed

with in 3

E xample

Jc is importallt thal universities should make more link with busine

It is important that There is no doubt that One cannot deny that

It is impossible to argue against the fact tl1at

with in 3

Some people think/feel/believe/claim/argue that Other people are of the opinion that Yet other peop ~ e put forward the view that

6 To avoid overgeneraliz8tion, give reasons Add (he reasons below to opinions a-h in 3

since it creates a healthy b sis for later life

2 (IS it helps the brain to funcrion better and increases coordination

3 because children now find it more difficult to reaso

4 since they have more access ro infonnation

5 b e muse it helps them intellectually and als o heJps Lo find a job

6 a s this would connect their research with the real world

7 b ecause interaction helps to develop social skills

8 as it teaches ll,em how to be creative on their own

b For instance children who draw and paint are idely known to have

greater spacial awarene s

( For example play can develop artistic or musical skills

a general example

2 an example from knowledge '3 an example froIU experience

Technique

When you state a

reasonthink how

you could Illustrate

8 Develop [he ideas below by adding yom own examples like those in 7 on

page 35 the phrases in the box t help y u

a Out of sch 01 actlvilies help children develop because they can learn subjects that are not in the school curriculum

b Education is being redu ed to a production line becau e [he focus is on

targets rather than on learning

c Travel helps to broaden the minds f children because it helps to bring to life the things they read in class

d Private ducation omplements state ducation very well as it can do things

state education cannot

e Suc essful entrepreneurs and sports stars should teach in schools and universities since they would provide good role models for young people

9 D evelop thr ee of th e s entences below Use phr ase s to intens i f I your o w n or other ' opinions Give your own reasons and example"

S ome people feel til I too much emphasis is put on passing exams, because pupils spend a large proportion of school time doing tests rather than learning For exampl e, children in some British schools prepare for tests for weeks before the exams, bw they are not taught anything

a Foreign la guage learning should be compulsory

b Studenrs need to have good study skills on entering university

c University lecturers need some teacher training

d Boys and girls o ght !O be educated in separate s hools

e Teachers' alaries need to be as high a doctor' or lawyers'

lou shollid spend about 20 lIIinutes 011 (his (ask

Tile Lilli" clltlJ"t ,/IOII'S {he 11Ijhcsl qllalifiD1tit'J} all,7incd by Sf'S IlJ/" tilL' \\'<,r/,:il};) lI!F~

pOpUllllioJl in Wales i112001l2002

Sum ma r i z e the infonHati01J by 5eleC:lil1g and reporting the IIwin r ea ture s, and m ake

com pa r is o ll s where releval1t

Write (I( leas t! 50 words

Highest qualifications attained: by se x ,

f or w orking age pop ulation 200 1 /02 Percentages

Ge E level

or equivalent

YOll should spend abollt 40 mil/ute'S 017 this task

Writ", about rhe following topic:

GCSE grade A"-C or equivalen

Read the comments by three people talking about toe [own where they grew

up Answer the questions below

Dave

I remember there wasn't much to do her when I was growing up My

friends and I us d to J US l hang around in the park, getting into trouble

These days there's much more here [or young people For instance, th e

coullcil opened th e ice rin k , t he lei slIr centre all d the skate park l as I year I wish

Sandra

One of the lhings I used to really like about this area was the peace and

q iet It was so safe for us a s kids We could play in the sIre ts or in the

nearby woods and fields They buill a bypass alld all indllstrial estate a few years ago, and there's been a lot more traffic and development since I

d n't feel it's safe for my children, aQd I'd like to move away

Tom

Well, you can't stand in the way of change, I suppose Yes, people 100

at the town now and say it's oat as pretty or peaceful as it was in the pasL

I suppose thaI'S true Even so, there are more jobs and opportunities

now than there were when I ,;va a teenager I guess you can't have o e

without losing tbe other

a For each speaker, do they think things were better or worse when they

were young? Why?

b What changes have occurred to the place you corne froro? Do you think

they are positive or negative changes?

c How could you express the phrases in italics in a more formal way

ct Imagine you are a young person moving to a new town Which facilities in

the lis! belm'v would be important to y u?

go lf course skate park thea t re gallery stadium ice rink

rf J ilw<:Jy station

park college

co n cert hilil airport

5

2 The ma s below show ch.anges th.at Look plac in Youngsvill in ew Ze land over a 25-year period from 1980 to 2005 Answer the fall wing question

a Wbat is the most noticeable differen e between the two maps?

b Was the town more or less residential in 2005 compared to 1980?

Were there more or fewer trees in 2005?

d \,\'ere the changes dramatic or negligible over tlle 25-year period?

e Wha t were the two biggest changes north of the; river?

( What happened to the houses and trees along the railway line south of the river?

3 Complete the model text below Use one ";lOrd frOIll lb' following list

to complete each blank space The first one has bL'l'll dDne [or y \ll

Technique

In order to ide nti fy

chanes, study the

maps and number

the changes on the

Model text

\ ~h ic.h tool:: plaa in the- c.oastal to" n o f

In IqSO, the town \-laD a muth grnner

2 •••••••••••• • •• ••• are-a witn a large n mber o f

treeD and individual houses, but during

~ , i " that all of th e tr ees 50Uth

all the ' , , al ong th~' r ailVla i

0 1'111 a fevl k e.e s no dn otil e riv er remained ,

1he \~ood\and waD c.le.are<\ to maKe wa-,

for a par~, a golf WUITl-, and L2r par~in9

I , F u rther dw' l opmenh were

no!il1-easP of1he\aKf nd a

airutl'! nortl1 A marina \ ~ao also built at the

Technique

Do nt just describe

the map or maps

Describe the

developments that

took place

4 Transform Ihe sentences below by changing the nouns i_lO verb and using

Ihe passive Refer [0 page 7 for more information on Rr!/aled verbscl11d JlOlllLS

E xample

There were Sp f' c lacllla r c h n ges in the are,1

The area was changed spectacularly

a There were dramatic developments in the town centre

b There was a complete transfonnation of the n ighbourhood

c Th re vva a tOtal reconstruction of the residenti l area

e There \vas a rebuilding of the old houses

There was a complete modernization of the entertainmenr district

5 Look again at Ihe sentences you Wl'O ft e in 4 Which could be rewritten in the

active fonn?

6 Re ;vrite sentences a-h below u iog ynonym from the model I Xl in 3

a The maps sh w changes which OCCllITed between 1980 and 2005

b Very few trees \<II re l e f t

c Over the nexl 25 years, all these houses wer e delllolished

d The single dwellings were replnced by skyscrapers

e The trees H,' ere chopped down

The area wimessed dramatic manges

g The woodland gave way lO a golf COllrse

h A marina W ii S a l s o construc t e d

7 Put the verb' below into the correCl fom1 AU of the changes to k place

b tween 2000 and 2005

Exa m ples

The block of flats ~?'1.?~.~.r:r.~ (turn) into a hotel (passive)

The block of flats ~~.0.~ ~~y' (make way) for a hotel (aclive)

a The row of old hOllses , (knock down) to make way for a road

b The forest (CU I down) 10 build a railway

c The area (redevelop) completely

d The factory (COnvert) into an art gaUery

e Th city entre (undergo) a total transformation

The row of old t rraced houses in the cilY (pull down) and (replace) by a block of flats

g A sport complex (conslruCl) in the suburbs

h A number of spectacular changes , (take place)

The 'whole centre of tbe town (transform) by new eveJopments