1. Introduction
Activity 2. Look at the following example and underline the synonyms between the question and the background sentence
Question: Some believe that because everyone needs a place to live, governments should provide houses for those who are too poor to afford their own.
Answer: Many reformers are of the opinion that everyone needs a roof over their head, it is the responsibility of governments to offer public housing for impoverished individuals who do not have enough money to purchase their own homes.
Activity 3. Decide which thesis statement is suitable for the question and explain why
Question: Human economic activities are viewed as posing a lot of environmental threats. Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can governments do to address these problems?
Thesis statement:
A. This essay will discuss the consequences of industrialization on global warming, as well as the actions individuals could take in order to minimize the threats posed by this problem.
B. | agree with the statement that humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems. This is because human economic activities such as building factories that discharge pollutants into the air and water have negatively influenced the environment. Also, the constant use of fossil fuels may contribute to global warming as well. This essay will look into some policies governments can implement to solve these particular issues.
C. This essay will discuss how human activities are causing destructive effects to the environment and the measures that governments can take to address environmental problems.
IELTS FIGHTER B | 169
Introduction (1 paragraph - 2 sentences)
e Background sentence
State a common fact or a truth, not personal opinion. Paraphrase the question by replacing the vocabularies in the question with their synonym.
e Thesis statement
Introduce the specific topics that you plan to discuss in your main body paragraphs or outline the main ideas of your essay.
Useful structures:
Background sentence Thesis statement
e {tis true that... e | firmly believe that ... and that this e |t isa common belief that ... problem can be solved with ...
e Itis often believed/thought that ... e This essay will explore why ... and that ...
s [tis a fact that... e This essay will first discuss ... and it will then address the question of ...
Check-up 1. Write the introduction
Nowadays, many governments budget money for the sports industry.
Why do you think governments are funding sports so heavily? Do you think this is an appropriate
investment?
Background sentence
Phrases from the question Phrases with similar meanings
| nowadays _ SỐ - these days _ cố
budget allocate
money significant amount of budgets
sports industry promotion of sports
IELTS FIGHTER B | 170
Thesis statement
Use the structure: “This essay will first discuss... and it will then argue that...”
2. Body paragraphs
Activity 4.
a. Read the following body paragraphs and answer the following questions
Question: Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones.
How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?
Body paragraphs
Preserving certain old buildings is important for several reasons. Firstly, these structures provide an insight into the history of our countries, showing us how people many centuries ago lived their lives. Without them, we could only learn by books, and it would undoubtedly be sad if this were the only way to see them. Many of these buildings are also very beautiful. Take for example the many religious buildings such as churches and temples that we see around the world. Not only this, but on a more practical level, many of these buildings also provide important income to a country as many tourists visit them in great numbers.
However, this certainly does not mean that modernization should be discouraged. | believe that old buildings can be protected in tandem with progress. For example, in many circumstances we see old historic buildings being renovated whilst maintaining their original character, and being used for modern purposes. Also, in no way does history hinder progress, and in fact it is the opposite. By studying and learning about our history, we understand more about the world we live in, and this helps us to build a better future.
1. How many body paragraphs are there?
IELTS FIGHTER B | 171
3. Which technique does the writer use to make their point in the writing?
b. Underline the complex sentences in the paragraph. Note down some of the useful structures
used to create complex sentences here
Body paragraphs (2 paragraphs - 5-6 sentences/paragraph)
With this kind of essay, one possible way is to follow the structure below:
e Topic sentence (Introduce general statement/personal opinion to answer the question) Explanation (Provide reasons and details for your opinion)
e Example (Give a supporting example or personal example)
Result (Logically sum up or conclude your ideas based on the above explanation)
Body 1. Answering question 1 Body 2. Answering question 2
Topic sentence Explanation Result Example
Explanation
Result Example
Topic sentence
Useful structures:
Giving reasons Giving results Giving examples
e The reason | believe this is
e Because/Because of/As a result of
eThe most important evidence supporting my belief is
e Bis attributed toA
A greatly contributes to B Aleads to B
Ais responsible for B A gives birth to B e Aworks as an incentive
for B
e For instance,
e One good example is
IELTS FIGHTER B | 172
Check-up 2. Write the body paragraphs
Nowadays, many governments budget money for the sports industry.
Why do you think governments are funding sports so heavily? Do you think this is an appropriate investment?
Body 1. Answering “Why do you think governments are funding sports so heavily?”
Topic sentence State investment - benefits - two reasons
Explanation 1 Sponsoring sport events - strengthening country’s image
Result/ Example Host Olympics, World Cup > attention
Explanation 2 Successful athletes - bolstering country’s image
Result/ Example
Athletes won gold medal in Olympics > good reputation to the country as
a sport center
Body 2. Answering “Do you think this is an appropriate investment?”
Topic sentence Spending on sports - justified
Explanation 1 More interest in sports - stresses decrease - fitness levels improve
Result/ Example Vietnamese people - going to football matches after work to relax.
Explanation 2 Promoting economic growth
Result/ Example
Spending money on tickets, snacks, and souvenirs
IELTS FIGHTER B | 173
3. Conclusion
Activity 5. Check which content does each sentence of the conclusion part address
Question: Nowadays governments are investing more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than in building new roads.
What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
Response: This is a positive development rather than negative one.
Conclusion:
Summary of the Prediction main points
In conclusion, although the use of buses or trains has
several limitations, its benefits | outweigh disadvantages. Therefore, mass transit plays a prominent role in finding workable solutions to the
challenges facing the world today.