Strategies for

CAMBRIDGE FIRST in English

WRITING

AN EMAIL/A LETTER

is written in response to the situation outlined in the question. Letters and emails in the Cambridge English: First Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate in register and tone for the specified target reader. Candidates can expect to be asked to write letters or emails to, for example, an English-speaking friend or colleague, a potential employer, a college principal or a magazine editor.

How to write informal letters or emails

Salutation or GreetingStart with Dear followed by the first name of the person to whom you are writing. In emails, you can also start with Hi (and the person's name). Dear Ben,  or  Hi Ben, (Don't forget to use only the first name of the person you are writing to and not Dear Mr John, which is never used, or Dear Mr John Brown, which sounds too formal.)Informal letters sometimes have a comma after the person's name, and the letter starts on the line below. The important thing is to be consistent with the style that you choose to use (so if you use a comma after the person's name at the start of the letter, use a comma after the closing statement at the end).

BodyOpeningsWhen writing an informal letter, you are usually replying to another letter. You would normally start with a greeting, then acknowledge the letter to which you are replying. It is often a good idea to acknowledge some key information given in the original letter too. You can also make a comment on your own reply.Useful phrases for the openingHow are you? / How have the family been? / I hope you are well.Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter / postcard.It was good / nice / great to hear from you again.I was so surprised to hear that...I’m sorry I haven’t written / haven't been in touch for such a long time.It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you're well / you and your family are well.How are things? / How are you? / How’s it going?

Referring to newsGreat news about … Glad to hear that … Sorry to hear about …Giving newsListen, did I tell you about …? You’ll never believe what …Oh, and another thing … This is just to let you know that …I thought you might be interested to hear about / know that …By the way, have you heard about / did you know that …?ApologiesI’m writing to apologise for missing your party but I’m afraid I was with flu.I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card but I was busy with my new job.InvitationsI’m / We’re having a party on Friday 19th and I / we hope you’ll be able to come.Would you like to come / go to see ‘Room With a View’ with me at the weekend?I was wondering if you’d like to go to the theatre / come on holiday with us.Could you let me / us know if you can come / you’d like to join us?Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come.Thank you for asking / inviting me to … but I’m afraid I won’t be able to …

RequestsI’m writing to ask for your help / you (if you could do me) a favour.I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me / do me a favour.I hope you don’t mind me asking but could you (possibly) …?I’d be very / really / terribly grateful if you could …Thank you / Congratulations / Good LuckI’m writing to thank you for your hospitality / the wonderful present.It was so kind of you to invite me to stay with you.I really appreciated all your help / advice.Congratulations on passing your exams / your excellent exam results!I wish you good luck / Good luck in / with your exams / your driving test / your interview.Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do well / pass.Do be on time, won’t you, and don’t forget to …

Making suggestions and recommendationsWhy don’t you …? / Maybe you could …? / How about …?You can’t leave New York without (...doing sth)I’m sure you will enjoy (...doing sth). If you like, we can …Do visit ... / Don’t forget to ... 

ClosingThe end of your letter is as important as the beginning. There are some standard ways of finishing an informal letter or email.Give a reason why you're ending the letter: Anyway, I must go and get on with my work! / I guess it's time I got on with that studying I've been avoiding.Send greetings and/or make reference for future contact: Give my love / regards to... / Say hello to... / Anyway, don't forget to let me know the dates of the party. / I'll try and phone you at the weekend to check the times. / We must try and meet up soon. / I can't wait to hear from you / Look forward to seeing you again / Hope to hear from you soon / See you soon / Write soonClosing statement such as Love, Lots of love, All the best, Take care, Best wishes, should be written on a new line. If you used a comma after the opening greeting, use a comma here too.Signing off: Your first name then follows on another new line.

Other things to considerRange: It is important that you use grammatical expressions and vocabulary appropriate to the level of the exam. Even if there are no mistakes in your writing, you will not be able to get a good grade if you use only the language and vocabulary that you learnt at elementary level. Even in informal writing, there is a good range of language you can use (conditional sentences, a range of perfect and continuous tenses, indirect questions...)Informal language, including phrasal verbs, informal vocabulary ("I guess you loved the pics"), contractions, question tags.Simpler sentence structure: I’ll be late for the party. It’s because of my French exam.Connectors: All good writing makes good use of connectors. However, many of the connectors you have learnt for other styles of writing are inappropriate in an informal letter or email. For informal writing, you need to use some of the connectors that are more specific to spoken language.

To introduce a topic: Well, you'll never guess who I bumped into yesterday. / I know how much you love tennis, so I've got us some tickets to Wimbledon. / By the way, did you know that John's got a new job? To go back to a previous topic: Anyway, as I was saying earlier, I really wasn't very happy there. / Now where was I? Oh yes, I nearly forgot, Mary asked me tell you about the cinema. To introduce surprising or bad news: Actually, he came to the party after all. / I'm really sorry but I can't make it. / To tell you the truth, I don't really like sports much. To summarise what you've already said: Anyway, we had a really nice time in the end. / Well, to cut a long story short, we didn't get there on time.

Informal email/letter - Model questionTASKYou have received this email from your English-speaking friend, Jean.

I hear you organised a surprise birthday party for your mother. I'd love to hear about it. What kind of party did you organise? Who did you invite? How did it go? Do tell me.Love,Jean

Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Informal email/letter 2 - Model answerOpen with an informal greetingHi Jean,Start your reply by referring to the sender's email/letter.Good to hear form you again. I hope you're still enjoying your job.Give reason for replyingI'm glad you asked me about the party I planned for my mother's birthday. Well, I have to say it was a fantastic success. I told my mother we were taking her out for a quiet meal at a local restaurant with just the family, but in fact I'd(1) hired a large room in a hotel and invited all her old friends!(2)

Start a new paragraph as the topic has changed slightly.Use an informal linking word/phraseAnyway, I picked my mother up and told her I'd changed my mind. We were going to have a meal in a hotel. You should have seen her face when she walked into the room and everyone cheered! She just couldn't believe it and burst into tear(3). Then the party got going and it didn't finish until four in the morning. We were absolutely exhausted, but my mother had had a wonderful time.When you close, make an excuse to finish.Must dash now - I've got to go to college. Hope to hear from you (4).Make sure you finish with an informal phraseLove,Tania(1) Use contractions(2) Use some exclamation marks (but not too many) to express emotion.(3) Use a range of appropriate vocabulary and informal expressions(4) Short sentences are acceptable(+/- 150 words)

Semi-formal email/letter 3 - Model questionTASKYou’ve recently helped organise a college ski trip and you have received this email from a parent of one of the students who went.

I understand you were one of the organisers of our son's ski trip. I have to say my husband and I were extremely dissatisfied with the arrangements. My son has informed us that the ski slopes were poor, the lessons were fewer than promised and the accommodation was inadequate.Can you please give us a satisfactory explanation?Yours sincerely,Nora White

Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.Note: As you are writing to a parent the register of this letter should be semi-formal, which is characterized by:the use of less colloquial language - e.g. Thank you very much for your letter (instead of: Thanks a million for your letter.)less frequent use of short forms, phrasal verbs and idioms - e.g. I am writing to request information about... (instead of: I thought I'd drop you a line to ask about...)a polite, respectful tone - e.g. I was wondering if you had ... (instead of: Do you have...)

Paper 2 Part 1 - Formal letter or emailFormal letters may be written to an individual or to an organisation. The purpose may be, for example,to apply for part-time or vacation work (application letter)to apply for study or scholarship opportunity (application letter)to complain about something (complaint letter)to make suggestions about something to request information (enquiry letter)In many exam questions, you will be told what to include in your reply. Make sure that your reply answers any questions that you were asked in the task and takes into account any additional information that you have been told to mention. It is important that you include these in order to get a good grade.

Paper 2 Part 1 - Formal letter or emailFormal letters may be written to an individual or to an organisation. The purpose may be, for example,to apply for part-time or vacation work (application letter)to apply for study or scholarship opportunity (application letter)to complain about something (complaint letter)to make suggestions about something to request information (enquiry letter)In many exam questions, you will be told what to include in your reply. Make sure that your reply answers any questions that you were asked in the task and takes into account any additional information that you have been told to mention. It is important that you include these in order to get a good grade.

How to write formal letters

                                                                                                                                              

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1] Salutation or Greeting•(A) If you know the name of the person you are writing to use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married and single women.Examples: "Dear Mr Simpson," / "Dear Mrs Flanders," / "Dear Miss Skinner," / "Dear Ms Van Houten," •(B) If you do not know the name of the recipient of the letter begin with "Dear Sir," / "Dear Madam," (if you know you are writing to a man or a woman) or "Dear Sir or Madam," (if you do not know the sex of the person you are writing to).

[2] Body[2.1] OpeningThe first paragraph states the reason(s) for writing and, if needed, what you are responding to (an advert, a prospectus...). In addition, an opening paragraph is needed to make reference to previous correspondence.Useful phrases for the openingI would like to apply for one of the scholarships I saw advertised in your prospectus. (applying for a scholarship)I am looking for an outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the position of hotel lifguard assistant which I say advertised in my university's student newspaper. (applying for a job)I have seen your advertisement for the post / vacancy / job of… advertised in the local newspaper on 16 June. I am writing because I would like to apply for the job. (applying for a job)I am the secretary of my college Science Club. I saw your advertisement for the exhibition "The Next 100 Years" and I am interested in organising a group visit. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about it. (requesting information)I am writing (in order) to complain about the advertisement for your new game. Having just played the game, I realise that the advertisement is misleading. (complaint letter)I am writing with regard to ... I am writing with reference to... I am writing in response to...Thank you for /your letter of 9 May... /for your letter regarding...In reply tor your letter of 8 May, …

Main contentThe rest of the body will be organized in paragraphs: that will make reading easier and the effect on the target reader will be better. For example, an application letter may have this layout and paragraphing:Salutation or greeting#1 Opening (first paragraph)#2 About you (age, where you live, education-training and/or work experience relevant to the job, languages ...)#3 Reasons for applying (why you are suitable for the job)#4 Conclusion (availability for interview, further questions, ... - if necessary)ClosingFinal salutationName and surnameFor any type of formal letter, paragraphing is just a matter of common sense, grouping ideas logically (covering  two points or questions in one paragraph, two other points or questions in another paragraph...). You should aim for three to five paragraphs

Other useful phrases Asking politelyCould you tell me... ?I would be grateful if you could ...I would be interested in having more details about...I would like to know if/when/when/...I would like information on...Do you know if...?ComplainingI would like to complain about + noun or -ing... is not what I expected / was expectingI am not satisfied with...I would be grateful if my money was refunded / if you could give me a refund...

3] ClosingThe end of your letter is as important as the beginning. You usually state what you would like the recipient to do, make a reference to a future event, offer to help...I look forward to hearing from you soon / I look forward to receiving your replyI look forward to receiving a full refund (in a complaint letter)I would like to know what you are going to do about this situation  (in a complaint letter)I would like to thank you in advance for this information (in a enquiry letter -requesting information)If you require/Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me/feel free to contact me.

[4] Final salutation

Depending on how you started your letter (See "Salutation or Greeting" above), you will end your letter with (A) Yours sincerely, (B) Yours faithfully, [5] Sign your name and then print your name clearly underneath on another new lineMoe SzyslakMoe Szyslak

Letter of application - useful phrasesDear ......I am writing to apply for a/the job of ..... which I saw advertised in "The Guardian" newspaper.I am 26 years old and at the moment I am studying … at …. Having studied English for over seven years I am a fluent speaker of the language. My qualifications also include Proficiency certificates in both French and German. As far as experience is concerned, I have worked as ............. for ........... As for my character, people tell me I am ...............I feel I would be suitable for this job because ............ . This will give me the opportunity to ….. . I would also like the chance to....I look forward to hearing from you.Yours …name

Other things to considerRange: It is important that you use grammatical expressions and vocabulary appropriate to the level of the exam. Even if there are no mistakes in your writing, you will not be able to get a good grade if you use only the language and vocabulary that you learnt at elementary level. Formal languageUse full verb forms and not contractions (do not instead of don't, would like instead of 'd like...)Formal vocabulary, usually not using phrasal verbs.More complex sentence structure.Connectors: All good writing makes good use of connectors. You need to use some of the connectors that are more specific to formal language.

Model questions and answersFormal email/letter 1 - Model questionTASKYou see this advertisement in a student newspaper.Lifeguard assistants wantedWe are looking for someone in August to assist our lifeguards, provide supervision during beach activities and observe swimmers.Write to the Lifeguard Manager, saying what your experience and qualifications are and stating the reasons why you are suitable for the job.Write your email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Formal email/letter 1 - Model answerDear Sir or Madam,I am looking for outdoor work during the summer holidays and I would like to apply for the position of lifeguard assistant, which I saw advertised in my university's student newspaper.I am 20 years old and at present I am studying Physical Education. I am a strong swimmer and have recently had first aid training. I very much enjoy working with people and for the last two summers I have benn working as an assitant ranger in a National Park, where I had to provide information to the public about using the park and provide emergency assistance to park users. Now I am looking for something different.I think I would be a suitable candidate for the position because I have been described as calm in a crisis and someone who works well with others.I am available for the whole of August and would be happy to attend an interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you at any time in the near future.Yours faithfully,Ivan Ivienen(+/- 175 words)

AN ARTICLE is usually written for an English-language magazine or newsletter, and the reader is assumed to have similar interests to the writer. The main purpose is to interest and engage the reader, so there should be some opinion or comment.

HintsAdd a short title to catch the reader's attention. Make sure it is relevant. You can use the one in the question or invent one of your own.Introduce the topic. Although you don't know the readers personally, you can address them directly and ask them a rhetorical question. It helps to involve them.Divide your report into sections according to the input. One or two paragraphs will do.Develop the ideas in the task input. Remember .

Use a personal or more neutral style, but not formal (you might use contractions).It is important that you show a range of structures.Give examples where appropriate to bring your article to lifeUse humour where appropriate.

Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.

Useful language for an articleInvolving the reader•Just imagine...•Have you ever...?•How would you feel if ...?•Are you one of those people who ...?•If the answer is ..., you should....•What would live be like if...•...

Making the article lively and interesting

•I was absolutely terrified when I realised...•More importantly, it was something I...•Not surprisingly, it's a good way of raising money.•The tent was worryingly small for three people!•It was the most amazing experience I have ever had.•...

Developing your points•Let's start with ...•Another advantage of ...•On top of that, ...•...Giving your own opinion•I think that / In my opinion ...•It seems to me that ...•If you ask me, ...•To my mind...•…

Model questions and answersArticle- Model question 1TASKYou see this announcement on an English-language website.Articles wantedA charity event to rememberWhat is the most unusual way you've raised money for charity? How did you do it? What did you have to do? Was the event a success? Would you do it again?Write us an article answering these questions.We will publish the best articles on our website.

Write your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Article - Model answer 1A charity event to rememberSo why did I decide to do a 90-km walk in six days along the Great Wall of China? Well, the reason was that our local children's hospital needed to raise money or it would be close. However, I didn't realise how big a challenge it would be.Before I went, I thought that I would be walking along a flat surface but when I saw the Great Wall, my heart sank. Part of the time we would be trekking up hundreds of high steps and, worryingly, some of the paths had steep falls on either side and there was nowhere to go because we were surrounded by mountains and forests. However, after a while, I started to love the experience. I was in one of the most amazing places on earth and the views were incredible.In the end, the adventure was a great success. The hospital was delighted because a group of us managed to raise several thousand pounds.Would I be keen to help the hospital again next year? Yes, but I think I'll try and find an easier challenge next time![+/- 190 words]

A REPORT

is usually written for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g. members of an English club). Candidates are expected to give some factual information and make suggestions or recommendations. A report should be clearly organised and may include headings.

HintsBegin by stating the purpose of your report.You may invent where you got the information.Use a clear layout with:

Headings. They will make it clear that your report is not an essay or review.Lists of numbered points or bullets where appropriate. (DON'T overdo it, though. If you use them in more than one section, you won't be able to show the full range of structures and vocabulary you know.)

Divide your report into sections according to the input.Develop the ideas in the task input. Focus on a maximum of two points.Give a clear summary of the situation and make a comment/suggestion only in the last paragraph.Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.

Useful language for a report

Stating the purpose of the report (paragraph 1)•The main aim/objective/purpose of this report is to ...

Describing how you got the information (paragraph 1)•To prepare for this report, I conducted interviews with... / I visited three of the most popular... / I discussed the issue with...

Reporting your results (paragraphs 2, 3, ...)•According to ...•All those who were interviewed believe that/are concerned that... / It is thought that... / It was commented upon by a number of people we talked to that...•A cause of dissatisfaction was...

Presenting a list•The arguments against ... are the following:

1.1 ...2.2 ...

•The following were the main reasons given for supporting ...: firstly, ..., secondly, ...•Points mentioned in favour of/against ... were:

1.1 ...2.2 ...

•There are several ways in which ... might be ... :1.1 ...2.2 ...

Making recommendations (Last paragraph)•Taking all the factors mentioned into account...•I would therefore recommend ....•Clearly, more could be done to .... I would make the following recommendations:

•1 ...•2 ...•3 …

Model questions and answersReport - Model question 1TASKYour English teacher has asked you to write a report on where people can eat out in your area. You should include the views of visitors and local people, comment on any recent trends and dissatisfaction and make a recommendation.Write your report in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Report - Model answer 1Local eating placesThe main purpose of this report is to give an overview of the town's eating facilities. As part of the survey, both tourists and local residents were asked their views.Cafés, pubs and restaurantsThere are a number of good quality restaurants in the area, which cater for most tastes: pizza houses, sushi bars, exclusive French restaurants and gastro pubs. We are also fortunate to have several cafés and sandwich bars, which are very popular in the mornings with young mothers and children and with office workers at lunchtime.Recent trends/DissatisfactionIt was reported that in recent years most of the fast food restaurants had extended their hours, with most open until midnight. It was also stated that prices had gone up dramatically in some of the better restaurants and, as a consequence, people are going out less than they used to or eating at cheaper restaurants.Room for improvement/RecommendationsThe main area of concern among a number of people interviewed was the lack of vegetarian meals available in many of the restaurants and it is recommended that restaurants are made aware of this view.[+/- 185 words]

A REVIEW

is usually written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website. The main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion about something which the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday, a product, a website etc.) and to give the reader a clear impression of what the item discussed is like. Description and explanation are key functions for this task, and a review will normally include a recommendation to the reader.

HintsIt is a good idea to give your review an interesting title.In the first paragraph, say what you are reviewing and try to get the reader's interest.Give your opinion of what you are reviewing linked to the question in the second paragraph. Remember a review is not just a list of facts - it's largely your opinion.Give more details of what your are reviewing linked to the questions in the input in one or two more paragraphs, but only focus on those you've been asked to develop.Summarise your view, using different words from the introduction, and include a recommendation.Remember.

Use a personal or more neutral style, according to the target reader.It is important that you show a range of structures in the language of opinion, description and recommendation.Add vivid language to add interest.

Useful language for a review

What I likedWhat I liked most was …..The thing I liked most was ….I was pleasantly surprised by …..….. would appeal to …..If you get a chance to ….What I dislikedWhat I disliked most was …..I was disappointed by/with ……

Reviews of booksmain characteris set inFiction: science fiction / thriller / fantasy / mystery / historical / romance ...Non-fiction: cook book / travel book / textbook / manual / coffee-table book ...atmosphere / plotauthorwritten bychapterfactualunbelievablebestsellerending

Reviews of concerts

artist / band / musician / (bass/lead/rhythm) guitarist / (backing/lead) singer / drummer / soloist / trio / orchestraauditorium / hall / venue / lyrics / (catchy) tune / score / gigReviews of exhibitionspainting / sculpture / handicraftsgallery / catalogue / display

Reviews of films

lead rolestar rolestarstar actor/actressstarringsecondary roleHe plays a …….written by ….cast / director / produceris set in …..based on a true story …..believabletrue to lifenot very believablefar-fetched(As for fiction books +): animation / adaptation / comedyCostumes / design / photography / script / special effects / soundtrackending

Reviews of TV programmes

Chat shows / current affairs programme / debate / documentary / series / soap opera/ sitcom (situation comedy)Host / presenter

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc

locationservicesettingattractive / disappointing settingowned byrun byhead chef (restaurant)waiters (restaurant)staff …….staff at reception …….(hotel)hotel facilities ….reasonable prices …..good/excellent/poor value for money …..(a bit/somehow) expensiveoverpricednot worth the moneyalways fully bookedbook in advance

CriticismThe script seemed rather conventional/predictable to me.The plot struck me as completely bizarre/absurd/incomprehensibleThe characters are appealing and true to lifeThe dancers were quite brilliant/amateurish

Recommendations

Judging from this CD / show ...Overall, if you like ..., you'll love / you should ...Although some of ... he/she/it's still a great...You really must/should buy/see/read/visit ...I would definitely recommend seeing/visiting/reading/having a look at ...

Model questions and answersReview- Model question 1TASKYou have seen this announcement in your college English-language magazine.Music reviews wantedHave you been to a great music concert recently?Write us a review of the concert, telling us about the band or singer and their performance. Say whether you would recommend seeing them perform live. We will publish the best reviews next month.

Write your review in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Review - Model answer 1A gig to remember

Without doubt, the British rock band Arctic Monkeys have given this year's best live show. As teenagers a few years ago, they made the fastest selling album ever but seemed shy and awkward on stage. Now they have matured and become an amazing live act.Since the frontman Alex decided to cut his hair and dress like a skinny rock star of the 1950s, he moves confidently around the stage, waving his arms and encouraging us to shake our hips. The crowd were ecstatic!The set began with their hit, Do you wanna know. The guitar playing was tight, as always, and the rhythm supported by Matt's powerful drumming. The band were on top form throughout, winning fans with a list that combined older with new hits.My only reservation is that although the songs have clever lyrics and great melodies and sound fresh every time, some lack the emotional and poetic force of their best.But this is a minor criticism. Overall, it was a performance to remember and all fans should try and catch them while they're on tour.[+/- 185 words]

AN ESSAY

is always written for the teacher. It should answer the question given by addressing both content points and providing a new content point of the writer’s own. The essay should be well organised, with an introduction and an appropriate conclusion and should be written in an appropriate register and tone.

While it is possible to argue only one point of view (i.e. either agreeing or disagreeing on a topic) as long as you bear in mind the other point of view and back up your points, it is probably easier to have a balanced discussion comparing advantages and disadvantages, or ideas for and against a topic.•Read the rubric, essay question and prompts very carefully in order to understand what you are expected to do. This is vital!•It is important to keep the focus of the topic question and that all your ideas and opinions are relevant to the question.•Support your opinions with reasons and examples.•Think of a third idea of your own in addition to the two given prompts. If any of the three essay prompts is missed out, then the target reader will not be fully informed and the candidate will be penalised.•Ideas need to be expressed in a clear an logical way, and should be well organised and coherent. It is advisable to use up to 5 paragraphs:

1.Introduction2.Prompt 1 development + reason(s)/example(s)3.Prompt 2 development + reason(s)/example(s)4.Prompt 3 development + reason(s)/example(s)5.Conclusion (you may include your opinion here)

•Varying the length of the sentences, using direct and indirect questions and using a variety of structures and vocabulary may all help to communicate ideas more effectively.•The correct use of linking words and phrases (e.g. but, so, however, on the other hand, etc.) and the appropriate use of cohesive devices (e.g. using pronouns for referencing) is especially important in essays.

Hints[PLANNING]- Use the task input to help you plan but try to avoid copying phrases from the input in Part 1. Use your own words.[INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION] - Effective introductory and concluding paragraphs - In the introduction, state the topic clearly, give a brief outline of the issue, saying why it is important or why people have different opinions about it. - DO NOT express your opinion at the beginning of your essay (develop you essay in such a way that it guides the reader to the conclusion you draw). - DO give your opinion in the final paragraph.[SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPHS] - Structure your argument. - Each new paragraph has one main idea, stated in a topic sentence.- Include relevant details to support the main idea: these might include examples, rhetorical questions (do no overdo it), controversial or surprising statements... If you include a drawback, give a possible solution, too.[GENERAL] - DO use a relatively formal register and an objective tone. Do not be too emotional. - Remember to use linking adverbials to organise your ideas and to make it easy for the reader to follow your argument.- In the exam, allow yourself time to check your grammar, spelling and punctuation thoroughly.

Linking words and phrasesPresent your ideas clearly. Use connectors to link your ideasMake sure you know how to use connectors appropriately (register, punctuation...). If you have any doubts, you should use a good dictionary to check.To express personal opinions: In my opinion, I believe (that) / I feel (that) / it seems to me / in my view /as I see it / I think / personallyTo show purpose: to / in order to / so as to / so thatTo list ideas: Firstly / secondly / finally / In the first place / LastlyTo contrast ideas: However / although / in contrast / whereas / but / nevertheless / in spite of / despiteTo describe a cause: Because / since / as / due toTo show a sequence: First of all / then / after that / eventually / in the end / finallyTo add information: In addition / moreover / what is more / besides / too / furthermore / andTo describe a consequence: Consequently / as a result / therefore / so / thus / for this reason / that is whyTo conclude the topic: In conclusion / to sum up / in short / all in all

Model questions and answersEssay 1 - Model questionTASKIn your English class, you have been talking about the subject of cultural heritage. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.Is is a good thing that countries spend a lot of money on their heritage?NotesWrite about: 1. preserving the past 2. investing in the future 3. ________ (your own idea)Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Essay 1 - Model answer

Most countries spend large sums of money protecting their national heritage. However, there is strong argument that we should look forwards and not backwards, spending less money on preserving the past and more on securing our future.On the one hand, it is important that we remember our heritage. Once it is lost, it is lost forever. Caring for important monuments helps with this. It also attracts tourists, which has an economic benefit for everyone.On the other hand, governments spend a lot of money on museums and keeping historic sites in good condition when poor people need houses to live in and businesses need better roads for transporting their goods.Another argument is that by making heritage sites attractive for tourists -for example, by putting on entertainment - we give a very untrue picture of the past and sometimes damage the local environment.To conclude, while there are strong arguments for not spending too much on preserving the past, I believe it is important to protect the most famous sites for the future generations but it is not realistic to try and save everything. We need to invest in the future too.(+/- 190 words)