writing guide for bachillerato students 2014 2015

Writing guide for

Bachillerato students

2014-2015

Writing Guide for Bachillerato Students

2

CONTENTS

I. How to start writing 3

II. How to use a dictionary 3

III. Writing a paragraph 3

Parts in a paragraph 3

Practice

How to make a good paragraph 4

Practice

Organise ideas logically 5

Practice

IV. Types of texts 7

Narrative texts 7

Descriptive texts 8

Describing a person and describing a place

Opinion essay 10

Informal letter 12

Formal letters 14

SOME PRACTICE WITH CONNECTORS 15


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I. HOW TO START WRITING

1. Start by making short sentences with a basic structure:

Subject + verb + complement

2. Then, check your sentences:

• Are verbal tenses correct?

• Is the word order correct?

• Is there a subject in your sentences?

• Are you using the right prepositions?

• Are you using the right articles?

• Is the spelling correct?

• Is the punctuation correct?

• Are you using the right vocabulary?

3. After that, you can join your sentences using connectors to make a text, not a list of separate sentences.

II. HOW TO USE THE DICTIONARY

• You usually start thinking in Spanish.

• Use a dictionary to find the words you need.

• Take your time to consider all the options in the dictionary: literal and figured translations.

• Choose the right option for your sentence.

For example:

Cool = fresco

“A cool night” = una noche fresca

But “A cool guy” = un tipo interesante

III. WRITING A PARAGRAPH

A group of short sentences:

The boy's mother called him inside for dinner. The boy ate his pizza. He was very hungry. Pizza was his

favourite meal. He didn't want to eat, though. He wanted to play outside with his friends.

The sentences transformed into a paragraph:

The boy's mother called him inside for dinner. It was pizza. Even though the boy was hungry and pizza was

his favourite meal, he wanted to stay outside and play. He wolfed the pizza down and ran back outside.

Parts in a paragraph

1. Topic sentence

2. Supporting sentences

3. Concluding sentence

There are several reasons why more and more people are moving out of cities.

Some people tired of living in crowded blocks of flats, prefer a private house with a garden in the country.

Others are attracted by the peace and quiet of life in the suburbs.

Many are looking for a healthier environment for their children.

Finally, as many factories and businesses move out of the cities and into the suburbs, people are following in

order to be nearer to their places of work.

For these reasons, country life is becoming more attractive to growing numbers of people.


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Practice

1. Choose a good topic sentence

There are 13 known vitamins.

Fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins.

Vitamins are essential for good health.

Vitamin A, for example, is necessary for the growth of teeth and bones. The B vitamins, too, are needed for

growth as well as for healthy skin and eyes. Vitamin C is needed for healthy blood vessels, and vitamin K for

blood clotting. A continued lack on any of these vitamins can lead to disease.

2. Try again

Masks can be made from a variety of materials.

A mask is a covering used to disguise or protect the face.

People have worn masks throughout human history.

Masks that are worn for disguise are usually decorated with the features of a person or an animal. Such masks

are worn all over the world at fancy dress parties, carnivals and other special occasions. They are often a part

of holiday celebrations, such as the Carnival in Venice on the Canary Islands and Hallowe’en in the United

States. Protective masks, on the other hand, serve a more practical function. For example, metalworkers

often wear masks with a special filter that protect their eyes from intense light and flying sparks.

3. Eliminate irrelevant sentences

Dogs make wonderful pets.

Dogs are friendly and affectionate.

There are many kinds of dogs.

They are loyal.

They provide us with companionship

4. Try again

Tom Hanks is an excellent actor.

He has an extraordinary ability to portray his characters convincingly.

He plays both comical and serious roles equally well.

Tom has a boyish charm which makes him seem younger than his age.

Tom received an Academy Award for his part in the film Philadelphia.

5. Find a suitable concluding sentence

a) Smoking is harmful to your health.

b) Smoking should be banned in public places.

c) Parents who smoke may harm their children’s health.

Concerned parents should stop smoking for their children’s good, if not for their own.

If you value your health, you should avoid smoking.

People who are determined to smoke should only be allowed to do so in their own homes.

How to make a good paragraph

EXPRESS ONLY ONE MAIN IDEA IN EACH PARAGRAPH.

Use pronouns for reference to refer back to the key words in the text

There are many working children all over the world. Some of them are employed in agriculture, others in

factories where they may work for long hours under difficult conditions, often ruining their health at an early

age.


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Use connectors to join ideas

To add information

The job is interesting and the pay is good. In addition, my co-workers are all very friendly and helpful.

To show a parallel situation

Parents often have difficulty communicating with their children. In the same way, teenagers often find it

impossible to confide in their parents.

To show a contrast

Many of the girls were very excellent at languages. On the other hand, the boys generally did better at maths.

To show a result

The teacher did her best to create a pleasant atmosphere in the classroom. As a result, he was very liked by

the pupils.

To show sequence

I considered the matter settled and didn’t think any more about it. A few days later, I overheard a

conversation which made me change my mind.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with suitable connectors

As a result In addition In the same way On the other hand Soon

afterwards

People in Mediterranean countries have traditionally eaten low-fat diets. ______________________, the

northern European diet is rich in fat.

Michael and Judy met when they were both students in the same university. ____________________, they

got married and moved to Scotland.

Money as we know it has not always existed. The North American Indians used beads as money.

________________________, shells were once used as money in Africa, India and China.

In order to be practical, money must be easy to carry and come in pieces of standard value.

____________________, it must be widely accepted as a means of payment for goods and services.

For years, the mass media has been conducting an advertising campaign designed to convince us that thin is

beautiful. ____________________, many people in our society worry constantly about their health.

Organise ideas logically

• Order of importance, starting from the most important points.

• Listing points, in any order.

• Chronological order, using time expressions to show the sequence.

• For and against, or advantages and disadvantages.

• Comparison and contrast, to show how things are similar to and different from each other.

• Cause and effect, giving first the causes and then the results.

Practice

In addition, the area is blessed with a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Many different kinds of animals can be found there, too, including a wide variety of birds.

Ordesa, in the north of Spain, is a nature-lover’s paradise.

Inside the limits of the nature reserve, you can observe them as they feed and rest not far from the

visitors.

So if you love nature, be sure to visit Ordesa.


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Wherever you look – from the snow-capped Brecha de Rolando to the sparkling waterfalls of Cola de

Caballo – there are lovely views for you to enjoy.

In spring, for example, the hillsides are covered with dark green grass and brightly coloured

wildflowers.

First of all, there is the beautiful scenery.

NOW ANALISE THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF AN OPINION ESSAY

1. Identify the topic sentence and the concluding sentence.

2. Notice how the supporting sentences are organised.

3. Find the repeated nouns and pronouns that make all the parts of the paragraph fit together.

4. Find the connectors used to join ideas.

There are several reasons why more and more people are moving out of cities. Some people tired of living in

crowded blocks of flats, prefer a private house with a garden in the country. Others are attracted by the

peace and quiet of life in the suburbs. Many are looking for a healthier environment for their children. Finally,

as many factories and businesses move out of the cities and into the suburbs, people are following in order

to be nearer to their places of work. For these reasons, country life is becoming more attractive to growing

numbers of people.


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IV. TYPES of TEXTS

NARRATIVE TEXTS

In order to write a good narrative essay, take into account the following tips.

A narrative essay is a report of events that has happened in the past, so the TENSES you must use are: past

simple (ate), past continuous (was eating), past perfect (had eaten), past perfect continuous (had been

eating), used to; was/were going to.

It has to be divided into different paragraphs (3 or 4). Each paragraph has a function. So,

Paragraph #1: Introduction of the story. There you must answer the questions: who, where, when

and introducing in general terms what happened.

Paragraph # 2 and 3: give details of what you have introduced in paragraph #1.

Paragraph #4: Conclusion of the narrative. Here you can include, if you want verbs in present tense.

In order for you to get organised, these are the steps you must follow:

Step 1: Say when and where the events took place.

Step 2: Describe the events in the order they occurred (chronologically), using linkers of

sequence and time expressions. (first / at first / in the beginning / before/ next/ then / soon/

meanwhile/ later/ after that / afterwards/ at last/ eventually/ finally / in the end; when / while/

before/ after/ until / as soon as / by the time...)

Step 3: Include the ending of your story (in conclusion / to sum up / in short / to conclude (

summarising / in short)

Step 4: Check your work for mistakes (vocabulary, spelling, tenses, grammar...)

Check this example of a narrative essay.

MY MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT.

(OPENING, sets the scene and introduce the main characters)

Last year, I invited my friend to an expensive restaurant in the town centre to celebrate her birthday. We

wore our best clothes and felt really special. However, it turned into a very embarrassing evening.

(BODY: gives details and the main events leading up to the climax)

First of all, when the waiter brought us the menu, it was written in French and neither of us could understand

anything. Secondly, there were no prices on the menu! I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to pay for the

meal; I could hardly eat a thing because I was so worried!

(CLOSING: gives the ending of the story and any consequences.)

At the end of the meal, when I asked for the bill, I saw that I didn’t have enough money. I had no choice

except to call my parents to come and pay. Now, I can laugh about it, but at the time I was very embarrassed.


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DESCRIPTIVE TEXTS

The purpose of a descriptive essay is to describe a person, place, or thing in such vivid detail that the reader

can easily form a precise mental picture of what is being written about..

DESCRIBING A PERSON

When you describe a person, you write about that person’s personality and appearance. Remember that

your description has to be organized into paragraphs (3 or 4) and include connectors to make fluent:

Paragraph #1: Introduction. Start your description by saying WHO you are describing and WHY

you’ve chosen that person.

Paragraph #2 and/or #3: Give details about that person. Write about what he/she looks like and

about his/her character. If possible give an example of something this person does to show him/her

character. You can also include memories about her/him.

Paragraph #3 and/or #4: Finish your description by saying what you or other people think about

him/her.

Check this example of a description: My first teacher


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DESCRIBING PLACES

1st Paragraph: brief introduction of the place you have chosen and explain why it is special for you.

2nd Paragraph: you need to give details. For example:

- geographical situation

- people and population

- atmosphere and pace of life

- sounds and smells

- things you can do there: tourist sights shops & places of entertainment

3rd Paragraph: do a short summary of your feelings about this place.

Fascinating Lisbon

Lisbon, one of the oldest capitals in Europe, is situated on the west coast of Portugal. Its rich history,

colourful traditions and more modern attractions make it a fascinating city.

Anyone lucky enough to visit Lisbon will find plenty to see and do. For a start, the magnificent Castle

of Saint George is a must. The castle, which is built on a hill, offers a fantastic view over the city. Directly

below is Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon. Visitors can walk along its narrow streets where they can see fish

sellers carrying baskets on their heads. In Belém, the city’s port, tourists can visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos,

a beautiful monastery built in the 16th century. Baixa, the busy shopping area of the city, offers a great

variety of handmade souvenirs and elegant designer clothes.

Lisbon’s nightlife is exciting and varied. Visitors can have a coffee in Bairro Alto, the ancient port of

the city, where fado – traditional Portuguese music – fills the air with its sad, romantic sounds. They can also

enjoy delicious seafood at first-class restaurants. For those who like to dance the night away, there are many

trendy clubs in the area.

Lisbon is a wonderful city. If you want to experience the beauty and fascination of a great European

capital, it would be the perfect holiday destination for you.

Useful phrases

...used to be..

...is definitely worth visiting.

...is a city of...

... in addition to this...

There is/are also...

...is situated on/next to...

You can enjoy...

...is surrounded by...

The landscape in which it stands is...

...stands...

In contrast...

...which attracts...tourists every year.

The reason that...is that...

...can be clearly seen from…

What you notice is...

...you can see (the variety of architectural styles)...

Also, anyone would like...

Further up/down the street...

You will find...examples of...and a number of...

...built in...

...is the oldest part of the city.

The reason that...is that...

You can end your day by...

So, ...is a ... place with... people and scenery.

All in all, it’s a ... city.

......is an ideal place for those who...

One thing that makes... unique among... is...


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OPINION ESSAY

When we write an opinion essay, we express our personal opinion on a particular topic. We want

to convince our reader that our view is the best.

PARAGRAPH 1: Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the

statement.

PARAGRAPH 2: Give a reason to support your opinion.

PARAGRAPH 3: Give a second reason to support your opinion.

PARAGRAPH 4: Summarize your ideas and repeat your opinion using different words.

Although there are some people who believe that everyone should have the right to decide when

and how to die, as far as I am concerned death is something we should not try to control. In fact, in my

opinion death should not depend on our will but rather it should be something involuntary and

unpredictable for everyone.

First of all, consider a natural reason: If we take death as a natural process in every human being’s

life, it can be understood as a fact which is not under our control in the same way as birth is not under

our control either. We don’t decide when to be born and for the same reason we should not have the

right to decide when to die. With this I mean, of course, that not only shouldn’t we decide when to die

but also nobody else should decide it. No one has the right to put an end to another person’s life and in

addition I think that we don’t have this right either

Secondly, there are other reasons why I disagree with this statement. As I see it, when someone

takes the decision to die, he/she might not be thinking reasonably. For example, someone who plans to

commit suicide could change his/her mind if another person empathizes with him/her and lend him/her

a helping hand. Furthermore, regarding euthanasia I think that a person should have the strength to

learn to live happily even in the worst conditions. Otherwise, that person would make his/her family and

friends very unhappy.

Therefore, in short, it is clear that this topic is food for thought but anyway I have sound reasons

to believe that we shouldn’t have the right to decide when and how to die because however miserable

life might be, it is also a wonderful experience. My advice for everyone is “enjoy life, carpe diem and

make people happy”.

Useful expressions in opinion texts

TO SHOW CAUSE

One / Another reason for ... is...

Because of ...

Is caused by ...

Results from ...

TO SHOW RESULTS

One / Another result of ... is ...

Therefore,

Consequently,

TO LIST DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE ISSUE

One / Another aspect of the issue is ...

One / Another similarity / difference is ...

On e / Another advantage / disadvantage is ...

There are a number of causes / results / solutions...

One / Another cause / result / solution is ...

First, ... Second, .... Third, ....


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TO COMPARE

Both

Also / too

As well

Like

Just as / like

Likewise

As ... as

More / less ...than

Similarly / similar to

Compared to

In the same way

Not only ... but also

TO CONTRAST

Unlike

Different

Difference

In contrast to

On the one hand

On the other hand

On the contrary

As opposed to

But

Yet

Still

However

While

Whereas

Although

Though

Even though

In spite of

Despite


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INFORMAL LETTER

Useful expressions

THE OPENING PARAGRAPH

TO INVITE:

I was wondering if you’d like to ...

We think / thought it would be a good idea if ...

Why don’t you come /join us ...

How about coming / joining us...

TO THANK:

Thank you so much for the wonderful (present, weekend, dinner...

This is just to say thank you for ...

TO REPLY TO A LETTER:

I’ve just received your letter and I’m writing...

Sorry it’s taken me so long to answer your letter...

I was happy / surprised / sorry / disappointed to hear / learn that ...

TO APOLOGISE:

I must apologise for ... I’m writing to apologise for ... I’m very sorry for / about ...

TO CONGRATULATE:

Congratulations on ... Just heard the wonderful news I was delighted to hear that ...

TO EXPRESS SYMPATHY:

I was terribly sorry to hear that ... We were very sad to hear that ...

THE FINAL PARAGRAPH

A REASON FOR ENDING:

Well, I must really go now – my tennis lesson is about to begin.

I’d better sign off now – I’ve got a big history test tomorrow!

A WISH FOR THE GOOG HEALTH OF THE OTHER PERSON

Be well!

Take care of yourself!

I hope that all is well with you

A HOPE THAT YOU WILL SEE OR HEAR FROM THAT PERSON SOON

Looking forward to seeing you Can’t wait to hear from you! Please write (to me) soon

THE CLOSING

Love,

All my love,

Love and kisses,

Regards,

Best wishes,

PRACTICE

4 September 2010

Dear Irene,

Sorry it’s taken me so long to answer your letter! I would have written sooner (1)..., as you may know, we

recently moved into a new house (2)... things are still a bit disorganised. (3) ...searching through the piles of

boxes that are scattered all over the place, I finally managed to locate this piece of paper – (4) ... consider

yourself lucky to be hearing from me at all!

(5) ... you remember, we had been thinking about moving for a while (6) ... the long drive to and from work

every day. (7) ... we really loved our old house, we found we were wasting hours on the road. Now I can get

up at 7.00 and still be at work by 8.00, (8) ... the office is only a 20-minute drive from home.

Our new house is charming –slightly smaller than the old one, (9) ... the neighbourhood is lovely, (10) ..., and

the children seem happy.

(11) ... I think we made the right decision. I’ll invite you to come and visit (12) ... I can clear a path to the sofa

! Regards to Ben.

Love

Jill

1. and/but/because 2. and / or / since 3. after /before / until

4. however / therefore / so 5. if / unless / although 6. because / because of / in spite of

7. even though / even if / even 8. and / so / since 9. although / though / even though

10. also / too / besides 11. but / because / so 12. as soon as / as long as / when


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FORMAL LETTERS


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SOME PRACTICE WITH CONNECTORS

A. Choose the correct words.

1. Everyone was very hungry (therefore / so / because) they hadn't eaten any supper.

2. Danny will arrive soon. Please stay here (until / before / since) he comes.

3. My dog carne and lay on my bed (after / before / while) I was sleeping.

4. She ran away (while / as soon as / until) she saw the snake.

5. I didn't read the whole book. (Therefore / That is / However), I read the first few pages.

6. A few days (before / after / since) I met him, I felt as if I had known him for years.

7. We carne home (as soon as / so / therefore) the meeting had finished.

8. You must correct all your mistakes. (In addition / Consequently / Since), you must do these

exercises.

B. Replace the words in bold with the words and phrases below.

and in addition since consequently therefore as soon as because nevertheless

1. I wasn't invited to the wedding. However, I feel I would like to give them a

present.

2. There is no chance that he will finish in time since he hasn't started yet.

3. Take a coat as well as a sweater.

4. I didn't pass the test, so I have to take it again.

5. The moment the teacher came in, everyone stopped talking.

6. The meal didn't cost much because we ate very little.

7. You may not go out this week. Furthermore, you will have to pay for the window you broke.

8. We now have a cat. As a result, we have no more mice in the house.

C. Complete the sentences with the words below.

but by the time consequently however since while after as soon as

1. The medicine didn't cure the disease. ........................................ , the patient felt less pain.

2. He is very immature. ..:..................................... , he has no idea how to deal with such problems.

3. ........................................ we were waiting, it began to rain.

4. ........................................ we got to the show, there wasn't a seat left.

5. She didn't want to go to sleep ........................................ she had watched the scary film.

6. ........................................ we haven't got any money, we can't buy a new Tv

7. We will clean up ........................................ everyone goes home.

writing guide for bachillerato students 2014 2015

Documents

writing guide

good paragraph

bachillerato students

group of short sentences

list of separate sentences

practice iv

known vitamins

numbers of people