1. Are schools easier theseAre schools easier these
days?days?
Writing exerciseWriting exercise

2. The first thing we must do is reviseThe first thing we must do is revise
the topicthe topic
Schools in the past: subjects,
facilities, teachers, timetable,
discipline
Schools in the present: are
they different?
Conclusion: are they easier?

3. Let’s plan our workLet’s plan our work
How many paragraphs are we going to write?

4. What structure are we going toWhat structure are we going to
follow?follow?
• Introduction:Introduction: Introduce the topic and explainIntroduce the topic and explain
the scope of the essay.the scope of the essay.
• Similarities:Similarities: Explain the aspects or features ofExplain the aspects or features of
X and Y that are similarX and Y that are similar..
• Differences:Differences: Move on to explain the aspects orMove on to explain the aspects or
features of X and Y that are differentfeatures of X and Y that are different..
• Conclusion:Conclusion: Summarize and give a personalSummarize and give a personal
opinion or conclusion based on the strength ofopinion or conclusion based on the strength of
the similarities and differences discussed.the similarities and differences discussed.

5. And now what? Let’s plan our workAnd now what? Let’s plan our work
PART Ideas Vocabulary and structures Linking expressions
Introduction
Introduce the topic and explain
the scope of the essay.
Nowadays the schools are criticised from
many points of view: results, drop outs,
quality of and standards of teaching and
learning.
Situation: there are a lot of differences but
there are also similarities
We’ll have to explore if these differences
affect quality.
rather than, In this essay,
particularly as regards. Before
Similarities
Explain the aspects or features
of X and Y that are similar.
Both have same aim: to increase knowledge,
prepare for future.
Both have same organization: -
terms/semesters and assessments.
are comparable in some respects,
both schools, similar in the way
they…..
Differences
Move on to explain the aspects
or features of X and Y that are
different.
Main differences: range of subjects, different
curriculum depending on the region, new
subjects (modern languages, IT, ) less stress on
language, history and maths.
Better facilities, punishment
Teachers: have changed their role, more stress
on education than on knowledge, less respect
from pupils and parents
Despite, in the way that, the range
of subjects, in contrast, therefore,
In general, it is true to say,
academic standards.
Conclusion
Summarize and give a personal
opinion or conclusion based on
the strength of the similarities
and differences discussed.
Differences are important – school in the past
might have advantages but as a role modern
day schools are better.
It is clear, therefore The benefits,
however.

6. And now what? Let’s plan our workAnd now what? Let’s plan our work
PART Ideas Vocabulary and structures Linking expressions
Introduction
Introduce the topic and explain
the scope of the essay.
Nowadays the schools are criticised from
many points of view: results, drop outs,
quality of and standards of teaching and
learning.
Situation: there are a lot of differences but
there are also similarities
We’ll have to explore if these differences
affect quality.
rather than, In this essay,
particularly as regards. Before
Similarities
Explain the aspects or features
of X and Y that are similar.
Both have same aim: to increase knowledge,
prepare for future.
Both have same organization: -
terms/semesters and assessments.
are comparable in some respects,
both schools, similar in the way
they…..
Differences
Move on to explain the aspects
or features of X and Y that are
different.
Main differences: range of subjects, different
curriculum depending on the region, new
subjects (modern languages, IT, ) less stress on
language, history and maths.
Better facilities, punishment
Teachers: have changed their role, more stress
on education than on knowledge, less respect
from pupils and parents
Despite, in the way that, the range
of subjects, in contrast, therefore,
In general, it is true to say,
academic standards.
Conclusion
Summarize and give a personal
opinion or conclusion based on
the strength of the similarities
and differences discussed.
Differences are important – school in the past
might have advantages but as a role modern
day schools are better.
It is clear, therefore The benefits,
however.