Practice your writing

2. DEFINITION

3. An argumentative essay
- it is usually about a topic which is
quite controversial
- It is a formal piece of writing in
which a topic is considered from
opposing points of view.
- it gives advantages and
disadvantages (for and against).

4. ESSAY PLAN

5. 1. An introductory paragraph in
which you state the topic. This
means that you talk generally about
the topic without giving your opinion
The internet is something people are using more
and more. Young people especially are spending
more time surfing. However, is the new
technology a positive or negative thing?

6. 2. A main body in which the points
for with your justification, appear in
two separate paragraphs
points for
There are several arguments in support of the
internet. Firstly, chat rooms and e-mails are good
ways to meet new people and keep in touch. Secondly,
educational sites provide useful information for school
projects.

7. the points against
However, there are also arguments
against the Internet. Some sites are
unsuitables for children and although chat
rooms might be fun, you don´t really know
who you are talking to.

8. 3. A closing paragraph in which you
give either your opinion or a
balanced consideration of the topic:
the Conclusion
To sum up, the internet has advantages and
disadvantages. On the one hand there are
lots of useful websites, but on the other
hand people need to choose the websites
they visit carefully

9. Linking words/phrases
To introduce points:
- one major advantage/disadvantage of
- one point of view in favour
of/against

10. To list points:
- Firstly ,secondly, thirdly, finally
- in the first place
- first of all
- to start with

11. To add more points to the
same topic
 what is more
 furthermore
 also
 in addition to this/that
 besides
 apart from this/that
 not to mention the fact that

12. To make contrasting points:
on the other hand
however
in spite of
while
nevertheless
although

13. To introduce examples:
for example
for instance
like
especially
such as
in particular

14. To conclude:
To sum up
all in all
all things considered
in conclusion
on the whole
taking everything into
account
as was previously stated
on balance
It´s seems that
It´s clear/obvious that
It´s true to say
It´s my believe/opinion that
I´m convinced that
I´m inclined to believe that
It´s evident from the above
points/arguments/evidence
There is no/little doubt that
It´s probably/unlikely

15. The use of the internet
The internet is something people are using more and more. Young
people especially are spending more time surfing. However, is the new
technology a positive or negative thing?
There are several arguments in support of the internet. Firstly,
chat rooms and e-mails are good ways to meet new people and keep
in touch. Secondly, educational sites provide useful information for
school projects.
However, there are also arguments against the Internet. Some
sites are unsuitables for children and although chat rooms might be
fun, you don´t really know who you are talking to.
To sum up, the internet has advantages and disadvantages. On the
one hand there are lots of useful websites, but on the other hand
people need to choose the websites they visit carefully

16. SCHOOL EXAMS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED
Most people agree that school exams are very unpopular with
students and also with the teachers who have to mark them! But
that means that shool exams should be abolish?
On the one hand very few students enjoy taking exams. Most of
them find them difficult. In addition, they usually find them
stressful. This means that students are not performing at their
best. . It might be better to give final marks for homework and
essays which students do during the year.
On the other hand, the exam system is generally fair. Students
can´t cheat or copy work. What´s more, exams don´t last very
long so the stress is soon over. Futhermore you have to revise for
them which helps you to remember what you have learnt.
On the whole, I think that exams are not enjoyable, but they are
probably necessary.

17. CHOOSE ONE.
WRITING AND SPEAKING
ACTIVITY
 Should tablets replace textbooks?
 Is it better to have your own room or
to share with your brother or sister?
 Should Catalonia be independent from
Spain?
 Should all people be vegetarians?
 Are single-sex schools better for
students?

18. SPEAKING ASSESSMENT
Name:
topic
VGOOD
(2)
GOOD
(1)
SATISFACTORY
(0.5)
NEEDS WORK
0
Comments
Pronunciation
Is pronunciation and intonation correct and
confident?
Fluency
Is the speech pattern fluent,
indicating familiarity with the
material ? Do you read it?
Structure and Cohesion
Was the structure clearly outlined?
Is the order logical and easy to
follow?
Development of topic
understanding of the topic shown. Links and
connections between ideas made clear. Is
Information relevant and well expressed in
own words? Are points well-organised and
developed with sufficient and appropriate
details?
Vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar
Is the vocabulary of the presentation
appropriate for the topic? .Are a variety of
phrases and sentence structures used? Is the
presentation content grammatically correct?
MARK ___ 10

19. Name:
TOPIC
VGOOD
(2)
GOOD
(1)
SATISFACT
ORY
(0.5)
NEEDS
WORK 0)
Comments
Structure and Cohesion
Was the structure clearly outlined?
Is the order logical and easy to
follow?
Development of topic
Understanding of the topic shown. Links
and connections between ideas made
clear. Is information relevant and well
expressed in own words? Are points
well-organised and developed with
sufficient and appropriate details?
Vocabulary
Is the vocabulary of the presentation
appropriate for the topic? Is it basic or
advanced? Errors in spealling?
Grammar and sentence structure
Is the presentation content
grammatically correct?
Are a variety of phrases and sentence
structures used?
MARK ___ 10