In an effort to discourage my students (Vietnamese, English for Academic Purposes, Advanced level) from recycling whole memorised paragraphs in their response essays, I appeal to their love for their national cuisine.

1. Why Your Writing
is Like Instant
Noodles

2. Is this a strong conclusion?
In conclusion, the question of who
should fund university study is one
which is hotly debated. Dr Jacobs is
correct about some things, but there
are also some weak arguments in her
article. She should consider the topic
more carefully.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 2

3. How about now?
In conclusion, the advantages and
disadvantages of mobile phones are
hotly debated. Ingram is correct
about some things, but there are also
some weak arguments in his article.
He should consider the topic more
carefully.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 3

4. Is this one strong?
In conclusion, the costs and benefits
of studying abroad are hotly
debated. Dr Western is correct about
some things, but there are also some
weak arguments in his article. He
should consider the topic more
carefully.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 4

5. Can you see the weakness?
In conclusion, the topic of the article
is hotly debated. The author is
correct about some things, but there
are also some weak arguments in his
article. He should consider the topic
more carefully.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 5

6. These conclusions are like
instant noodles.
They are cheap, easy
and “safe”.
Anyone can make
them, in only 2
minutes.
But they have no
taste and very little
nutrition.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 6

7. These conclusions are like
instant noodles.
If you wanted to show
someone that you’re
a good cook, you
wouldn’t prepare
instant noodles for
them, would you?
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 7

8. Try to give your teacher
something to chew on.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 8

9. State why the topic is important.
There is no doubt that social media has
significantly changed the way people
communicate.
Summarise the author’s main point.
Dr Dexter claims that the short and
informal style of facebook and twitter
communication is harming the ability of
young people to write well.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 9

10. Summarise your response.
However Dr Dexter underestimates the
ability of modern youth to adapt to
different communicative situations.
State your own opinion about the topic.
Social media has provided valuable
opportunities for young people to share,
create, learn, and teach what is
important to them.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 10

11. Make a prediction.
If students are taught how to use social
media effectively, they will become
confident and effective communicators.
Give a warning.
Of course, students have to be aware of
the dangers of sharing their personal
information and spending too much time
online.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 11

12. Suggest a solution.
Schools should use social media as a way
to teach communications skills, and
prepare their students for the modern
age.
Make the topic relevant to your context.
Young Vietnamese people have
enthusiastically taken to social media, but
not without facing some challenges.
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13. You don’t need to include all of these
ideas.
They are just some of the possible
ingredients of a great conclusion.
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 13

14. Go shopping for a variety of fresh
ingredients, and leave the instant
noodles on the shelf!
ELP @ RMIT International University Vietnam 14