1. Report
1.1. Structure
1.1.1. 1. Introduction
1.1.1.1. The purpose of this report is to…
1.1.2. 2. Main Body – Subheading (2)
1.1.2.1. Give the relevant facts
1.1.3. 3. Main Body – Subheading (3)
1.1.3.1. Give the relevant facts
1.1.4. 4. Main Body – Subheading (4)
1.1.4.1. Give the relevant facts
1.1.5. 5. Conclusion
1.1.5.1. Make your recommendations
1.2. Tips
1.2.1. • Remember that your goal is to assess the topic of the report and provide your target reader with an evaluation of the topic and some recommendations based on it.
1.2.2. • Your target reader is someone in authority (a university professor, city council chair, a head of a committee, etc.) Read the task very carefully.
1.2.3. • The title, subheadings (rubrics) are an integral part of the layout. Use them.
1.2.4. • Bullet points could help you structure your ideas.
1.2.5. • You need to demonstrate an awareness of the language commonly used in reports: comparing, analysing, making recommendations.
1.2.6. • Your conclusion should be effective and persuasive.
1.3. Useful Expressions
1.3.1. - The purpose/aim of this report is to…
1.3.1.1. - This report will offer an in-depth critique of…
1.3.2. - There is a world of difference between… and…
1.3.2.1. - There is a clear distinction between… and…
1.3.3. - There is a growing disparity between rich and poor.
1.3.3.1. - In light of the above, I believe the following measures should be adopted…
1.3.4. - In the short/long term, I suggest you should consider…
1.3.4.1. - To improve the situation, we recommend…
1.3.5. - Those who object to ... often argue that ...
1.3.5.1. - To alleviate the situation people should...
2. Article
2.1. Structure
2.1.1. 1. Title
2.1.1.1. An eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention.
2.1.2. 2. Introduction
2.1.2.1. Clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader’s attention.
2.1.3. 3. The main body paragraph 1
2.1.3.1. Articles may also have subheadings for each paragraph.
2.1.4. 4. The main body paragraph 2
2.1.4.1. Articles may also have subheadings for each paragraph.
2.1.5. 5. Conclusion
2.1.5.1. Either a summary of the theme or a final opinion, recommendation or comment.
2.2. Tips
2.2.1. • Before you start: brainstorm, that’s very important! It will help organize your thoughts and write more efficiently.
2.2.2. • Begin with a catchy title. Impress the examiners with advanced vocabulary, idioms, collocations and sayings. This is not part 1, so now it’s time to use them.
2.2.3. • Be concise and avoid unnecessary repetition of ideas or words.
2.2.4. • Ensure your article directly addresses the given task and purpose.
2.3. Useful Expressions
2.3.1. - To (an) (certain) / (some) extent…
2.3.1.1. - While it can not be denied that …
2.3.2. - There is a tendency to…
2.3.2.1. - Generally speaking…
2.3.3. - On the whole…
2.3.3.1. - For instance…
2.3.4. - With this object in view/mind…
2.3.4.1. - For this purpose…
2.3.5. - On the opposite side…
2.3.5.1. - In the neighbouring town…
2.3.6. - In a large number of cases…
2.3.6.1. - Up to a point…
2.3.7. - I am inclined to believe that...
2.3.7.1. - One of the drawbacks of ... is ...
3. Review
3.1. Structure
3.1.1. 1. Title / Introduction
3.1.1.1. Clarifying the topic and attracting the reader’s attention.
3.1.2. 2. Main body
3.1.2.1. A short summary of the reviewed material – paragraph (1)
3.1.2.2. Description of positive aspects and/or weaker points – paragraphs (2-3)
3.1.2.3. Sum up the good and bad points to make an objective assessment – complementary paragraph
3.1.3. 3. Recommendation
3.1.3.1. Final opinion, recommendation or comment.
3.2. Tips
3.2.1. • Briefly describe the content of the book, movie, or event you're reviewing.
3.2.2. • Demonstrate a rich vocabulary and vary your language to show your language proficiency.
3.2.3. • Include your personal reactions and recommendations, but balance them with an objective analysis.
3.2.4. • Ensure your review flows logically, with well-connected ideas and transitions.
3.3. Useful Expressions
3.3.1. Vocab to describe the book in general: - a page-turner / a white-knuckle ride / a tearjerker / a laugh - a minute / I couldn’t put it down.
3.3.2. Vocab to describe specific parts: - a slow start / a gentle introduction /gripping climax / nail- - biting conclusion/cliff-hanger ending/ a shocking twist in the tail.
3.3.3. Setting: - The book is set in... (place/time) - The action takes place in... (place/time)
3.3.4. Plot: - The plot centres around / focuses on (the adventures/lives of...) - The plot follows the adventures of... (character name)
4. Essay
4.1. Structure
4.1.1. Introduction
4.1.1.1. Main point of each text
4.1.1.2. Explain very briefly with your own words
4.1.2. 2 options for 2nd and 3rd paragraph
4.1.2.1. Sum up key points of both texts in 2nd P. Evaluate, compare & give
4.1.2.2. Summarize the key points for text 1 in P2, and text 2 in P3
4.1.3. 2 options for 4th paragraph
4.1.3.1. Agree/Disagree with the texts
4.1.3.2. Evaluate, compare & give ideas, then agree/disagree
4.2. Tips
4.2.1. • Identify and underline the key points in both input texts. Make sure to include that when you write the essay.
4.2.2. • Summarise the key points in your own words.
4.2.3. • Use an academic writing style (formal or neutral register).
4.2.4. • Organize your ideas well, using an introduction, paragraphing and appropriate linking devices.
4.2.5. • You need to draw conclusions based on the information given throughout the whole of your answer.
4.3. Useful Expressions
4.3.1. - The first text/passage/extract outlines the benefits/drawbacks of…
4.3.1.1. - Both writers seem to agree that…, where their ideas deviate however is on the topic of…
4.3.2. - While the writer makes some valid arguments in favour of…, he/she ignores the fact that…
4.3.2.1. - Were I to pick holes in the writer’s arguments, I would start by pointing out that…
4.3.3. - As far as my opinions on the matter are concerned, …
4.3.3.1. - On the whole, I tend to agree with… due to the fact that…
4.3.4. - In my humble opinion…
4.3.4.1. - It is usually the case that…
4.3.5. - Set / weighed against this is…
4.3.5.1. - The situation has been exacerbated by...
4.3.6. - Were the government to …, the situation would doubtlessly improve.
4.3.6.1. - The two texts contrast differing views of…
5. Letter
5.1. Formal Letter Structure
5.1.1. 1. Salutation
5.1.1.1. Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Mr Jenkins
5.1.2. 2. Introductory Paragraph
5.1.2.1. The reason why you’re writing this letter / the topic
5.1.3. 3. The next paragraphs (the body)
5.1.3.1. Organize all the essential information in a clear and logical way. Use linking structures to make your letter flow.
5.1.4. 4. Closing paragraph
5.1.4.1. – sign off with: Yours faithfully/sincerely
5.2. Informal Letter Structure
5.2.1. 1. Salutation
5.2.1.1. Preferably beginning with “Dear…” or “Hi…”.
5.2.2. 2. The first paragraph (opening)
5.2.2.1. The reason why you’re writing this letter / the topic
5.2.3. 3. The next paragraphs (main content)
5.2.3.1. Say why you are writing. Give the information that you have been told to give. Add some more details of your own if you like.
5.2.4. 4. Closing and signing off
5.2.4.1. Let the reader know you have finished your letter. Send greetings and/or make references for future contact. Sign off with your name.
5.3. Tips
5.3.1. Formal Letter
5.3.1.1. • Always proofread your letter after writing it, check for sentence structure, grammar, spelling mistakes, etc.
5.3.1.2. • Proofread your letter again (and again) after you have revised it.
5.3.1.3. • Keep the recipient in mind, and write in a way that he/she can easily understand the letter.
5.3.1.4. • Be respectful when you write, even if you are writing a letter of complaint.
5.3.2. Informal Letter
5.3.2.1. • Remember, the letter uses informal language.
5.3.2.2. • Try to avoid using exactly the same words that appear in the notes.
5.3.2.3. • Use an appropriate closing formula.
5.3.2.4. • Imagine you are really writing the letter and put yourself into the writer’s position.
5.3.2.5. • Check your work for accuracy, punctuation and spelling.
5.4. Useful Expressions
5.4.1. Formal Letter
5.4.1.1. - I am writing to receive further information about...
5.4.1.1.1. - I recently read/heard about ... and would like to know…
5.4.1.2. I am writing to inform you that …/ to confirm .../ to request …/ to enquire about …
5.4.1.2.1. I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter...
5.4.1.3. Please let me know what action you propose to take.
5.4.1.3.1. I would be interested in having more details about …
5.4.1.4. I am delighted to inform you that...
5.4.1.4.1. I regret to inform you that …/ I’m afraid it will not be possible to…
5.4.1.5. I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
5.4.1.5.1. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to ask.
5.4.1.6. I look forward to receiving your reply. / I look forward to your reply.
5.4.2. Informal Letter
5.4.2.1. Dear Tom / Dearest Jane / Hi/Hello, Cynthia!
5.4.2.1.1. Just thought I’d drop you a line.
5.4.2.2. I hope you're doing well.
5.4.2.2.1. What have you been up to?
5.4.2.3. I haven’t heard from you for ages.
5.4.2.3.1. Well, I think that’s about it.
5.4.2.4. Well, I’d better finish off here.
5.4.2.4.1. I look forward to hearing from you.
5.4.2.5. I must go now.
5.4.2.5.1. All my love / Best wishes / All the best / Lots of kisses / Take care