ielts writing task 2 · pdf fileyour opinion can also be called your “ position”...
TRANSCRIPT
2.1 Introduction to Task 2 & Rubric 2.2 Task 2 Essay Question Types2.3 Opinion Essay 2.4 Model Essay Analysis2.5 Opinion Essay Organization2.6 Grammar
Level 4 IELTS Writing Task 2
Task 2 Opinion Essay 2a2.7 Discussion Essay 2.8 Introductions & Paraphrasing2.9 Discussion Essay Organization
Task 2 Discussion Essay
Level 4 Writing 2
2.1 - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Task 2 on the IELTS exam always requires you to discuss a prompt and give your opinion with supporting reasons. You need to produce an essay that has an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Earning band 5 or higher
To earn a band 5 or 5.5 in IELTS, you need to:
• answer all parts of the essay question prompt.• organize your writing into paragraphs including an introduction, body and a
conclusion• use some good linking words and phrases.• use suitable vocabulary with good range, spelling and correct word forms.• have some simple sentences, some compound sentences (using linking words
like “and” & “but:) and some complex sentences (e.g. …, who…, that…, if…).
Familiarize yourself with the rubric
On the following page you will find the public version of the IELTS rubric. Above is a list of things you should do in order to get a band 5 or 5.5. Look at the rubric and find where it mentions these different features of a band 5 or 5.5 Task 2 essay.
Level 4 Writing 3
IELTS Task 1 Public Rubric Band 4-6
Level 4 Writing 4
Level 4 Writing 5
2.2 - Task 2 Essay Questions and Essay Types
IELTS Task 2 questions will all ask your opinion about a topic. Your opinion can also be called your “position” or “view”.
The Task 2 question has two parts:Part 1 is an explanation of the topic and issue. Part 2 is the question part or tells you what you must do.
Look at the different Task 2 questions below and discuss what information should be put in each essay and how each essay would be differently organized.
Question 1:The best way to learn a foreign language is by studying and learning it in a country where it is the native language.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question 2:Some people think that the best way to learn foreign language is to study it in a country where it is the native language while other people disagree that this is the best way to learn a foreign language.
Discuss both sides of this issue and give your opinion about it.
Question 3:Some people say that the best way to learn a foreign language is to study it in a country where it is the native language, rather than in their own country.
Do the advantages of studying a foreign language in its native country outweigh the disadvantages of studying a language in one’s home country?
Question 4:Many people go abroad to study and improve a foreign language rather than stay in their country to perfect it.
Why do you think some people do this?
Are there any ways people could learn a foreign language well without going abroad?
Level 4 Writing 6
2.3a - Opinion Essay
Example: A university student and his/her family should pay for the student’s university education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
1 2 3
I agree+
agree reasons
I disagree+
disagree reasons
I partly agree/disagree
+agree reasons
anddisagree reasons
Read the essay prompt again and write your opinion in one sentence below. Which essay type above would you use for your essay?
For this essay question, you must write about only your own opinion and use one of these essay types.
Level 4 Writing 7
Function Phrase + Clause
to agree
I agree that…
A university student and his/her family should pay
for the student’s university education.
I agree with the idea that…
I support the idea that…
to disagree
I disagree that…
I do not believe that…
I do not share the view that…
to partly agree
I partly agree with the idea that…
I agree to a certain extent that…
I agree up to a point that…
2.3b - Grammar: ‘that’ clause
Practice vocabulary to express an opinion:
Read the essay questions below. Decide what your opinion is, then write it in the space below.According to your opinion, what information would you put in your body paragraphs?
1. Governments should spend less money on military defense and more money on education for their countries. To what extent do you agree?
2. The government should decide what majors students will have at university, according to the jobs the country needs.Do you agree or disagree with this view?
3. Men and women should play sports on the same teams. To what extent do you agree with this view?
4. Teachers and friends at school have more influence on a child’s development than parents. To what extent do you agree with this opinion?
S + V
Level 4 Writing 8
2.4 Model Essays - Focusing on the topic
A university student and his/her family should pay for the student’s university education.
Talk more about the topic and discuss these questions with your partner.
1. Do you pay for your university education? Why or why not?
2. Are there universities in your country where students must pay for their education?
3. Do students in other countries have to pay for their university education?
4. Is there a difference in the cost of some universities compared to others?
5. Look at the reasons below. Which reasons support the opinion that students and their families should pay for university education (put a tick ✓ beside these) and which reasons support the opinion that students and their families should not pay for university education (put a cross ✗ beside these):
a) Universities have many expenses to cover 5
b) A country needs many well-educated citizens with university degrees to help the country develop.
5
c) Everyone the right to a free university education. 5
d) When students pay for their education, it will become more valuable to them.
5
e) University is not a universal right like elementary or secondary school. 5
f) Large families may not have enough money to pay for university for their children.
5
Level 4 Writing 9
2.4 - Model Opinion Essays: Three Styles
A university student and his/her family should pay for the student’s university education. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Many countries in the world make students and their families pay for university education. However, in the UAE and some other countries, university education is free at public universities. Although I am Emirati, I think a student or a student’s family should pay something for the student’s university education. In the following essay, I will give reasons to support my opinion.
The most important reason is that if students and families must pay for university, they will value it more. In other words, when students do not pay for their education, they may not appreciate it. However, if they have to pay, they will do their best to pass their courses, so they do not have to repeat them and pay for them twice. Therefore, students will be more motivated to work harder in their classes if they know their education is not free.
Another reason is that universities have many expenses. For instance, there are computers, libraries, and professors’ salaries to pay for as well as electricity and water costs. This means a large amount of funding is needed to maintain the university. If the government does not collect some money from university students and their parents, it might not have enough money to pay for future costs of the university.
Finally, university is not everyone’s right in my opinion. University is for motivated, academic students who have a clear future goal. However, many students go to university because it is free but they do not have an academic attitude. They may not plan to finish their degree and are just there to fill their time. If they had to pay for their education, they might not want to attend.In conclusion, these are several reasons why students and their parents should pay for university education. It will make students value their education, help the government cover costs, and make the university a place for serious, academic students. As a result, the universities would be better able to continue in their important academic role.
ESSAY I Writer’s Opinion: __________________________
In many countries in the world, students and their families have to pay for university education. However, in the UAE and some other countries, university education is free at public universities. I disagree a student and his or her family should have to pay for university education. In the following essay, I will give reasons to support my opinion.
The most important reason is that countries need university-educated citizens to develop and improve the country. For example, if a country has many university graduates, they will have people with advanced knowledge in their country to help it progress. As a result, the country will be able to depend on itself in many ways, and rely less on foreign support. This will bring economic advantages to the country.
Another reason is that many families cannot afford to pay for their children’s university education. For example, there are many large families or families with only one parent who works. If they are required to pay a large amount of money every year for one or more of their children to attend university, they might not be able to pay. Therefore, the students would lose the opportunity to study at university despite their ambition to do so.
Finally, it should be the right of every student to attend university. For example, governments provide children and young people the right to free elementary and secondary education, and they should do the same for university education. In addition, governments need to recognize that unlike the past, in today’s knowledge-based economy, it is difficult to succeed without a higher education. Therefore, for students to develop their full potential in today’s modern world, they need to have the right to a university education.
In conclusion, I disagree students and their parents should pay for university education. Countries need university-educated citizens to develop, some families, cannot afford to pay university expenses, and it should be everyone’s right today to a university education. I feel governments need to recognize the importance of higher education and create a free or very low cost system for their country if they don’t have one.
ESSAY II Writer’s Opinion: __________________________
Level 4 Writing 10
Model Essays (continued)
Many countries in the world make students and their families pay for university education. However, In the UAE and some other countries, university education is free at public universities. I partly agree students and their families should pay for the students’ university education. In the following essay, I will give reasons to support my opinion
On one hand, I agree students and their families should pay for the students’ university education for several reasons. The most important one is that if students and families pay, they will value the education more. If they fail a course or don’t do well, they will waste their money. Therefore, paying for the university will make them work harder. Another reason is that is that universities are big and need money to pay for all the professors, students’ materials, electricity, water, and other services on the campus. This means they need a large amount of funding to maintain the university. If the government does not collect some money from university students and their parents, it might not have enough money to pay for future students and future costs.
On the other hand, I feel there are some reasons why students and their families should not pay for the students’ university education. The main one is that countries need university-educated citizens to develop and improve the country. For example, if a country has many university graduates, they will have advanced knowledge to use in their country to help it progress, which would bring economic advantages to the country. In addition, many families cannot afford to pay for their children’s university education because they are large or only have one parent. If they were required to pay a large amount of money every year for one or more of their children to attend university, they might not be able to pay.
In conclusion, I partly agree that students and their parents should pay for university education. This is because students will value their education more and universities have many expenses. However, countries need many university-educated students and some families cannot afford to pay for university. Therefore, I believe a possible solution is to make students and families pay a small amount for the university education, according to the family’s income and financial situation.
ESSAY III Writer’s Opinion: __________________________
ESSAY II
disagree+
disagree reasons
Introduction: disagree opinion
Body 1: 1st disagree reason + support
Body 2: 2nd disagree reason + support
Body 3: 3rd disagree reason + support
Conclusion: disagree opinion + summary
Look at the organization for ESSAY II below. How is it organized? How is the organization in ESSAY I different from ESSAY II and III?
Level 4 Writing 11
Read the essay below and write the name of each piece from the box above each paragraph into the box on the right. The first one has been done as an example.
A university student and his/her family should pay for the student’s university education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Cond. + Result • T. S. (Main Idea) • Ex. + Result • Explanation
2.5 - Opinion Essay Organization
• General Background • Thesis • Essay Topic Introduction
1) Many countries in the world make students and their families pay for university education. 2) However, in the UAE and some other countries, university education is free at public universities. 3) Although I am Emirati, I think a student and the student’s family should pay for university education. In the following essay I will give reasons to support my opinion..
1 General Background_____2 ______________________
3 ______________________
• Result • Topic Sentence (Main Idea) • Contrast + Condition+ Result • Example + Condition + Result
Body Paragraph 1
4) The most important one is that if students and families must pay for university, they will value it more. 5) For example, if students do not pay for their education, they may not appreciate it. 6) On the other hand, if they have to pay, they will do their best to pass a course, so they do not have to repeat and pay for it twice. 7) Therefore, students will be more motivated to work harder in their classes if they know their education is not free.
4 _____________________
5 _____________________
6 _____________________
7______________________
• Topic Sentence (Main Idea) • Explanation • Example • Condition+ Result Body Paragraph 2
8) Another reason is that universities are big and have many expenses. 9) For instance, there are computers, libraries, and professors’ salaries to pay for as well as electricity and water costs. 10) This means a large amount of funding is needed to maintain the university. 11) If the government does not collect some money from university students and their parents, it might not have enough money to pay for future costs of the university.
8 _____________________
9 _____________________
10 ____________________
11 ____________________
• Result • Explanation • T.S. (Main Idea) • Contrast + Explanation • Result Body Paragraph 3
12) Finally, university is not a right of every person in my opinion. 13) University is for motivated, academic students who have a clear future goal. 14) However, many students go to university because it is free but they do not have an academic attitude. 15) Consequently, they may not plan to really finish their degree and are just there to fill their time.
12 ____________________
13 _________________
14 __________________
15___________________
• Summary of Main Ideas •Final comment • Thesis again Conclusion
16) In conclusion, these are several reasons why students and their parents should pay for a student’s university education. 17) It will make students value their education, help the government cover costs, and make the university a place for serious, academic students. 18) As a result, the universities would be better able to continue in their important role.
16 ____________________
17 ___________________
18 ___________________
These are some linking words and phrases which can be used in opinion essays. Put them in the correct boxes, according to their meaning.
Level 4 Writing 12
Linking Words & Phrases
Can you think of other examples of linking words and phrases that you know of that have the same meaning as the ones above?
Review the words on the following page and the order they follow in the sentence.Refer to those pages when you write your essays, to improve the connection of ideas.
Another reason is that so The main one is that Therefore,
To state the first idea To state subsequent ideas To contrast ideas
To state an example To state a reason To state a result
Level 4 Writing 13
Reference: Linking Words and Phrases
Sentence Connector Words begin sentences and relate to the sentence before.
For Differences:
-Families need maids to help them. However, some maids can cause problems.-Life in the past was simple. In contrast, today life is complex and busy.-Children need rules. On the other hand, they also need some freedom.
For Examples:
-Maids create a comfortable home. For example, they organize and clean, so everything is in order.-Without sleep, our brain slows down and simple activities become difficult. For instance, even answering the telephone can take a big effort if we are tired.
Do not start a sentence with “Such as” or “Like”Wrong: Maids create a comfortable home. Such as, they organize and clean.Right: Maids create a comfortable home by doing things such as/like cleaning and organizing.
For Results:-Families in the UAE have large homes. Therefore, they need maids to help them. -The UAE has many modern, interesting places for tourists. As a result, tourists are attracted to the UAE.-Air pollution contains dangerous chemicals. This means when people breathe it, they can become sick.-There is a shortage of water in many places in the world. Because of this, people must conserve water if they want it to last.
*Other words for results to use are: Consequently, Hence, Thus,
For Addition or Another Related Idea:
-Maids can cook and clean the house. Furthermore, they can care for young children when the mother is at work.-Students who drop out of college can become lazy. They don’t have a schedule and don’t need to rush. In addition, they may also become depressed because they feel useless and unneeded.-A good career choice makes people satisfied. It gives them security. Moreover, it helps them to stay in their job and not get tired of it.
-Tourists spend money in hotels and restaurants. Also, they spend a lot at shopping malls and monuments such as Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Level 4 Writing 14
Reference: Linking Words & Phrases
For Contrast, Differences, or an Opposite View
S. Connectors However, S + V… On the other hand, S + V… In contrast, S + V…
Middleof Sentence
S + V, but S + V…S + V, while S + V…
S + V whereas S + V…S + V although S + V…
(S + V…, despite/in spite of + noun/noun phrase)
Beginningof Sentence
While S + V…, S + V…Whereas S + V…, S + V…Although S + V…, S + V…
(Despite/In spite of + noun/noun phrase, S + V…)
For Time and Order of Events
S. ConnectorsFirst, S + V…Second, S + V…Third, S + V…
Next, S + V…Then, S + V…After that, S + V…
Finally, S + V…Lastly, S + V…
For Addition of Information
S. Connectors Furthermore, S + V…Moreover, S + V…
In addition, S + V…Also, S + V…
Conjunction Middleof Sentence
✔ S + V…, and S + V… (Correct)
❌ S + V…, also S + V… (Wrong)
For Results
S. Connectors Therefore, S + V…Thus, S + V…
As a result, S + V…Hence, S + V…
Consequently, S + V…Because of this, S + V…
Conjunction:Middleof Sentence
S + V…, so S + V…
For Examples
S. Connectors For example, S + V… For instance, S + V…
Middleof Sentence
S + V… such as…(+ singular or plural noun)S + V… like…(+ singular or plural noun
Level 4 Writing 15
2.6a - Grammar: Relative Clauses
To earn a 5 for grammar in IELTS writing, you need to have good control of basic grammar and you need to use some complex structures. Here are some handy tips for using 3 types of complex structures in your essay writing:
1 ____________________________________________________________________________
2 ____________________________________________________________________________
3 ____________________________________________________________________________
4 ____________________________________________________________________________
5 ____________________________________________________________________________
Choose five relative clauses from above and use them to write a complete sentence.
Example: Parents should encourage their children to eat a diet which is healthy.
1) Relative clauses: You can turn adjective + noun phrases into relative clauses
adjective + noun relative clause ( who or which + be verb + adjective)
1. a healthy diet 1. a diet which is healthy
2. successful students 2. students who are successful
3. organic foods
4. appropriate games for children
5. loud music
6. responsible adults
7. rich countries
8. disabled athletes
9. modern sports facilities
10. traditional homes
Level 4 Writing 16
2.6b - Grammar: Conditionals
Conditional Sentence:
If + conditional clause, + result clause
If + (S) + (V), + (S) + (V)
If people pay for university, they will value their education more.(use present tense) (use modal verb (will/may/might/could) + base verb)
Use the reasons and results below to write conditional sentences.
1 regular sports activity improved physical condition reason result
2 new friends participating on a team or in a club result reason
3 social networking contact with many people at once reason result
4 better academic grades doing homework and reviewing lessons result reason
Conditionals: Use “conditional” sentences to show the relationship between the reason + result:
reason + result
Students’ families pay students will value the university education more reason result
Conditional sentence: If students’ families pay for university, students will value their education more.
reason + result
the government collects money it will have funding to pay university costs reason result
Conditional sentence:
If the government collects money for universities, it will have enough funding for them. orGovernment will have enough funding for universities if it collects money for them.
Level 4 Writing 17
Reference: Modal Verbs
A. Because Arabic is the national language of the UAE, people who work in the UAE should learn it. They may/might/could need Arabic if they go to government offices or to small shops. Also, if
they have an accident, they might/may/could need to talk to the police in Arabic. B. Men and women should not study together in the same class. If men and women study
together in the same class, it could/may/might cause problems. The women may/might/could be very uncomfortable in the class. They may/might be too shy to talk in front of the men. Also, the
men may/might be too noisy, so the women may not/might not concentrate enough.
• Should/should not (shouldn't) refers to people's opinions and what they think. It is not a
fact. It may also be used to give advice or suggestions.
Children should not have mobile phones. (opinion)We should leave now, or we will be late for our meeting. (suggestion)
• May/might/could refers to a possibility. It is less strong than "will."
If women study with men, they may/might/could have problems concentrating.
• Will describes a fact or certainty, something you think is definitely true.
If government taxes sugary drinks, they will collect a lot of money.
• Can means the same as "be able to" and shows ability/talent/skill.
Babies can see, but they can't walk. Babies are able to see, but they aren't able to walk
*Past Tense: could (or) was able to/were able to * Future Tense: will be able to…
Below are some examples of ways that you can use modals before verbs:
Very Strong, Certain, Definitely Suggest, likely Not positive, possible
will should may
cannot would might
must ought to could
Summary of Modals:
Level 4 Writing 18
Opinion Essay - Practice Topics
Governments should spend less money on military defense and more money on education for their countries.
To what extent do you agree with this opinion?
People who have a university degree will be more successful in life.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The government should decide what majors students will have at university, according to the jobs the country needs.
Do you agree with this idea?
Men and women should play sports on the same teams.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
Teachers and a child’s friends at school have more influence on a child’s development than the child’s parents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Below are some IELTS Task 2 Opinion Essay prompts. Notice that although the question part of the prompts might be different, they are all opinion essays.
Plan your essays by making notes about your reasons and support for 3-5 minutes before you write.
The government should encourage all farmers to produce organic foods.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Level 4 Writing 19
Look at the Task 2 questions below.
• How are they different from each other?
• How would you organize your answer to the questions?
• What information would you put in the essay?
• How many opinions are given in Part 1 of the prompt?
2.7 - Discussion Essay
IELTS Task 2 questions will all ask your opinion about a topic. Your opinion can also be called your “position” or “view”.
The Task 2 question has two parts:Part 1 is an explanation of the topic and issue. Part 2 is the question part or tells you what you must do.
REMEMBER
It is the parents’ responsibility to teach children about sports and physical fitness, not the schools’.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Information to put in the essay:
1
2 Some people think that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach children about sports and physical fitness, not the schools’, while other people disagree with this idea.
Discuss both sides of these views and give your opinion.
Information to put in the essay:
Level 4 Writing 20
For this essay question, you must write about both opinions and give your opinion. You should use one of these essay types.
1 2 3
Some people think that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach children about sports and physical fitness, not the schools’, while other people disagree with this idea.
Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.
Discussion Essay
Introduction: Both sides &
agree opinion
Body 1: Reasons for your agree opinion
Body 2: Reasons for other people’s disagree reasons
Conclusion: Repeat your agree opinion.
Explain why you believe your opinion.
Introduction: Both sides & disagree opinion
Body 1: Reasons for your disagree opinion
Body 2: Reasons for other people’s agree reasons
Conclusion: Repeat your disagree opinion.
Explain why you believe your opinion.
Introduction: Both sides & partly agree opinion
Body 1: Reasons for your agree opinion
Body 2: Reasons for yours and other people’s disagree reasons
Conclusion: Repeat your partly agree opinion.
Explain why you sometimes agree with both sides.
both sides +
agree opinion
both sides +
disagree opinion
both sides +
partly agree opinion
Organization Summary
Level 4 Writing 21
Look at the three different introductions for the Discussion Essay prompt.• How are they different?• What are the opinions of the writers?• Do they use the same words in their introduction as they do in the prompt?
2.8 - Introductions & Paraphrasing
Some people think that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach children about sports and physical fitness, not the schools’, while other people disagree with this idea.Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
1Parents and schools both have important roles in educating children. However,
there is disagreement about which one of them should have the responsibility to teach children about physical fitness and sports. I will discuss both sides of this issue and why I agree that parents should teach their children about sports and exercise, not the schools.
Writer’s Opinion: ___________________
2 Parents and schools are both important in children’s education. However, many people disagree about who should have the task of teaching children about physical fitness and sports. I will discuss both sides of this issue and why I disagree that parents should be responsible for teaching their children about sports and exercise, instead of the schools.
Writer’s Opinion: ___________________
3Both parents and schools are involved in children’s education. However, there is
disagreement about which one of them should be responsible for teaching the children about physical fitness and sports. I will discuss both sides of this issue and why I partly agree that parents should instruct their children about sports and exercise, as well as the schools.
Writer’s Opinion: ___________________
Examples for “parents’ responsibility”:
•Synonyms: role, task, job
•Different word form: be responsible for,
•Different phrase: have the responsibility
Use the ideas in the IELTS Task 2 prompt to write your introduction and explain your opinion. However, do not just copy the same words. it is important to PARAPHRASE (use different words, word forms, or phrases) when you write the introduction.
Examples for “to teach”:
•Synonyms: educate, instruct
•Different word forms: teaching, teachers
•Different phrase: provide (do) the teaching
Level 4 Writing 22
Introductions and Paraphrasing Practice
Some people think that public workers and private workers should have the same holidays, while others disagree.
Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Look at the prompts below and then write an introduction for each one. Write your true opinion. Remember to change and paraphrase the words in the prompt, don’t just copy them!
1
Some people believe men and women should play sports on the same teams, while others disagree with this idea.
Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2
Some people believe that *surveillance cameras in public places are a good idea, while others believe they *violate people’s privacy.
Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3
federal = part of the governmentemployees = people with jobs
participate (v) = take part in coed (adj.) = mixed sexes,
*surveillance cameras = video recording cameras*violate (v) = take away a right, harm, hurt
Level 4 Writing 23
Match the parts of the essay with their corresponding sentence.
2.9 - Discussion Essay Organization
Some people think that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach children about sports and physical fitness, not the schools’, while other people disagree with this idea.
Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
• General Background • Thesis • Essay Topic Introduction
1 Parents and schools both have important roles in educating children. 2 However, there is disagreement about which one of them should have the responsibility to teach children about physical fitness and sports. 3 I will discuss both sides of this issue and why I disagree that parents should teach their children about sports and exercise, not the schools
1 General Background
2
3
• Result • Topic Sentence (Main Idea) • Explanation : Condition + Result • 1st reason • 2nd reason • Example Body Paragraph 1
4 On one hand, there are several reasons why parents should not be responsible to teach their children about sports. 5 The most important one is that most parents do not have professional experience or knowledge about sports. 6 For example, they do not have training and a degree like physical education teachers at schools. 7 Consequently, physical education teachers are more qualified to do the job. 8 Another reason is that the parents may be quite busy and might not have time to be involved in teaching their children about sports. 9 If both parents work all day, it could be difficult for them to find time at the end of it to dedicate to their children and sports.
4
5
6
7
8
9
• Topic Sentence (Main Idea) • Contrast + Explanation • Explanation + Result • 1st reason • 2nd reason • Example and Reason Body Paragraph 2
10 On the other hand, there are reasons why parents should teach their children about sports and physical fitness. 11 The main one is that children often respect their parents more than teachers. 12 Children trust and follow their parents’ advice, so they will be more willing to do sports with them than at school. 13 In addition, parents can choose what sports and physical activities are best for their children, according to the children’s interests and physical condition. 14 However, sports teachers at schools cannot do this. 15 They must give the same activities to all the students because that is the only way to teach everyone at the same time.
10
11
12
13
14
15
• Summary of Main Ideas •Final Comment • Thesis again Conclusion
15 In conclusion, I disagree that parents should teach their children about sports and exercise. 16 Parents are not really qualified to teach about sports and may not have enough time. 17 Therefore, I believe it is more appropriate for students to get physical education training in a school environment.
15
16
17
Level 4 Writing 24
Discussion Essay - Practice Topics
Some people feel that exercise and sports are the most important way to maintain good health, while others feel a balanced diet is more important.
Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.
Some people think social media has benefitted personal relationships while others disagree.
Discuss both of these viewpoints and give your opinion.
Some people believe that stronger punishments are necessary to reduce crime, while other people disagree with this view.
Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
Some people think that public and private workers should have the same holidays, while others disagree.
Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion..
Some people feel that art and music classes should be included as part of children’s basic education, while others feel they are not essential in primary education.
Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that surveillance cameras in public places are a good idea, while others believe they violate people’s privacy.
Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.