Listening (3)

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Click HERE to listen to Task 2

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Listening Practice (2)

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Revision Vocabulary B2.2

Writing: OPINION ESSAYS

TIPS:

• First read the rubric and make sure you understand what you are expected to write about.
• Decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
• Write a PLAN : think about your topic and write down ideas, words and phrases related to the topic.
• Group your ideas and put them in a logical order.
• 
  
• An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing, therefore you cannot use informal language.
• It requires your opinion on a topic, which must be stated clearly and supported by reasons or examples.

An opinion essay should consist of:  An INTRODUCTION has three elements: 1. opening statement - a hook (it grabs reader`s attention) 2. background information about the topic 3. a clear opinion statement (your position) A MAIN BODY (DEVELOPMENT) with 2 or 3 supporting paragraphs: Each paragraph presents a different argument supported by details/examples/reasons/justifications. A CONCLUSION has three elements: 1. a reformulated opinion/Reinforced opinion 2. summary of the main arguments presented in your text 3. a closing statement that makes your reader reflect on the issue (a recommendation, suggestion, an intelligent question)

REMEMBER:

~        Write well-developed paragraphs.

~        Write clear ideas, be specific, explain things well .

~        GRAMMAR: use present tenses, the passive voice and if possible, conditional sentences (types 2 and 3) and in general B2 grammar.

~        VOCABULARY of the topic.

~        Use connectors and linking words/ phrases (transition words) to make your writing more interesting to the reader, and easier to understand. BUT do not overuse those connectors!

TO EXPRESS OPINION ·        In my opinion, ·         Personally, I think/ I believe (that ·           I strongly believe that…. ·           It is clear (to me) that ·           I (completely) agree/disagree with … ·           As I see it, … ·           In my view,... ·           From my point of view, … ·           As far I am concerned, ... ·           I am sure/ convinced that …	TO EXPRESS FACTS It is widely known that… It is a well-known fact that … Research has shown that… There are definitely… It is a fact that… It is clear/ true that… For example/ for instance,... Such as... Like...	TO EXPRESS CONTRAST Although… Despite… ...In spite of ...Whereas ...However.... In contrast... /but.../ Nevertheless...  On the one hand... /on the other hand... TO EXPRESS PURPOSE So (that) In order to... To... So as to...
TO GIVE REASONS ·      My main reason is…./Another reason… ·      One reason for… is …. ·      Many people say/ believe that… ·      Because… Since…Because of/ due to...	TO ADD IDEAS ·             What is more,… ·             Moreover/ furthermore/ in addition (to)/ Besides ·             Firstly,…First of all,…Secondly,..Thirdly,…Lastly,… Finally,…	TO CONCLUDE To sum up,… To conclude... In conclusion... All things considered All in all…

Find further info HERE

See some examples from the British Council