HOW TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH

Parts of a Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence

2. Supporting Details

3. Closing Sentence

How to Write a Paragraph

1. Prewriting Paragraphs

2. Writing Paragraphs

3. Editing Paragraphs

4. Publishing Paragraphs

Kinds of Paragraphs

1. Definition 5. Sequence

2. Classification 6. Choice

3. Description 7. Explanation

4. Compare and Contrast 8. Evaluation

PART 1: Parts of a Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence

What is the topic sentence? 

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do? 

It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one? 

Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

2. Supporting Details

What are supporting sentences? 

They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.

What do they do? 

They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write them? 

You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

3. Closing Sentence

What is the closing sentence? 

The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do? 

It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one? 

Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live .

PART 2: How to Write a Paragraph

1. Prewriting Paragraphs

What is the prewriting stage?

The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your ideas for your paragraph before you begin writing.

Six Prewriting Steps:

1. Think carefully about what you are going to write. Ask yourself:

o What question am I going to answer in this paragraph or essay?

o How can I best answer this question? What is the most important part of my answer?

o How can I make an introductory sentence (or thesis statement) from the most important part of my answer?

o What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence?

o How can I make this paragraph or essay interesting?

o Do I need more facts on this topic?

o Where can I find more facts on this topic?

2. Open your notebook. Write out your answers to the above questions. You do not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to help you remember why and how you are going to write your paragraph or essay.

3. Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic. Look for and write down facts that will help you to answer your question. Timesaving hint: make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact question you are going to answer in your paragraph or essay.

4. Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself:

o What else do I want to say about this topic?

o Why should people be interested in this topic?

o Why is this topic important?

5. Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay. Choose the most important point you are going to present. If you cannot decide which point is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it throughout your paragraph or essay.

6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea. Once you have chosen the most important point of your paragraph or essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it. Look at the facts you have written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide which facts and ideas will best support the main idea of your paragraph. Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask yourself which order to put them in the paragraph. Write down your own note set that you can use to guide yourself as you write your paragraph or essay.

2. Writing Paragraphs

What is the writing stage?

The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.

Five Writing Steps:

1. Open your notebook and word processor.

2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence.

3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.

4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.

5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your ideas.

3. Editing Paragraphs

What is the editing stage?

The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them.

Grammar and Spelling

1. Check your spelling.

2. Check your grammar.

3. Read your essay again.

4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.

5. See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.

6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.

7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.

Style and Organization

1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.

2. Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.

3. Make sure you have a closing sentence.

4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.

5. See if your paragraph is interesting.

4. Publishing Paragraphs

What is the publishing stage?

The publishing stage is when you produce a final copy of your paragraph to hand in.

Three Publishing Steps:

1. Make a paper copy of your paragraph.

2. Show your work to your teacher, tutor, or parents.

3. Ask them for hints on how to improve your writing.

PART 3: Kinds of Paragraphs

1. Definition Paragraph

When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and explain what it is.

Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.

The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph:

1. "is defined as"

Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.

2. "is a kind of"

Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.

2. Classification Paragraph

When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into specific categories.

Example:     Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy resources.

The following words can help you to write a good classification paragraph:

o is a kind of Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.

o can be divided into Energy resources can be divided into two types.

o is a type of Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.

o falls under Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.

o belongs to Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.

o is a part of Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.

o fits into Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.

o is grouped with Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.

o is related to Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.

o is associated with Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.

3. Description Paragraph

In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a person, place, or thing is like. Sometimes, you may describe where a place is located.

Examples

Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks like.

Describe where Canada's industry is located.

The following words can help you to write a good description paragraph:

Properties Measurement Analogy Location

size length is like in

colour width resembles above

shape mass/weight below

purpose speed beside

near

north/east/south/west

Properties

Size

Example:     Polar bears are big in size.

Colour

Example:     Polar bears are usually white in colour.

Shape

Example:     Polar bears have a special shape.

Purpose

Example:     The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.

Measurement

Length

Example:     The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.

Width

Example:     The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.

mass / weight 

Example:     Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.

Speed

Example:     Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.

Analogy

Is like 

Example:     A polar bear is like other bears in shape.

Resembles

Example:     A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.

Location

In

Example:     Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and Quebec.

Above

Example:     The ceiling is above us.

Below

Example:     Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.

Beside

Example:     Quebec is located beside Ontario.

Near

Example:     Many companies are located near Toronto.

north / east / south / west

Example:     Ontario is west of Quebec.

4. Compare and Contrast Paragraph

In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, things, or ideas.

Example:  Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Vancouver and Halifax.

The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph:

Similarities Differences

is similar to the other hand

both however

also but

too in contrast

as well differs from

while

unlike

Similarities

is similar to

Example:   Spring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in Halifax.

Both

Example:   Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.

Also

Example:   Halifax also has a rainy spring season.

Too

Example:   Halifax has a rainy spring season, too.

As well

Example:   As well, Halifax has rainy spring season.

Differences

On the other hand

Example:   On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.

However

Example:   However, winter is much colder in Halifax.

But

Example:   Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.

In contrast to

Example:   In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.

Differs from

Example:   Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.

While

Example:   While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold winter.

5. Sequence Paragraph

In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time.

Example:   Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the prime minister.

The following words can help you to write a good sequence paragraph.

Order Time

first, second, third, etc. recently

in the beginning previously

before afterwards

then when

after after

finally

at last

subsequently

Order

First, second, third, etc.

Example:   First, you need to become a leader of a political party. Second, you need to win a seat in the House of Commons. Third, your party must have a majority of seats.

In the beginning

Example:   In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political party.

Before

Example:   Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the leader of a political party.

Then

Example:   Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.

After

Example:   After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a majority of seats.

Finally

Example:   Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the prime minister.

at last

Example:   At last, you can call yourself the prime minister.

Subsequently

Example:   Subsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

Time

Recently

Example:   She was recently elected prime minister.

Previously

Example:   She is the new prime minister. Previously, she worked as a lawyer in Toronto.

Afterwards

Example:   She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won the election.

When

Example:   When she won the party leadership, she was still working as a lawyer.

after

Example:   After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a majority of seats.

6. Choice Paragraph

In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. Often, you will need to give your opinion on a choice of actions or events.

Example:    Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to play hockey or lacrosse.

The following words can help you to write a good choice paragraph:

Point of View Personal Opinion

in my opinion like/dislike

belief hope

idea feel

understanding

I think that

I consider

I believe

it seems to me

I prefer

Point of View

In my opinion

Example:     In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

Belief

Example:     My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

Idea

Example:     My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

Understanding

Example:     My understanding is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.

I think that

Example:     I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.

I consider

Example:     I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.

I believe

Example:     I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.

It seems to me

Example: It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.

I prefer

Example: I prefer hockey over lacrosse.

Personal Opinions

Like/dislike

Example: I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.

Hope

Example: I hope that I can play hockey in the future.

Feel

Example: I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.

7. Explanation Paragraph

In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens. Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events.

Example:     Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the nineteenth century.

The following words can help you to write a good explanation paragraph:

Cause Effect

because therefore

since thus

as a result of consequently

is due to hence

it follows that

if . . . then

Cause

Because

Example: People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.

Since

Example:   Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.

As a result of

Example:   People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in Europe.

Is due to / was due to

Example:   The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe.

Effect

Therefore

Example:   Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

Thus

Example:   Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people moved to Canada for a better life.

Consequently

Example:   Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many people moved to Canada.

Hence

Example:   Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people moved to Canada.

It follows that

Example:   Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many people moved to Canada.

If ... then

Example:   If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people would have moved to Canada.

8. Evaluation Paragraph

In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You need to make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. In the paragraph, you will state your evaluation or recommendation and then support it by referring to your criteria.

Example:   Write a paragraph evaluating whether pesticides should be used on farms.

The following words can help you to write a good evaluation paragraph:

Criteria for Evaluation Recommendation

good / bad suggest

correct / incorrect recommend

moral / immoral advise

right / wrong argue

important / trivial

Criteria

Good / bad

Example:   The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment.

Correct / incorrect

Example:   The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.

Moral / immoral

Example:   The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it harms the environment.

Right / wrong

Example:   It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the environment.

Important / trivial

Example:   The issue of pesticides is an important one because it affects the environment.

Recommendation

Suggest

Example:   I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.

Recommend

Example:   I recommend that pesticides should not be used because they are harmful to the environment.

Advise

Example:   I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.

Argue

Example:   I would argue that pesticides should not be used because they harm the environment.

Writing a paragraph

Một đoạn văn là một loạt câu phát triển, ủng hộ, chứng minh một ý nào đó, và ý này thường là câu chủ đề (topic sentence) của đoạn văn. Các câu còn lại (supporting sentences) phát triển, giải thích, minh họa cho câu chủ đề. Câu kết luận (concluding sentence) của đoạn văn là câu khẳng định lại câu chủ điểm, tóm tắt lại các ý chính của đoạn văn.

1. Topic sentence

o Introduces the topic in the paragraph

o Is the most general sentence in the paragraph

o Contains controlling ideas that the following sentences in the paragraph will explain/ define/ clarify/ illustrate

* A controlling idea is a word or phrase that the reader can ask questions about: How? Why? In what ways? What does that mean?

Ex: The conical leaf hat is one of the typical features of the Vietnamese culture.

Topic: conical leaf hat

Controlling ideas: What is it? (typical feature of the Vietnamese culture), In what way is it typical?

2. Supporting sentences

develop the topic sentence by giving:

o reasons

o examples

o facts

o statistics

o quotations

3. Concluding sentence

o Signals the end of the paragraph

o Summarizes the main points of the paragraph/ restates the topic sentence without copying exactly

o Gives a final comment on the topic

Vậy trước khi viết một đoạn văn, HS hãy theo các bước sau:

o Liệt kê tất cả những ý có thể nghĩ ra được có liên quan đến chủ đề đó.

o Đọc chủ đề cho sẵn, rồi chọn viết một câu chủ đề. Gạch chân câu chủ đề này để nhắc các em về trọng tâm của đoạn văn.

o Viết ra các ý giải thích và làm rõ câu chủ đề.

o Với mỗi ý lớn, hãy viết ra các ví dụ, số liệu…dùng để minh họa.

o Nghĩ cách kết thúc đoạn văn và viết nó ra.

Sau khi đã làm dàn ý như trên, hãy bắt đầu viết và bám sát dàn ý đã vạch ra.

Để đoạn văn có thể liên kết với nhau và thống nhất trong một mạch chảy của bài viết, HS phải biết cách sử dụng các từ nối câu cho hợp lý. Sau đây là bảng các từ/ cụm từ nối.

Useful expressions

Sequencing/ Listing First of all, First(ly), Initially, To begin with; Second(ly); Third(ly); Next; Then; After that (this); Following this (that); Finally; The first reason is…/ The second is…; Last but not least…

Adding to what you have said

Also, Furthermore, In addition, Additionally, Moreover, Besides, As well as, Similarly, not only…but also…, even beside this/ that

Contrasting In contrast to this, On the contrary, In contrast, Conversely, On the other hand, While, Whereas, However, Despite/ In spite of, Although, Even though, Otherwise, Nonetheless

Expressing similarity Similarly; Likewise, In the same way

Showing results As a result, As a consequence,

Consequently, Hence, Thus, Therefore, So

Giving examples For example, For instance, In particular, Particularly, That is to say, Namely, Such as

Restating In other words, That is to say, To put it simply

Inferring In other words, In that case, or else, Otherwise

Summarizing In summary, To sum up, To conclude, To recapitulate, In conclusion, In short, In brief, In a nutshell, Lastly, Finally

Writing an essay

Một bài luận là một bài viết dài hơn và thường gồm nhiều đoạn và mỗi đoạn văn thường theo cấu trúc đoạn văn trình bày trên. Tuy nhiên, cách viết đoạn mở đầu (introductory paragraph) và đoạn kết (concluding paragraph) đặc thù như sau:

1. The introductory paragraph

• The attention getter

- a sentence that gets the reader interested

• The main idea

- the topic or thesis of the essay

• The guide/ thesis statement (the last sentence of the introductory paragraph)

- a list of the points that will be discussed, thus showing the organization of the composition

Ex: There are many things that symbolize the Vietnamese culture. Among these is the conical leaf hat, a symbol of traditional Vietnamese girls. The hat is very special because of its physical features and its use.

- Attention getter: There are many things that symbolize the Vietnamese culture.

- Topic/ thesis: Among these is the conical leaf hat, a symbol of traditional Vietnamese girls.

- The guide/ thesis statement: The hat is very special because of its physical features and its use.

2. Body

Các đoạn tiếp theo sau đoạn mở đầu sẽ phát triển tương ứng các ý được đề cập trong câu chủ đề của bài luận, và cách viết tuân thủ theo cách viết đoạn văn đã được đề cập trên. Ví dụ, đối với phần mở bài trên, phần thân bài sẽ có 2 đoạn: Paragraph 1: physical features & Paragraph 2: its use

3. The concluding paragraph

Là đoạn cuối của bài luận. Thường có 3 cách để viết đoạn kết.

• A summary repeats the main points of the essay.

• A prediction discusses what will happen in the future.

• An evaluation compares the main points and states what is best.

Tóm lại:

Structure of the Paragraph and the Essay

• Main idea (topic sentence or thesis)

• Support for the main idea (a number of supporting details in a paragraph or a number of paragraphs in an essay)

• Conclusion (summary of the main points of support for the main idea)

The writing process for the Paragraph and the Essay

• First steps

o understanding the assignment

o narrowing the topic

o determining the writing context

o formulating a main idea

• Generating ideas

o stating the main idea

o brainstorming

o freewriting

o listing

o clustering

o diving

• Organizing ideas

o Drafting

o Revising

o Editing

Writing an argumentative essay

Thể loại viết tranh luận thường gặp đối với các vấn đề có 2 mặt, ví dụ như các ưu và nhược của máy tính/ Internet… Đề bài thường yêu cầu cho biết quan điểm về vấn đề nào đó; ủng hộ hay chống đối; hoàn toàn đồng ý hay bất đồng.

Thể loại viết tranh luận cũng theo cấu trúc cơ bản của một bài luận, từ đoạn mở đầu, các đoạn thân bài, cũng như kết luận. Tuy nhiên, viết một bài tranh luận thường yêu cầu một kỹ năng viết riêng; đó là ngôn ngữ sử dụng để tranh luận, chứng minh hay biện giải cho quan điểm đưa ra. Sau đây là một số ngôn ngữ hữu dụng cần khi viết thể loại này.

1. Introducing arguments

• First of all,…

• On the other hand,…

• It is worth remembering that…

• Another advantage is…

• In addition to this…

• Another point is that…

• What is more,..

• Some people believe that…

• To begin with…

2. Contrasting a previous statement or justifying an opinion

a. Common expressions

o On the other hand,…

o In spite of this,…

o It is worth pointing out, however,…

o In contrast,…

o There again,…

o Others feel that…

o Nevertheless/ However? Nonetheless

o That may be true, but…

o In my opinion, it is true to say…

o Personally, I believe/ I do not believe that…

o Having said that, it is important to remember that…

o At the same time, I feel that…

o Although some people feel…

o Perhaps the most important point, however, is…

o Another important consideration is that…

o One of the main arguments against … is…

Several objections to…may be raised.

o All things considered/ On balance, it is fair to say that…

o It is inevitable/ undeniable that…

o While I appreciate the importance of…, I still think that…

o Most people would argue that…

o On the whole/ Overall,…

o Many people would disagree with the assertion/ idea that…

o The fact that… does not mean…

o It may be true that…but…

o However, it is doubtful/ I doubt whether…

b. Use double negative to give emphasis to an unexpected

o While it is not unusual/ uncommon/ impossible for sb/ sth to do sth, it is quite usual/ common/ possible that…

o While it is not inconceivable that…, there is slight possibility that…

c. Summarizing

Nên tóm tắt các ý chính vừa thảo luận để giới thiệu phần tranh luận tiếp theo, nhằm cho người đọc biết mình đang tranh luận theo hướng nào. Có thể dùng các ngôn ngữ sau:

o Having looked at/ discussed a number of problems/ benefits, we should now consider…

o Given the problems/ factors which have been outlined, we can now turn to the question of…/ we need to ask…/ we have to examine the case.

3. Concluding

o In conclusion,…

o In summary,…

o To conclude/ To sum up/ To summarize,…

o In short,…

o In the last analysis,…

o On balance, I would say that…

Describing a film/ a book/ a place

IV. Describing a film/ book

1. What to write

Khi mô tả một bộ phim/ cuốn sách, HS nên đưa vào các phần sau:

o Title and author

o Type of book/ film

o Characters

o Events in the film/ book

o Your opinion of the film/ book

o Personal recommendation

2. How to write

a. Viết tiêu đề

Tiêu đề phim/ sách thường được gạch dưới hoặc in nghiêng. Từ quan trọng thường được viết hoa, trong khi các từ chức năng như and, in, a… thường được viết thường trừ phi chúng là từ đầu tiên của tiêu đề.

Ex: Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands

b. Dùng tính từ để làm cho bài mô tả phim/ sách hấp dẫn

o Type of book/ film: a detective story/ film; a romantic novel; a love story film; an adventure story; a science fiction novel; a historical novel; a humorous story; a thriller

o Adjectives to describe film/ book: funny; hilarious; horrifying = frightening; interesting; gripping; exciting; fascinating; entertaining; brilliant; realistic; sad; tragic; imaginative; touching = moving; action-packed; well-written; well-directed; well/beautifully-filmed; wonderfully-acted…

o Adjectives to describe author/ director: great; skilled; observant; gifted = talented; perceptive; entertaining…

c. Cấu trúc

o Mô tả: It’s called…; It’s by…; It was (written/ directed/ produced/ published/ designed) by/ in…; It’s by the same (writer/ director) as…; It’s his/ her first/ second (book/ film); It’s about/ tells the story of…; It stars…; It’s set in…; It’s based

on…; It’s adapted from…; It lasts about…hour(s); The story is very simple/ complicated.

o Bày tỏ ý kiến cá nhân: The (acting/ story/ graphics) is/ are brilliant/ terrible.; The best/ worst thing(s) about it is/ are…; …..is really boring/ annoying/ exciting.; Another thing I really liked/ hated was…; One weak point was…; It’s well worth seeing.; I’d recommend it to anyone who likes…; I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone…..

o Thì V: dùng simple present để mô tả phim/ sách dù là kể lại các sự kiện xảy ra trong quá khứ.

o Dùng ngữ đồng vị:

Ex: Titanic, a tragic love story film, is about a couple on a sinking ship.

V. Describing a place

1. Outline

o What it is

o Location

o Size

o Population

o Area

o Main attractions

o Your feeling (s)/ opinion(s)

2. Useful language

o What: It is a small/ big village/ town/ city.; It is … in area.; Its total area is …; It has a population of…

o How: cosmopolitan; crowded; densely-populated; sparsely-populated; exciting; romantic; charming; historical; industrial; noisy; ugly; modern; old-fashioned; ancient; peaceful; polluted; popular with tourists…

o Where: It is located/ situated in the west/ southern/ centre of…; It is near the border with…; It is on the river X.; It is famous for…; It is about/ approximately … km from…

o Main attractions: an industrial area; beautiful scenery nearby; an underground system or trams; sandy beaches; docks or a habour; spectacular views; shopping malls or street markets; a carnival/ festival or other events

VI. Writing an announcement about a sports event

Writing an announcement cơ bản là viết một bản tin để thông báo một sự kiện nào đó. Vì thế, ngôn ngữ thông báo thường ngắn gọn, rõ ràng và dễ hiểu. Thông thường để thu hút sự chú ý của người đọc, các nội dung chính thường được in đậm, gạch dưới, hoặc viết in hoa.

Tips

o Keep it short, inviting and to the point.

o Making the information in the announcement clear and complete.

o Be straightforward and concise so the reader can get the information quickly and be able to refer to it easily.

Ngoài ra, các chữ viết tắt đôi lúc cũng sử dụng, mạo từ, giới từ… cũng được bỏ đi.

HO CHI MINH COMMUNIST YOUTH UNION

In celebration of the International Workers’ Day

Friendly Football Match

Cantho Youth Union vs. Local Sports Club

4 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 201…

School Stadium

*************

All teachers and students are invited.

Nguyen Van A

Head of the Union

Về nội dung, một thông báo về một sự kiện thể thao thường bao gồm các thông tin sau:

Who that announcer is.

What the event is.

The purpose of the event

When and where the event will take place.

Who can come.

Ví dụ về một đoạn văn viết bằng tiếng Anh:

Your school organizes a competition for students to write about The world in which I would like to live in the year 2020.

Below is an essay by one of the studens.

 My ideal world would be a peaceful one. There are no wars or conflicts between nations. People won't have to live under the threat of terrorism but all live together in harmony. Everyone has a job to do, and there is a good healthy standard of living for all. I would also wish to live in a clean healthy environment with less noise and less pollution. There are more and larger parks where children can play and wildlife can be protected. But my main desire is to see people less materialistic, less selfish, less violent and more loving than they are now. (Trang 89 - 90 SGK Tiếng Anh 12)

Bản dịch tiếng Việt:

Thế giới lý tưởng của tôi là một thế giới hòa bình. (Thế giới đó) Không có chiến tranh hoặc mâu thuẫn giũa các quốc gia. Người dân sẽ không phải sống dưới nỗi sợ khủng bố mà tất cả mọi người cùng chung sống hòa thuận. Ai cũng có công ăn việc làm và mọi người đều có mức sống tốt đẹp. Tôi cũng muốn sống trong một môi trường trong sạch, lành mạnh có it tiếng ồn và it bị ô nhiễm. Nhưng khát vọng của tôi là được nhìn thấy mọi người bớt tôn sùng vật chất, bớt ích kỷ, bớt bạo lực và thương yêu nhau nhiều hơn.)

 Trong đoạn văn trên, câu đầu tiên (My ideal world would be a peaceful one.) là câu chủ đề, trong đó topic là My ideal world và controlling idea là a peaceful one (hiểu là a peaceful world)

 Các câu văn còn lại là supporting sentences.

 Tác giả sắp xếp supporting sentences theo trật tự từ chi tiết ít quan trọng nhất đến quan trọng nhất  

Đề thi bạn có thể gặp: Write about the ideal world in which you would like to live in the year 2020. (Trang 90 SGK Tiếng Anh 12)

 Như vậy, trong kỳ thi THPT Quốc gia, đề bài yêu cầu viết một đoạn văn, các em cần bình tĩnh thực hiện các bước sau:

 1/ Viết câu chủ đề. (cần triệt để lợi dụng đề bài để viết thành câu chủ đề.)

 2/ Kiểm tra lại câu chủ đề để biết chắc trong câu chủ đề có topic và controlling idea.

 3/ Tìm ý để chứng minh/diễn giải ý chính bằng cách đặt các câu hỏi mở đầu bằng từ nghi vấn. Lưu ý: do độ dài của đoạn văn bị khống chế nên các em chỉ cần đặt khoảng 5 câu hỏi là được. Nhớ rằng các câu hỏi phải liên quan đến câu chủ đề.

 4/ Ráp các câu trả lời cho các câu hỏi (supporting sentences) lại thành một đoạn văn hoàn chỉnh. Cần nhớ mấu chốt ở bước này là phải biết chắc mình đang sử dụng trật tự nào để ráp nối supporting sentences.

 5/ Cân nhắc có nên viết câu kết hay không. Nếu không chắc chắn thì bỏ qua bước này.

 6/ Kiểm tra lại các lỗi chính tả, lỗi ngữ pháp có thể có trong từng câu viết của bạn. Lưu ý: cũng như phần viết thư, các em chỉ nên dùng những loại câu đơn giản như câu đơn, câu kép, câu phức. Nói chung, từ ngữ, cách diễn đạt càng rõ ràng, càng đơn giản càng tốt.

PRACTICE EXERCISES

Topic 1: writing a letter of job application

Topic 2: Writing TOPIC 2 – A MAGAZINE ARTICLE

Topic 3: DESCRIBING PLACES OF INTEREST

TOPIC 4 – A REVIEW OF A FILM

TOPIC 5 – AN ESSAY ON A GLOBE ISSUE

TOPIC 6 – A STORY DESCRIBING A CRIME

TOPIC 7 – A BOOK REVIEW

TOPIC 8 – A NARRATIVE TELLING THE STORY OF AN EVENT

TOPIC 9 – PRESENTING OPINION FOR OR AGAINST STATEMENT

TOPIC 10 – DISCUSSING A THEORETICAL ISSUE

MORE EXERCISES

Exercise 1:

Imagine you are an American student volunteer, who stayed in Mrs. Mai’s house during your one-month volunteer campaign in a remote villagw. Now you have just returned home. Write a letter to thank her for her special help and care to you and your friends during the time you stayed there.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

1. Paragraph 1 September 12th, 2015

- reason to write New York

- say you really appreciated Dear Mrs. Mai,

1. Paragraph 2

Exercise 2:

Some people think that family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 3:

Write a description of the popular celebrations in Vietnam [e.g. Mid-autumn festival, National Independence Day, Tet Holiday]. Your description should include the following main points

Name of the festival

Time of the festival

purpose of the festival

main activities of the festival

your fellings about the festival {whether you like it or not and the reasons}

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 4: describing your prparation for Tet holiday

In 130-150 words, write a paragraph on what you like and don’t like about out Tet holidays. Your writing hsould include the activities people often do before and during Tet, the food and the weather at Tet. You may use the cues below.

Before Tet: clean and decorate the house/buy peach flowers, kumquat trees/ buy things {sweets, candies, ….}

During Tet: cook traditional foods/ go to pagoda or church/ visit relatives and friends/ ………..

Typical foods: banh chung/ fruit jams/

The weather: cold and wet/ cool and windy/ sunny

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 5: an essay

Write a paragraph of 120-150 words about the measures to protect the environment, using the cues below:

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Introduction: we/ try to find sollutions/ environment pollution

We are trying to find sollutions to the

environment pollution. There are a number of

Solutions but I think people should

Body:

- people/ stopcutting trees for timbers/ instead, they/ plant more trees and forests./

- people/ reduce using cars, motorbike/ that cause noise and air pollution./

- we / prevent farmers/ use fertilizers and pesticides/ that damage soil./

- people/ not to leave/ litter on land and in water./

- we/ prohibit factories/ dump industrial waster/ rivers and lakes./

Conclusion:

- it/ be/ high time/ government/ have suitable measures/ that require companies, individuals/ stop cutting down/ polluting activities.

Exercise 6:

Imagine Vietnam is going to host the coming Asian Games. Write a paragraph of 130-150 words to desvribe the preparations for the games, using the cues below.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Build: more national stadium, some sportd buildings and cars parks

To prepare for the coming Asian Games, we have a lot of things to do.

First of all, we will

Build: National Sports Centres and local stadiums (old are not in good condition)

Widen: training ares and roads to sports buildings

Equip: hotels, guess houses, with modern facilities [also special services for disabled athletes]

Promote and advertise: preparations for the Asian Games on TV and radio

Recruit: voluteers to serve the Games [university teachers and students with good English]

Hold: competition to choose an official song

Exercise 7:

Write a paragraph of 130-150 words about your collection, real or imaginary. These guidelines may help you.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Name of collectiom

How to collect them

How to keep them

When to start it

How to clasify them

Why to collect

Your plan for the future

……………………….

Exercise 8:

“Fifty years from now life will be much easier and healthier for ordinary people than it is today.”

Do you agree or dis agree with the statement. Give the reasons.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 9:

Write a paragraph of 130-150 words about your class’s camping holiday, real or imaginary, using the information below.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

- the bus leaving the school at 5 a.m.

- putting up the unberella tents

- watching wildlife in the forest

- swimming in the lake

- going fishing and hiking

- cooking food over an open fire

- singing and dancing around the campfire

- playing games

- leaving the campsite at 4 p.m. the next day

- felling relax and active

* useful words: campgrounds/ wildeness/ waterfalls/ dirt bike/ trash/ gaint trees/ depressed/ solitude/

* be atracted to the beauty of nature/ like the solitude of the wildeness/ enjoy spectacular scenery/ have a lot of outdoor activities/ get close to nature/ become more active/ sleep in a tent/ the weather was bad/ ….

Exercise 10:

Below are some notes made by a visitor to the Ponagar Cham Tower in Nha Trang. Use his/her notes to write a report of 130-150 words on the visit.

Your outline here Your writing here

1. Brief information:

- Brief tour to Ponagar Cham Tower in Nha Trang

- example of Cham architecture in central Vietnam

2. Details

- consists of 4 towers

- located on Cu Lao Marble Hill, 2 km north Nha trang

- built between 8th and 13th centuries

- each tower delicated to a different god

- largest tower 22.5m high, built in honour of Lady Thien Y, contain sandstone statue, sit on Buddha’s throne

Statue 2.6m high, with 10 hands, hold objects, illustrate the buddha’s power

3. Summary of the visit

- last 5 hours

- tiring but enjoyable, memorable

Exercise 11:

What rules do you have in your family. Write a paragraph of 180-200 words about your family rules. You can use the cues below.

LET/ ALLOW/ BE ALLOWED/ HAVE TO/ PERMIT

Doing some household chores Coming home late

Preparing meals

Watching TV

Talking on the phone

Using the family motorbike

Going out with friends

………………………….

Example here Your writing here

Every family has its own rules. Mine has a few. First, I have to prepare meals because my mother is very busy with her work. Next, I am permitted to watch TV after I have finished my homework. My mother also lets me talk on the phone with friends provided that I don’t use it too long. As a girl, I am not permitted to come home late except for some special reasons. My parents don’t allow me to use the family motorbike for fear that I may have accident. Despite the severe rules, we all feel comfortable and safe because we know that our parents want the best things for us.

Every family has its own rules and of course mine has a few. It was the rules that make our

Exercise 12:

1. Paragraph 1

Your writing here

2. Paragraph 2

Your writing here

3. Paragraph 3

Your writing here

Exercise 13:

Your writing here

Exercise 15:

1. Example

2. Writing task.

Example:

My ideal world will be an interesting one. People won’t use money or credit cards anymore. Special machines will read our fingerprints and we will pay for thing that way. We will not have to type on computers.

Instead, we will say the words and the computer will type them. Cars will drive themselves. We will just tell the cars where to go. So kids at my age will be able to drive. We will have a pet robot dog. I will not have to feed it, and I will not have to walk it. The dog will only need batteries.

People will live longer, and they will be active longer. People will not get sick any more. There will be many more treatments to cure sickness.

Your outline here Your writing here

- World peace:

He/She would like to live in a peaceful world.

There will be no wars, no conflicts.

People won’t have to live under the threat of terrorision.

People all over the world live in harmony.

- Employment:

Every one will have jobs.

- Environment:

There will be clean and healthy environment.

There will be less noise, less pollution, larger parks and wildlife will be well protected.

- People:

People will be less materialistic, selfish, violent and more loving.

Exercise 16:

1. Example

Problems Solutions

1/ People do not know much about the need to protect rare and endangered animals.

2/ Projects to save endangered animals do not have sufficient

a/ Punish severely those who poach for their horns, meat and skin and those who buy and sell wildlife products illegally.

b/ Stop people from hunting

funds.

3/ The habitats for endangered animals are being seriously damaged and polluted.

4/ People who live in or near endangered animals’ habitats have poor living conditions and rely mostly on wildlife products for their livelihood.

5/ Some countries do not have laws to protect endangered animals.

6/ People keep buying fashionable wildlife products.

7/ There are not enough wildlife habitat reserves.

endangered animals for food and for commercial purposes.

c/ Ask other non-governmental organizations and individuals to sponsor by advertising them on mass media.

d/ Establish more wildlife habitat reserves.

e/ Ask people not to use these products. Make them feel guilty to use them.

f/ Preserve good habitats for endangered species by banning dumping wastes into the sea, making campfires in the forests or destroying the forests

g/These animals should be kept together in their natural habitat so that they can be productive and saved from extinction.

Answer: 1b 2c 3f 4a 5g 6e 7d

2. Writing task

Write a paragraph of 180-200 words about measures for protecting endangerd animals.

Your outline here Your writing here

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

- There are a number of measures that should be taken to protect endangered animals.

There are a number of measures that should be taken to protect endangerd animals. For me the main mesures are ………………………

First of all, ……………

There should be..

One thing we can do is ..

Moreover……

Last but not least, …..

We can see that………

Exercise 17: Writing a book report.

1. Example:

Example:

I would like to introduce you “Falling into bed”, a funny story. It was written by Phil Healey. Last autumn an Englishman went to the United States to visit some important places. On the last day of his holiday he went to New York to visit the Empire State Building. The weather was cold and it was very windy but he walked up… and up ..and up. He arrived at the top and looked down at the street below. Suddenly there was a strong wind and he fell off the building. But when he was only a hundred metres from the street, a big car came round the corner with a bed on top of it . He hit the bed, not the road. Lucky man !

“Falling into bed” is a strange and interesting story.

2. Writing task:

Write a report of 180-200 words on the book you have read recently. The folowing questions can help you.

Your outline here Your writing here

S1:general introduction

7. What is the title of the book? Falling into

Bed

4. Who is the author? Phil Healey

9. What the type of book is it? A funny story.

S2:Summary of the book’s content

2. Where is the book set? New York

5. What is the main theme of the book? Urban myths

6. Who are the main characters? Englishman

8. What is the plot of the story?

S3:Conclusion

1.What was your opinion of the book?

3.would you recommend the book?

Exercise 18:

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? “ You shouold never make a decision on your future career alone.”

Write a composition of about 180-200 words to support your answer.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 19:

Write a composition of about 180-200 words on the following topic.

“ The invention of the Internet has had negative effect on our children.”

Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 20:

“What are important quanlities of a good student?”

Write a composition of about 180-200 words, using specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 21:

“Good books are good teachers and friends.”

Write a composition of about 180-200 words, using specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 22:

“In the future students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television, or of studying at traditional schools. Which do you prefer?”

Write a composition of about 180-200 words to support your position.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 23:

“Some people prefer to live in the countryside. Others thinkliving in big cities is better and comfortable. Which place do you prefer to live in?”

Write a paragraph of about 180-200 to explain your choice.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 24:

“Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a group. Others think that it is always better to work in groups. Which do you prefer?”

Write a paragraph of about 180-200 words to support your position.

Your outline here Your writing here