英语 来源：湖北高考网 发布时间:2023年11月09日 10:45:37
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1?Try this exercise using the essay in last week's lesson:
1.Read the essay and make sure you understand it.
2.Read it again slowly, and make notes on a separate piece of paper. Just write the main idea or key words from each sentence (there are only 13 sentences in the whole essay).
3.Hide my essay, and try to rewrite it using only your notes. Don't try to memorise the essay exactly as I wrote it; the aim is to see if you can write a similar essay using the same key ideas.
4.Compare your essay with mine. Did you write the same number of sentences? Did you include the same key vocabulary? Did you use the vocabulary correctly? Does your essay 'flow' as well as mine does?
You can learn a lot by doing this exercise. Apparently, this is how Benjamin Franklin worked on his writing skills! He describes the technique in chapter 2, paragraph 6 of his autobiography, which you can read here.
#Timing
If you haven't seen my advice about timing before, here's a reminder.
You have 40 minutes for writing task 2, and I suggest that you:
?Spend the first 10 minutes planning your essay structure and brainstorming ideas for the two main body paragraphs.
?Spend 5 minutes writing your 2-sentence introduction.
?Spend 20 minutes on the main body (10 minutes for each paragraph).
?Spend the last 5 minutes writing your conclusion and checking everything.
?# 如何写草稿
Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Here's our plan for a 4-paragraph essay:
1.Introduction: Topic = best age to learn a foreign language. Our opinion = better to learn at primary school age.
2.Disadvantagesof learning languages at primary age: other subjects are more important at that age (maths, mother tongue language, science), learning a new language is confusing and wastes time, could delay development of child's first language.
3.Advantagesof learning languages at primary age: young children learn faster, they are less self-conscious or shy, they pick up the pronunciation better, they enjoy copying and learning through games, nowadays languages are just as important as maths etc.
4.Conclusion: repeat / summarise our answer.
The plan took us 10 minutes to write. With a plan like this, it should be easy to write a good essay in 30 minutes.
2、审题
Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Question 1 contains two opinions: "wild animals have no place in the 21st century" and "protecting them is a waste of resources". These two opinions are connected, and we need to address both of them in our answer. A good way to do this might be to disagree completely, and to write one main body paragraph for each opinion (explaining why you disagree).
# Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
International travel is cheaper than ever before, and more countries have opened their doors to tourists. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
"International travel is cheaper than ever before" and "more countries have opened their doors to tourists". The 'trend' in the question refers to both of these facts, and we need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both aspects of this trend.
#report类的审题2-part question
In some parts of the world it is becoming popular to research the history of one's own family. Why might people want to do this? Is it a positive or negative development?
Note:
I would call this a 2-part question. The task is NOT to write an essay about the positives and negatives of researching family history. The task is to explain why people do it, and then give your opinion as to whether it is a positive OR negative thing to do.
Tip:
Why not do some research on the Internet around the topic of family history? Try to find some good words and phrases that English speakers use when writing about this topic
e.g. family tree, ancestors, genealogy, tracing family history, a person’s roots etc.
Essay Plan - 10 minutes
Paragraph 1: Just write 2 sentences
-introduce the topic
-give an overall answer to both questions
Paragraph 2: Why might people want to research family history?
-various different reasons
-to know more about themselves and their roots, where they come from, whether their ancestors had similar personality traits
-because the Internet makes it easier to do this research, we hear about others who have done it, there are even advertisements to encourage us
-out of curiosity e.g. we might secretly hope that we have a famous or wealthy ancestor
There are various reasons why people might decide to trace their family histories. One explanation may be that they would like to know more about themselves, in terms of their roots, where they come from, or whether their ancestors had similar personality traits. Another factor could be that it has become so much easier to carry out genealogical research using the Internet. We hear about people who have studied their family trees, and there are even advertisements to encourage us to use genealogy websites. Finally, it may be that people are simply curious tofind out whether they have any famous or wealthy ancestors.
Paragraph 3: Is it positive or negative?
-positive in my view
-a fascinating hobby, a nice way to spend free time, a good talking point with family and friends e.g. if we discover a particularly interesting ancestor
-a good way to teach children about history, how earlier generations lived
-we may even find long-lost family members, distant relatives that we might have the chance to meet
Paragraph 4:
- conclude by repeating (paraphrasing) the overall answer to both questions
3、如何写主体段
Last week I showed you the skeleton of an essay. Now let's look at what was missing: the detailed explanation of ideas in the main body paragraphs. I'm tempted to refer to this as the 'muscle' on top of the skeleton's bones!
Here's an example of a full paragraph:
(1) On the other hand, school teachers may contribute almost as much as parents to the development of a child. (2) Teachers educate large groups of children together, which means that they must train pupils to work with their peers and respect other members of the class. (3) Pupils also learn to behave sensibly in lessons, regardless of the distractions around them, and to follow instructions given to them by teaching staff. (4) These behavioural skills will be crucial in later life. (5)In the workplace, for example, adults are expected to work in teams, listen to each other, and follow the instructions of a manager or company director.
Notice how I "build" the paragraph using 5 sentences:
1.Topic sentence introducing the main idea- the role of teachers in children's development.
2.One aspect of this role - training children to work with others.
3.Another aspect of this role - children learn to behave and follow instructions.
4.Why the two points above are important- for later life.
5.Examples- work in teams, follow a manager's instructions.
#如何写主体段2
Here are the 5 ideas from last week, about the negatives of credit cards:
1. encourage spending money that people don't have
2. leads to excess shopping, consumer culture
3. more credit cards, debt becomes out of control
4. bankrupt, in court, lose home
5. sometimes fines or even prison
Now here's a 5-sentence paragraph using these ideas:
The main drawback of credit cards is that they encourage people to spend money that they do not have. This has led to the consumer culture and addiction to shopping that we now see in society. When credit card users are unable to pay off their debts, they often resort to signing up for multiple cards, and the debt becomes increasingly overwhelming. Many people in this situation find themselves in court, bankrupt, and without a home as a final consequence of credit card dependence. In the worst cases, they may even face prison sentences.
#Supporting 和main idea 之间的区别
If you're using my 4-paragraph essay approach, your essays only need to contain two main ideas - one for each main body paragraph.
But there is a difference between the main idea?and the supporting points. For example, the main idea could be "there are several advantages", and each advantage is a supporting point. Start a new paragraph for each main idea, but not for each supporting point.
Express your main idea for each paragraph in a 'topic sentence' at the beginning of the paragraph. Then explain that idea with either one, two or three supporting points.
# using examples
Should governments make decisions about people's lifestyle, or should people make their own decisions?
This question seems difficult, but if you take "smoking" as an example of a lifestyle choice, it becomes a lot easier. Here's my paragraph:
In some cases, governments can help people to make better lifestyle choices. In the UK, for example, smoking is now banned in all workplaces, and it is even prohibited for people to smoke in restaurants, bars and pubs. As a result, many people who used to smoke socially have now given up. At the same time, the government has ensured that cigarette prices keep going up, and there have been several campaigns to highlight the health risks of smoking. These measures have also helped to reduce the number of smokers in this country.
# main paragraph methods
1.Idea, explain, example: If you have one main idea, this easy format will help you to build a good paragraph.
The "idea, explain, example" format is a good way to organise your main paragraphs. Start with the main idea of the paragraph, explain it in more detail, then give an example.
Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many works of art in public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks represent culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city, and act as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local councils should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without their funding our cities would be much less interesting and attractive.
2.Firstly, secondly, finally: If you have two or three ideas, just use this format. Miss the "finally" if you only have two ideas, and remember that you can use alternative words for the same structure (e.g. The main reason, another reason, also, furthermore).
Some simple alternatives to "firstly, secondly, finally" could be:
The main reason why I believe... is... / Another argument is... / Also,...
One problem is that... / Furthermore,... / Another drawback is that...
From a business perspective,... / In terms of education,... / From a social point of view,... (this could work for the paragraph in last week's lesson)
# topic sentences
A good way to start a paragraph is with a short, simple sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Teachers often call this a ‘topic sentence’.
I normally write my topic sentences by thinking about how many points I want to mention in the paragraph:
1. If I only have one point or idea, I usually state it straight away:
In my opinion, junk food is the main cause of childhood obesity.
(then explain this opinion and give examples in the rest of the paragraph)
2. If I have two or three points or ideas, I don’t usually mention them directly in the topic sentence:
There are two main causes (or ‘several causes’) of childhood obesity.
(then explain using firstly, secondly... or something similar)
Have a look through the essays that you’ve written in the past, and compare them with some of mine. Did you begin your main paragraphs with good topic sentences?
# Firstly, secondly, finally
The paragraph I wrote for?last week's lesson (repeated below) is structured in the following way:
1. Topic sentence
2. Firstly
3. Example
4. Secondly
5. Finally
I think this is a good way to organize a paragraph. However, it's best not to use the same structure twice in one essay. Compare the two paragraphs below. How did I structure the second one to avoid repeating "Firstly, Secondly, Finally"?
First main paragraph
there are good reasons why some people feel the need to make significant changes to their lives from time to time. Firstly, any new situation that a person encounters can be an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. A new job, for instance, might present challenges that push the person to adapt, acquire new knowledge, or add to his or her skill set. Secondly, a change can represent a break with the past and an old routinewhich has become boring and predictable. Finally, as well as making life more fun and interesting, new experiences can be good for our physical and mental health.
Second main paragraph
On the other hand, it is understandable why people might avoid change. Whenever people are forced to change their lifestyles, jobs or even to move house, they are likely to experience stress and worry as they try to adapt to the new situation. By contrast, we feel comfortable and confident when we stay with what we know. The decision to persist with a course of action or stick to one chosen path often leads to greater success in life. For example, by staying in the same job for many years, a person can become an expert in his or her field, which will lead to better opportunities for promotions and career progression.
Here's another example of a "firstly, secondly, finally" paragraph that I wrote with my students:
Three main factors are affecting health in modern societies. One problemis the lack of awareness among many people of the negative consequences of an unhealthy diet. This is made worse by the prevalence of fast food and processed food, which are full of fat, salt and sugar. Another key factoris the changing trend in lifestyles. For example, children’s hobbies now involve much less outdoor activity, and adults are less active as jobs have shifted towards sedentary office work instead of manual labour. In addition to this, time-saving technologies, such as cars, elevators, dishwashers and washing machines, have made people lazier.
There are several advantages to using computers in education. Firstly, students learn new skills which will be extremely useful for their future jobs. For example, they learn to write reports or other documents using a word processor, and they can practise doing spoken presentations using PowerPoint slides. Secondly, technology is a powerful tool to engage students. The use of websites or online videos can make lessons much more interesting, and many students are more motivated to do homework or research using online resources. Finally, if each student has a computer to work on, they can study at their own pace.
4、不同的问题回答方法
For me, the skeleton (or framework or basic structure) of a task 2 essay is:
- the introduction
- topic sentences for main paragraphs
- and the conclusion
Look at this essay 'skeleton' for example:
People have different views about whether parents or schools should bear the responsibility for helping children to become good citizens. In my view, this responsibility should be shared.
On the one hand, parents certainly have a vital role to play in the upbringing of their children.
On the other hand, school teachers may contribute almost as much as parents to the development of a child.
In conclusion, both parents and schools should work together to ensure that young people become polite and productive members of society.
Note:
I've highlighted my main paragraph 'topic sentences' in blue. Can you see how each topic sentence relates to one part of the question?
# 总括
Do the following questions ask for your opinion or not?
1.To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
3.Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4.Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
5.Is this a positive or negative development?
6.What are the benefits and drawbacks?
Answers:
- Numbers 2 and 6 are discussion questions. Discuss both sides of the issue, but don't give an opinion about which side you agree with.
- Numbers 1 and 5 are opinion questions. Give your opinion and support it. If you have a strong opinion, you don't need to mention the other side of the argument.
- Numbers 3 and 4 can be called discussion + opinion questions. Discuss both sides and make your opinion clear too.
Here are the four types of question from last week's lesson:
1.Opinion
2.Discussion + opinion
3.Problem + solution
4.2-part question
Important points to remember:
1.An 'opinion' question asks for your view, not the views of other people, and you don't have to give both sides of the argument. Just make your opinion clear in the introduction, then explain it in the rest of the essay.
2.A 'discussion' question requires you to write about both sides of the argument, and you should write a similar amount for each view. If the question also asks for your opinion, you don't need an extra paragraph. Just make it clear in the introduction and conclusion which of the two views you agree with.
3.Type 3 is easy. Simply write a paragraph explaining the problem(s) and a paragraph explaining the solution(s). Some questions ask about 'causes' or 'effects': these would be part of the 'problem' paragraph.
4.For type 4, just answer the two questions. Write one paragraph about each.
# Discuss both views and give your own opinion
Task 2 questions often ask you to Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Here's how I structure a 4-paragraph essay for this kind of question:
1. Introduction (2 sentences):
?First introduce the topic. I often begin with the phrase "People have different views about...".
?In the second sentence, mention both views and your own opinion. I often use the word "although" in this sentence e.g. Although there are good arguments in favour of..., I personally believe that...
2. The first view
3. The second view (I make it clear that I agree with this view)
4. Conclusion: summarise both views and your own opinion
#Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?的回答方法
In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?
This is my suggestion for an essay outline:
1.Introduce the topic, and say that the benefits do outweigh the drawbacks.
- 2 sentences
2.Explain the drawbacks of CCTV (see yesterday's ideas).
- introduce the topic, then answer the question
3.Explain the security benefits.
- accept what the question is saying: "It is true that..."
4.Conclude by repeating / summarising your opinion.
- compare the two views in a 'while' sentence
A student asked me the following useful question:
I am confused about the question "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?". Is this an opinion question or discussion + opinion question?
Here's my answer:
Strictly speaking, "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" is asking for your opinion (do you think there are more advantages or disadvantages?). Technically, you could give a one-sided "opinion" answer e.g. you could argue that there are many advantages and almost no disadvantages.
However, I think the examiner would expect and prefer to see a balanced discussion of both sides as well as your opinion.Therefore, I think it's best (and easiest) to write a discussion + opinion essay.
# "agree or disagree" questions:
If you completely agree or completely disagree:
?Make your opinion clear in the introduction and conclusion.
?Explain one reason for your opinion in paragraph 2 and another in paragraph 3. Imagine that you are persuading the examiner that your opinion is right.
?Don't write a paragraph about what 'other people' think. If you do that, you are in danger of writing a "discuss both views" essay. If you mention the opposite argument, make sure that you refute it (explain why you think it's wrong), like I did in paragraph 2 of this essay.
If you partly agree:
?Make it clear in the introduction and conclusion that you have a balanced view i.e. that you accept both sides of the argument to some extent, like I did in last week's lesson.
?Write one paragraph about each side of the argument. But do this from your point of view e.g. On the one hand, I accept that... / On the other hand, I also believe that...
?Don't write a discussion essay e.g. some people believe / other people argue...
PS. This week's (free) video lesson will also help with this "agree, disagree or partly agree" problem. It will be ready tomorrow.
In last week's lesson I asked whether you could see the problem with an essay outline. The problem was the use of "many people" in paragraph 2.
If the question asks whether YOU agree or disagree, don't write a paragraph about what other people think.The whole essay should be about YOUR views.
Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Question 1 contains two opinions: "wild animals have no place in the 21st century" and "protecting them is a waste of resources". These two opinions are connected, and we need to address both of them in our answer. A good way to do this might be to disagree completely, and to write one main body paragraph for each opinion (explaining why you disagree).
## Don’t structure an opinion essay like this:
1.Introduction
2.Paragraph supporting the opposite opinion
3.Paragraph supporting my opinion
4.Conclusion
The problem with this essay structure is that paragraph 2 is not consistent with my opinion. This is a discussion essay structure!
Think of it this way: your task when you answer an agree or disagree question is to persuade the reader that your view is right. Each paragraph should defend your opinion.
## 例子1
Women should have an equal role alongside men in both police and armed forces. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Here is my plan for a 4-paragraph essay:
1. Introduction: topic + response
- Introduce the topic e.g. "Increasing numbers of women are choosing to..."
- Respond to the question e.g. "I completely agree that women should be able..."
2. First reason why I agree: equal opportunities
Explain why women should have the same right as men to choose their profession. People should be chosen for jobs according to their skills, qualifications, character etc.
3. Second reason why I agree: women's capabilities
I would disagree with the view that women are less able than men to do certain jobs. Also, I would argue that policewomen, for example, may be better at controlling a situation by communicating more effectively. Police and military work requires more than just physical strength. Teamwork, leadership and communication can be much more important.
4. Conclusion: one sentence
Repeat your response in a different way.
## 例子2
In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was "a giant leap for mankind. However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
For this question, I would write that "I partly agree" or that "I agree to some extent". Then I would write one main paragraph about each side of the argument:
1.Introduction: I partly agree. Make it clear that you have a balanced opinion.
2.One side: In practical terms, sending a man to the moon has not changed most people's lives. We have not benefited in terms of our standard of living, health etc. In fact, governments have wasted a lot of money that could have been spent on public services.
3.Other side: On the other hand, putting a man on the moon was a huge achievement that still inspires and interests people today. It showed us that we can achieve anything we put our minds to.
4.Conclusion: The fact that man has walked on the moon might not have had a direct effect on our daily lives, but it was an inspiring achievement.
# A good way to answer this question
A good way to answer this question is:
To a certain extent I agree that... However, I also think that...
By saying that you agree to a certain extent (not completely), you can now talk about both sides of the argument.
Example question:
People visiting other countries should adapt to the customs and behaviours expected there. They should not expect the host country to welcome different customs and behaviours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
My introduction:
To a certain extent I agree that visitors to other countries should respect the culture of the host country. However, I also think that host countries should accept visitors' cultural differences.
# Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
My advice for these questions is to write a paragraph about each side, and make it clear in the introduction and conclusion which side outweighs the other (i.e. your opinion about whether there are more advantages or disadvantages).
This was a recent exam question:
In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Here are some ideas:
1.Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the statement, then give a clear opinion about whether there are more advantages or disadvantages.
2.Advantages - e.g. costs are lower in regional areas; there is more space; provide jobs to boost deprived areas; avoid further overcrowding in cities.
3.Disadvantages - e.g. greater availability of skilled workers in big cities; better transport and infrastructure; companies based in regional areas are further from their clients, providers and other contacts.
4.Conclude by summarising your opinion in a different way.
5、如何写结尾段
When writing a conclusion for task 2, I always start with the words "In conclusion". There's no reason why you should learn any alternatives.
Here are some phrases that I would not use:
1.All things considered
2.To sum up
3.In summary
4.To summarize
5.In short
6.In a nutshell
7.To put it in a nutshell
Note:
Phrases 1 to 5 are acceptable, but I still wouldn't use them myself.
Don't use any phrase containing the word "nutshell". 6 and 7 are not appropriate for an academic essay.
6、如何写开头段
# 方法总括
A good IELTS Writing introduction needs only 2 things:
1.A sentence that introduces the topic
2.A sentence that gives a short, general answer to the question
As computers are being used more and more in education, there will soon be no role for the teacher in the classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Here is my introduction:
It is true that computers have become an essential tool for teachers and students in all areas of education. However, while computers are extremely useful, I do not agree with the idea that they could soon replace teachers completely.
1.In the first sentence I introduce the topic of computers in education.
2.In the second sentence I answer the question and make my opinion clear. Don't wait until the conclusion to give your opinion.
The introduction technique that I recommend involves writing just 2 sentences: one to introduce the topic, and one to answer the question. Let&rsquo
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