Brainstorm as many words related to the topic as you can. Write down all parts of speech (i.e. verbs, adverbs, nouns and adjectives).
start with question words how, when, why, who etc.
• Did you enjoy doing art lessons when you were a child? [Why?/Why not?]
• Do you ever draw or paint pictures now? [Why?/Why not?]
• When was the last time you went to an art gallery or exhibition? [Why?]
• What kind of pictures do you like having in your home? [Why?]
Describe a work of art that you really like. Tell:
Starting your answer
I’d like to talk about …
I’ve decided to speak about …
Moving on to the next question
Turning to…
Moving on to…
Thinking what to say next
Let me think for a moment
What else…
Giving reasons for your answer
There are a few reasons I believe that…
The main reason I think…
If you can’t remember a word
It’s similar in meaning to…
I can’t remember the word but it’s like….
If you get confused while explaining something
What I mean is…
Sorry, let me start again…
Finishing your answer
To summarise, that’s why I wanted to speak about…
So, that’s why I decided to talk about…
Look at these tips:
Answer the examiner’s question
Give some reasons why
Provide examples
Offer an alternative opinion
Your opinion
In my opinion
Personally
Reason
as a consequence of
because
due to
a result of
because of\
Example
in particular
for instance
namely
Alternative opinion
Although
In spite of
What makes a good painting?
Do you think children should study art at school?
Should The Government Support The Arts?
Candidates need to write a minimum of 250 words.
Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the writing score. Therefore, it is a good idea to spend twice as long on Task 2 – so, 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
In the Academic Writing test, the issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for and easily understood by candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration.
In the following questions, what are candidates being asked to do? Choose the correct answers.
Traffic is becoming a problem in many major cities. What can be done about this?
Give both sides of an argument.
Give an opinion and justify it.
Give a solution to a problem.
Some people think that governments need to do more to protect the environment. Do you agree?
Give both sides of an argument.
Give an opinion and justify it.
Give a solution to a problem.
Some people see conflict between teenagers and parents as a natural part of growing up, while others think it is negative and should be avoided. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
Give both sides of an argument.
Give an opinion and justify it.
Give a solution to a problem.
Match the following stuctiures with the questions above
Type: giving both sides of an argument
Suggested structure:
Introduction
Advantages and disadvantages
Conclusion + statement of opinion
Type: giving a solution to a problem
Suggested structure:
Introduction – description of problem
Possible solutions
Conclusion
Type: giving an opinion and justifying it
Suggested structure:
Introduction + statement of opinion
Justification for opinion
Conclusion
Look at the question below. Think about what the key words are.
Some people believe that humans should be able to use animals for their own benefit, while others argue that the rights of animals should be protected.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your opinions and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Look at a candidate's ideas for the essay about animal rights. Put each idea under the correct heading.
Needs of humans Rights of animals
Look again at the question and then read three possible first paragraphs. Think about the order you would place them in, from the strongest to the weakest.
Some people believe that humans should be able to use animals for their own benefit, while others argue that the rights of animals should be protected.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
a Many people believe that humans should be able to use animals for their own benefit, while others argue that the rights of animals should be protected. I will now discuss the arguments that are made by both sides.
b People have used animals throughout their history. Some uses are harmless, while others are more controversial. Arguments have been raised about the needs of humans against the rights of animals. I will discuss both sides of the argument.
c Animals have been very important in the development of human beings. They have influenced every area of our lives. I will look at some of the benefits that they have brought us.
Look at the paragraphs again and think about what makes them good or what problems there are. Match the paragraphs and a teacher’s comments about them.
You have copied the question directly. Try to use your own words to show you understand it.
select
You have written about the influence of animals on human development rather than the debate about the human use of animals. Make sure you read the question carefully.
This is an interesting introduction and you show good understanding of the title
selected
Look at some arguments from a response to the question about the use of animals. Match the main points and the supporting points.
Many people rely on animals in their day-to-day lives.
corre
Animals can help save lives.
People disagree with testing chemicals on animals in laboratories.
correct
Animals can help save lives.
They can be used to help find survivors in disaster situations.
correct
People disagree with testing chemicals on animals in
They believe animals should be
Look at this extract from the second paragraph of the response to the question about the use of animals. Match the highlighted pronouns and the noun to which they refer.
Animals have been used to save lives throughout our history. They can be used to help individuals in daily life. One example of this is guide dogs or seeing eye dogs for the blind. I knew a woman who had a guide dog. She loved it and lived a full life.
Read this extract from the third paragraph of the essay. The linking words are in bold.
However, many people believe that the use of animals in science is cruel because they believe that animals should be able to live freely. Furthermore, there have been many protests about the use of animals in laboratories. As a consequence, many organisations, such as cosmetics companies, no longer test on animals.
Complete the table with the linking words.
|
Function |
Linking words |
|
describing results |
|
|
adding information |
|
|
giving examples |
|
|
contrasting |
|
|
giving reasons |
|
1. Complete the chart with your ideas of linking words.
2. Some people believe that the government should provide financial assistance to artists such as painters, musicians and poets. Others think that it is a waste of money.
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.
EXAMPLE
Travelling to work or college
• How do you usually travel to work or college? [Why?]
• Have you always travelled to work/college in the same way? [Why/Why not?]
• What do you like about travelling to work/college this way?
• What changes would improve the way you travel to work/college? [Why?]
Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful.
You should say:
what it is
how you learned to use it
how long you have had it
and explain why you find this piece of electronic equipment useful.
You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes.
You have one minute to think about what you are going to say.
You can make some notes to help you if you wish.
Technology and housework
Example questions:
What kinds of machine are used for housework in modern homes in your country?
How have these machines benefited people?
Are there any negative effects of using them?
Do you think all new homes will be equipped with household machines in the future? Why?
Technology in the workplace
Example questions:
What kinds of equipment do most workers need to use in offices today?
How have developments in technology affected employment in your country?
Some people think that technology has brought more stress than benefits to employed people nowadays. Would you agree or disagree? Why?
