Writing on CH Ver 2010 + KEY

8/2/2019 Writing on CH Ver 2010 + KEY

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TRNG I HC CN TH

KHOA SPHM

B MN ANH VN

TTii lliiuu nn tthhii mmnn

Vit

Bin son: Dng Th Duyn, M.ANguyn Th Nguyn Tuyt, M.A

Thng 01 nm 2010


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TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter 1: Entertainment 01

Chapter 2: Living environment 09

Chapter 3: Technology 18


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Chapter 1: EntertainmentTravel and Transportation

Part 1: Exploring Ideas

Activity1: There are various ways to travel from one city to another. Besides going

by car, the most common ways to travel are by bus, by train, by ship, or by plane.

What is your favorite means of transport? Write for five minutes without stopping

about why you enjoy it.

Activity 2: With a partner, discuss common ways to travel in your town or city.

Analyze their popularity, advantages and disadvantages.

Activity3: Here is a list of advantages and disadvantages of public transportation

within a city. Can you add some more details to the list?

Public Transportation

Advantages Disadvantages

- save money - wait a long time

- dont have to worry about traffic - inconvenient

- .............................................. - ...........................................- .............................................. - ...........................................

- .............................................. - ...........................................

Activity 4: Make a list of advantages and disadvantages of train travel.

Train Travel


- _______________________ - _____________________- _______________________ - _____________________

- _______________________ - _____________________

- _______________________ - _____________________

- _______________________ - ____________________

In your writing, you may have to use verbal adjectives that describe emotions.

Verbal adjectives which end in ed describe the person (or animal) that has a

feeling. Those ending in ing describe the person, animal or thing that creates afeeling.

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Examples: Home Alone is an interesting film.

I always feel interested in the film.

Here is a list of some common verbal adjectives you may use:

excited frightened confused interested tired

exciting frightening confusing interesting tiring

thrilled bored surprised satisfied disappointed

thrilling boring surprising satisfying disappointing

Activity5: Complete these sentences with appropriate adjective forms above.

1. Riding bicycles may be ......................2. Many people feel ...................... with train travel.3. Most people think that flying is ......................4. Plane passengers may be ...................... to deal with complicated procedures

of check-in and check-out.

5. I had a very .................... trip because my companion was very ......................

Activity 6: Complete these sentences with verbal adjectives of your own choice.

1. Traveling abroad is ....................2. I used to think that flying was ...................., but these days I dont feel

frightened any more.

3. When my mother first took a train, she felt ....................4. Take a bus! Riding a long distance may make you ....................5. The film has a very .................... ending.

Activity 7: Write some sentences for your paragraph about your favorite means of

transport, using verbal adjectives.

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Part 2: Organizing Ideas

1. Analyzing the Organization of a Composition

Activity 1: You are going to write a composition about the advantages anddisadvantages of a means of transport. Read the composition below and answer the

questions that follow.

Today, among the many groups that are making money in business are bicycle

manufacturers, importers, and dealers. Although all kinds of bicycles are selling

well today, the greatest increase has occurred in ten-speed racing bicycles.

However, not all users are satisfied with this kind of bicycle because it has not only

advantages but also disadvantages.

These lightweight bicycles offer several advantages. First, they are usually well

made and of high-quality materials. In addition, the rider can choose a gear for

maximum speed on level ground or for minimum effort in climbing a hill. They

allow riders to work at a steady rate so that he or she becomes less tired during a

long ride. Finally, a ten-speed racer shows that its owner is serious about cycling.

On the other hand, racing bicycles also have disadvantages. For one thing, they are

expensive to buy and maintain. They are more delicate than other bicycles, and as a

result, they need repair more often. Furthermore, they are extremely uncomfortable

to ride on rough roads.

All in all, racing bicycles are not ideal for every cyclist. People who want a bicycle

for running errands or spending Sundays in the park should buy a cheaper, simpler

bicycle. However, serious fitness buffs and cyclists who are interested in speed will

be happiest with a ten-speed racer.

1. What is the main idea of the composition? Where is it expressed?2. What is the main idea of each body paragraph? Where is it expressed?3. What are some of the transition words and expressions the author uses?4. In general, how many main parts are there in the composition?

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2. Making an Outline

The composition you will write includes an introductory paragraph and a

concluding paragraph. Besides, there are two paragraphs for the advantages and

disadvantages of the form of transportation you chose. Your composition

organization will look like this:

Introductory paragraph : Introduces the topic (Introduction) and expresses

the main idea of your composition (Thesis

statement).

Body paragraph : Advantages (or Disadvantages)

Body paragraph : Disadvantages (or Advantages)

Concluding paragraph : Summarizes your composition

Examine the following detailed outline.

Introductory paragraph

Introduction:

- Many common means of transport: bus, train, car, plane- The plane: most modern- Not all people like it.

Thesis statement: There are several advantages and disadvantages of plane

travel.

Body paragraph 1:

Topic sentence: Traveling by plane has several advantages.

- Passengers can save time.- They are provided with good services.- It is clean and quiet.- Air attendants are professional and polite.- Flying is thrilling.

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Body paragraph 2:

Topic sentence: On the other hand, air travel may cause several problems.

- Flights may be delayed due to bad weather.- Luggage is limited.- There may be terrorists or hijackers.- Airsickness is very common.- Formalities and procedures are complicated.

Concluding paragraph: A Summary of your essay

Activity 2: With a partner, make a similar outline for one of these topics.

1. The advantages and disadvantages of driving cars2. The advantages and disadvantages of traveling

Activity 3: Make an outline for your composition.

Note: If you write a composition about the advantages or disadvantages, your

composition organization will look like this:

Introductory paragraph : Introduces the topic and expresses the main idea of

your composition.

Body paragraph : One area of advantage (or disadvantage)

Body paragraph : Another area of advantage (or disadvantage)

Body paragraph : (optional) One more area of advantage (or

disadvantage)


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Consider the outline below:

Introductory paragraph : - Introduction

- Thesis statement: There are several advantages of

plane travel.

Body paragraph 1 : Traveling by plane provides passengers with much

comfort.

Body paragraph 2 : Speed is another area of advantage.

Body paragraph 3 : Flying is also thrilling.

Concluding paragraph : A summary of your composition

Activity 4: Make a similar outline for each of the following topics:

1. The advantages of riding bicycles2. The disadvantages of air travel3. The disadvantages of driving cars

Part 3: Developing Cohesion and Style

Using Gerunds as Subjects

In your composition, you may have to use gerunds, verbal nouns, as subjects of

sentences.

Examples: Flying is thrilling.

Riding bicycles is safe.

Activity 1: Complete each of these sentences with one or two gerunds. You can

describe means of transport.

1. _________ for the first time is frightening.2. _________ is more economical than ....................3. _________ may be tiring but good for physical fitness.4. _________ is both cheap and safe.5. _________ is inconvenient in that passengers may have to transfer.

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Activity 2: A person is expressing his/her opinion on various forms of transport.

Rewrite the sentences. Follow the example.

1. It is thrilling to fly for the first time.Flying for the first time is thrilling.

2. It is expensive to travel by taxi in Vietnam.____________________________________________________________

3. It may be dangerous to travel by air.____________________________________________________________

4. It is inconvenient and boring to take a bus.____________________________________________________________

5. It is economical to own a bicycle.____________________________________________________________

Part 4: Revising and Editing

Activity 1: Read the following composition. What problems can you find in it?

There are several advantages and disadvantages of traveling.

Traveling benefits people in several important ways. First of all, it is a good way to

relax. In fact, making a trip for sight-seeing allows people to escape the pressure of

daily routines. In addition, traveling is educational. If travelers have a chance to go

overseas, they will be taught a lot about other cultures and peoples. Another benefit

of traveling is that it enables people to develop some positive characteristics.

Thanks to their contact with different kinds of people, visitors can become more

confident, flexible, and tolerant. Finally, because travelers may make many newfriends on their trips, they can enlarge their social relationship and feel happier in

life.

All in all, although traveling has several benefits, it may cause some inevitable

problems.

Activity 2: Read this paragraph. What problems can you find in it?

Many people have decided to use public transportation. Because it offers them

several advantages. For example, it is cheap to take a bus. Since you do not have to

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pay for gas, repairs, and insurance. In addition, bus travel causes less pollution of

the environment. Finally, if you take a bus, you do not have to worry about traffic or

about finding parking. Both of which are problems in crowded urban areas.

It is clear that the paragraph is full of sentence fragments. A sentence fragment is a

sentence that is incomplete. It can be a dependent clause that cannot stand alone.

Activity 3: Correct these sentence fragments. Include a comma if you put the

dependent clause before the independent clause.

1. When you own a car.____________________________________________________________

2. Although taking a bus can save you a lot of money.____________________________________________________________

3. So that they can save money.____________________________________________________________

4. If you want to save time on your trip.____________________________________________________________

5. Because it is the fastest form of transport.____________________________________________________________

Activity 4: Can you correct the paragraph in Activity 3 for sentence fragments?

Activity 5: Revise and edit the first draft of your composition on the advantages and

disadvantages of a means of transport you chose.

Activity 6: Write another composition about one of these topics.

1. The importance of playing sports2. The advantages of watching television3. The advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside4. The advantages and disadvantages of studying overseas5. The disadvantages of traveling by air

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Chapter 2: Living Environment


In this chapter you are going to write a composition comparing and contrasting twocategories. The categories can be situations, places, people, or things.

Activity 1: Choose two living situations you want to compare (i.g. living in the city

>< living in the countryside; living in a dorm >< living in a boarding house.) Write

about them in ten minutes.

Activity 2: Discuss your notes with a partner. What characteristics can you

compare? Discuss the following list of characteristics. Add other ones you may

think of.

privacy _____________________

expense _____________________

responsibilities _____________________

personal space _____________________

public space _____________________

Activity 3: Here are some words that you may use in your comparisons. Add to the

list any other words you think of.

Nouns Verbs Adjectives

roommate share expensive

housemate divide lonesome

home chores concentrate messy

landlady support on-campus

landlord expect convenient

utilities prefer comfortable

rent rent self-sufficient

boarding house cook spacious

dormitory distract boring

Activity 5: Make sentences using the nouns and the verbs above to compare the two

living situations you chose. Examine the adjectives. Provide their opposites.

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Adjectives Opposites

expensive cheap

lonesome ________________

messy ________________

on-campus ________________

convenient ________________

comfortable ________________

self-sufficient ________________

spacious ________________

boring ________________

Part 2: Organizing and Developing Ideas

1. Listing Similarities and Differences

Look at this example of some possible similarities and differences between living at

home and living with another family.

Similarities Differences

- not lonely at home

- less stressful - more comfortable and familiar

- family support in an emergency - less expensive

with another family

- little household responsility

- more privacy

Activity 1: Make a list of the similarities and differences between the living

situations you chose.

Similarities Differences

_________________________ Living situation A __________

_________________________ _________________________

_________________________ _________________________

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_________________________ Living situation B __________

_________________________ _________________________

_________________________ _________________________

2. Analyzing the Organization of a Comparison Composition

Activity 2: Read the composition below and answer the questions that follow.

Many college students today choose to live with their families. However, others

prefer renting a room in another familys house. Although these two living

situations share some similarities, their differences are noticeable.

It cannot be denied that residing at home and dwelling in another family are similar

in several ways. First of all, students who live in a family do not often feel lonely

because there are usually people around for them to interact with. Also, in a family

situation, students have the convenience of home-cooked meals, they do not have to

spend time shopping for and coking food, and the food is probably better than fast

food or food from the school cafeteria. Finally, if they get sick or some other

emergency happens, the family can help them.

Despite these similarities, there are remarkable differences between the two

situations. Living at home is less expensive since you do not have to spend money

on room and board. In addition, it is usually more comfortable to live with people

you know. Another difference is that while students who live at home with their

families probably have household responsibilities, students who rent a room in

another family are not usually expected to do housework. Lastly, living at home

may inhibit independence. In contrast, living with other families possibly allows

students to become responsible and self-reliant.

All in all, there are similarities as well as differences between residing at home and

dwelling with another family. In spite of this, both of these situations have some

important benefits for students and they are less stressful than other more

independent living arrangements.

1. What is the main idea of the composition? Where is it expressed?

2. What is the main idea of each body paragraph? Where is it expressed?

3. What are some of the transition words and expressions the author uses?4. In general, how many main parts are there in the composition?

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The composition you are going to write includes an introductory paragraph and a

concluding paragraph. Besides, there are two paragraphs for the similarities and

differences of the two categories you compare. Your composition organization will

look like this:

Introductory paragraph : Introduces the topic (Introduction) and expresses the

main idea of your composition (Thesis statement)

Body paragraph : Similarities (or Differences)

Body paragraph : Differences (or Similarities)


Note: If you write a composition about the similarities or differences between twocategories, your composition organization will look like this:

Introductory paragraph : Introduces the topic and expresses the main idea of

your composition

Body paragraph : One area of similarity (or difference)

Body paragraph : Another area of similarity (or difference)


Consider the outline below:

Introductory paragraph : Introduction

These statement: There are several differences between

living in the city and living in the countryside.

Body paragraph 1 : City life is more comfortable than country life.

Body paragraph 2 : However, it is safer to live in a rural region than in anurban area

Concluding paragraph : A summary of your composition


1. The similarities between a dorm and a boarding house

2. The differences between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho City

3. The similarities between taking care of plants and raising children

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4. The differences between living in the countryside and dwelling in a mountainous

area


1. Using Comparatives

When comparing two categories, use the pattern adjective + er or more/less +

adjective.

Examples Notes

Living in a dorm may be cheaper than

living in a boarding house

One-syllable adjectives usually take the

er ending.

Biking is more economical than driving

a car.

Adjectives with two or more than two

syllables always take more or less.

The traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is

heavier than in Can Tho City.

With two-syllable adjectives that end in

y, change the y to i before adding er.

Boarding houses are better than dorms. Some irregular comparatives include:

good-better; bad-worse; far-

father/further

Activity 1: Write sentences using the comparative form of adjectives. The first one

is done as an example.

1. Living in a mountainous area/living in a rural region

Living in a mountainous area is more dangerous than living in a rural region.

2. Ho Chi Minh City / Can Tho

_______________________________________________________________

3. Traveling with a companion / traveling alone

_______________________________________________________________

4. Living at home / living with another family

_______________________________________________________________

5. A dormitory/a boarding house

_______________________________________________________________

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6. A large university/a small university

_______________________________________________________________

7. Da Lat/Vung Tau

_______________________________________________________________

8. Living in a large family/living in a small family

_______________________________________________________________

2. Using Both and Neither in Comparisons

a. There are several different ways to use both in a sentence that shows similarities.

- Before nouns:

watching television and listening to the radio are informative.

- As a pronoun:

Both are informative.

- With verbs (Note the position ofboth with different types of verbs.):

They are both informative. (Both follows the verb be.)

They both allow us to get information. (Both goes before one-word verbs

except be.)

They have both provided us with much information. (Both follows the first

auxiliary verb.)

b. You can use neither to show negative similarities. Note that neither is always

singular.

- With nor:

Neither watching television nor listening to the radio is expensive.

- Before a singular noun:

Neither activity is expensive.

- As a pronoun.

Neither is expensive.

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Activity 2: Write sentences using both or neither. The first one is done as an

example.

1. Ho Chi Minh City/Can Tho City/mountains

Neither Ho Chi Minh City nor Can Tho City has mountains.

2. A large family/a small family/cozy atmosphere

_______________________________________________________________

3. Living at home / living with another family / family support

_______________________________________________________________

4. A dorm / a boarding house / strict rules

_______________________________________________________________

5. Da Lat / Vung Tau / famous tourist centers

_______________________________________________________________

6. Living in a mountainous area/dwelling in a rural region/expensive

_______________________________________________________________

7. Nha Trang/Vung Tau/beautiful beaches

_______________________________________________________________

8. A large university/a small university/in the countryside

_______________________________________________________________

3. Using While and In Contrast to Show Contrast

a. You can use while to show two different or opposite ideas in a sentence. Note

that you can use while before either clause of the sentence and that a comma is

used in both sentences.

- While living at home is inexpensive, sharing a room in a boarding house can

cost a lot of money.

- Living at home is inexpensive, while sharing a room in a boarding house can

cost a lot of money.

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b. You can use in contrast to contrast two different or opposite things.

Living at home is inexpensive. In contrast, sharing a room in a boarding house

can cost a lot of money.

Activity 3: Complete the following sentences.

1. While riding bicycles is economical, _________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

2. Students who live at home with their families probably have household

responsibilities. In contrast, ________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

3. You must eat cafeteria food when you live in a dorm, while _______________

_______________________________________________________________

4. Vung Tau is hot, while ____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

5. My father is very strict; he often scolds us whenever we make mistakes. My

mother, in contrast, _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

6. While country life is safe, __________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________


Activity 1: Edit this paragraph for errors in the use of comparatives

The decision about whether to live on or off campus is a very important one. It may

affect your whole college career. Both situations have advantages and disadvantages

and which one you choose depends a lot on what is important to you. For example,

on-campus housing is generally much convenient than off-campus housing. It is

more easy to get to class, especially early in the morning. Students who live oncampus are also more closer to facilities such as the library and gym. On the other

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hand, in a dorm, you usually have to share a room, while off-campus housing can be

much more private and least noisy. Cafeteria food is another disadvantage of on-

campus housing. Students on special diets will often find it difficult to live in a

dormitory than to live in a rooming house or apartment, where they can cook forthemselves.

Activity 2: Write a topic sentence for the following paragraph. Then, fill in the

blanks with appropriate transition expressions. Also, correct 5 errors about

punctuation.

_____________________________________ . ___________ (1), both plants and

children are sensitive to their environment. ___________ (2), a plant will grow

faster and be much healthier. If it is raised in an environment of tender, loving care.

The same is true for a child, who will be happier and healthier if his parents love

and nature him. ___________ (3), proper care of houseplants requires a basic

knowledge of plants on the part of the owner. He must know, for example which of

his plants need direct sunlight and which need to be kept in shady places and how

much water each plant requires for the best growth and appearance. Parents,

___________ (4), must have a basic knowledge of their childrens needs in order toprovide. What is necessary for the best physical and mental development.

___________ (5), the owner of houseplants must be willing to provide the best

possible care for his plants. A child needs time and energy from his parents, too, to

play with him to talk to him, and to care for him.

Activity 4: Write a composition on one of these topics.

1. The similarities and differences between your high school and youruniversity

2. The differences between traveling by bus and traveling by car3. Compare Ho Chi Minh City with Ha Noi City.4. Compare two of your classmates / teachers.5. The differences between city life and country life

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Chapter 3: Technology


Activity1: Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Technological innovations do more harm than good.

Write for ten minutes expressing your opinion.

Activity 2: Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Think of at

least three reasons that support your opinion. The first one is done as an example.

1. Computers benefit users in all aspects of life.

Reasons:

a. Computers play an important role in education.

b. Businesspeople benefit from the use of computers.

c. However, their role in entertainment is not so beneficial.

2. Television: we cannot live without it.

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

c. ______________________________________________________________

3. Space exploration does more harm than good.

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

c. ______________________________________________________________

4. Childrens viewing of television should be controlled.

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

c. ______________________________________________________________

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5. If you want to lead a good life, you should live in an industrialized city.

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

c. ______________________________________________________________

Activity 3:

Decide if each of the following statements offers a persuasive argument in support

of the statement below:

Genetic engineering benefits human beings in several important ways.

1. __Yes___ New strains of disease resistant crops may be developed.2. ________ Farmers will not spend much money on pesticide and fertilizers.3. ________ Human lives can be threatened.4. ________Scientists are trying to create plants that have human disease

fighting qualities.

5. ________ Several people have very little knowledge of genetic engineering.6. ________ Gene technology helps environmentalists protect the worlds

currently endangered species of animals.

7. ________Genetic plants tend to grow well on many kinds of soil.8. ________Genetic weapons are dangerous.

Activity 4: The following words and expressions are useful in discussing

technological innovations. Discuss their meanings with a partner. Then add to thislist any additional words you think of.

Nouns Verbs Adjectives Expressions

progress invent advantageous play a prominent role

innovation create detrimental capture the interest of

achievement achieve harmful make an impact on

invention contribute technological has an effect on

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robotics progress innovative make it possible for

genetic engineering produce prominent pay special attention to

_____________ __________ ____________ ___________________

_____________ __________ ____________ ___________________

_____________ __________ ____________ ___________________

_____________ __________ ____________ ___________________

Part 2: Organizing and Developing Ideas

1. Organizing the Organization of an Argumentative Composition

Activity 1: You are going to write a three-point argumentative composition.

Examine the following argumentative composition about the statement Should the

families of dying people be allowed to take them off life-support machines and let

them die? Note how the ideas are organized.

With the help of modern technology, life-support systems can prolong dying

patients lives. However, people of life-support machines are all different and in

different situations. For that and other reasons, I believe the family and doctor of the

patient on a life-support machine should be able to decide whether to remove the

person from the machine or not.

With modern technology, it is very difficult to determine what is real life and what

is artificial life. Is a person who is breathing with the help of a machine but whose

brain is dead really alive or not? No one can say for sure because each individual

situation is different. In most situations, these patients cannot lead real lives.

If these patients are really alive, they will possibly suffer both physically and

mentally. I recently saw a TV program that illustrates how the governments

interference causes great suffering. A machine was breathing for a man who was

dying of cancer and he wanted to be removed from it. He said, I want to live, but

not tied to a machine. When he tried to turn off the machine himself, the doctors

tied his hands to the bed because they thought the government would sue them if the

man died. I think it is wrong to ignore the patients wishes.

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If a patient is still breathing with the help of machines but has no hope recovery, the

family of the patient may suffer greatly. Not only do they have problems mentally

and psychologically because of the stress of such a situation, but they may be forced

to spend huge amounts of money on these expensive machines. The same amount ofmoney could save lives of people in other situations. The family may be financially

ruined and still the patient has no hope.

All in all, the use of life-support systems is against the will of a patient and his or

her family and doctor. We live in a country where people have individual rights.

One of these rights is the right to die with dignity.

The composition you are going to write includes an introductory paragraph and a

concluding paragraph. Besides, there are three body paragraphs for the three reasons

that support your opinion. Your composition organization will look like this.

Introductory paragraph : Introduces the topic and states your opinion on it.

Body paragraph : Development of the first reason for your opinion

Body paragraph : Development of the second reason for your opinion

Body paragraph : Development of the third reason for your opinion

Concluding paragraph : Summarizes your point of view

2. Making an Outline

Look at the following outline of an argumentative composition on the topic Should

childrens viewing of television be controlled?

Introductory paragraph : . Introduction

. Thesis statement: I strongly believe that childrens

viewing of television should be controlled.

Body paragraph 1 : Watching much television negatively affects childrens

studies.

Body paragraph 2 : Childrens health may be influenced.

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Body paragraph 3 : There are also several negative effects on childrens

character development.

Concluding paragraph : A summary of the composition


1. Should computers be used in education?2. Watching television is a waste of time. Do you agree with this view?


1. Making Generalizations

In argumentative compositions, generalizations are usually made. When you talk

about subjects in general, use either the singular or plural indefinite form of nouns.

The definite article the is not used. With non-count nouns, no article is included.

Look at these examples:

- Computers help users save time.- If you own a computer, you will certainly have several benefits.- Through modern technology, human life becomes better.

Activity 1: With your partner, write sentences using each of the nouns with a

general meaning.

1. technological innovation 6. gene technology

2. telephone 7. car

3. exploration 8. device

4. dehumanization 9. change

5. progress 10. achievement

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2. Supporting an Argument with Examples

Writers of argumentative compositions usually support their arguments with

examples. You can use examples from real-life situations, articles you have read or

TV programs you have watched.

Activity 2: What example is given in the composition The Right to Choose?

Underline it. Note how the anecolote is (organized. Label the parts which are

underlined)

If these patients are really alive, they will possibly suffer both physically and

mentally (1). I recently saw a TV program that illustrates how the governments

interference causes great suffering (2). A machine was breathing for a man who was

dying of cancer and he wanted to be removed from it. He said, I want to live, but

no tied to a machine. When he tried to turn off the machine himself, the doctors

tied his hands to the bed because they thought the government would sue them if the

man died. I think it is wrong to ignore the patients wishes (3).

1. The topic sentence which expresses one of the arguments2. The transition sentence which introduces the anecdote and shows its purpose.3.

The restatement of the topic sentence or the general thought on the topic

When you give an example, you can introduce it with expressions such as these:

1. _________ is a story / program that illustrates _________2. _________ is an example / illustration of _________3. _________ shows _________4. I once knew _________

Activity 3: Match these parts of sentences.

1. I recently read an article a. clearly shows how harmful watching TV

is on childrens character development.

2. This story of a friend of mine b. who became disabled because of using

mobile phones.

3. The story of my neighbors son c. that illustrates the negative influences oftelephones on human brain.

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4. I once knew a man d. is an example of how computers

promote success in the business world.

Activity 4: Write a transition sentence to introduce the example you are going to

use to support one of these arguments.

1. Space exploration is extremely expensive.2. The use of computers in entertainment is not beneficial.

3. Supporting an Argument with ConjecturesGood writers support their opinions with conjectures (predictions). Compare these

two statements:

- Frequent use of mobile phones causes brain damage.- Frequent use of mobile phones may cause brain damage.

It is clear that these two statements form an opinion not based on firm evidence, so

the second statement, which includes a prediction with may, is safer and more

acceptable.

You can make predictions using modals such as may, might, can, and could. Youcan also use adverbs such as probably and possibly.

Activity 5: What predictions are made in The Right to Choose? List them here.

1. _____________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________

Activity 6: Examine the following statements. Which statements do you think can

persuade the reader? Correct the ones that are not convincing enough.

1. Frequent access to the Internet could promote communication skills.2. Frequent use of computers causes brain trouble.3. Through technological innovations, the earth becomes a more dangerous

place to live in.

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4. Children who spend many hours a day watching TV become near-sighted.5. If parents do not control their childrens access to the Internet, juvenile

delinquency will certainly be unavoidable.

6. Through technological innovations, there may be more and more labor-saving devices in the future.


Activity 1: Read these paragraphs and answer the questions that follow

A.Watching much television negatively affects childrens characterdevelopment. My neighbors son, Minh, watched a lot of violent films. He

became gradually aggressive. His parents felt so sad, but they could not do

anything to change the situation. This story shows how harmful watching

much television is to childrens personality growth.

B. Watching much television negatively affects childrens characterdevelopment. The story of my neighbors son is a typical example of this.

Minh, the boy, used to be a good child at home as well as at school.

However, he gradually changed after his mother became busier with her new

job, letting him freely watch any TV programs he liked, including violent

films. At school, Minh shouted at his teachers and beat his classmates. At

home, he quarreled with his parents. This story shows how harmful watching

much television is to childrens personality growth.

Which paragraph is easier to read? Which one is more persuasive? Can you

determine why?

Activity 2: Edit these paragraphs and rewrite them correctly. Check the use of

indefinite forms when making generalizations.

1. Computer is essential part of our lives because they affect all aspects of themodern society. Before we had computer, all transactions involving storing

and retrieving the information had been very time-consuming and labor-

intensive.

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2. Nowadays anyone who studies at the university needs to learn how to usecomputer. Most the lecturers type their essay and in many subjects,

calculation and other task must also be done by computer.

3. School as well as college provide the computer courses in developedcountry, but it still needs a big investment for such an equipment to be made

available to many students, and most school in developing country cannot

afford this.

Activity 3: The following is an argumentative composition for the topic Are

computers essential in all aspects of life? Can you find any problem in its

organization?

It is amazing to realize that computers have only been in common use for the last 10

years or so. The invention of personal computers has had such a major effect on

modern society that it is almost impossible to imagine life without them. Business,

education and entertainment have all been significantly affected. It is clear now that

both business and education would be unable to function effectively without them,

but there are many people who would argue that their role in entertainment is not so

beneficial. In my opinion, computers are essential, but not in all aspects of life.

The business world is becoming increasingly competitive, and for that reason, speed

is very important. To be able to satisfy clients and customers, it is necessary to

exchange information as quickly as possible. Without computers, all business

transactions take a long time. Accounting is show, finding the right information is

slow, and communicating is slow. With the invention of computers, accounting

programs are professionally designed and easy to use, information can be stored and

retrieved almost instantly and it can be communicated right across the world in

seconds.Computers enhance a students learning experience in many important ways. In

many schools, students often find educational computer programs more stimulating

than other forms of teaching. Not only do these sophisticated machines benefit

students, they also make the teachers job easier. Computerizing may promote the

preparation of instructional materials; it allows teachers to store and communicate

vast amounts of information.

The story of my younger brother shows that most young people still think ofcomputers mainly as a source of games. Every day, he spends many hours playing

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games on computers. He neglects his studies, refuses to meet friends, and he even

forgets his meals. My parents are worrying that he is not learning to socialize with

other children or to develop creative skills. This story clearly illustrates the

problems computers may cause in recreation.

More topics for practice:

1. The advantages and disadvantages of living in a tourist center.2. The advantages and/or disadvantages of air travel3. The importance of reading books4. The similarities and/or differences between eating out and preparing and

eating food at home

5. Compare and contrast watching TV and traveling.6. The differences between city life and country life

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ANSWWER KEYS - WRITING

Chapter 1:

Part 1: Exploring IdeasActivity 3:


- dont have to spend money for - cant carry large loadsrepairs or insurance - may have to transfer

- less pollution of the environment - cant take friends places- fairly safe

Activity 4:

Advantages Disadvantages- give you the chance to meet people - for several people, more

and see the countryside expensive than by car

- fairly safe - not as fast as by plane- dining car you dont have to - noise

stop to eat - may not be able to smoke

- sleeping cars or seats you dont - cant stop where you likehave to stay in hotels

- cheaper than automobile travel for one personActivity 6:

1. tiring / boring2. bored / satisfied3. exciting / thrilling / frightening4. confused5. exciting interesting / interesting - exciting

Activity 7:

1. exciting / interesting2. frightening3. frightened4. tired5. boring / surprising / interesting

Part 2: Organizing Ideas

Activity 1:

1. The advantages and disadvantages of a ten-speed racing bicycle in the lastsentence of the first paragraph (thesis statement)

2. Body paragraph 1: The advantages of a ten - speed racing bicycle in thefirst sentence of the paragraph (topic sentence)

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Body paragraph 2: The disadvantages of a ten - speed racing bicycle in the

first sentence of the paragraph (topic sentence)

3. However; In addition; Finally; On the other hand; Furthermore, All in all;...4. 3 main parts

Activity 2: Outline of the advantages and disadvantages of traveling

Introductory paragraph

Introduction:

- Many leisure-time activities: watching TV, reading books, traveling- Traveling: most fascinating- Not all people like it This statement: There are several advantages and disadvantages of traveling.

Body paragraph 1:Topic sentence: Traveling has several advantages.

- a good way to relax- a good way to get information- Travelers can make friends.- Visitors may develop positive characteristics.

Body paragraph 2:

Topic sentence: On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of traveling.

- It is time - and money - consuming- It is sometimes dangerous.- Tourism may contribute to destroying the environment.- Tourism must be responsible for the weakening of traditional values and

cultures.

Concluding paragraph: A summary of your essay

Activity 4:

1. The advantages of riding bicyclesa. Riding bicycles is economical.

b. Biking is also safe.

2. The disadvantages of air travela. Air travel is expensive.

b. It may be unsafe to travel by plane.

c. Traveling by air is also inconvenient.

3. The disadvantages of driving carsa. Driving cars is not economical.

b. It may be dangerous to drive a car.

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Activity 1:

1. Flying2.

Riding a bike driving a car3. Biking

4. Biking5. Traveling by bus

Activity 2:

2. Traveling by taxi in Vietnam is expensive.3. Traveling by air may be dangerous.4. Taking a bus is inconvenient and boring.5. Owning a bicycle is economical.


Activity 1:

- The introductory paragraph lacks an introduction.- There should be another body paragraph about the disadvantages.- There should be a summary of the main points and a general thought on the

topic in the concluding paragraph.

Activity 3:

1. When you own a car, you have to spend much money for insurance.2.

Although taking a bus can save you a lot money, it is time-consuming andboring.

3. Many people go to work by bus so that they can save money.4. If you want to save time on your trip, you should travel by plane.5. Many people prefer plane travel because it is the fastest form of transport.

Activity 4:

Many people have decided to use public transportation because it offers them

several advantages. For example, it is cheap to take a bus since you do not have to

pay for gas, repairs, and insurance. In addition, bus travel causes less pollution of

the environment. Finally, if you take a bus, you do not have to worry about traffic orabout finding parking, both of which are problems in crowded urban areas.

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Chapter 2

Part 1

Activity 2

social life safetyaccess to university facilities comfort

rights convenience

Activity 5

expensive - cheap comfortable - uncomfortable

lonesome - cozy self-suficient - dependant

messy - tidy spacious - narrow

on-campus - off-campus boring - interesting/exciting

convenient - inconvenient

Part 2

Activity 2

Questions

1. The similarities and differences between living at home and living withanother family in the thesis statement

2. Body paragraph 1: The similarities in the topic sentenceBody paragraph 2: The differences in the topic sentence

3. Expressions showing additional information (First of all, also, in addition,finally,...); expressions showing similarities and differences (both, while, incontrast,...)

4. Three main parts: introduction; body; conclusionActivity 2

1. The similarities between your parentsP1: - Introduction

- There are several similarities between a dorm and a boarding house

P2: Living in a dorm is more convenient.P3: Living in a boarding house offers more comfort.

P4: Conclusion

2. The differences between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho CityP1: - Introduction

- There are several differences between Ho Cho Minh City and Can Tho

City

P2: Comfort is the first area of difference.

P3: Another area of difference is expense.

P4. Conclusion

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3. The similarities between taking care of plants and raising childrenP1: - Introduction

- There are several similarities between taking care of plants and raising

children.

P2: Both raising plants and caring for children require an environment oftender, loving care.

P3: Parents as well as plant owners must have basic knowledge.

P4. Conclusion

4. The differences between driving cars and riding bicyclesP1: - Introduction

- There are several differences between living in the countryside and

dwelling in a mountainous

P2: Life in the countryside and in the mountains is cheap.

P3: It is relaxing to live in the countryside and in the mountains.

P4. Conclusion

Part 3

Activity 1

2. Ho Chi Minh City is bigger than Can Tho.3. Traveling with a companion is more exciting than traveling alone.4. Living at home is cheaper than living with another family.5. A dormitory is nosier than a boarding house.6. A large university is more expensive than a small university.7. Da Lat is cooler than Vung Tau.8. Living in a large family is more exciting than living in a small family.

Activity 2

2. Both a large family and a small family offer a cozy atmosphere.3. Both living at home and living with another family provide family support.4. Both a dorm and a boarding house have strict rules.5. Both Da Lat and Vung Tau are famous tourist centers.6. Neither living in a mountainous area nor dwelling in a rural region is

expensive.

7. Both Nha Trang and Vung Tau have beautiful beaches.8. Neither a large university nor a small university are located in the

countryside.

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Activity 3

1. While riding bicycles is economical, owning a car costs a lot of money.2. In contrast, students who rent a room in another family are not usually

expected to do housework.3. You must eat cafeteria food when you live in a dorm, while you can cook

your own food if you rent a room in a boarding house.

4. Vung Tau is hot, while Da Lat has a cool climate.5. My mother, in contrast, is easy-going and she usually gives us gentle advice

when we cause troubles.

6. While country life safe, city life may be dangerous.Part 4

Activity 1

- The thesis statement should be about both similarities and differences.- The 2nd body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence which is about

the differences.

- The composition lacks a concluding paragraph.Activity 2

- much convenienter much more convenient- more easy easier- more closer closer- least noisy less noisy- difficult to live more difficult to live

Activity 3

Topic sentence: There are several similarities between taking care of plants and

raising children.

Transition expressions:

1. First of all2. For example / In fact3. In addition4. Likewise / In the same way / Similarly5. Finally

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Chapter 3

Part 1

Activity 2

2. Television: we cannot live without it.

a. Television allows people to relax and escape the pressure of daily routines.

b. TV viewers are able to improve knowledge.

c. Watching TV may be a constructive leisure-time activity.

3. Space exploration does more harm than good.

a. Space exploration is expensive.

b. Space exploration may be dangerous.

c. Space exploration is time-consuming.

4. Childrens viewing of television should be controlled.

a. Watching much television negatively affects childrens studies.

b. Childrens health may be influenced.

c. There are also several negative effects on childrens character development.

5. If you want to lead a good life, you should live in an industrialized city.

a. It is exciting to live in an industrialized city.

b. City dwellers are offered comforts and conveniences.

c. However, life in this kind of city may be unsafe.

Activity 3

1; 2; 4; 6; 7: yes

3: No (disadvantage)

5: No (too general doesnt discuss the advantages)

8: No (disadvantage)

Nouns Verbs Adjectives Expressions

drawback accomplish disadvantageous be responsible for

dehumanization eliminate beneficial take an important part

contribution provide demumanizing take (sth) into consideration

automation develop sophisticated be out of control

Part 2

Activity 2

1. Should computers be used in education?

p1: . Introduction

. In my opinion, schools should be equipped with computers.p2: Computers help save time.

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2. If a patient ......................... may suffer greatly.3. The same amount of money could save lives of ..........................4. The family may be financially ruined .........................

Activity 61 and 6: good

2, 3, 4 and 5 are too subjective opinions.

Correction:

2. Frequent use of mobile phones might cause brain trouble.3. Through technological innovations, the earth may become a more dangerous

place to live in.

4. Children who spend many hours a day watching TV probably become near-sighted.

5. If parents do not control their childrens access to the Internet, juveniledelinquency will possibly be unavoidable.

Part 4

Activity 1

Paragraph B is more persuasive and easier to read since it has a better organization

and more specific supporting details. Paragraph A lacks a transition sentence which

shows the purpose of the example.

Activity 2

1. Computers are an essential part of our lives because they affect all aspects ofmodern society. Before we had computers, all transactions involving storing

and retrieving information had been very time-consuming and labor-

intensive.

2. Nowadays anyone who studies at university needs to learn how to usecomputers. Most lecturers type their essays and in many subjects,

calculations and other tasks must also be done by computer.

3. Schools as well as colleges provide computer courses in developed countries,but it still needs a big investment for such equipment to be made available to

many students, and most schools in developing countries cannot afford this.

Activity 3

Problems:

1. The introductory paragraph is too long.2. The body paragraphs lack topic sentences.3. The concluding paragraph is missing.

Corrections1. The introductory paragraph can be shortened as follows:

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It is amazing to realize that computers have only been in common use for the last 10

years or so. The invention of personal computers has had such a major effect on

modern society that it is almost impossible to imagine life without them. In my

opinion, computers are essential, but not in all aspects of life.

2. Topic sentences- Body paragraph 1: The use of computers has significantly affected business.- Body paragraph 2: Education also benefits from the ability of computers.- Body paragraph 3: However, the role of computers in entertainment is not so

beneficial.

3. The concluding paragraph

I would argue that while computers are clearly essential in the running of business

and for scientific and educational advances, their use as a source of entertainment is

actually harmful. Therefore, the use of computers in recreation should be strictlycontrolled.

Writing on CH Ver 2010 + KEY

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