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Lesson planB280 minsNew. New: checked automatically for level, grammar, facts and originality; a teacher's review is still to come. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Students analyse a model essay, practise the linking words that organise an argument and write a B2 First Part 1 essay with a clear opinion.
Writing · Essay · Linking words
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Download all (ZIP, 2 PDFs)Read the essay a student wrote for this task: Is it better to study alone or with other people? (Notes: concentration, sharing ideas, your own idea). Are the sentences true, false or not given?
Students often argue about the best way to prepare for exams. Some prefer the quiet of their own room, whereas others need friends around them. In my view, both have value, but studying with other people is usually more effective. On the one hand, working alone helps you to concentrate. There are no conversations to distract you, and you can work at your own speed. However, it is easy to lose motivation when nobody is checking your progress. On the other hand, studying in a group allows you to share ideas. For instance, a friend may explain a grammar point in a way that finally makes sense. What is more, explaining something to others is one of the best ways to remember it. Another point is that group study makes revision more enjoyable. This is why many students spend longer on their work when they meet up with classmates. To sum up, although studying alone has some advantages, I believe that working with others brings better results, as long as the group stays focused.
The writer gives their opinion in the first paragraph.
The writer only writes about the advantages of studying in a group.
The second paragraph is about the first note, concentration.
The writer's own idea is that private lessons are too expensive.
The writer passed their own exams by studying with friends.
The conclusion repeats the writer's opinion in different words.
Put each linking word or phrase in the right group.
furthermore
whereas
for instance
to sum up
in addition
because of
despite
all things considered
such as
moreover
although
this is why
Complete each sentence with a word or phrase from the box. Look at the words after the gap and the punctuation. There is one extra word or phrase.
Word box
Tap a gap, then a word, or type the answer.
the bad weather, the outdoor concert went ahead as planned.
Some students revise late at night, others prefer to get up early.
the course was expensive, it was worth every penny.
Group work has many benefits. , it can be noisy and hard to organise.
Many free-time activities, swimming and cycling, are good for your health.
Some jobs are very stressful. , nurses often work twelve-hour night shifts.
All the trains were cancelled a strike.
Living in a city is exciting. , there are more jobs and better public transport.
There are good arguments on both sides. , I believe that the advantages are greater.
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the word given and between two and five words, including that word.
Although it was expensive, the course was very useful.
DESPITE
expensive, the course was very useful.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
Cycling is good for your health. It is also good for the environment.
WELL
Cycling is good for the environment your health.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
The roads were icy, so the school closed.
BECAUSE
The school closed icy roads.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
City life is exciting, but village life is calmer.
WHEREAS
City life is exciting, calmer.
Use 2–5 words, including the word given.
Each sentence from a student's essay has one mistake. Write the correction.
On the other side, living in the countryside is much cheaper.
Despite it was raining, we went for a long walk.
Because of it is cheap, many people eat fast food every day.
Big cities such like London are very expensive to live in.
As a conclusion, both options have clear advantages.
Kids spend too much time on their phones these days.
Put the sentences in the right order. The linking words will help you.
A body paragraph
Tap the sentences in order…
A conclusion
Tap the sentences in order…
A student is planning the essay in exercise 8: Should all young people do some unpaid work in their local community? They are using Plan A (five paragraphs). Which paragraph does each of their notes belong in?
Tap an item…
…then its match
Write your essay in 140–190 words.
Exam task: Writing, Part 1
Tip: Plan before you write: one paragraph for each note, one for your own idea, and an introduction and conclusion that give the same opinion.
In your English class you have been talking about young people and their local community. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay. Some people think that all young people should do some unpaid work in their local community. Do you agree? Notes Write about: 1. learning new skills 2. time for school work 3. ........ (your own idea)
Suggested minimum: 140 words
Before you hand it in
0 words · aim for at least 140
Many young people already have busy lives, so should they also be asked to do unpaid work in their community? In my opinion, it is a good idea, as long as it is organised sensibly. Firstly, volunteering teaches skills that school cannot always provide. Helping at a food bank or a sports club, for example, means working in a team, solving problems and talking to people of all ages. Furthermore, these experiences look impressive on a university application. However, teenagers already have a lot of homework and exams. If volunteering took up every weekend, their studies might suffer. This is why a few hours a month would be more realistic than a fixed day every week. Another point is that helping others makes young people feel part of their local area. They meet neighbours they would never otherwise know, and they can see the difference their work makes. All things considered, I believe that the benefits are greater than the disadvantages. Young people should be encouraged to volunteer, but in a way that fits around their studies.
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The 24 words and phrases this lesson teaches, in 4 sets.
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