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Tài liệu luyện viết dành cho học sinh giỏi ôn thi các kỳ thi học sinh giỏi cấp Tỉnh có phần viết luận. A. Example For and Against Essay: advantage and disadvantage of learning English abroad or in our own country Nowadays English is playing an important role in the success of young generations and becomes keys to open new world. For this reason, many parents send their children to foreign countries to be better equipped with English. Therefore, this is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of learning English abroad compared to learning in one’s own country. The first and foremost advantage is the language environment. That is to say, when a student comes to a new country, he or she is exposed to a new environment in which native people speak English, exchange information in English and everything is in English too. So, as a natural instinct, one can get used to using English in daily life, which is really helpful to his or her development. This leads to the second reason that students living abroad can remain motivated because they are in close contact with English speakers. They have a lot of chances to practice and they can also see their improvement day by day. As a mater of fact, we can not see these favorable conditions in our own country. On the other hand, living in foreign country is especially costly comparing to studying at one’s home country. Besides high tuition fee, he or she must pay for living expenses, transport fees and leisure activities. Moreover, for people who first live outside family may face a problem called culture shock. They have difficulty communicating with people around, interpreting the culture and behaviors of those in a foreign country. As a result, they feel deserted among a strange world without any family and friends. Hence, they become unable to cope with their own life and probably return home with unfinished education. As saying goes “there are two sides to the same coin”. For this aspect, I totally agree that learning English abroad may be better or worse than learning at our own country. Therefore, it depends on the facilities and ability of each people to choose the right way. B. Example for Opinion Essay. Cars should be banned from the centres of all major cities Many people strongly think that cars should be banned from the centres of all major cities for many different reasons. I completely agree with this opinion. First of all, it will help reduce the air pollution to the environment. No one can deny that fact that the environment, for many interferences from human beings, is more and more seriously polluted and that the smoke released from cars is one of the dangerous pollutants. So why don’t we protect ourselves just simply by riding to work or travelling by bus everyday instead of driving cars? Have you ever stuck in heavy traffic because there are so many vehicles on the street, especially cars? If yes, you will perhaps recognize that using a car is not a very good choice. Actually catching a bus to go to work on time must be much better than being on a car and getting angry of having to wait for a too long time. Some people don’t believe that banning cars in major cities is a good idea due to the conveniences cars bring them such as their speed is much faster; sitting in a car is more comfortable and so on. Of course, everyone wants to be pleasant or go to somewhere quickly, so do I. However, everything has it own price, I don’t think the benefits you get from using car are more than the dangers you may do to other people and yourself if you travel by a car. In conclusion, I, one more time, recommend you to make a suitable choice of using transportation means. Let’s encourage banning cars in major cities so that everyone many have a better life, smiling everyday because we are contributing to environment protection instead of being criticized for using a car.
Phu My High School BA RIA-VUNG TAU DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHU MY HIGH SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT MATERIAL FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS WRITING AN ESSAY Compiled by: Ms Hang Vu SCHOOL YEAR: 2022 - 2023 Phu My High School I MARKING CRITERIA Organization and presentation 25% Content 50% Use of language 25% II PROCESS OF ACADEMIC WRITING o Step 1: Read the task carefully o Step 2: Brainstorm ideas o Step 3: Planning (Outlining) o Step 4: Writing draft o Step 5: Checking and Writing the final copy III THE ESSAY STRUCTURE I Introduction General Statements Thesis Statement II Body Para A Topic Sentence Support Support Support Sentence) A (Concluding Topic Sentence Para B Topic Sentence Support Support Support Support Support Support Sentence) (Concluding (Concluding Sentence) Para C Topic Sentence Support Support Support (Concluding Sentence) III Conclusion Restatement or summary of the main points; give final comments Phu My High School A INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH FUNCTIONS OF THE INTRODUCTION A well-written introductory paragraph perform several important roles: It attracts the reader's interest, encouraging him or her to continue reading the essay It supplies any background information that may be needed to understand the essay It presents a thesis statement This clear, direct statement of the main idea of the paper usually appears near the end of the introductory paragraph It indicates a plan of development Model General Statements Thesis Statement Any person who has lived in the twentieth century has seen a lot of changes taken place in almost all areas of human existence Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer; others want to return to the simpler life-style of the past The twentieth century has certain advantages such as higher standard of living for many, but it also has some disadvantages such as a polluted environment, the depersonalization of human relationships and the weakening of spiritual values General Statements: Introduce the topic of the essay Give background information on the topic » Opening with a Story (Anecdote) Ex: Traveling at more than 100 mph, he feels as though he is not moving He is engulfed in complete silence For a moment, it is as if he entered another dimension (This essay is about the exciting sport of skydiving.) » Open with a Quotation “To be or not to be, that’s the question.” (This hook begins an essay on the topic about suicide) » Open with an Interesting Statistic/ Observation “Asian economists are not sleeping well these days.” (This observation makes the reader want to know why Asian economists are not sleeping well To find out, he reads on.) » Question Openings Phu My High School How many out there on the roads are driving carelessly? (Most people won’t know the answer, but they’ll probably be hooked and want to find out more about the topic) Thesis Statement States the main topic The last sentence in the introductory paragraph Underline and analyze general statements and thesis statement What is love? How we know that we are really in love? When we meet that special person, how can we tell that our feelings are genuine and not merely infatuation? And, if they are genuine, will these feelings last? Love, as we all know, is difficult to define But most people agree that true and lasting love involves far more than mere physical attraction Love involves mutual respect, the desire to give rather than take, and the feeling of being wholly at ease B BODY Paragraph Topic sentence – Supporting sentences (examples, facts, ) Paragraph Topic sentence – Supporting sentences (examples, facts, ) Paragraph Topic sentence – Supporting sentences (examples, facts, ) C Concluding Paragraph Summary Closing The concluding paragraph consists of A summary of the main points, or a restatement of your thesis in different words Your final comment on the subject, based on the information you have provided Model: In short, although the twentieth century has indeed given some of us a lot of advantages by making us richer, healthier, and freer to enjoy our lives, it has, in my opinion, not made us wiser The twentieth century has also made our earth dirtier, our people less humane, and our spiritual lives poorer We wish to continue to enjoy the benefits of technological advancement because they free us to pursue our other interests and goals However, we must make a concerted effort to preserve our natural environment for future generations Moreover, we should take time now to make our lives more meaningful on our increasingly impersonal, mechanized world Close with a Logical Conclusion This is a good closing for argumentative or opinion papers that present two or more sides of an issue Phu My High School Model: “As a saying goes “there are two sides of the same coin” For this aspect, I totally agree that learning English abroad may be better or worse than learning in our own country Therefore, it depends on the facilities and ability of each person to choose a right way.” Real or Rhetorical Question Closings Rather than handing the conclusion over, you can leave the reader with a question that causes him or her to draw his own conclusions Why, then, are schools for the deaf becoming a dying species? Close with a Recommendation A good conclusion is when the writer suggests that the reader something in the way of support for a cause or a plea for them to take action American Sign Language is a fast growing language in America More and more universities and colleges are offering it as part of their curriculum and some are even requiring it as part of their program This writer suggests that anyone who has a chance to learn this beautiful language should grab that opportunity IV KINDS OF SOME COMMON ESSAYS Topic 1: Research shows that young people today are not as healthy as they are twenty years ago Why is this? And can we anything about it? Solution Essay Topic 2: Cars should be banned from the centers of all major cities Opinion Essay Topic 3: The advantages and disadvantages of learning English abroad compared to learning in your own country For and Against Essay REMEMBER: About a controversial problem/ matter No title No contractions No extreme word FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY OPINION ESSAY SOLUTION TO PROBLEM Introduction Introduction Introduction Restate the topic Restate the topic including State the problem, its causes Phu My High School (Do not give your opinion) your own opinion and effects Background Main body Main Body Main body (2-3 para) Argument for ( 1-2 para) Viewpoints (1-2 para) Solutions/ examples/ reasons Reasons and examples Reasons and examples Connect the paragraphs with linking phrases Opposing viewpoints (1 Argument against ( 1-2 para) para) Some people believe that… Reasons and examples Connect sides with linking words or phrases At the end of the para, the opposing viewpoint is dismissed Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion Balanced consideration and Summarize or restate your Summarize and give your your own opinion opinion opinion A Example For and Against Essay: advantage and disadvantage of learning English abroad or in our own country Nowadays English is playing an important role in the success of young generations and becomes keys to open new world For this reason, many parents send their children to foreign countries to be better equipped with English Therefore, this is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of learning English abroad compared to learning in one’s own country The first and foremost advantage is the language environment That is to say, when a student comes to a new country, he or she is exposed to a new environment in which native people speak English, exchange information in English and everything is in English too So, as a natural instinct, one can get used to using English in daily life, which is really helpful to his or her development This leads to the second reason that students living abroad can remain motivated because they are in close contact with English speakers They have a lot of chances to practice and they can also see their improvement day by day As a mater of fact, we can not see these favorable conditions in our own country On the other hand, living in foreign country is especially costly comparing to studying at one’s home country Besides high tuition fee, he or she must pay for living expenses, transport fees and leisure activities Moreover, for people who first live outside family may face a problem called culture shock They have difficulty communicating with people around, interpreting the culture and behaviors of those in a foreign country As a result, they feel deserted among a strange world without any family and friends Hence, they become unable to cope with their own life and probably return home with unfinished education As saying goes “there are two sides to the same coin” For this aspect, I totally agree that learning English abroad may be better or worse than learning at our own country Therefore, it depends on the facilities and ability of each people to choose the right way Phu My High School B Example for Opinion Essay Cars should be banned from the centres of all major cities Many people strongly think that cars should be banned from the centres of all major cities for many different reasons I completely agree with this opinion First of all, it will help reduce the air pollution to the environment No one can deny that fact that the environment, for many interferences from human beings, is more and more seriously polluted and that the smoke released from cars is one of the dangerous pollutants So why don’t we protect ourselves just simply by riding to work or travelling by bus everyday instead of driving cars? Have you ever stuck in heavy traffic because there are so many vehicles on the street, especially cars? If yes, you will perhaps recognize that using a car is not a very good choice Actually catching a bus to go to work on time must be much better than being on a car and getting angry of having to wait for a too long time Some people don’t believe that banning cars in major cities is a good idea due to the conveniences cars bring them such as their speed is much faster; sitting in a car is more comfortable and so on Of course, everyone wants to be pleasant or go to somewhere quickly, so I However, everything has it own price, I don’t think the benefits you get from using car are more than the dangers you may to other people and yourself if you travel by a car In conclusion, I, one more time, recommend you to make a suitable choice of using transportation means Let’s encourage banning cars in major cities so that everyone many have a better life, smiling everyday because we are contributing to environment protection instead of being criticized for using a car C Example for Solution Essay: People today are not as healthy as they are 20 years ago Research shows that young people today are not as healthy as they were twenty years ago Why is this and can we anything about that? In this essay, I am going to discuss this and see what we can to improve the health of young generation First of all, young people now are living in a more polluted environment the their counterpart twenty years ago They also eat unhealthy food that contains addictives and chemicals Another reason is that they less physical activities Instead of being involved in sports, they are in favour of gluing their eyes on TV or on computer screen Scientists argue that the solution to the problem is obvious The first one is to improve a healthy diet for young people For example, they should be provided with healthy food lists which points out the group of food they need to eat more or less in their meal The second solution is that there must be law limiting the use of chemicals, addictives, and fertilizers on food products Take vegetables as a case in point, farmers are supposed to use a certain amount of fertilizer and pesticide on their products Last but not least, the local government should build more playgrounds where young children can be included in more outdoor and physical activities This is a good way to improve their health Phu My High School To sum up, health is wealth as it always goes We are here to something that can best for our young generation either physically or mentally V TRANSITION WORDS Words that show ORDER and DEGREE Firstly First of all To begin with First and Foremost Secondly The second solution is that Then Next Thirdly Lastly Finally Last but not least Importantly, More / Most Above all importantly/significantly Essentially Principally Chiefly Indeed, … In fact, … Primarily Words that ADD information also In addition Similarly /Likewise/In the like manner as well as Besides What’s more Either…or…/neither nor… Furthermore Not only……but also and Moreover Both….and… too Another point to consider is Further,… Words that show CONCLUSION Finally/ Lastly In conclusion In sum To conclude To sum up Overall In summary In brief In short All in all It is clear that… We can see that The evidence suggests that… These examples show that… Words that REPEAT information in fact in other words To put it simply once again to put it another way The latter/ the former Words that show CONTRASTS or DIFFERENCES Although, though, even though in spite of/ despite Unfortunately However In contrast Conversely But Nevertheless On one hand, … On the other hand, Nonetheless Rather than In comparison On the contrary Unlike Another perspective holds… Still, Yet, Differ from, Different from, instead Otherwise, Less than, More than, While whereas Compared to To introduce an example Phu My High School for example for instance A,B, C to name a few = Namely, like such as In other words Take it as an example To illustrate To clarify, To paraphrase, To explain, An example of this is… in terms of That is, Words that show CAUSE (explain why) Because/ since/ as because of Due to = Owing to caused by In fact/ indeed Result from/ be the result of Words that show EFFECT/RESULTS As a result Consequently as a consequence for this/that reason that is why accordingly therefore Hence thus Result in The reason for The cause of Have an effect on cause affect Words that ASSERT OBVIOUS TRUTH or GRANT OPPOSITION certainly conceding that granted that in fact naturally There is no doubt that of course undoubtedly without a doubt It is obvious that USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION You can express your OPINION by using the following phrases: In my opinion , To my mind , To my way of thinking , In my view , To me , From my point of view , It is my opinion that , I believe , I think , It seems to me that , It appears to me that , These adverbials qualify your opinion, show HOW STRONGLY YOU FEEL about something: seemingly, conceivably, possibly, perhaps, maybe, probably, presumably, certainly, almost, doubtless, No doubt, definitely, These adverbials make GENERAL statement about how you feel about something: All in all, All things considered, As a rule, Altogether, Basically, Essentially, For the most part, Generally, In general, On the whole, Overall, These adverbials show an idea which is not completely true: Almost, In a way, More or less, Practically, So to speak, For all interests and purposes, To some extend, Up to a point, VI SENTENCE STRUCTURE You can vary the types of sentences you use, the length of the sentences, the subject of the sentences, and the voice of the sentences Simple sentence Ex: English grammar is easy Compound sentence Ex: Grammar is easy, so I learnt it quickly Complex sentence o Adverb clause Ex: Because grammar is easy, I learned it quickly Phu My High School o ADJ clause Ex: One of my favourite film is Tangled, which is made by Walt Disney o Noun clause/ If, whether clause Ex: She doesn’t agree that grammar is easy Compound – complex sentence Because grammar is easy, I learnt it quickly, but it took me several years to master writing SYNTACTIC VARIETY Parallel Structures Parallelism gives your essay rhythm It makes it easier to read and understand Your structures, however, must be parallel That is, the subjects, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and gerunds must be parallel Rephrasing We learned the words to use to introduce a statement that has been restated or rephrased for emphasis We can also rephrase words to provide coherence in the essay Rephrasing gives the reader a second chance to understand your thesis Synonyms are one way to rephrase The countryside where I grew up is very isolated You can drive for miles without seeing another car It seems in all directions you look at a breathtaking vista The scenery near the ocean especially dramatic, with giant dark cliffs rising out of the water SENTENCE PROBLEMS Sentence fragments (Many young people who leave home at an early age.) Choppy sentences (Wind is an enduring source of power Water is also an unlimited energy source Dams produce hydraulic power They have existed for a long time Windmills are rather new) Run – on sentence (Learning a new language is like learning to swim it takes a lot of practice) Stringy sentence (Many students attend classes all morning, and then they work all afternoon, and they also have to study at night, so they are usually exhausted by the weekend VII SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T DO WHEN WRITING AN ESSAY SHOULD SHOULDN’T Use various advanced vocabulary and grammar Shouldn’t use short form: can’t/ don’t/ isn’t Eg: tend -> have a tendency to Avoid giving personal examples: in my school Eg: Students should wear uniform -> Students are supposed to wear uniform Shouldn’t use too simple words and sentences Eg: I think -> To my way of thinking Use passive voice It is argued that Shouldn’t use too simple connectors such as and, It is a common belief that but, so Use complex sentence or structure both…and…/ not only…but also…/ those who… He is said to be the wealthiest man alive Use linking words and phrases Eg: Furthermore, Avoid expressing your opinion or emotion too Nonetheless seriously or harshly Use complex sentences Eg: I absolutely detest people who… The government should build playing ground where Phu My High School children can be included in Shouldn’t generalize too much Use inversion Eg: All politicians are… Were it true, we would… Avoid giving not exact statistics Never has this been more obvious… Not only should he pay more attention to his study but also put more effort into his work Generalize Eg: In most developed countries… Logical order Reference from different source Eg: Experts have proved that… VIII COMMON PROVERB (TỤC NGỮ) 1.A friend in need is a friend indeed 2.A greased mouth cannot say no 3.A little knowledge is a dangerous thing 4.Haste makes waste 5.All are equal in the eyes of the law 6.All is fair in love and war 7.An enemy's enemy is a friend 8.Beauty is only skin deep 9.Charity begins at home 10.Don't bite more than you can chew 11.Don't cry wolf once too often 12.Don't kill the goose that lays golden eggs 13.Obey the law or be damned 14.Give a dog a bad name and hang it 16.Now is the time to live 19.Impossible is often the untried 20.Kindness pays 21.Necessity is the mother of invention 22.Never a Quisling be 23.No army can fight on an empty stomach 24.It is never too late to learn 10 Phu My High School 25.He who has an art has everywhere apart 27.Silence is golden 28 The future is not ours to see 29.The grass looks greener on the other side 30.The poor are truly free when their needs are a few 31.Practice makes one perfect 32Self help is the best help 33.Slow and steady wins the race 35.Noone but the brave deserve the crown 36.kill two birds with one stone 37.Tit for tat 38.Truth always triumphs 39.Unity is strength 40.Wisdom is nothing but earthly common sense 41.Count not your chickens before they are hatched IX SOME TOPICS TO PRACTICE Students attend college and university for different reasons Why you think people attend college and university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day Other people believe that students should spend the whole schooldays on academic studies Which opinion you agree with? Give reasons to support your answer Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games is fun only when you win Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Books are not needed anymore because people can read information on computers Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer In the twentieth century, food has become easier to prepare Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position Some people prefer to live in a small town Others prefer to live in a big city Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Cell phone has destroyed communication among friends and family Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion 10 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances Use specific reasons and details to support your answer 11 Phu My High School 11 Some people think the government should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets) Other people disagree and think the government should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth Which of these two opinions you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer 12 If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice 13 Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural environment Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos 14 Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly Explain what you think parents should and why 15 Many people volunteer their time to help others, either through non-profit organizations, churches, or other charitable venues Write an essay convincing readers to find a charity and volunteer their time 16 According to some people, elderly drivers should be required to reapply for their driving licenses because with age comes diminished vision, hearing, and reaction time How you feel about this issue? Explain what you think should be done and why 17 Today, there are more and more reality shows on television Do these shows make good television? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples 18 Is reading fiction a waste of time? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples to support your position 19 Many students complain about having to learn history Why we need knowledge of the past? Write an essay convincing skeptics that learning about the past is important 20 Thomas Edison, the renowned inventor, is famous for having said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Do you agree with this definition of genius? Why or why not? 21 What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice 22 In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details 12 ... side 30 .The poor are truly free when their needs are a few 31 .Practice makes one perfect 32 Self help is the best help 33 .Slow and steady wins the race 35 .Noone but the brave deserve the crown 36 .kill... today are not as healthy as they were twenty years ago Why is this and can we anything about that? In this essay, I am going to discuss this and see what we can to improve the health of young generation... II PROCESS OF ACADEMIC WRITING o Step 1: Read the task carefully o Step 2: Brainstorm ideas o Step 3: Planning (Outlining) o Step 4: Writing draft o Step 5: Checking and Writing the final copy