Lesson 2: Introductions ---- Four types of questions1. DiscussionSome people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.Topic- study in groups or aloneAnswer- sometimes better alone, usually better in a groupPeople have different views about the effectiveness of group study as opposed to working alone. While there are some benefits to studying independently, I believe that group work is usually more productive.2. OpinionSome people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Topic- community service for all teenagersAnswer- 3 choice (agree, disagree, balanced opinion)It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities. (agree) I completely agree that this kind of scheme would be a good idea.(disagree) It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities. In my opinion, it would be wrong to force teenagers to do any kind ofunsalaried work.(want mention both side) It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities. While I disagree with the idea of making such programmers compulsory, I do believe that voluntary community service could benefit young people.3. Problem and solutionSome people reoffend after they have been punished. Why do some people continue to commit crimes after they have been punished, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?Topic- criminals reoffendAnswer- several reasons, a variety of measures (government, communities)It is true that punishments do not always deter criminals from committing more crimes. There are various reasons why offenders repeatedly break the law, but governments could certainly take steps to address this issue.4. Two-part questionAs most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?Topic- job satisfactionAnswer- several factors, unrealistic / impossibleWork plays a central role in our lives, and we would all like to feel fulfilled professionally. While a variety of factors may lead to job satisfaction, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be happy at work.Lesson 3: Main paragraphs ---- Firstly, secondly, finally & Idea, explain, example4 paragraph essay- 2 main body paragraphs - 5 sentences in each- 90 to 100 words each 2 types- Firstly, secondly, finally[ advantages, disadvantages, problems, solutions ] - Idea, explain, example[ one idea, a reason, an opinion ]Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Firstly, secondly, finally3-minute plan:-disagree for several reasons-school timetable is full, no time for community service-students’ work in other subjects would be affected-teenagers might not want to do it (reluctant, no motivation) Try to write 5 sentences1. Topic sentences2. Firstly3. Secondly4. FinallyThere are several reasons why I would argue against having compulsory community service for secondary school students. Firstly, the school curriculum is already full with important academic subjects, such as maths, science and languages. For example, I remember having an extremely busy timetable when I was at high school, and it would not have been possible to add to it. Secondly, students’ performance in other subjects would be affected if valuable study time were taken by charity work or neighbourhood improvement schemes. Finally, I believe that teenage students would be reluctant to take part in any programme of obligatory work, and this could lead to poor motivation and even bad behaviour.Idea, explain, example3-minute plan:- voluntary (not compulsory) community service is positive - students more motivated if they can choose- gain work experience, self confidence, skills- good for CVs, career, university admissions, employers3 Try to write 5 sentences IdeaExplain (2 or 3 sentences) ExampleOn the other hand, the opportunity to do voluntary community service could be extremely positive for high school students. By making these programmes optional, schools would ensure that only motivated students took part. These young people would gain valuable experience in an adult working environment, which could help to build their self confidence and enhance their skills. Having such experience and skills on their CVs could greatly improve school leavers’career prospects. For example, a period of voluntary work experience might impress a university admissions officer or a future employer.Linking words do not help your “vocabulary” score. Examiners want to see “topic vocabulary”.blue - linking words green - Topic vocabulary red – paraphrasingLesson 4: Conclusions- One sentence - No new information - Paraphrasing to show variety1. Discussion questionIn many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime,but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?IntroductionIt is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While I understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that there are more benefits than drawbacks.ConclusionIn conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of using video security systems in public places dooutweigh the disadvantages.2. Opinion questionFamilies who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?IntroductionSome people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view.ConclusionIn conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who chooseprivate education.3. Problem and solution questionIn the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.What problems will this cause for individuals and society?Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.IntroductionIt is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.ConclusionIn conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.4. Two-part questionThere are many different types of music in the world today.Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?IntroductionIt is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music.ConclusionIn conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.Lesson 5: PlanningSome people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 10-minute essay plan, 3 steps:1. Read and understand the question2. Plan your essay structure3. Plan ideas for the 2 main paragraphs1. Read and understand the question - highlight / underline key parts2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)1. Introduction: topic + answer[ topic ] – study in groups or alone[ answer ] – sometimes better alone, usually better in a group2. Benefits of studying alone3. Benefits of group study (my view)4. Conclusion: repeat answer - both have benefits, but I prefer group3. Plan ideas for the 2 main paragraphs (6 minutes)- brainstorm, note down any ideas you have- develop ideas in detail- keep asking yourself “why?”- think of examples to support your ideas- finally, try to group related ideas (number them)Lesson 6: Opinion essay ---- Do YOU agree or disagree? ( You CAN use “I” ,“my” or “in my opinion” )The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (275 words, band 9)1. Introduction: [ topic ] –government spending[ answer ] – agree, public services instead of space projects2. Explain why “space” spending should be stoppedexpensive (scientists, facilities, equipment),no benefits to normal people, politicians showing power,waste of money when project fail, risk of accidents, death e.g.challenger space shuttle3. Explain why public service spending is bettercheaper e.g. doctors, teachers, police instead of astronautspublic service impact on everyonewe all use schools, hospitals, police, roads etc.reduce poverty, better quality of life4. Conclusion: repeat answer – spend on services that benefit us allGovernments in some countries spend large amounts of money onspace exploration programmes. I completely agree with the ideathat these are a waste of money, and that the funds should beallocated to public services.There are several reasons why space programmes should beabandoned. Firstly, it is extremely expensive to train scientists andother staff involved with space missions, and facilities andequipment also come at a huge cost to the government. Secondly,these programmes do not benefit normal people in our daily lives;they are simply vanity projects for politicians. Finally, manymissions to space fail completely, and the smallest technologicalerror can cost astronauts their lives. The Challenger space shuttledisaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, andin my opinion it is not worth the risk.I believe that the money from space programmes should go to vitalpublic services instead. It is much cheaper to train doctors,teachers, police and other public service workers than it is to trainastronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on spaceexploration projects. Furthermore, public servants do jobs that havea positive impact on every member of society. For example, we alluse schools, hospitals and roads, and we all need the security thatthe police provide. If governments reallocated the money spent onspace travel and research, many thousands of people could belifted out of poverty or given a better quality of life.In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money onservices that benefit all members of society, and it is wrong towaste resources on projects that do not improve our everyday lives.Lesson 7: Discussion essaySome people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (270 words, band 9)1. Introduction:[ topic ] –competition or co-operation?[ answer ] –benefits of both, co-operation more important2. Why encourage competition?motivation,work harder, be better than other children,self confidence, independent work, faster progress,competitive situation when leave school e.g. job interviews,prepared for adult life3. Why teach co-operation? (my view)co-operation even more important,e.g. at work (team, follow boss’s instructions, help junior staff),collaboration more useful than winning,better attitude for young people,working together4. Conclusion: repeat answer – accept both views, co-operation betterPeople have different views about whether children should be taught to becompetitive or co-operative. While a spirit of competition can sometimes beuseful in life,I believe that the ability to co-operate is more important.On the one hand, competition can be a great source of motivation forchildren. When teachers use games or prizes to introduce an element ofcompetitiveness into lessons, it can encourage children to work harder tooutdo the other pupils in the class. This kind of healthy rivalry may help tobuild children’s self confidence, while pushing them to work independentlyand progress more quickly. When these children leave school, theirconfidence and determination will help them in competitive situations suchas job interviews. It can therefore be argued that competition should beencouraged in order to prepare children for adult life.On the other hand, it is perhaps even more important to prepare childrenfor the many aspects of adult life that require co-operation. In the workplace,adults are expected to work in teams, follow instructions given by theirsuperiors, or supervise and support the more junior members of staff.Team collaboration skills are much more useful than a competitivedetermination to win. This is the attitude that I believe schools should fosterin young people. Instead of promoting the idea that people are eitherwinners or losers, teachers could show children that they gain more fromworking together.In conclusion, I can understand why people might want to encouragecompetitiveness in children, but it seems to me that a co-operative attitudeis much more desirable in adult life.。