1. What do you know about paragraphs? Read the description of a paragraphs and complete it with these words:
new line / indented / theme / topic sentences / develop / a general idea / more specific
A paragraph is piece of writing that is part of a larger text like a report, essay, or novel. It is recognizable as it starts on a , often with an empty line above it or the first word . A paragraph often has a clear . This can be a description, an argument, or an idea. Paragraphs often start with which state the theme of the paragraph clearly. The other sentences in the paragraph the theme by providing details, ideas, examples, and arguments that support the topic sentence. Paragraphs often start with and become as they are developed.
Question 2 of 5
2. Question
Imagine you have an idea that you want to share with your friend. Your friend will probably ask questions about your idea and you will need to explain it more detail so they can understand it. This conversation might look like this:
You: I think that one reason smoking should be banned because it causes a number of health problems
Your friend: What do you mean?
You: When people smoke, there is a greater risk that they will suffer from heart disease, respiratory problems, or cancer.
Your friend: What kind of cancer?
You: Well, people who smoke are 15-30 times more likely to get or die from lung cancer.
Your friend: But shouldn’t people be able to choose whether or not they want to take that risk?
You: Maybe. but it’s not just about them. People who inhale second hand smoke may also face health problems.
Your friend: I see.
You: Yeah, so because of the health issues, governments should criminalize smoking.
If we take just your half of the conversation, make the writing a little more formal and add linking language, then we could make the following paragraph:
One reason smoking should be banned because it causes a number of health problems. When people smoke, there is a greater risk that they will suffer from heart disease, respiratory problems, or cancer. For instance, people who smoke are 15-30 times more likely to get or die from lung cancer. Additionally, people who inhale second hand smoke may also face health problems. So because of the health issues, governments should criminalize smoking.
Like a conversation, a paragraph has a logical progression. In the paragraph above, we start with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea, and then develop and support the idea with additional sentences. This is called coherence and it makes up part of your final band score.
2. What is the purpose of the additional sentences? Match them to their purpose:
Sort elements
More detailed explanation of the main idea
An example that illustrates the main idea
An additional explanation of the main idea
A summary sentence that links back to the main idea or thesis
When people smoke, there is a greater risk that they will suffer from heart disease, respiratory problems, or cancer.
For instance, people who smoke are 15-30 times more likely to get or die from lung cancer.
Additionally, people who inhale second hand smoke may also face health problems.
So because of the health issues, governments should criminalize smoking.
Question 3 of 5
3. Question
In a task 2 paragraph, sentences can have a number of purposes, such as…
A topic sentence that introduces the main theme, argument, or idea of the paragraph
A more detailed explanation of the main theme, argument, or idea of the paragraph
An example that illustrates the main theme, argument, or main idea of the paragraph
A reason that explains why the topic sentence is valid
A counter-argument that briefly states an opposing view and shows why it isn’t valid
A summary sentence that links the supporting ideas back to the main theme, argument, or idea of the paragraph
3. Look at the paragraphs below and match them to the correct structure:
Sort elements
Topic Sentence
Reason
Example
Summary Sentence
Topic Sentence
Detailed explanation
Example
Detailed explanation
Example
Topic Sentence
Reason
Example
Example
Topic Sentence
Detailed explanation
Example
Summary Sentence
Topic Sentence
Detailed explanation
Example
Counter argument
A) Although parents often have their children’s best interest at heart, putting excessive pressure on children to succeed can have a negative impact on their academic performance because they could be overwhelmed by a fear of failure and find it difficult to engage in educational activities. Imagine a science fair. Children who are not pressured by their parents to succeed may enter the competition for fun and for the sense of personal achievement. On the other hand, a child who is worried about disappointing their parents if they don’t win, might avoid the competition altogether. As a result, this child would miss out on opportunities to develop a growth mindset and achieve academic success.
B) On the other hand, banning traffic in city centres will improve public health and safety. Many cars still run on fossil fuels and produce a lot of toxic pollutants, which can cause numerous respiratory issues such as lung cancer. In London in the 1950s, for instance, diesel powered buses contributed to ‘the great smog’, an environmental problem that ultimately led to the death of 12,000 people. Cars and other vehicles also cause injuries and deaths through traffic accidents. In built-up areas where there is a high concentration of pedestrians, accidents are far more likely to occur. Take Vietnam, for instance. Cities in this country have some of the highest concentrations of traffic in the world and deaths caused by traffic accidents account for about 1:20 of all yearly deaths.
C) The way young people played as children is one of the main reasons they are unable to think critically or find solutions to problems. This is because many of the activities that these children took part in required little imagination, which is essential for critical thinking and problem solving. Watching television, for instance, is a passive activity that requires little thinking or imagination and children who watch a lot of television or unlikely to develop any skills while doing so. Computer games are another example of this. Although playing computer games is a more active activity, they still provide a lot of a visual stimuli, prescribed narratives, and a limited number of ways they can be completed, requiring little imagination.
D) One way technology addresses the wealth gap is by providing educational resources. Traditionally, wealthier children had access to better education in the form of private tuition and private schools; however, smart devices with access to the internet have addressed this imbalance by providing access to free online materials. Take language learning for example. In the past, only wealthy children could afford private lessons, but now children can learn by watching YouTube videos or taking cheap online courses. As a result of learning a foreign language, these students will be able to secure higher-paying jobs directly, or by securing better university positions or studying study abroad.
E) On the one hand, interviews provide an opportunity to asses all the important qualities required in a candidate. Not only can interviewers ask job related questions that test a candidate’s skills and knowledge, but they can also learn about their personality and other qualities that might make them a good fit for the role. Consider teaching, for instance. While subject knowledge and methodology are important, good teachers also need to demonstrate compassion, patience, and kindness. So, while formal assessments provide insight into a candidates skills and abilities, they fail to assess other qualities that are equally or more important.
Question 4 of 5
4. Question
4. Match the paragraphs to the questions by writing the paragraph letter (A-E) next to each question:
Technology has now become widely available to people throughout society. Once consequence of this is that it has lessened the gap between the rich and the poor.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, parents are increasingly involved in their children’s education and out pressure on them to succeed.
Why has this development occurred? Is this a positive or negative development?
An ability to think analytically and solve problems is essential in many careers. However, it has been shown that many young people entering the work force lack the critical thinking and problem solving skills that people possessed in the past.
What are the causes of this and what are some solutions?
Many cities around the world are banning cars and other vehicles in their centres.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
The job market has become increasingly competitive and finding the best person for the job is an ever-growing challenge. Some people believe that Interviews are the best way to find new employees, while other believe that a formal assessment of skills is the best way to hire new staff.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question 5 of 5
5. Question
5. Put these sentences in order to make a logical and coherent paragraph:
For instance, team sports such as soccer, rugby, and hockey require children to work together and support each other to succeed and beat their opponents.
Firstly, it improves their physical health through playing sports and games that require them to run and be active. This kind of activity can help fight obesity, build muscle, and improve heart health.
Furthermore, physical education fosters collaboration and competition.
Teaching physical education provides a number of benefits for young people.
On the other hand, individual sports such as tennis, athletics, or swimming can create a competitive desire to win, which can help children succeed in other areas of their life.
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.