ADVANCED UNIT 2 2 A Look at the linking devices in bold in the text. Which:
a discursive essay 1 introduce additional information?
2 indicate a contrast with what has come before?
3 follow a logical argument?
WRITING TIP 4 prove your point?
A discursive essay is an essay that explores a particular
subject. A discursive essay needs to be balanced: you B Add the linkers in the box below to the categories above.
should present arguments on both sides in a neutral
additionally thus so furthermore for this reason
way before you express your own opinion.
in conclusion evidently on the contrary hence
1 Read the essay and say if these statements are 3 Delete the incorrect alternative in each sentence.
true (T) or false (F). 1 He pays his own fees. For this reason/However/
1 The author gives a firm opinion on the subject Consequently, he wants to complete his degree as
in the introduction. soon as possible.
2 The second paragraph supports the 2 Janes family have a lot of money. However/Thus/
proposition in the title. Nevertheless, they dont give her much.
3 In the third paragraph the author says that he 3 Everybody failed the exam. Evidently/In addition to this/
thinks healthcare and university should be free. Obviously, it was too difficult.
4 The author offers an extreme opinion in the 4 Healthcare is very expensive in the United States.
final paragraph. On the contrary/For this reason/Hence, its a good idea
5 In general, the essay is balanced. to have health insurance.
6 There are too many paragraphs in the essay for 5 She lives a long way from the university. Furthermore/
the content. Two would be enough. Consequently/Whats more, public transport in the
area is very poor.
6 His sister studied Maths at university. Thus/However/
Should students pay their own university
In contrast, he studied French.
tuition fees?
4 A Read the sentences below.
Twenty years ago, if you went to university in the UK, all of
your tuition fees were paid for by the government. Now,
1 I went to university, whereas my father didnt.
however, you have to pay for them yourself. There is 2 Despite all my advice, they didnt go to university.
currently a lot of debate about which of these two 3 Shes extremely intelligent. Having said that, shes
situations is better. What is more, there are no
also very lazy.
straightforward answers.
4 Although he worked very hard, he failed all his exams.
In an ideal world, all education would be free, including
tertiary education. Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is
that we do not live in an ideal world and there is not an B Which of the expressions in bold
unlimited supply of money. a) connects two clauses in the same sentence?
In addition to this, the more money the government b) is followed by a noun clause?
spends, the more it taxes its citizens, and the less money
they have.
c) has a similar meaning to however?
On the other hand, it could be argued that in a modern
democratic society, citizens have some basic rights. For
5 Write an essay on the subject: Royal families serve no
example, many people would agree that universal free useful purpose in todays society (250300 words).
healthcare is a basic right: no one should go without
medical attention because they cant afford it.
Plan your writing
Likewise, a significant number of people also think
university fees should be free of charge. After all, they
Think about the content of your essay. Introduce the topic
maintain, if healthcare is free, why shouldnt university be and present both sides of the argument. Summarise by
free, too? giving your own view.
In my own view, university tuition fees should not be totally Check your writing
free. If they are, many people will go to university just
because they dont know what to do after secondary Have you used a good range of linking devices?
school. Obviously, this is not the purpose of going to Have you checked your grammar and spelling?
university. At the same time, fees should not be so Did you find any mistakes?
expensive that they put off people from poor families from
carrying on with their studies. Consequently, the best
solution would be for the government to subsidise tuition
fees, but not to pay for them entirely.
ADVANCED UNIT 3
a description of a place
WRITING TIP
When you write a description of a place, you need to try
to paint a picture with words so that the reader feels as if
they were in that place. For this reason, it is a good idea to:
give a lot of details describing the place;
use a wide range of vocabulary, especially adjectives;
describe what you can hear, smell, touch and taste.
1 Read the essay and match the underlined expressions to 4 Choose the correct option to maintain the
uses (15). parallelism.
1 Describing consequences of the problem 1 His time in prison was hard, frightening
2 Concluding and fun/depressing.
3 Describing causes of the problem 2 We need to reduce prison sentences,
4 Suggesting solutions send fewer people to jail, and release
5 Introducing the problem prisoners earlier for good behaviour/
have more drink-driving controls.
2 Match the expressions below to uses (15). 3 The judge looked up, asked a question,
The purpose/aim of this essay was to and took notes/was very tall.
(This) illustrates one of todays most important issues 4 How oen do you drive too quickly: oen,
This has led to/resulted in/brought about rarely or never/when youre in a hurry?
In conclusion, This is largely due to
5 Look at these examples. Which
expressions of cause and effect are
What can we do about the number of people in prison in the UK? followed by a clause and which by a noun?
The number of people in the UK who are in prison represents 1 Owing to unrest in prisons, more prison
a growing problem: the prison population has more than doubled guards are being employed.
since 1993, going from 41,600 to more than 86,000. Whats more,
no country in Western Europe jails more of its people than England 2 He is a hardened criminal because he
and Wales. The current figure is 154 people per 100,000 in prison has spent many years in prison.
in Germany the figure is 96, and in Sweden its 75. Why have the 3 More people are now in prison because
numbers increased so much? And what can be done to reduce them? of a change in sentencing policy.
The first reaction of many people to these figures is to conclude that 4 He was put on a witness protection
the prison population is rising because more crimes are being programme owing to the fact that he
committed and so more people are going to jail. However, this is not was being threatened by the mafia.
necessarily the case. In fact, since 1995 the number of crimes being
committed in the UK has steadily fallen. Evidently, there must be other 5 Since the judge was very lenient, she
factors which help to explain why the prison population has risen so wasnt sent to prison.
alarmingly.
One of the causes of the high level of the prison population is politics. 6 Write a problem-solution essay on ONE of
When a new government is elected, one issue that always comes up
these topics (300350 words).
is how they are going to tackle crime. The typical response is for the 1 How can we reduce the number of
government to promise that they will be tough on crime, press for people out of work?
longer prison sentences, and urge judges to put more people behind 2 How can we reduce the high levels of
bars. One of the consequences of this is that judges are now sending
pollution in big cities?
people to prison for less serious offences, when before they would
have given them a suspended sentence and ordered them to do
community service. Plan your writing
Another important factor to take into account is the influence of the Think about the content of your essay.
media. Following some high-profile cases in the early 90s, the medias Remember to state the problem and explain
position on punishment became harsher. They started demanding the causes. Give one or two possible solutions
longer sentences and an end to community-based measures. One
should certainly not underestimate the power of the media in and conclude by giving your opinion.
influencing people, and this includes even judges. Check your writing
To sum up, it is clear that if we want to reduce the prison population in Have you clearly stated the problem, analysed
the UK, attitudes will need to change. One possible solution to the the causes and provided a conclusion?
problem would be for politicians to stop trying to win support by
promising to be tough on crime. In addition, the media must stop Have you used parallelism at least once?
whipping up public sentiment about this issue in a way that does not Have you checked your grammar and spelling?
reflect the underlying reality of the situation. Did you find any mistakes?
ADVANCED UNIT 6 2 A Read the first paragraph of the report. What does
it do?
a report
B Read the rest of the report and answer the
WRITING TIP questions.
When you write a report, clarity is essential. You should 1 What areas do paragraphs 2 and 3 discuss?
organise your report into paragraphs, and clearly explain 2 Find two examples of the passive in the first
the objective of the report at the beginning, and draw paragraph.
conclusions at the end. You should use a formal style and 3 In general, why is the passive oen used in reports?
avoid contractions. 4 Find two linkers of contrast.
Trends in Global Advertising Expenditure 5 Complete the report in exercise 2 (150 words).
This report will examine the trends in worldwide advertising
expenditure, both past and future. The table above contains
information about advertising expenditure in the major areas of the Plan your writing
globe. The figures for last year (2011) are included, together with an Remember to organise the information into
indication of the growth that the figures represent with respect to paragraphs. Conclude by drawing all the information in
the previous year. In addition, a projection for the next three years
the report into a short summary.
(until 2014) is also shown.
It is clear from the table the North America (USA and Canada) is Check your writing
the major market, despite sluggish growth in the previous year. Does your conclusion summarise the information in the
Furthermore, this market is set to expand considerably in the years report?
to come, with a 13% increase projected by the year 2014.
Have you avoided contractions and used a formal style?
Western Europe, however, does not present such a rosy picture.
Have you included some linkers?
Whilst it is still a major market (third behind North America and the
Asia / Pacific region), it grew by only 2% in the previous year, and Have you checked your grammar and spelling?
has the lowest projected growth for any market over the next three Did you find any mistakes?
years. This is partly due to the fact that it is a mature market, with
an already high level of advertising. The other major factor that
helps to explain the relative underperformance of this market is the
continued economic weakness and political uncertainty in the area.
As far as the Asia / Pacific region is concerned,
WRITING TIP
Its always party time at Sycamore Fells!
When you write a leaflet, it must be easy for the reader to see the main Every evening we have fabulous tribute
points at a glance. To achieve, this you need to include: acts playing live music from the last
a clear title in big letters, saying what the leaflet is about; seven decades at the Cabaret Suite; and
a slogan, summing up the message of the leaflet; DJs playing the latest in pop, dance and
clear subheadings. urban music every night at Twirlers, our
on-site club. The dancing isnt just for
grown-ups either our kids disco is every
1 A Look at the leaflet quickly. Which features of a good leaflet does Wednesday and Saturday evening from
it include? 6 until 9p.m.
Take advantage of our summer offer:
B Read the leaflet in detail and answer the questions. 25% off all tickets! Thats 5 off for adults
1 Where is Sycamore Fells? and 2.50 off for kids. The discount only
lasts until the end of August, so book
2 Where would you stay if you didnt want to spend a lot of money? your tickets today!
3 Is Sycamore Fells a good place to bring children? Why?
4 Is Chinese food available?
3 What type of holiday do you think
these slogans are describing?
Sycamore Fells Holiday Resort Sun, sand and great food!
Happy holiday of family fun Get away from it all!
Discover the secrets of the ocean!
ABOUT SYCAMORE FELLS Visit the last virgin continent!
Sycamore Fells Holiday Resort is nestled amongst the beautiful wooded slopes
of the Midlands County Forest. It is a wonderful place for adults and children
Ancient monuments and towering
alike, especially those who love nature and the great outdoors. mountains!
Just because youre close to nature, it doesnt mean youre far from civilization:
Sycamore Fells has all the facilities of a small town, including a mini-supermarket, 4 Write a promotional leaflet for a
a post office and a cash machine, not to mention the fantastic range of cafs holiday destination (250 words).
and restaurants.
Cycling/mountain biking
Have you checked your grammar and
Spa spelling?
Kids clubs
Nature walks
Did you find any mistakes?
ADVANCED UNIT 8
a personal memory
WRITING TIP
When you write about a memory, you should include rich detail
so that the reader feels that they are in the story or the place
with you. Use lots of description.
ADVANCED UNIT 9
a review
WRITING TIP
When you write a review of a book or a film, you should provide a
basic description of what it is about, without describing the plot
in a lot of detail. You should also say what you like and dont like
about it. Aer reading your review, the reader should have a good
idea of whether the book or film will be of interest to them.
Mentir Es Vivir Film review What does each one mean? Use a dictionary
if necessary.
1 The film was riveting from start to finish.
Mentir Es Vivir, or To Lie Is To Live in English, is a film based on
2 Im sorry to say that I thought it was one
the novel by the 18th Century Spanish author, Ignacio
big yawn.
Gonzalez Hidalgo. It has an all-star cast, headed by Ronnie
deMotta, Sophia Jones and Eduardo Montoya. 3 Its a fast-paced film and the tension never
lets up.
The story begins with the arrival in Madrid of Alejandro
Velazquez, a young penniless actor who has spent the 4 The book is a real page-turner.
previous six years performing in street theatre in Paris. 5 The plot has so many twists and turns that
A chance meeting at a bull fight with another ex-street its extremely difficult to follow.
performer propels Velazquez into the world of politics.
The film chronicles his gradual rise up the social and 4 Write a review of a book, film or music
economic ladder thanks to his friendships with various album (200250 words).
powerful members of society, rather than his own merits as
a politician.
Plan your writing
Although written well over 200 years ago, the story has a Decide what you are going to write about.
distinctly modern feel to it, as it tells a tale of corruption
with characters who are driven purely by greed and ambition. Make notes on what the book /film/music album
The best thing about the film is without doubt its wonderful is about.
portrayal of life in Madrid at the end of the eighteenth Makes notes on its strong and weak points,
century. Sophia Jones also puts in a great performance as in your opinion.
Velazquezs power-hungry wife, pushing her husband to take Ensure the review has an introduction,
bigger and bigger risks to climb to the top of Spanish society. a paragraph outlining the basic plot/
However, everything hinges on deMottas performance; and characteristics, your opinion and a conclusion.
although he is by no means dreadful, he really does not have
the on-screen charisma or depth to carry the picture. Check your writing
In conclusion, this is a wonderful story that has all the In general terms, does your review give the
ingredients for making a classic film. However, the final reader a good general idea of the film/book/
product can only be described as disappointing, when music album?
compared to the superlative raw material on which it is Have you used a good range of vocabulary?
based. Have you checked your grammar and spelling?
Did you find any mistakes?
ADVANCED UNIT 3 3B
ANSWER KEY b)
1A
UNIT 1 its photogenic, an artists dream 4
1 depressing 2 release prisoners earlier for
1A 1B good behaviour 3 took notes 4 never
1 sweet syrup; fresh, salty and delicious
Informal herring; tasty, tangy cheese 5
1 noun 2 clause 3 noun 4 clause
1B 2 chugging barges
5 clause
Name: Tom Woodford 1C
Age: 25 1 illuminated 2 trendy 3 compact 6
Where he lives now: Newcastle 4 scenic, peaceful 5 charming, vibrant Students own composition.
Work: Works as part of a maintenance 6 historic
team in a big office
Ambitions: Get a degree in business 2 UNIT 5
studies and accountancy Suggested answers
Family: Wife and two young children 1 The rain was beating down and gusts of 1
Who is he writing to?: His classmates, wind shook the trees. to set the scene
other people doing an online course 2 The roast chicken was a golden-brown
2
2 colour and smelt deliciously of butter
and garlic. a) bitingly cold; There was a hint of snow
1 Yes 2 Yes 3 Yes 4 Yes 5 Yes 6 Yes 3 My ears were throbbing as the band in the air, and the sky was so dark that
it seemed to be night-time.
3 belted out their pulsating songs.
4 She was wearing a green and purple b) standing in the playing fields, wearing
1f 2b 3g 4d 5a 6e 7h 8c dress and smooth shiny silver tights. our sports kit and feeling pretty
4A 3
miserable
c) a well-built Welshman with a full head
Noun or gerund 1 deep; worn by centuries of wheels of ginger hair, who didnt understand
4B 2 high; heavy with dripping moss and
fleshy ferns
the meaning of the word cold
d) briskly
Students own answers. 3 Bronzing bracken and mottled bramble e) reluctantly
5 gleamed in the light of the sinking sun.
4 These adjectives are not normally used 3A
Students own composition. to describe the words they modify in the b), e), f), a), c), d)
text. This makes them more memorable.
UNIT 2 3B
4 the previous few days, every time,
1 Students own composition. suddenly, when, immediately, in the
meantime, as soon as, aer a short time,
1 False 2 True 3 False 4 False at first, the moment, the next day, now,
5 True 6 False UNIT 4 three weeks since, still
2A 1 4
1 what is more; in addition to this; likewise 1 One of the consequences of 1 Direct speech. It gives the story more
2 however, nevertheless; 2 To sum up impact.
on the other hand 3 One of the causes of 2 Past simple
3 consequently 4 One possible solution 3 It had been raining: past perfect
4 obviously 5 represents a growing problem continuous. A continuous event in the
2B 2
past before the events took place.
had turned: past perfect simple. A
1 additionally; furthermore The purpose/aim of this essay was to 2 single event in the past before the
2 on the contrary (This) illustrates one of todays most events took place.
3 thus, for this reason; hence; so important issues 5 I was pushing: past continuous.
4 in conclusion; evidently This has led to/resulted in/brought Provides the context for another action
3 about 1
In conclusion, 2
that happens at the same time: when
I felt something.
1 However 2 Thus 3 In addition to this
This is largely due to 3
4 On the contrary 5 Consequently 5
6 Thus 3A 1 While 2 Before 3 subsequently
4B The current figure is 154 people per
100,000 in prison in Germany the figure
4 eventually 5 Previously
a) whereas; although b) despite
is 96, and in Sweden its 75. 6
c) having said that Students own composition.
The typical response is for the government
5 to promise that they will be tough on crime,
press for longer prison sentences, and urge
Students own composition.
judges to put more people behind bars.
UNIT 6 UNIT 8 2
1 an all-star cast
1 1 2 penniless
1 Global expenditure on advertising: the cottage: dilapidated, deep in the 3 chronicles/tells a tale
change from the previous year and countryside 4 driven purely by greed and ambition
three-year forecast. the walls: thick, made of honey-coloured 5 Sophia Jones puts in a great
2 North America stone performance
3 Latin America and the rest of the world. the roof: made of old grey slate 6 everything hinges on deMottas
4 Middle East and North Africa Three types of floor described: performance
7 he is by no means dreadful
2A tiles (kitchen), flagstones (dining room),
wooden (bedrooms) 8 the superlative raw material
introduces the report, a summary of
information from the table 2 3
Suggested answers
2B 1 a) it whistled through the windows
b) it felt dark and threatening 1 very interesting
1 North America; Western Europe c) it leaked when it rained heavily 2 very boring
2 are included; is shown 2 heavily (paragraph 2), tightly 3 with a plot that develops quickly
3 Because it is typical of a formal and (paragraph 2), reluctantly (paragraph 3) 4 makes you want to read the next page/
impersonal style. 3 Onomatopoeia is the use of words addictive
4 in addition; furthermore that sound like the thing that they 5 complicated changes in the story