Cách viết 'for and against' essay thi FCE

                                  Cách viết 'for and against' essay thi FCE
                          (How to write a 'for and against' essay - FCE Writing)

• Today we are going to learn how to write a 'for and against' essay. But before we begin, let me ask you a question: what is a 'for and against' essay?.
• Yeah, I bet you know what it is already, but if you don't, don't be panic, cause I am going to tell you right now.
• A 'for and against' essay is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing viewpoints. Easy to understand, right?
• In FCE writing test, we sometimes see something like: Some people believe that, some people believe this or some people think that, state the arguments for and against this view, etc. Those are signs of a 'for and against' essay's task.

      Before you write a 'for and against' essay, you may want to think of:

           + Make a list of points for and against topic.

           + Do not use informal language or style to express your opinion. 

           + There are two ways to structure a 'for and against' essay. You can either present an argument for and against in each paragraph or give all the arguments for in one paragraph and then all the arguments against in the next paragraph.

           + Either way, a good essay of this type should consist of:

• Open

   In this first part, you should clearly state the topic to be discussed. Remember, do not give your own opinion here.

• Body

  You should present the points for and against along with your examples, reasons, and justifications. 

  Now, as I said, you may have two ways to state your points here. You can either present an argument for and against in each paragraph or give all the arguments for in one paragraph and then all the arguments against in the next paragraph. But I would recommend the second one. It will make your essay simple, clear and easy to follow. 

• Close

   In this part, you shall state your opinion or give a balance consideration of the topic.

   Remember to use linking words. They help to follow your way of reasoning. The most common linking words are and, or and but. But don't try to overuse them. Try to use different words with similar purposes or meanings to make your essay better.

Good luck!

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Cách viết Opinion Essay thi FCE

                                              Viết Opinion Essay thi FCE
                                 (How to write an Opinion Essay -  FCE Writing)

               Bài viết này hướng dẫn các bạn viết một bài Opinion Essay hoàn chỉnh. Let's take a look!

• An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which presents the author' s point of view on a particular subject supported by examples and reasons. 
• In the writing for FCE exam, you may be asked to write an opinion essay. For example "Write an article and give your opinion on the following statement: "modern technology has given us more leisure time than before."
• Here is what you need to keep in mind in order to write a good opinion essay:

       + Decide your opinion as for the topic discussed. 

       + Make a list of examples, viewpoints and reasons to support your opinion.

       + Write well-developed paragraphs

       + Use linking words and phrases to join the sentences and the paragraphs within the text.

       + Write in a formal style, introduce the topic clearly and state convincing arguments. 

        Normally, an opinion essay should be divided into 3 parts

• Part 1: Open

      In this part you should introduce the topic and state opinion clearly. 

         You may want to use some of these expressions.

       + Some people claim/believe/say....

       + It is sometimes said that.....

       + The question is....

       + We often read/hear that.....

       + In my opinion..., I strongly believe that..., I am in favor of..., it seems to me that....

       + From my point of view, as far as I can see, as I see it....

• Part 2: body

     In this part you use examples and reasons to support your viewpoint (at least 2 paragraphs).You can also include a paragraph presenting the opposing point of view and reason why you think it is an unconvincing idea.

        Some useful expressions

    - Making extra points

        + What's more...

        + In addition...

        + Furthermore, moreover....

    - Introducing a contradictory point

         + Although, even though....

         + Despite...

         + Despite the fact that....

         + However..

     - Contrasting views for and against

          + On the one hand/side....on the other...

          + While it's true that.....

          + You could also argue that........

          + Nevertheless..../ However...

          + One advantage..../ Another disadvantage is that.... 

• Part 3: Conclusion

         In this part you should summarize the main points of the essay and restate your opinion in other words.

          You may think of using some of these

            + On balance...,

            + I feel../I believe that....

            + Summarizing...,

            + To sum up.../in conclusion../

            + All in all, I believe that....

            + Given this, it can be concluded that.....       

 Keep practicing guys!

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Cách viết complaint letter thi FCE

                                                Viết complaint letter 
                                   (FCE Writing - a complaint letter)

        Dưới đây là hướng dẫn cách viết complaint letter trong bài thi viết FCE. Thông thường một lá thư phàn nàn (complaint) gồm các phần sau:

• Open: This first part is to describe the situation, or introduce to the problem that you may want to complain about.

          + I am writing to inform you of my dissatisfaction with...

          + I am writing to complain about.............

          + I wish to express my dissatisfaction with........

          + I am writing to bring to your attention a serious issue I had.....

• Body: this part may contain at least 3 paragraphs. You may want to clearly identify the problem, the causes and effects of the problem, you can also want to ask for responses (solutions) and some warning (optional). Now, let's look at it for details:

        - Causes:

            + On 17 September 2013 we ordered 200 books from your firm, but I just got only 100 books...

            + I have found 20 errors in the software I bought from your company.....

        - Effects:

            + We cannot deliver books to poor students on time and that makes us feel bad about....

            + The huge number of errors make it impossible for us to access and use the software.... 

        - Solutions
            + I am writing to ask you please make up immediately and to ensure that such thing will not happen again....

           + I want you to look into this matter....

        - Warning (optional)

           + Otherwise, we may look elsewhere for our suppliers..

           + I am afraid that if these conditions are not met, we may think of another way...

• Close: 

            + I look forward to hearing from you...

            + I look forward to receiving your explanation of these matters...

Good luck!
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