ESSAY TASK 2: Support your opinions

Topic 1: Learning by doing or through books

Some people believe the best way to learn anything is learning by doing. Others would
rather learn through books and from teachers. Think of learning a new language. Which
way do you think is a better way to learn a language?

Task: Support your opinions.

Thesis Statement: Many language teachers agreed that two best way to learn a new
language are through books, attend an language center, find a language teacher or
learning by doing through conversion classed, communicate with native speakers, etc.
But no one knows for sure which one is better.
Topic Sentences:
i. It is true that being thrust into an environment in which it is spoken. By being
force to use the language to communicate needs, people can pick up the basics
surprising quick. Native speakers can help student expand vocabulary, improve
pronunciation and learn how to use words and idioms correctly.
ii. There is a fact that most American doesnt speak English very well, even after
living there for 20 years or more. The example reveals the truth that living in
foreign countries does not make you speak the countrys language very well. The
reason simply because you are not forced to learn good grammar, good
pronunciation or a large vocabulary because you can do quite well without those
things in everyday life.
iii. Learning a new language through books and from teachers establish a strong
foundation for students. A good teacher helps them to learn language in a correct
way, using good grammar and fix the mistakes. Some students are even able to
learn language through self teaching, they buy books in bookstore or via Internet,
and they tried to practice by their own. But sometimes, learning through that way
lack of critics to help students improve their skill.

Full essay
Many language teachers agreed that two best way to learn a new language are through
books, attend an language center, find a language teacher or learning by doing through
conversion classed, communicate with native speakers, etc. But no one knows for sure
which one is better
A lot of people think the best way to learn a new language is force to use it, you are
learning by doing. Therefore, they immerse themselves, they find to speak with native
speakers, or even go to foreign countries to learn that countrys language.
It is true that thrust into an environment where are forced to use language in
communicate needs, people pick up the basics surprising quick. Native speakers can help
them expand vocabulary, pronunciation or use grammar and idiom correctly. Therefore,
learning by doing tend to have good accents than the others.
However, according to studies by experts, in fact, most American does not speak English
very well, even those who have lived for 20 years. The reason is simply because in
everyday life, you can communicate quite well without using good grammar or even
good pronunciation. That result means learning by doing have a big hole and seems not
be a good way to learn a language.
On the other hands, learning a language through books and from teachers can establish a
strong foundation to you. The teachers can teach you the basics things when use a
language, so you can learn language in a good and effective way. Furthermore, they can
fix your language mistakes and support you use grammar correctly. A good book is also a
good tool for your learning. But in almost students opinions, that method is lack of
critics or ambitions to improve their skill. So someone might loses their interest and give
up real quick.
In my opinion, there is no best way to learn anything, not only learning a language,
because everyone learns slightly differently. However, some methods appear to be more
effective than others. Hence you can first start learn through books and teachers. After
your skills are improved and you feel competent enough, you can try learning by doing.
The most important thing is remember, it may hard and waste times, but it is worth the
effort.

Topic 2: Moving capitals

In many part of the world and through history, governments have moved their capitals.
Why would they do this? What are the potential problems and benefits? Would you vote
for moving your capital?

Task: Support your opinions.

Thesis statements: It is true that moving capital may bring a good opportunity to
develop in a country; however, I myself do not want to move our current capital.
Topic sentences:
i. The governments have moved their capitals mostly because of economics and
strategic reasons.
ii. There might causes a lot of troubles, because it takes a lot of time, money and
efforts.
iii. However, moving capital to a new location will bring a new opportunity to
develop a country.
iv. In my opinion, I myself dont support to move our current capital.

Essay:
In 1712, Peter I of Russia moved his government from Moscow to Saint Petersburg to
give the Russian Empire a western orientation. The Ming Emperors of ancient China
moved their capital to more central Beijing from Nanjing as to better supervise the
borders with Mongols and Manchus. Throughout history, in many part of the world,
governments have moved their capital mostly because of economic or strategic reasons.
Moving the capital is a big decision and must be considered in prior years. Firstly, the
cost is a massive huge. A capital of a country is often the central of cultural, economics
and politics. Therefore, relocate capital also means relocate all the infrastructure,
economic industrial, head office, etc. Another thing is, this work may affect in life of
almost citizen and causes a lot of troubles.
On the other hand, a new location will bring a good opportunity for a country. In most
cases, the new location have geographically convenience allows growth and can respond
to challenges.
In my opinion, I support to move our current capital to a new place. Although we are
celebrating a great ceremony to commemorate a thousand year of Hanoi, the historical
advantages that led Hanoi becomes the capital no longer exist. According to the studies
of Harvard University in 2007, poor infrastructure, overpopulation, urbanization are
serious problems with Hanoi at that time. If Hanoi remains the capital, it will not only be
a burden to the whole nation but also a dead end to the city. Hence, I support government
should move the capital to a medium size in the Middle are of the country like Danang or
Hue, even Hochiminh city. Those cities have more geographical convenience that support
development, foreign trade, etc,

Topic 3: The 21st century

The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use
examples and details in your answer.

Task: Support your opinions

Thesis statement: I expect 21st century will bring a huge step to human life.
Topic sentences:
i. First of all, the development in medicine will bring a new hope to cure fatal
disease such as cancer or even AIDS and extend human life span.
ii. Secondly, the transportation between places will be faster and more convenient.
We can even travel to outer space.
iii. The communication all over the world will become easier.
iv. Lastly, the bad affects of the new century like overpopulation, global warming,
etc.

Essay
Man, throughout the history, have taken a huge step from the day when he lives in dark
cold caves to these days when he can build and live in enormous sky crapper building.
Today is June 18, 2010. We are currently living in the first decade of 21st century. What
changes we expect this new century will bring?
First of all, it is the development of medicine. Medical investors may find the way to cure
fatal disease such as cancer, or even AIDS. We can enjoy the best healthcare services.
Therefore, human life swan will be extended and we can have more time to life with our
beloved people.
Secondly, I think the transportation in the new century will be speed up. We will move
from place to place faster and more convenient than. The most amazing things is travel
outer space. According to studies, the scientists have discovered that the Mars have
similar conditions as the Earth for human life. Someday, the imagination of living in
another planet outside the Earth will become a real thing.
Another thing I mention is the communication all over the world. With the spread of
Internet and globalization nowadays, it is no doubt that in about after thirty or forty years,
without leaving our chair, we can go shopping around, talk with our friends or even study
in schools.
Lastly, the new century not only bring to us great and good things. The bad affects of the
development will be more serious over the time. For instance, the global warming, our
planet is hotter and hotter. From the mid of 19th century, the temperature have increased
0.5 degrees Celsius. It sound not so high, but the different between our time and the Ice
Age is only 6 degrees. Global warming may causes a lot of disaster like hurricane,
tsunami, etc. If we do not do anything, 21st can be a dead end to human life.
To sum up, I am sure that amazing changes will come up in new century as well as
unwelcome changes. Everything is hard to predict. The most important thing is what we
do today will affect in life of us tomorrow.

Topic 4: Advertising
Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy thing we really dont need. Others
say that advertisements tell us about the new products and may improve our lives. Which
viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Task: Support your opinions
Thesis statement: Advertising is truly one of the most important things in our
society nowadays. Advertisements inform us about new products as well as its
services and disposal.
Topic sentences:
i. Definition of advertising/advertisement and the main ambition of them.
ii. Sometimes, because of an advertisement, we are lured to spend money in
something we dont really need.
iii. However, without advertising, we dont know about new products and its
available services in the market
Essay
When a company begins to sale a new product to the market, they use advertising as a
tool of marketing. According to researches, in 2007, spending on advertising was
estimated at more than $150 billion in the United States and $380 billion worldwide.
Sometimes, because of an advertisement, we are lured to spend money in goods and
services we dont really need. I myself always think advertisements exaggerate products
too much; I sometimes buy things as a result of advertising. For example, I really dont
like watching TV. I go to school or go around with my friends all day. At free time, when
I am at home, I usually surf the Internet or watch movies through DVD. However, last
month, when I saw an advertisement about a new kind of Samsung LCD with a sale off
50%, I bought one. And it is really a waste!
In my opinion, most of advertising act on peoples mind and encourage them to buy
products. It makes a fake sense that you need the products in order to make you happy or
succeed.
However, on the other hand, advertising is becoming a part of our society in recent day.
Advertisements inform us about new products as well as its available services and
disposal. Therefore, without advertising, we cant know about the products that may
improve our lives and sometimes, you lost the chance to take it.
In brief, I think each person has his own value scales. We buy a product because we like
it and we think it may be helpful. Advertising is not the fault because the last decision is
belong to us.

Topic 5: A gift to a child

A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child
development. What gift did you give to help childs develop? Why? Use reasons and
specific examples to support your choices.

Task: Support your opinions

Thesis statement:
Topic sentences:

Topic 6: Criminal
Under British and Australian laws a jury in a criminal case has no access to information
about the defendants criminal record. This protects the person who is being accused of
the crime.
Some lawyers have suggested that this practice should be changed and that a jury should
be given all the past facts before they reach their decision about the case.
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answers.
You should write at least 250 words.

Topic 7: Management effective

Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the
following topic:

Some employers reward members of staff for their exceptional contribution to the
company by giving them extra money. This practice can act as an incentive for some but
may also have a negative impact on others.
To what extent is this style of management effective?
Are there better ways of encouraging employees to work hard?
You should write at least 250 words.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments
with examples and relevant evidence.

Topic 8: Sporting Champion

In the past, sporting champions used to be motivated primarily by the desire to win a
match or to break world records. These days, they are more likely to be motivated by
prize money and the opportunity to be famous.
What message does this send to young people and how does this attitude to sport affect
the sports themselves?
Give reasons for your answers
Topic 9: Failure is the proof that desire wasnt strong enough
Failure is proof that the desire wasnt strong enough?
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answers.

Topic 10: Labeled a Work of Art

Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the
following topic.
To be labeled a work or Art, a painting, sculpture or other art form should display
certain qualities that are unique. However, over the past century these has been a decline
in the quality of prize-winning artwork and it is now possible for quite ordinary pieces of
art to be labeled master pieces whilst true works of art pass unnoticed.
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answers.

Topic 11:
Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are
essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Topic 12: Students evaluate and criticize their teacher

Some people suggest that school should ask students to evaluate and criticize their
teachers. Others however fear that this practice may result in disrespect for teachers and
poor discipline in the classroom.
Discuss both of the views. Which do you agree with?

Topic 13: Modern technology has increased material wealth but

not happiness
Modern technology has increased material wealth but not happiness.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Topic 14: Crime is a product of nature

Some people say crime is a product of nature; that is, some children are born to be come
criminals. Other, however, strongly disagree with this opinion.
To what extent is crime a product of nature?

Topic 15: Environmental problems

Environmental problems are now too big for individual countries or individual people to
address. In other words, we have reached the stage where the only way to protect the
environment is at international lever.
To what extent do you agree or disagree whit this statement?
Topic 16: Computer in education
Computers are now popularly used in education. In the future they will completely take
over the job of the teacher. There will be no place for the teacher in the classroom.
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the above statement.

Topic 17: Escaping the stress of modern life

People have different ways of escaping the tress and difficulties of modern life. Some
read; some exercise; other work in their gardens.
What in your opinion are the best ways of reducing stress?

Topic 18: Lack of computer skills

At the computer is becoming increasingly popular, a lack of computer skills should be
regarded as illiteracy.
What is your opinion about this statement?
Some people think that university students should pay for their own studies while others
believe that this responsibility should rest with the government.

Discuss both these views. Which of the views do you agree with?

W2-16

Leisure is a growing industry. With the development of technology, the way people
entertain has significantly changed. However, the support of technology in entertainment
has made people become less creative than before.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

W2-17

At the number of commercials is on the increase on our TV , many views feel annoyed
and claim that commercials should be banned.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

W2-18

Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy the things we really do not
need .Other, on the other hand , say that it tells us about the new products that may
improve our lives.

Discuss both of the above views. Which do you agree with?

W2-19
Some people say that a modern person should have several careers or ways of earning
money. They think that the idea of pursuing a single career for life is becoming an old-
fashioned one.

Discuss this opinion .Do you agree or disagree with it?

W2-20

The world today is experiencing a loss of culture and language diversity. Living in some
parts of the world is almost the same as living in others.

Why is this happening? Should we try to stop it?

W2-21

Forests are the lungs of the Earth. Destruction of the world's Forests amounts to death of
the world we currently know.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

W2-22

Many people think that sports should be encouraged at school; other are concerned that
sports teach children to compete rather than to cooperate with each other. Discuss both
these views. Which do you agree with?

W2-23

Some governments are now investing trillions of dollars in constructing human colonies
in space. This is a huge waste of money on an unrealistic idea.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

W2-24

Some people argue that children with different abilities should be taught in different
classes. Others, however, think that they should be taught in one and the same class at
school. What do you think?

W2-25

People attend college or university for many different reasons, e.g., new experiences,
career preparation ,or self enrichment.

Why do you think people attend college or university?

W2-26

Parents are the best teachers.

Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this statement.

W2-27

Modern lifestyles mean that many parents have little time for their children. Many
children suffer because they do not get as much attention from their parents as children
did in the past.

Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this opinion.

W2-28

Progress is always good.

What do you think of this statement?

W2-29

In most countries multinational companies and their products are becoming more and
more important. This trend is seriously damaging our quality of life.

To what extend do you agree disagree?

W2-30

Our children today spend far too much time watching T.V. This has had negative
influences on these young viewers.

What do you think are some of the influences? What should be done to protect our
children from them?

W2-31

Some people think that information should best be obtained from the written book; others
think that it should best be obtained from T.V and the Internet.

Discuss both of the views. Which do you agree with?

W2-32

Most people would agree that education is a critical factor in country's development.
Opinion is divided, however, on whether a developing country whit limited resources
should give priority to improving and expanding basic education for the masses or to
providing a high quality tertiary for the future leaders.

What do you think?

W2-33

Qualities a person needs to become successful in today's world can not be learnt at
university or similar academic in situation .

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

W2-34

Sports now receive too much attention from the public. Sport personalities are much
more than they deserver .What do you think of opinion?

W2-35

The employment market is rapidly changing ,posing impacts on job seekers. Discuss
some of the causes of such change and suggest some ways in which future employees can
be prepared for the change.

W2-36

Some people argue that all school children should be required to wear uniforms. Others,
however, hold that mandatory school uniforms limit children's individualism in cloths.
What do you think?

W2-37

The economic globalization will bring about greater benefit for developed countries than
for developing ones as the former countries enjoy comparative advantages in technology
and managerial skills over the latter ones. Do you agree or disagree with the above
opinion?

W2-38

Because of the pressure of the new subjects such as business studies, many schools have
dropped sport or physical education (PE) from the curriculum. How important is sport or
PE in a young person's education?

W2-39
Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by
providing such thing as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the governments
of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

REPORT
Topic 1
The chart and graph below give information about the shares and prices for Coca Cola.
Write a report for a university lecture describing the information shown below.

Task: Describe the information

Report
The pie chart shows the world distribution of Coca Cola in the year 2000 and the graph
shows the change in share price from 1996 to 2000.

Topic 2
The chart below gives information about global sales on game software, CDs and DVD
or video
Write a report to university lecture to describe the information.

LETTER
PRACTICE
I. ESSAY EXAMS
Use the following excerpt from a business textbook to answer the question that follow.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into
laws. One of the principle aims of the ADA is to extend the civil rights to protection
provided to groups based on the race, color, national origin, sex and religion to the more
than 43 million American citizens with disabilities. The protection provided the ADA
aims to increase the wage rate and the employment rate of disabled individuals by
eliminating employer discrimination.
Definitions of the ADAs Terms
Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discrimination against qualified individuals
with disabilities. It requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodation to
the known mental or physical limitation of qualified person with a disability, unless doing
so would create an undue hardship on the employer. The meaning of the basic terms used
to define Title I of the ADA are discussed below.

Employer
The term employer in the ADA refers to private employers, employment agencies, state
and local governments, and labor organization. Covered employers do not include the
United State government, a corporation wholly owned by the United States, r a Native
American Tribe.
Discrimination includes limiting, segregating, or classifying a job applicant or employee
in a way that adversely affects his or her opportunities or status based on the persons
disability. The ADA specifically covers job application procedures, hiring, advancement,
and discharge procedures; compensation and benefit packages; and job training.

Disability
A person with a disability is defined is the ADA as an individual who meets one of the
following criteria: (1) has a physical or mental impairment, which may be apparent or
hidden, that substantially limits one or more of the individuals major life activities, such
as walking, seeing, speaking, or the ability to perform manual task; (2) has a record of
such an impairment, such as a recovery from mental illness; or (3) is regarded as having
such an impairment. An impairment does not include physical characteristics;
predisposition or illness; personality traits that are not the result of a psychological
disorder; environmental, cultural, or educational disadvantages; or advanced age.
1. Assume you come across the following essay on a business exam. What task does
each question required you to do?
a. What is the ADA? Who is covered by the ADA? Who is not?
ADA is the abbreviation of Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA cover life of
about 43 million Americans with disabilities.
b. What does the term disability mean in the ADA? Give an example of who
does and does not qualify as a person with a disability.
According to the definitions attached, a person with a disability is an individual who
meets one of the following criteria: have a physical or mental impairment (apparent or
hidden), has a record of such an impairment, is regarded as having such an impairment.
For example, a person who has physical characteristics is not considering as an ADA.
c. What are some aims of the ADA? What kinds of processes does the ADA
cover?
The ADA aims to increase the wage rate, the employment rate of disabled of individuals
by eliminating employer discrimination.
2. Choose one of the essay question in 1 above. Then, use the information in the
excerpt to sketch a quick outline of what you night include in your response.
3. Write a thesis statement of each of the following essay questions. Refer to the
excerpt of the business textbook in the last practice set if you need to.
a. What is the ADA? Who is covered by the ADA? Who is not?
b. What does the term disability mean in the ADA? Give an example of who
does and does not qualify as a person with a disability.
c. What are some aims of the ADA? What kinds of processes does the ADA
cover?

II.PIE CHART
Exercise 1: Student Grades

The table shows the number of students in a class who achieved each grade.

Grades Number of students

Distinction 5
Merit 8
Pass 9
Fail 2

Draw a pie chart. Then, write a short description of the graphs.

Draw a pie chart

Number of students in a class who achieves

each grade

Fall
Distinction
8%
21%

Distinction
Merit
Pass
Pass
38%
Fall
Merit
33%

Write a short description of the graph

The pie chart shows the grade obtained by students in a class. Overall, almost 90%
students passed.

More than half of the student obtained very good grade, with 5 getting a distinction and 8
getting a merit grade. Only 2 students (8%) failed.

Exercise 2: Moving House

The table shows the reasons given by people who were asked in a survey about why they
moved house.

Reason %
Needed different size of house 19
Personal (e.g.: marriage, divorce.) 34
To move a better area 9
Job-related reason 12
Other 26

the reasons given by people who were asked

in a survey about why they moved house

Needed
different size Needed different size
of house of house
Other
19% Personal (eg marriage,
26%
divorce)
To move to a better
Job-related area
reason
Personal (eg Job-related reason
12%
marriage,
To move to a divorce) Other
better area 34%
9%

The pie chart shows the reason why people moved their house. Overall, mostly they
moved their house because of personal reasons.

As you may see, more than one third (34%) move due to marriage and divorce. The
second reason is to look for a bigger or smaller house. Almost 20% people choose this
reason. 12% people move house because of job-related reason and 8% for a better area.
Finally, the other reason accounts 26%.
In conclusion, people move their house because of variety reason, but personal reason
and bigger house is the main one.

Exercise 3: World Population 2001

The table shows the population of different regions of the world in 2001

Region Population (millions)

Asia 3721
Africa 813
Europe 726
Latin America 527
North America 317
Oceania 31

The poputation of different regions of the world in 2001

Africa
13% Europe
12%
Asia
Latin America Africa
9%
Europe
North America Latin America
5%
North America
Oceania Oceania
Asia 1%
60%

The pie chart shows the population data for different part of the world. Overall, the
majority of worlds people live in Asia and Africa.
Almost 60% of the world lives in Asia, with 3721 million totals. The second biggest
population is Africa with making up 13%.
Europe, Latin America and North America only comprise just over a quarter. The
population of Europe occupies 12% of the world, while North America and Latin
America account 5% and 9% respectively with 317 and 527 million. Finally, Oceania
makes up with only 1%, equivalent with 31 million people.
In sum, the population in the world varies greatly by region with Asia makes up the
biggest proportion and Africa far behind.