COMPOSITION MODELS (1)

Writing 1: What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing video games? The task clearly states that we are going to write a discussion essay, also called a for and against composition (argumentative text). It is usually organized into 4 paragraphs: A general statement to clarify the issue. State arguments for and against into two separate but balanced paragraphs Refer back to the topic and restate views. You can add your opinion.

Model answer: Video games have become popular during the last decades. Today, people play video games in most parts of the world. However, there are positive and negative aspects to this. One of the advantages of video games is their versatility. In fact, they can be used for many different purposes. For example, there are video games to learn, or to develop your memory, and even to exercise motor and visual skills. Furthermore, playing video games can be useful and entertaining at any age, from children to old people. Nonetheless, playing video games has some disadvantages. Some people think that video games become time consuming and isolate people from their world around. It is well known that some teenagers spend their time playing video games in their rooms instead of practicing sport, hanging out with friends or doing their homework. All in all, although video games can be entertaining, they also have some negative features. In my opinion, we should use them in a sensible way so that they do not take the control of our lives. (176 words)

Writing 2: Tell about a first date that went wrong (A narrative) This type of narratives based on personal experiences is often assigned under a question form, such as: Have you ever had a terrible first date? Tell about it.

Whats the worst nightmare you remember? What trip/ journey wont you ever forget?

As you can see, narratives can be about really or imaginary experiences. They are often organized into three paragraphs: Setting: time, place and characters introduction Plot: the story itself in a logical order. Include sequence words, adverbs, and personal feelings. Conclusion: the end of the story or/and its consequences

Its very important to keep the verb tense reference throughout the whole essay. So, do not mix the present with the past. Model The first time I met John it was love at first sight. He was the new one at the school and he looked so cool that I decided to ask him to go out. Luckily, he agreed! We had decided to meet at the Irish pub and I was wearing my best clothes. Then, we ordered some drinks and started chatting. However, he looked absent-minded and uneasy. I was feeling terribly embarrassed. Was I doing anything wrong? I wondered. All of a sudden, he said he had to leave and he left. There I was, absolutely puzzled. Ive never felt so miserable. On Monday at school, I didnt know how I would react if I saw him. Then, my friend Amy told me the latest news. His mum had had a terrible car crash and he had just learned about it when I was chatting up with him. Of course, I texted him and asked him about his mum. Later, he called me back and weve been going out for one year now. (173 words)

Writing 3: What kind of expedition would you like to go on? Describe it and explain your choice Its mainly about the description of a place (Mixed tenses) Introduce where and why youd like to go on (conditional tense + present perfect + simple present) Describe what you would do and see there; how you would live on (simple present + adverbs + probability + adjectives) Conclude with the best and worst about it// summarize the best and worst points.

Model text:

Ive always wanted to join the Quetzal Route one day. It seems to me that itd be a really enjoyable and educative experience in which Id meet lots of interesting people and have unforgettable adventures. Broadly speaking, the Quetzal Route includes travelling to different spots in Latin America with people from all over the world while you are learning about their cultural and historical heritage. You often travel just with a light rucksack, sleep wherever the dawn comes, and trek the mountains. But you also visit villages and cities, talk to the native inhabitants, and share their way of living. Doesnt it sound fantastic? At the same time, you spend day and night with other young people and so you can learn about their places of origin and compare different cultures. This would definitely be a fantastic expedition for me, since Im quite sociable and I love learning about other cultures and languages. Of course, having no hot baths or mums cooking could be the hardest, but Im sure the experience would be worthy. (174 words)