Unit 3 Practice Paper (Writing)

5. Learning English through Social Issues

your role as a writer

task
description

Your name is Sam. You are sure your friend (Chris) is mixing with bad in uences after school and at the weekend. Chris
has been away from school for two days. You dont think Chris is sick. You think she might be taking drugs and spending
time with gangs.
your reader

Write an email to Chris explaining why you are worried. Explain the possible effects of taking drugs and of mixing with
gangs. Finally, give Chris advice on what to do to sort out this problem.

task
objective

text type + platform + style & register

Useful words and phrases* Words used in sample writing highlighted in red.

addicts
addiction
gang/criminal activities

stressful/feel stressed
a waste of life
criminal activities
police record

clubbing
trafcking

brush with the law

drug/substance abuse
withdrawal symptoms

ask for help

no prospects/furture
hard to give up drugs
effect on your family

school counsellor
help catch up
life could be ruined
problem will only get worse

not real friends

succeed in your studies
support (of)
never too late

*Vocabulary related to the specified Elective printed in bold. For a full listing of useful vocabulary and language examples, refer to the Appendices.

NEED
HELP

Use the suggested writing plan below to help write your email.
Remember: this is a personal email that is giving advice be friendly and positive.

Salutation

(say hello to the person who will read this email)

Use an appropriate salutation for a friend

* Suggested content:

You could use Dear or Hi

Use the name given in the instructions

Opening

(introduce/describe your purpose here)

Explain your reasons for writing

* Suggested content:

Describe how you found out about your friends situation

Describe how you felt after hearing about your friends absence
Explain why you are writing

Body

(organise your information so that each new idea is presented in a new paragraph)

M
ain content: (write three to four paragraphs) explain the effects and consequences of using drugs and mixing
with gangs in clubs

* Suggested content:

Talk about the dangers of mixing with gangs

Describe the effects that drugs have on someones body and mind
Describe other possible problems (e.g. if jailed, its effects on family, etc.)
Suggest your friend seek help from a trusted adult

Closing

(write a suitable remark here; remember to use a suitable complimentary close)

Write a suitable closing remark (e.g. take care, hope to hear from you soon, etc.)
*not in model essay
4A Unit 3 Practice Paper (Writing)

14