Homework 2013-2014

In this blog you will find extra material to improve your English.

Bibliography Advanced 2 2013-2014
Speakout LEAD-IN
Unit 1: Speakout 1.1  Speakout 1.2  Speakout 1.3  Speakout 1.4 & 1.5
Unit 2 : Speakout 2.1: p 20  p 21 & 22  Speakout 2.2  Speakout 2.3 Speakout 2.4 & 2.5
Unit 3 : Speakout 3.1  Speakout 3.2  Speakout 3.3  Speakout 3.4 & 3.5
Unit 4 : Speakout 4.1  Speakout 4.2  Speakout 4.3  Speakout 4.4 & 4.5
Unit 5 : Speakout 5.1  Speakout 5.2  Speakout 5.3  Speakout 5.4 & 5.5
Unit 6 : Speakout 6.1  Speakout 6.2  Speakout 6.3  Speakout 6.4 & 6.5
Unit 7 : Speakout 7.1  Speakout 7.2  Speakout 7.3  Speakout 7.4 & 7.5
Unit 8 : Speakout 8.1  Speakout 8.2  Speakout 8.3  Speakout 8.4 & 8.5
Unit 9 : Speakout 9.1  Speakout 9.2  Speakout 9.3  Speakout 9.4 & 9.5
Unit 10 : Speakout 10.1  Speakout 10.2  Speakout 10.3  Speakout 10.4 & 10.5

Assignments
Unit 1: Personal profile: My English and Me (deadline: 16 Oct) More ideas on how to write personal profiles on page 10.
Unit 2: Discursive essay: choose one of these statements and write a discursive essay. You will get more ideas on how to write an essay on p 25 and here. You will find useful language, here, here , here , here  and here  (deadline: 6 Nov). 

• Medical advances will soon mean that people will live until they are 200 years old.
• Individual countries do not have the right to interfere with the affairs of another country.
• Books will always exist- people like the feel of paper.
• Students, not the state, should pay university tuition fees.
• Women should be promoted to top jobs in business and politics before men.
  

Unit 3: Proposal: write a proposal for a documentary about your country. You can find more details for this task on page 41. Here you can see examples of how to write proposals. Finally, you can find useful language for writing proposals on page 132 (3.3) and  here. (Deadline 25 Nov) 

Unit 4: A problem-solution essay: choose one of these topics and write a problem-solution essay. You will get more ideas on how to write a problem-solution essay on p 49 and here. You will find useful language, here, here , here , here  and here  (deadline: 16 Dec).

• Human rights
• Child labour
• Economic development
• Intellectual Property
• Capital punishment
• Religious freedom
• Environmental awareness
• Illegal immigration
• Civil liberties
• Free trade
• Freedom of speech
• Gun control

Unit 5: A narrative.  Choose one of the two options below and write a narrative. You will get more ideas on how to write narratives on p 58. You will also find useful language   here . 
A) Write a story which ends as follows: "He picked up the unopened envelope and set light to it with a match. With a faint smile on his face, he watched the remains crumble in the ashtray".
B) Write a scrapbook after Christmas with the activities you did together with family and friends. (deadline: 13 Jan) 

Unit 6: Write a report about the housing situation for young people. Find the details here. (Deadline: 3 Feb)

Unit 7: Make a presentation. Give a 10 minute presentation on one of the curriculum topics. You can find some tips here. Deadlines: before 30 Oct tell your teacher the topic. In February give the presentation.

Unit 8: Article. A series of articles is being published in a magazine you read under the title Tell Me What It's All About. The articles are all attempts to explain something that is currently popular to people who have never heard of it and know nothing whatsoever about it. Readers have been invited to send in their own articles under this title. Write your article, remembering that it must assume no knowledge of its subject on the part of the reader. To see how to write articles click here and also here. On page 97 you can also read some guidelines to improve descriptive writing. Finally, you can find useful language for writing here. (Deadline: 10 March)

Unit 9: Write a review of two books you have read this year.   Useful language .  (Deadlines: before 30 Oct tell your teacher the books you are going to read. In April hand in your review) Click here for a list of readers and more instructions for this assignment.

Unit 10: Character Reference. (deadline: 9 May). Find the details here 

Workbook:
You can do the exercises in Units 1-10 

Speakout Advanced p 126. Keys and Vocabulary

Ex 2A
KEY
1 No sooner had she sat down than there was a knock at the door



2. Not only did you eat the last chocolate, but you also didn't buy any more.



3. Had I realised what was going to happen, I would have called you earlier.



4. Never again would they see anything like it.



5. Only now can I appreciate how difficult it must have been.



6. Had they gone to bed earlier, they might not have overslept.


Ex 5 A
a) the



b) to



c) time



d) that
subsidize somebody/something to give money to somebody or an organization to help pay for something. E.g. The housing projects are subsidized by the government.



e) for



f) taken



g) of (after not)


Ex 5B
KEY
1 c)



2 f)



3 a)



4 g)



5 d)



6 e)



7 b)

Formal Letters and Emails. Tips for Writing

Useful language:

Formal greetings

• Dear Sir/Madam, (When you don't know the name) --> Finish with: Yours Faithfully.
• To Whom It May Concern, (If your letter has multiple addressees) --> Finish with: Yours Faithfully.
• Dear Editor ( Finish with: Yours Faithfully.)
• Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs/Miss, (When you know the name) --> Finish with: Yours sincerely.
  • Mr: for men
  • Ms: For women (married or single).
  • Mrs: for married women.
  • Miss: for single women.

 

Reason for writing

• I am writing with regard/reference to...
• I am writing to express (my concern about/disappointment with/disapproval of/apologies for)...
• I would like to draw your attention to/point out (certain inaccuracies)…
• I am writing to ask/enquire/complain about...
• I am writing to confirm that...
• I am writing to apply/ apologise for...
• I am writing to request...
• I am writing in response to... 
• Thank you for your recent letter about...
• With reference to your letter/ advertisement...
  

Introducing points

• Firstly/To begin with/Moreover…
• Furthermore/In addition/Finally…
• I feel I must also (dis)agree with…
• I should also like to point out that…
• According to your (article)/Your article states that… However…

Request for action

• I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would…
• It seems only fair that you should…
• I look forward to receiving/seeing/ hearing from you…
• I trust/very much hope you will…
• Thank you for your assistance/ help in this matter
  

Saying goodbye/Signing off

• Yours faithfully, (if you don't know the addressee's name).
• Yours sincerely, (if you know the addressee's name).
• Remember to write a comma!
  

Signature

Sign and write your full name underneath your signature

Enc. or Encl

Below your name you can write Enc. or Encl., which means enclosed (used on business letters to show that another document is being sent). E.g. Enc. CV

 Sample:

On the day of the exam you will be asked not to write the addresses when writing a letter. 

With emails you have to include the subject. You can also include:

 To: 

From: 

Date: 

Subject:

 

23, Oxford Road                               Cheltenham  Gloucestershire                GL50  4QZ

4^th August 2013

The Manager                                                                                                                       

The Wise Owl Bookshop                                                                                             

Market Street                                                                                                                      Malvern                                                                                                                         

WR12   2PO

Dear Sir or Madam,

I was interested in your advertisement in today’s edition of the ‘Evening Mail’ and I would like to apply for the position of part-time sales assistant.

I am 19 years of age and have recently returned from six months’ travelling in the United States. I have ‘A’ levels in French and Art History and I have gained some work experience since leaving school, both as a waitress and as an assistant in a newsagent’s shop.

My reason for applying for this position is that I hope to go to university next year and I would like to combine part-time work with studying for a further ‘A’ level. I feel that the work would be very interesting and that I would enjoy the opportunity to meet people and help them with their enquiries.

I would be free to attend for interview on any day after 11 a.m.

Yours faithfully,

Hazel Smith (Ms)

NOTES AND USEFUL LANGUAGE

BEGINNING AND ORGANISATION

Write Dear + the person’s name, if you know it (Dear Mrs Smith). If not, begin Dear Sir (for a man), Dear Madam (for a woman), or Dear Sir or Madam (if it could be either). Don’t use a title like Dear Manager.

In the first paragraph, clearly state your reason for writing. Use the middle paragraph to explain the details, beginning a new paragraph for each main point. In the final paragraph, sum up and/or say what action you want to be taken.

When is it okay to use To Whom It May Concern?

Let’s say you’re writing a letter of recommendation for a colleague. He’s going to be making multiple copies to hand out at interviews, and those letters are meant to be seen by anyone interested in hiring him. In this case, because the correspondence is generally considered formal, and because there’s no single specific addressee or department, To Whom It May Concern works.
Some cases where To Whom It May Concern is appropriate:

• Letters of recommendation/reference
• Formal complaints lodged with a company
• Letters of introduction

Always format “To Whom It May Concern” with a capital letter at the beginning of each word. Follow it with a colon. Double-space before you begin the body of your letter:

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to file a complaint about the service I received during my November 15 visit to your store.

ENDINGS

Don’t forget! If you began with a person’s name, e.g. Dear Mrs Blake, you must end with Yours sincerely, not Yours faithfully,. These endings are followed by a comma.

JOB APPLICATIONS

First make it clear which job you are applying for, and mention where you saw the advertisement, and when. Give all the necessary information about yourself (including age, qualifications, past employment and other experience). Say why you are particularly interested in the job, and what you have to offer. Use a new paragraph for each main topic. It may also be useful to mention when you would be available for an interview:

·         I was interested in the advertisement in (newspaper/magazine) on (date) and I would like to apply for the post/ position of (job title).

·         I am 21 years of age and I have a Diploma in Business Administration.

·         My reason for applying is that I am interested in tourism and I would like to be able to use my foreign languages.

·         I would be happy/able to attend an interview at any time which is convenient to you.

APOLOGIES

Explain why you are apologising and what the reasons were for your behaviour. If possible, offer to make up in some way (e.g. by paying for the damage) and/or promise that the problem won’t happen again:

·         I am writing to apologise for/offer my apologies for the things I said at our last meeting/losing my temper

·         I would like to say how sorry I am about the trouble I have caused/that you were disturbed.

·         The reason I missed the meeting was that my car broke down.

·         Please let me know how much it cost and I will gladly replace it.

·         I assure you that this will never happen again.

COMPLAINTS

State the subject of your complaint clearly in the first paragraph. Use the following paragraphs to give all the necessary details (including dates and times, the people involved, the inconvenience you’ve been caused, etc.). Try to be clear and factual rather than emotional. Use the final paragraph to say what action you want to be taken now:

·         I am writing to complain about a holiday I booked with your company.

·         I am writing to say that I am not satisfied with the standard of service at your restaurant.

·         I must insist that you refund the cost of the bill.

·         I must ask you to …

ENQUIRIES

In the first paragraph, explain what information you need. If you are responding to an advertisement, mention where you saw this. Use extra paragraphs to mention any specific questions you would like to answer to:

·         I am writing to enquire about…

·         I was interested in your advertisement in ‘The Daily News’ and I would like to have further information about…

·         I would be grateful if you could send me full details of …

·         Could you send me your brochure/catalogue?

·         I look forward to hearing from you/receiving the information.

OPINIONS

Introduce the topic and give details of any letter, article, book or TV programme you are responding to. Develop your argument in separate paragraphs and sum up in the final one:

 
I would like to give/express my views on...
I strongly disagree with/ I completely agree with Mr Smith’s letter, which appeared yesterday.
I was interested to read the article on immigration in Monday’s edition of your newspaper but I don’t think it gave all the facts.
I was horrified/shocked/disgusted to …

 

I would like to put forth my observations on the topic of... 

I would like to put forth my observations. First, ...

It seems/appears to me that...

I am totally opposed to...

I am entirely in favour of...

Personally, I...

As far as I am concerned,...

In my case,...

In my view,...

In my opinion there is far too much violence in television dramas these days.  

To my mind,...

I fully support...

In conclusion I feel/I believe …

 

BEING PERSUASIVE

To persuade people, present your view and then encourage them to agree with you.

It goes without saying that...

Of course, it is true that...

It would be difficult to argue that...

It is a given that...

Above all, there should be...

Is it not the case that...?

Having said that,...

Should we not...?

Despite this, such issues are not...

However far from this we are, ...

I would urge your readers to join me in  seeking an immediate end to/ a solution to...

Were..., would...?

I would like to offer one or two suggestions concerning...

It might/would be to your advantage if you were to...

I feel the best course of action would be...

Consequently,...

Therefore,...

As a result,...

This means that,...

 

 

CLOSING REMARKS

Thank you for considering my views.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

I hope your (company) takes this into account.

I hope I have been of some assistance

Please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

PRACTICE

You had a very bad meal at a restaurant recently. Write a letter complaining about the food and the service.

Speakout Advanced p 125. How to Write. Extra Notes

Linking words: http://carballoplus.blogspot.com/2010/05/more-linking-words.html
You will find some tips about writing essays here: http://www.writefix.com/argument/

Sample letters: http://www.writeexpress.com/

Tips on writing application letters: http://www.wesleymission.org.au/centres/employ/employees/application_letter_.asp
Letter writing and sample letters: http://www.letterwritingguide.com/

Letter writing: http://www.usingenglish.com/resources/letter-writing.html

Useful vocabulary for Spanish speakers: http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/OMWRITE/personal/unit49.htm


Letter writing guides and models: http://www.eslflow.com/letterwriting.html


“Dos and don'ts” for writing compositions in an exam

DO

• decide what questions you want to answer and organise yourself so that you have

time to do both tasks.

• read the question carefully and answer the question you are asked, not the one you

would have preferred!

• check how many words you have to write.

• answer the question fully. If an exam question has two aspects to it, give sufficient

weight to both parts.

• brainstorm ideas and organise them into a plan before you start to write.

• make sure your writing is easy for the reader to follow, by organising your text into

clearly divided paragraphs or sections.

• connect your paragraphs so that the link between them and the sequence of

events is clear.

• connect simple sentences together, but do not make them too long or

complicated.

• use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures at the required level of

B2.

• vary the way you start your sentences.

• check your grammar and spelling regularly as you write and allow time at the end

of the exam to revise your writing.

DON'T

• write out whole compositions or paragraphs that you have learnt by heart. They will

not answer the question and the examiner will spot them immediately.

• include irrelevant information.

• write more or less than required.

• overuse connectors.

• use contractions or colloquial expressions if you have to produce a formal text.

• waste time by writing a whole draft with the idea of rewriting a definite version

afterwards.

Speakout Advanced p 125. Writing: Letter of Application

Unit 10: Letter of application 
You have seen this advertisement in an international magazine

Writers Required
We are looking for people to write for this magazine about environmental issues. We would like to hear from anyone who has an interest in environmental concerns and some experience of writing.
Send us letters of application, explaining why you think you are suitable and describing some environmental issues currently affecting us. 

Get some ideas on page 125.
More ideas on how to write letters:
You will find a letter writing guide here and here . You can find useful language here.
Formal letters.
How to write. 

Useful language:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express an interest in..
I was interested in the advertisement in (newspaper/magazine) on (date) and I would like to apply for the post/ position of (job title). 
I am writing in response to your request for writers, which appears in this month's edition of "Global Concerns".
I would like to apply for the job of ... as advertised in this month's issue of ...
I would enjoy the challenge of writing for... 
As you will see from my curriculum vitae... 
I have a great deal of experience 
I am an active member of the Green Society at my university, where I am currently studying marine biology. The aim of the society is to raise awareness of environmental concerns amongst students and within the local community. As well as organizing debates on matters of local and global importance, we also publish a monthly journal to which I regularly contribute.
Moreover, ...
I am therefore very keen to ...
I would enjoy the experience of...
My reason for applying for this position is that I hope to... 
For the past seven years I have...   
The economy of my region is largely based on tourism and since it is likely that many of your readers live in areas with similar characteristics, I am sure they would be interested to read about the problems facing us. Last summer, for example, the petrol tanker "Intrigue" sank off our coast, spilling large quantities of oil into the sea with devastating effects for marine wildlife, the fishing industry and tourism. 
In addition, ...
I am convinced that issues like these would be of interest to people in other countries and I would very much like to have the opportunity to write about them for your magazine.
I have a good knowledge of ...
I feel I have the necessary...to make a positive and enthusiastic contribution to your magazine and I hope you will consider my application favourably.
I will be available to work from...
I am available for interview at any time.
I enclose a reference from my previous employer
I look forward to receiving your reply
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz80XHAEcL6lWk1PUE1EcGw0SHhJWlNqWVVIbkxZb3JVY3M4/view?usp=sharing

Speakout Advanced p 125. Writing: Character Reference. Model

Background:

You see this advert on the British Council website:
https://www.britishcouncil.org/language-assistants/la-in-uk

Have you ever wanted to teach abroad and improve your English? Can you think of classroom activities that would help students in the UK to improve their language skills? If so, the Foreign Language Assistants programme might be for you.
Your role will be to work with the teacher in the classroom or on your own with small groups of students in order to help them gain confidence in your language. It is also a good chance for them to learn more about the culture in your country.
If you are a language assistant wishing to teach Spanish in the UK, you must apply to the office in your home country:

Ms Conchita Hernandez
Ministerio de Educación
Subdireccion General de Cooperacion Internacional
Paseo del Prado 28-2
28014 Madrid
Spain
email: auxiliares.conv@educacion.es

You will need to send a letter (or email) of application and at least one character reference (letter/email).

Your task:

You decide to apply for the job. Write an email or letter to apply for the job in which you explain what experience and special skills you have and why you are interested in the job.

Write also a character reference.
reference: a letter written by somebody who knows you, giving information about your character and abilities, especially to a new employer. E.g. We will take up references after the interview.

Click here to see how to write a letter of application.

Useful language for the character reference:

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing this letter of recommendation for _________________ who has worked as a ______________ in ___________ for quite some time.

As the ______________, I have observed her and have spoken to her about her philosophy of _______________ and her strategies in working with _________________.
At each stage in her career here _______________has shown great enthusiasm for her work and has always managed to combine a friendly, outgoing nature with a dedicated, professional approach. Her willingness to respond to circumstances and work extra hours if required has been a major asset to the company
In addition, we were fortunate to have her in _______________ because her contribution in ___________________________ was very helpful for _____________.

She is an outstanding model of ___________________ at many different levels.

Her keenness to learn and dedication to work are two of the main characteristics which paved the way to success.
Indeed, her ability to work accurately and with attention to detail is one of her greatest strengths, particularly in this field of work

I am in no doubt that ____________ has the makings of an excellent ______________. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable, but she also has a talent for ____________, with an enthusiastic combination of___________.
She is at all times very approachable and enjoys the affection and respect of her colleagues. She is also extremely adept at dealing with difficult ____________
She would make a valuable contribution to _______________

My colleagues and I were impressed by her wealth of knowledge, her level of experience, and her unbridled enthusiasm for ________________.

Not only is she a highly talented ________________ but she is also an exceptionally gifted ____________
She is a skilled __________
She is a proficient ______________
She is an expert ____________
She is a promising ___________
She is an accomplished ______________
She has a talent for ___________
She has a flair for ____________
She has a gift for ___________
She has acquired outstanding computer skills.
She has the necessary managerial skills
She has developed the necessary interpersonal skills.
She has advanced problem-solving skills
She has excellent organizational skills

Naturally, with her experience she is familiar with all aspects of ___________, and quickly assimilates new developments.

In addition to her obvious passion for ____________, ________________ has a very warm, friendly manner and always shows great patience and sensitivity towards others. These qualities enable her to communicate easily and effectively with _______, and he would be just as at home talking to _____________ as he would be to _______.

She has a helpful nature
She has an outgoing nature
She has a sensitive nature
She is highly approachable
She is attentive
She is caring
She is dedicated
She is easy-going
She is flexible
She is industrious (Diligent and hard-working)
She is likeable
She is loyal
She is outgoing
She is responsible
She is also an excellent listener and voracious reader, capable of assimilating large amounts of new information with great ease. This would undoubtedly help her acquire the relevant background knowledge about _________________ in a very short space of time.

She has a determined nature
She has all the necessary personal qualities.
She shows great patience
She shows great sensitivity towards others.
She shows great enthusiasm
She shows great potential
She shows strong leadership qualities
She has adopted an enthusiastic approach to her work

I have continued meeting up with ___________________ with regard to her project in ________________________. __________________ has continued to demonstrate that spirit that has always been so evident in her. She believes in _____________.


She is committed to _________________ and is passionate when talking about all aspects of ______________. She is well liked by my colleagues and she shares her knowledge with all of us through her interesting ____________ and with me through our meetings. She is indeed a very good resource for the staff.

She settled into this position quite easily in ___________ because of her enthusiastic response to new experiences.
She displays the right personal qualities_____________
These qualities enable her to ___________________
For these reasons I am more than confident that ________ has the necessary qualities for this job and she would be a great asset to your _________. She has always been a faithful and trustworthy ___________ and I am sure she would make an equally loyal and reliable ______________.
In light of my personal experience with her, I am confident that she is well suited for the post in your company.
I wish that she were staying in _____________ next year but I wish her well in her new post.

Model:

• Letter of Recommendation Written for 16 Year Old Orson Welles. “He’s talented to the point of genius.”

Useful language for writing: here , here and here.