Generic considerations

Read the question and underline the task

Identify the proposed structure
contained by the task
Make a plan using key words including
the purpose for each paragraph/section
unifying ideas for topic sentences, main
points and supporting examples.
Consider variety of sentence structure
passives, participle clauses, use of nouns
in formal English
Consider variety and expressiveness of
language avoid repetition of task
language and key words
Style formal or informal?
Link ideas together coherently
Remember to distinguish between
opinions and facts
 Suggestion for writing reports
Give the report a title
Use sub-sections
Be impersonal

Introduction
The aim of this report is to outline the positive and negative
features of two different forms of advertising in my country,
namely roadside hoardings and banners trailed by light aircraft.
The effectiveness of these methods will also be considered
alongside recommendations for improvements.

Advertising hoardings
These add a touch of colour and sometimes humour to our
otherwise drab landscapes. Moreover, the size of the posters
and the pithiness of the accompanying slogans attract the
attention of passers-by and help make the advertisements
memorable.
Unfortunately, however, hoardings are also to be found in rural
areas, where they appear unsightly and are clearly out of place.
In addition, the advertisements can lead drivers to lose their
concentration momentarily, being a relatively common cause of
accidents.

Aeroplane advertising
Equally distracting are banners attached to light aircraft, which
fly for extended periods over our built-up areas and popular
coastal resorts. The resulting noise is a considerable source of
irritation to local residents and the consumption of large
quantities of air fuel can only be harmful to the environment.
On the other hand, aeroplane banners are currently enjoying
great success here as an advertising medium. This is largely
due to the originality of the approach and its difference from
mainstream alternatives

Recommendations
To discourage noise, air and visual pollution, I would
recommend restricting the location of hoardings to towns and
cities and limiting the amount of flying time for advertising
aircraft. Additionally, smaller hoardings might reduce the risk of
accidents caused by distracted drivers

Writing a review
Give the review a title
Be expressive
Use a semi-formal style
The real life struggle of brilliant minds with paranoid
schizophrenia and Alzheimers disease may not sound
like the ingredients of an entertaining viewing. But
Russell Crowes stunning performance as
mathematical genius, Jon Nash, in A Beautiful Mind,
and Judi Denchs moving portrayal of philosopher an
novelist, Iris Murdoch in Iris, will have you rushing
out to buy the books on which these two Oscar-winning
films are based.
It is in their contact that the two films resemble each
other most. Both focus on the withdrawal of the
protagonist into their own inner world and the effect
this has on their long-suffering but devoted marital
partners. Also common to both films is the fact that we
witness the two academics in their youth and old age.
Hats off here to Crowes make up team he is
remarkably convincing as the sixty- six-year-old Nash
receiving his Noble Prize in 1994.
Iris differs from A Beautiful Mind in this respect,
relying instead on other actors to play the vivacious
young Iris a very credible Kate Winslett and her
stuttering companion, John Bayley. In addition, unlike
the more linear American film, flashbacks are used to
good effect to switch backwards and forwards between
the two contrasting stages of Murdochs life.
The strength of Iris lies in its powerful acting and
mundane realism, with the novelist seen doing the
shopping, or watching childrens TV in her cluttered
Oxford house. However, if, as I do, you favour
something more visually appealing, but no less
plausible, then A Beautiful Mind is a definite must-
see.

Proposals

A proposal relates to the future not the past. It is solution-

focused. Dont go on about existing problems
Use proposal language propose, recommend, suggest
Structure points as idea reason - examples
Finish with courtesy sentence
Proposal for contents of first issue of arts magazine
Introduction
I would like to like to make suggestions regarding the contents of the first
issue of the new Arts Club magazine
Reviews
I propose to have reviews relating to our local arts. A film section would be
a good idea as the cartoons and action films shown in the school holidays
attract a lot of attention. Furthermore, writing about a range of books,
including one of Derek Turners art history ones, would cater for different
types of readers.
Events and Activities
A section outlining local events and activities would surely be greatly
appreciated. Again aiming for variety in our information, the Town Hall
exhibition and Wigmore Park international circus could be included.
Furthermore, we can also include a feature on student club activities such
as the forthcoming trip to see the Musical, Rats in London.
Interviews
I also strongly recommend including an interview with local actor, Audrey
Perham. Having given us for free tickets for her next production, finding a
time to speak to her in between rehearsals would be a boost for our
magazine. This would sit nicely alongside the interview offered by Hadley
Norris, our local art museum curator.
Competitions
I suggest that a film quiz would be have a broader appeal than a writing
competition, as it requires less effort and would promote more discussion.
The tickets which Audrey Perham offered could be used as prizes.
Conclusion
Our magazine should embrace variety to attract the interest of as many
people as possible. I hope my suggestions are given full consideration.

Writing an article

Find different ways of referring to the main topic

Grab the readers attention - your introduction should make the
reader want to continue and set out what the article will be about
Leave the reader with something to think about your
conclusion should have a summarising sentence and a thought
provoking final comment
Make your writing interesting and natural for the reader
use a variety of structures and vocabulary (avoid repetition)
Be appropriate Decide who your audience is and write in the
correct style

Wanting to become a legend

Watching the athletes running endlessly around the Munich track in
1972, one figure, clad in the blue and white of Finland, captured my
imagination. This exposure to the greatness of Lasse Viren, caused me to
plan and prepare for a life of international championships, podiums, and
press conferences where I would be called upon to articulate the
mysteries of my immense talent.
So what does it take to be a top international athlete? Physical talent is
vital all high class runners can run until they drop to be able to
handle both the demands of training and races. Fortunately, I loved to run
around all day as a child and never seemed to get tired.
Of course, being a professional sportsman also entails possessing the
appropriate mental attributes. Stubbornness and self-discipline are vital,
as you cannot simply throw in the towel when the going gets tough or
stay inside when it is snowing or raining outside. As my mother accused
me of being obsessive, finding this type of motivation was never going to
be a problem.
Last but not least, whatever one dedicates ones professional life to, it
really helps to have a sense of vocation. When you hear somebody say
they were born to do something, what they mean is that they feel really
comfortable in their own skin regarding all aspects of the chosen
profession. As a teenager, I was happy to embrace whatever this meant
early nights, painful sessions with physios, the low points, and even
learning how to cook properly and understand herbs.
Weve all got a vocation for something. Finding out what that is can be
both one of the great mysteries and rewards in life. Dare to dream and
act, and you can aspire to be the person you really are. Lets face it, you
dont want to be left wondering about what might have been

Writing an Essay
Be systematic so the reader can follow your argument.
There must be a clear thread relating to the task question;
Stated opinion Topic sentences
Summarising sentence

We have more means of communication but

communicate less effectively

Up to twenty years ago, the TV, radio, newspapers and

landlines constituted the main means of communication. Now
however, we have the mobile phones, the internet and the
social networks, but do these new innovations make us
more effective communicators?
Firstly, online access has facilitated a revolution
regarding access to news, where we can seemingly find out
what we need at a click. However, how in depth is this
information? In fact, outlets are likely to resort to
sensationalism and superficiality to attract advertisers, whereas
in the past, there were not the same commercial pressures, and
the media may have developed more detailed news stories.
A further arena of communication is work. Skype, emails
and conference calls now make a mockery of international
borders and language barriers. However, without always seeing
people face to face, misunderstandings can easily occur
through one ill-chosen word in an email or inappropriate use of
irony.
Finally, the effect of new technologies regarding our
social lives has been seismic. Communicating with family,
friends and strangers around the world by messenger, email
and even through emoticons, has greatly broadened our
options. On the other hand, such ease of contact might lead to
superficiality and artifice. It can be easier to evade truths,
invent personas and express troll-like abusive views to
strangers.
In conclusion, when bearing in mind the news, our social
lives and work, one can clearly see that developing
technology does not necessarily lead to more effective
communication. This may only be the case if we combine
easy accessibility with considered thought.