Bài giảng Tiếng Anh - VSTEP Writing Task 2 - Trương Văn Ánh

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1. VSTEP Writing Task 2 Trương Văn Ánh Trường Đại học Sài Gòn
2. Discuss both views essay Discuss both views essay- a common question type in VSTEP Writing Task 2. We will present the general outline and some useful expressions in this kind of essay. These particular questions require a different approach to argumentative essays because you have to discuss both sides rather than just argue in favor of one side.
3. Sample questions • Some people think that celebrities should be given more privacy. Others believe that the price of their fame is an invasion into their private lives. Discuss both views and give your opinion. • Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences. Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.
4. General outline • INTRODUCTION– rephrase the topic and state your opinion • BODY 1: The view you support (Reason 1+ Reason 2+ Explanation+ Examples) • BODY 2: The view you DO NOT support (Reason 1+ Reason 2+ Explanation, Examples+ Rebuttal [phản biện lại] ) • CONCLUSION Sentence 1- Summary of main points Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important
5. Useful expressions • INTRODUCTION To introduce the first view: There are certain people in society which claim that It is argued by some people that A commonly held belief is that To introduce the second view In contrast, other individuals espouse the idea that However, this is refuted by others who say that
6. To state your opinion This is a controversial issue, but I believe that Both sides have their own merits; however, I believe the (former/ latter) view is more reasonable. To close the paragraph/ introduce the body This essay aims to prove my claim
7. • BODY 1: You can start with “On the one hand,” • BODY 2: You can start with “On the other hand,” • CONCLUSION In conclusion, although there are valid reasons why , it is still more reasonable to conclude that . Therefore, while to a certain extent, it is true ., I strongly believe that .
8. VSTEP Writing task 2 Cause/Effect/Solution essay
9. Causes/ Effects/ Solutions essay- a common question type in VSTEP Writing Task 2. We will present the general outline and some useful expressions in this type of essay. Causes/ Effects/ Solutions essays require you to determine a scenario in which one action or event caused certain effects to occur. Then, explain what took place and why! This kind of essay sometimes also asks us to propose some solutions to the problem. The questions will only ask for 2 of the 3 aspects (Cause/ effect or Cause/ Solution or Effect/ Solution).
10. Sample questions • In some countries, it can be very difficult for people over the age of 50 to get good jobs, despite their experience. What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it? • Cheating in school exams has been a serious concern since time immemorial. Why do you think children cheat in exams? What are the long-term effects if this ubiquitous practice is tolerated?
11. General Outline • INTRODUCTION– rephrase the topic and state what are required • BODY 1– Discuss the causes (or effects, depending on the question task) • BODY 2– Discuss the solutions • Conclusion– summarize and restate task requirements
12. Useful expressions in the Introduction • Developing countries, like Viet Nam, are faced with a wide range/ plethora/ myriad of problems, ranging from environmental and socio-economic, and one of the most concerning/ worrying/ alarming is • [Cause+ Effect] The essay will not only analyze the principal factors leading to this problem but also highlight its outcomes
13. • [Cause+ Solution] The following essay will attempt to present the reasons behind this damaging phenomenon and then offer some potential ways to address it. • [Effect+ Solution] After elaborating on the consequences of this important issue, some measures that can be taken/ employed/ implemented to tackle it will be provided.
14. To express causes • This problem is caused by . • This situation can be attributed to . • One rationale that can be given to explain this is • This can be traced to the fact that .
15. To express effects • A few problems have sprung out of this situation • This issue has been a menace to society in several ways • Because of this, society is now facing various hazards • One vital consequence of this is
16. To express solutions • The problem can be successfully prevented • There are several concrete steps we can take to combat this threat • Some suggestions can be given to solve the problem
17. VSTEP Writing task 2 Argumentative essay
18. Argumentative essay- a very common question type in VSTEP Writing Task 2. We will present the general outline and some useful expressions in this type of essay. Argumentative essay question usually voices a controversial topic (các chủ đề gây tranh cãi) and asks you to state your opinion of that topic (if you are FOR or AGAINST).
19. Sample questions • Animals should not be used in scientific research. Do you agree or disagree? • Most people in developing countries do not have food to eat and place to live. Instead of saving forest to protect the environment, we should aim to maximize land for food production and making homes for the homeless. Do you agree or disagree?
20. General Outline • Introduction: – Introducing the topic. – Giving background information and Narrowing the topic. – Giving your point of view and mentioning the main reasons covered in the essay. • Body: – Reason 1 (with 2-3 supporting ideas). – Reason 2 (with 2-3 supporting ideas). – Counter- argument (phản biện lại ý kiến trái ngược với mình) • Conclusion: – Restate your point of view. – Summary is required.
21. Useful expressions • INTRODUCTION First sentence: There is an increasingly growing popular idea that There is an argument that There is a popular claim that . Second sentence: I, however, believe that . I firmly believe that . I believe in the truth/ veracity of this statement and this essay will tackle the most important reasons, considering [the main areas covered in your essay]
22. • BODY Giving the first point First and foremost, This is primarily due to the fact that One crucial point to consider is that Giving the second point Moreover/ Furthermore, More importantly, We should also recognize the fact that
23. Expressing counter-arguments (First sentence) Admittedly, it could also be said that Some people continue to claim that (Second sentence) Still, I would like to emphasize that It is still my belief though that I reiterate, however, that .
24. • Conclusion In conclusion/ To sum up After discussing all the points mentioned above, I can finally conclude that All in all, regardless of the points to the contrary, it can be concluded that . Considering all arguments put forward, I have arrived at the conclusion that
25. TOPICS ON WRITING TASK 2 VSTEP • Education 1- Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student’s performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? 2- Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student?
26. 3- Most schools offer some type of physical education program to their students. Why is physical education important? Should physical education classes be required or optional? 4- Textbooks should be replaced by laptops in classrooms. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? 5- Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students are encouraged to make comments or even criticism on their teachers. Others think it will lead to loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
27. 6- In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and staring university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
28. • Technology and media 1- Some people think that the increasing use of mobile phones and computers have negative impacts on users. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 2- Do you think that modern technology, such as the internet and computers will ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information? 3- Some children can learn more efficiently by watching TV. Therefore, children should watch TV regularly both in school and at home. Do you agree or disagree?
29. • Social issues 1- Nowadays, people have longer life span thanks to the development in terms of health services and medical treatment. What are the positive and negative effects of this trend? 2- Prostitution should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 3- Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. What is your opinion?
30. 4- Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in their community. However, others prefer to give money to national and international charitable organizations. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 5- Same sex marriage should be legalized. Do you agree or disagree?
31. • Travelling and tourism 1- Tourism is seen as a major industry for many countries. However it tends to have a deleterious effect on the environment and should be strictly monitored. What is your opinion? 2- What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism? In general, do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
32. • Science 1- Although many benefits may result from space exploration, the costs involved are enormous. There is debate as to whether this money could be more wisely spent to provide for the basic needs of mankind such as food, clean water, etc. For this reason space exploration should be restricted. Do you agree?
33. Vstep task 2 (Collection 4) Topic: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in major cities in Viet Nam. What are the reasons for this? Suggest some solutions. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. You should write at least 250 words.
34. Over the last few years, many cities throughout the country have seen an alarming increase in the levels of youth crime. This has become a question that not only the authorities but also parents are concerned about. In this essay, I would like to analyze some reasons for this and suggest some possible solutions. The causes of this issue lies in the way the youth are brought up by their parents and the increasing level of poverty in cities. The first reason is connected with the family. In order for a child to grow up in a balanced way, it is very
35. important that he or she must be nurtured by his or her parents with love, care, and support. However, these days, it is often the case that children are neglected due to the fact that many parents in cities now are too busy with their work to give their children good advice and support in time. Another factor to consider is the increasing levels of poverty around the world. We have seen with globalization the rich get far richer and the poor get much poorer, and this inevitably means that those who were unfortunately born into a poor family and are reluctant to work hard, but want to live in
36. comfort turn to robbing and stealing. Reality shows that they even dare to kill others to grab what they desire. To solve the problem, we should take several measures on the part of families as well as society. First, parents must spend more time with their children to control what they do and how they behave so as to offer them timely guidance and prevent them from making a mistake and then committing a crime. Second, those who commit a crime must be severely punished; for example, a teenage murderer can be sentenced
37. to death. It is also essential that the authorities send young criminals to a rehabilitation center, where they have a chance to learn how to behave well and get some vocational training so that they can find a job to support themselves later. In conclusion, several factors have led to a dramatic increase in youth crime at present, but feasible solutions are available to tackle this problem. I’m convinced that taking the above- mentioned measures can help to reduce the level of youth crime substantially in big cities of Viet Nam. (Word count: 380)
38. Topic: Some people argue that immigrants should adopt the local culture when immigrating to a new country. An alternative view is that they can adapt to a new environment by establishing a minority community. What are your opinions?
39. Topic: Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student’s performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? It is said that formal examinations are the only effective way to access a student’s performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. In my opinion, a combination of the two views may be a better way of assessing students.
40. Firstly, the aim of the assessment is to evaluate how much the students understand the taught subjects in total. Therefore, continual assessments provide an opportunity for students and teachers to quantify the performances of students for a long term. Teachers could observe students during the whole term and help them if necessary. As a result, students may acquire skills that might be suitable for future employment as an example of projects or course work. Besides, course work and projects can make students ready for formal examinations.
41. In addition, formal examinations are not flexible enough to assess other qualities possessed by a student such as confidence, the ability of a student to present a topic to the public. These can only be done through other assessments such as presentations and other course work and projects. Moreover, formal examinations that are taken in educational institutes make students learn concept and also memorize the things that they have studied in their class. Some hard-working students will get good marks, some lazy students
42. on the other hand, will get poor marks, which will be fair in formal examinations and evaluate students’ ability effectively. In short, formal examinations are good means of assessment but should not be used in isolation. It is important to use them in combination with continual assessment such as course work and projects to balance both systems assessing the performances and the progress of students.
43. Topic: Since its development in the 1970s, the internet has become a key tool for obtaining information and for communication all over the world. Write an essay to an educated reader to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the internet. Include reasons and any examples to support your answer. You should write at least 250 words. Your response will be evaluated in terms of Task Fulfillment, Organization, Vocabulary and Grammar.
44. Nowadays , the internet is widely used in our daily lives and work. The internet brings both benefits and drawbacks, which will be discussed below. On the one hand, there are many advantages of the internet. Firstly, the internet has made work much easier. Sending emails and using video conferencing in the workplace have made business quicker and more efficient. For example, in the past, people often had to travel
45. long distances for meetings and now they can video call instead. Also, thanks to the internet, social life becomes easier. Nowadays people can keep in touch with family and friends and relatives their news quickly and easily. In addition, meetings, parties and social events for large groups of people easier to organize in this way. Finally, finding out information online is much quicker than visiting libraries or making expensive phone calls.
46. On the other hand, the internet has several downsides. Some people say that the internet makes people lazy. For example, people now do lots of things online, like shopping and socializing, when it might be better for them to do these things in the “real” world. Furthermore, the internet contains a lot of information which is not correct. This is because anyone can put anything they want on the internet and it is not always checked for accuracy or truth. Users need to be sure that the websites they look at are reliable sources of information.
47. In conclusion, the internet offers both advantages and disadvantages. It is important that you know how to use it effectively. Word count: 268
48. Good luck!