MODULE

IELTS
WRITING TASK 2
SKILLS
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

UNIT 1 – WHAT THE TEST IS ABOUT

Purpose

A. To asses the candidate’s ability to write an essay (containing opinion), or to make a

report (facts from statistical data, process or maps) using academic writing features.

B. Candidate’s response to the task instruction given should be appropriate in terms of:

• Content
• Organisation of ideas
• Accuracy
• Vocabulary
• Grammar

Assesment Criteria

Each essay or report is read four times by an examiner where he or she will marked the essay
or report based on one of the following criteria:

A. Task Response (TR)

The ability to formulate and develop a position in relation to a given prompt in the form
of a question or statement.

B. Coherence and Cohesion (CC)

This criterion is concerned with the overall clarity and fluency of the message: how the
response organizes and links information, ideas and language. Coherence refers to the
linking of ideas through logical sequencing. Cohesion refers to the varied and
appropriate use of cohesive devices (for example, logical connectors, pronouns, and
conjunctions) to assist in making the conceptual and referential relationships between
and within sentences clear.

C. Lexical Resource (LR)

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 This criterion refers to the range of vocabulary the candidate has used and the accuracy
and appropriacy of that use in terms of the specific task.

The examiner takes the following points into account when assessing this aspect of the
report or essay:

1. Words:

• Range and flexibility

• Level
• Precision
• Style
• Collocation

2. Vocabulary mistakes:

• Spelling
• Word choice
• Word formation

D. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

This criterion refers to the range and accurate use of the candidate’s grammatical
resource as manifested in the candidate’s writing at the sentence level.

The examiner has the following questions in mind when assessing this aspect of the
report or essay:

1. Have we used a variety of sentence structures?

2. How often have we used compound structures?
3. Mistakes:
• Grammar
• Punctuation

Content

• Time: 60 minutes for both a report (Task 1) and an essay (Task 2)

• Tasks: writing a report (Task 1) and an essay (Task 2)
• Minimum words written: at least 150 words in Task 1, and at least 250 words in Task
2

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UNIT 2 – ACADEMIC WRITING FEATURES

Introduction

• Description: the main character is linear, meaning that there is one central point or
theme where every part has contribution to the argument main line, without having
digressions or repetitions.
• Objective: to inform rather than entertain.

Features

A. Complexity

Written language is relatively more complex than spoken language. Written language
has longer words, it is lexically more dense and it has a more varied vocabulary. It uses
more noun-based phrases than verb-based phrases. Written texts are shorter and the
language has more grammatical complexity, including more subordinate clauses and
more passives.

B. Formality

Academic writing is relatively formal. In general, this means that in an essay you should
avoid colloquial words and expressions.

C. Precision

Facts and figures are given precisely in academic writing.

D. Objectivity

Written language is in general objective rather than personal. It therefore has fewer
words that refer to the writer or the reader. This means that the main emphasis should
be on the information that you want to give and the arguments you want to make, rather
than you. For that reason, academic writing tends to use nouns (and adjectives), rather
than verbs (and adverbs).

E. Explicitness

Academic writing is explicit about the relationships int he text. Furthermore, it is the
responsibility of the writer in English to make it clear to the reader how the various parts
of the text are related. These connections can be made explicit by the use of different
signalling words.

F. Accuracy

Academic writing uses vocabulary accurately. Most subjects have words with narrow
specific meanings. Linguistics distinguishes clearly between "phonetics" and
"phonemics"; general English does not.

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G. Hedging

In any kind of academic writing you do, it is necessary to make decisions about your
stance on a particular subject, or the strength of the claims you are making. Different
subjects prefer to do this in different ways.

H. Responsibility

In academic writing you must be responsible for, and must be able to provide evidence
and justification for, any claims you make. You are also responsible for demonstrating
an understanding of any source texts you use.

I. Organization

Academic writing is well organized. It flows easily from one section to the next in a logical
fashion. A good place to start is the genre of your text. Once you have decided on the
genre, the structure is easily determined.

J. Planning

Academic writing is well-planned. It usually takes place after research and evaluation,
according to a specific purpose and plan.

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 CHAPTER TWO
WHAT WRITING TASK 2 IS ABOUT

UNIT 1 – HOW TO RESPOND THE TASK INSTRUCTION

Writing Task 2 asks the candidate to write an essay on the given topic. The candidate has to:

• answer the question(s) given clearly and completely.

• give reasons for the answer; and
• include relevant examples, from knowledge and experience (facts that the candidate
reads about in the media, or knows from their own education).

UNIT 2 – PARTS OF TASK INSTRUCTION

The Task Instruction in Writing Task 2 consists of the following parts:

• Topic or Background; and

• Specific question in relation to the topic or background provided.

Êxample:

Task Instruction Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of

gyms and sports clubs, believing that this will make their staff
healthier and thus more effective at work. Other employer see no
benefit in doing so. Consider the arguments from both aspects of
this possible debate, and reach a conclusion.

Topic or Background Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of

gyms and sports clubs, believing that this will make their staff
healthier and thus more effective at work. Other employer see no
benefit in doing so.

Question Consider the arguments from both aspects of this possible debate,
and reach a conclusion.

UNIT 3 – TOPIC OR BACKGROUND

Themes

There are different themes contained in a topic. These include, among others, the following:

• Opinion
• Notion
• Phenomenon
• Problem
• Prediction

Êxample:

Opinion Some people feel that it is always wrong to keep animals in

captivity, for instance in zoos. Other people say that there are
benefits for the animals and for humans.

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 Notion It would be best for us to save money than to spend it, especially
in the current economic situation.

Phenomenon Keeping animals in captivity such as zoos has now been popular,
even now that they have evolved into ‘animal parks’ or similar
facilities.

Problem Illiteracy continues to be a concern for many countries in the world

today.

Prediction It is estimated that today’s development will enable scientists and

tourist to travel to remote natural environment, such as the South
Pole. Meanwhile, others feel this development is likely to benefit
only a small group of individuals.

Organizing Words and Restricting Terms

A topic will always contain two parts:

• Organizing Words

A word or a phrase being the core part of the topic.

• Restricting Terms

A word or a phrase intended to restrict the discussion of a topic under certain

circumstances. Secara umum restricting terms adalah semua Modifier, baik Pre Modifier
(Determiner, Ordinative, Classifier, dan Epithet) ataupun Post Modifier (Prepositional
Phrase dan Adjective Clause). Dan dalam Parts of Speech, semua jenis Adjective dan
Adverb masuk dalam kelas Modifier. Dan secara spesifik, semua kata yang menjadi
keterangan untuk kata yang lain termasuk kedalam golongan Modifier.

Example:

Topic or Background Crime appears to be rising in most countries in the world,

especially among young people.

Organizing Words the rise of crime

Restricting Terms appears, in most countries, in the world, especially, among young
people, effective

UNIT 4 – TYPES OF QUESTION

Questions of Writing Task 2 are mainly classified into two categories:

• Idea or Proposal Task (Proposal-Based Questions, usually in the form of What-Are

Questions)

Jenis pertanyaan ini meminta saran atau ide kandidat tentang suatu topik, seperti
apakah sesuatu itu menguntungkan atau merugikan. Fokus menjawab pertanyaan ini
adalah mengajukan banyak ide atau saran, bukan memberikan pendapat pribadi yang
kuat (how many ideas we can propose).

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• Opinion Task (Argument-Based Questions, usually in the form of Yes-No Questions)

Jenis pertanyaan ini menanyakan pendapat kandidat tentang suatu topik, seperti alasan
atau penyebab suatu masalah atau beberapa cara untuk menyelesaikannya. Fokus
dalam menjawab pertanyaan ini adalah untuk memberikan argumen kuat yang
meyakinkan dengan penjelasan akademis yang tepat (how
strong/compelling/convincing our arguments are).

Êxample:

Idea Task The crime rate among teenagers has increased dramatically in
many countries.
What problems cause this and how can they be solved?

Opinion Task As global trade increases, many goods, including those we use on
a daily basis, are produced in other countries and have to be
transported long distances.
Do the benefits of this trend outweigh the drawbacks?

UNIT 5 – IDEA TASK

There are different types of idea tasks. These include, among others, the following:

• Causes Effects

Menanyakan penyebab dan dampak dari suatu isu.

• Problems Solutions – Causes and Solutions to Causes

Menanyakan penyebab dari suatu isu dan solusi terhadap penyebab tersebut.

• Problems Solutions – Causes and Solutions to Issue

Menanyakan penyebab dari suatu isu dan solusi terhadap isu tersebut.

• Problems Solutions – Effects and Solutions to Effects

Menanyakan dampak dari suatu isu dan solusi terhadap dampak tersebut.

• Problems Solutions – Effects and Solutions to Issue

Menanyakan dampak dari suatu isu dan solusi terhadap isu tersebut.

• Problems Solutions – Evaluation to Issue and Solutions to Issue

Menanyakan evaluasi dari suatu isu dan solusi terhadap isu tersebut.

• Problems Solutions – Evaluation to Issue and Solutions to Evaluation

Menanyakan evaluasi dari suatu isu dan solusi terhadap evaluasi tersebut.

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 BAGAN IDEA TASK

Evaluation

7
7 6

1 1
Cause
Problem Issue Effect
2 4
Problem Problem
3 5

2 4
3 5

Solution

IDEA TASK EXAMPLES

Causes Effects In many parts of the world, people are choosing to

have fewer children.
Why do you think this is happening?
What impacts may it have on society?

Causes and Solutions to The crime rate among teenagers has increased
Causes dramatically in many countries.
What problems cause this and how can they be
solved?

Causes and Solutions to Issue Many people today are worried about 'cybercrime'
such as hacking and identity theft.
What problems cause this 'cybercrime', and what
solutions can you suggest for ordinary people and
businesses to take?

Effects and Solutions to Effects Many people believe that the high levels of violence in
films today are causing serious social problems.
What are these problems and how can they be solved?

Effects and Solutions to Issue Many people today are worried about 'cybercrime'
such as hacking and identity theft.
What problems this 'cybercrime' cause? What
solutions can you suggest for ordinary people and
businesses to take?

Evaluation to Issue and Having police officers patrol the streets is often
Solutions to Issue considered an essential way to reduce crime.
How effective do you think police street patrols are?
What other ways of reducing crime can you propose?

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 Evaluation to Issue and Having police officers patrol the streets is often
Solutions to Evaluation considered an essential way to reduce crime.
How effective do you think police street patrols are?
What other ways do you think to improve police street
patrols?

UNIT 6 – OPINION TASK

There are different types of opinion tasks. These include, among others, as provided in the
following diagram:

Opinion Task

Discussion Personal Opinion

Combination of
Personal Opinion and
Discussion

Discuss Both Views Advantage vs Agree vs Disagree Discuss Both Views and
Disadvantage Give Your Opinion

Balancing Opinion

Proviso Opposing View Balancing Argument

Dari bagan tersebut di atas, dapat kita simpulkan bahwa dalam Opinion Task, terdapat
beberapa jenis opini yang perlu disampaikan. Opini-opini tersebut dapat dirangkum sebagai
berikut:

• One Person’s Opinion (Advantages – Disadvantages)

Example:

As global trade increases, many goods, including those we use on a daily basis, are
produced in other countries and have to be transported long distances. Do the benefits
of this trend outweigh the drawbacks?

• Two People’s Opinion (Discuss Both Views and Agree – Disagree)

Example:

1. Discuss Both Views : Some people believe that sport is an essential part of
school life for children, while others feel it should be

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 purely optional. Discuss these opposing views/consider
both sides of these opposing views/discuss both sides of
this debate and reach a conclusion.

2. Agree – Disagree : Tourism is always a force for good which enables people
of different countries to understand each other. To what
extent do you agree with this idea?

• Three People’s Opinion (Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion)

Example:

Some people believe that sport is an essential part of school life for children, while
others feel it should be purely optional. Discuss these opposing views and give your
own opinion.

How Many Opinions in Our Essay

Whose? Yours

One person’s opinion 1. Advantages - disadvantages (which one outweigh)

Type
2. Ideas Task

1. Yours
Whose?
2. The opposing view (other people oppose your view)

Type: Agree - Disagree

Two people’s opinion 1. Side A (pros)

Whose?
2. Side B (cons)

Type: Discuss Both Views

1. Side A (pros)

Whose? 2. Side B (cons)

Proviso: as well as, provided that
3. Yours
Three people’s opinion Balancing argument

Type: Discuss both views and give your opinion

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 CHAPTER THREE
PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

UNIT 1 – ANATOMY OF ESSAY

Jika kita ibaratkan proses penyusunan sebuah esai dengan proses terbentuknya mahluk
hidup, maka kita bisa melihat bahwa, layaknya mahluk hidup, sebuah esai berawal dari suatu
embrio. Embrio dari suatu esai adalah ide yang di awali dari sebuah “kata”. Misalnya, ketika
kita akan menulis suatu artikel, kita akan memfokuskan tulisan kita pada suatu ide dalam satu
bidang. Ambil contoh, kita akan menulis esai mengenai suatu hal dalam bidang “pendidikan”,
maka kata pendidikan menjadi embrio dari esai kita tersebut. Embrio ini juga ktia sebut dengan
istilah “Organizing Words”.

Selanjutnya, kata tersebut akan didukung oleh kata-kata lainnya untuk mempersempit
pembahasan pada bidang tersebut yang kita sebut dengan istilah “Restricting Terms”. Nah,
gabungan Organizing Words dan Restricting Terms tersebut kemudian membentuk suatu ide
yang lengkap yang akan menjadi pijakan dan rel kita dalam membuat kerangka dan menulis
esai kita. Gabungan kata-kata tersebut kita namakan “frasa”.

Setelah kita menetapkan ide utama dari esai kita yang berbentuk frasa, kita kemudian
menyusunnya ke dalam suatu struktur tata bahasa yang lebih kompleks, yaitu “kalimat”.
Kalimat ini lah yang kemudian akan menjadi awal dimulainya tahapan penulisan esai.

Kalimat yang mengandung ide utama tersebut kemudian dibantu oleh beberapa kalimat
pendukung yang berfungsi menjelaskan dan menguraikan ide utama yang terdapat di dalam
kalimat utama. Kalimat utama dan beberapa kalimat pendukungnya kemudian disusun
sedemikian rupa ke dalam suatu bentuk yang dinamakan “paragraf”, sehingga ide utama
dapat tersampaikan dan dipahami oleh pembaca.

Paragraf ini, yang kita namakan paragraf utama, kemudian berfungsi mengatur dan
mengontrol arah esai ke depannya. Dengan dibantu oleh beberapa paragraf pendukung,
paragraf utama akan membagi tema pembahasan esai ke dalam beberapa bagian, yang
terbagi ke dalam beberapa paragraf atau sub paragraf. Nah, gabungan paragraf utama dan
beberapa paragraf pendukung ini kemudian menjadi suatu tulisan utuh yang komprehensif
yang kita namakan “esai” atau “passage”.

Jika kita rangkum pembahasan di atas dalam bentuk bagan, maka kita akan lihat hasilnya
sebagai berikut:

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UNIT 2 – PARAGRAPH ORGANIZATION

Suatu esai dalam Writing Task 2 setidaknya terdiri dari beberapa bagian penting berikut:

• Introduction;
• Body Paragraph; dan
• Conclusion

Perhatikan sample answer berikut ini:

Organization Sample

Introduction Sport continues to be a controversial topic in the school

curriculum, just as sport itself has become a controversial
industry in some respects. There are valid opinions on both
sides, which I will consider now.

Body Paragraph On the one hand, some people feel that sport uses up time,
which could be better spent on academic subjects such as exam
preparation. In addition, it might be said that it is unwise to force
children to do activities which they have no interest in. After all,
some youngsters are just not sporty, and should be allowed to
study instead. Finally, there are question marks over the
wholesomeness of sport itself, with drugging and corruption
scandals increasingly common, as we see in cycling at present.
Some people believe that this lack of morals sets a poor
example to young people.

On the other hand, though, one major benefit of sport is that it

helps children’s physical development at an important stage. If
all their time was spent studying, they would become unfit and
their minds would eventually suffer. Furthermore, supporters of
school sport emphasize the importance of team building in
sports such as football or hockey, which is often felt to be an
excellent preparation for adulthood. Finally, many people feel
that a competitive spirit, so important today, is fostered by sports
at an early age. It is notable, for example, that many successful
business people excelled in sport at school.

Conclusion Overall, I feel that sport should be compulsory for school

children, because the positive effect on their mental and physical
development outweighs the negatives. This is as long as
children are given a wide range to choose from, to ensure their
interest is high, and that the sports industry itself maintains the
highest standards of conduct.

UNIT 3 – INTRODUCTION

Introduction adalah bagian pembuka dari suatu esai. Introduction setidak terdiri dari 3 bagian
berikut ini:

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• Background (Opsional)

Latar belakang dari suatu esai berupa penjelasan singkat atas sudut pandang penulis
terhadap suatu issue yang akan dibahas. Background bersifat opsional dan bisa dibuat
terpisah atau digabung dengan Issue dalam suatu 1 kalimat.

• Issue

Topik dari suatu esai yang akan dibahas. Di dalam Writing Task 2, Issue merupakan
bentuk paraphrasing dari Topic yang terdapat di dalam Task Instruction.

• Thesis Statement

Gambaran umum mengenai keseluruhan ide yang terdapat di dalam di dalam Body
Paragraph. Thesis Statement akan menjadi pijakan dan rel dalam membuat kerangka
dan menulis Body Paragraph, oleh karenanya, kandungan yang terdapat di dalam Body
Paragraph harus seirama dengan apa yang disampaikan di dalam Thesis Statement.

Di dalam Writing Task 2, Thesis Statement merupakan bentuk jawaban dari Question
yang terdapat di dalam Task Instruction.

Perhatikan contoh di bawah ini mengenai Introduction yang dibuat berdasarkan Task
Instruction yang diberikan.

Task Instruction Introduction

Some people believe that sport is an essential part Sport continues to be a controversial topic in the
of school life for children, while others feel it should school curriculum, just as sport itself has become
be purely optional. a controversial industry in some respects. There
are valid opinions on both sides, which I will
Discuss these opposing views and give your own
consider now.
opinion.

Background just as sport itself has

become a controversial
industry in some respects

Topic Some people believe that sport is an Issue Sport continues to be a

essential part of school life for controversial topic in the
children, while others feel it should be school curriculum
purely optional

Question Discuss these opposing views and Thesis Statement There are valid opinions on
give your own opinion both sides, which I will
consider now

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UNIT 4 – BODY PARAGRAPH

Types of Paragraph

Setidaknya, ada tiga jenis paragraf yang secara umum digunakan, yaitu;

• Single Idea Paragraph

Jenis paragraf yang hanya terdiri dari satu ide utama sebagai fokus utama
pembahasannya. Paragraf ini biasanya mengandung hampir semua elemen paragraf
dan digunakan untuk menekankan pentingnya suatu ide untuk dibahas secara panjang
lebar dan komprehensif. Selain itu, penyusunan pembahasan di dalam jenis paragraf ini
dapat berpola induktif atau deduktif. Paragraf pembuka suatu esai (Introduction)
biasanya menggunakan jenis Single Idea Paragraph.

Berikut ini adalah bagan dari struktur Single Idea Paragraph:

Single-Idea Paragraph (Induktif) Single-Idea Paragraph (Deduktif)

Background/Bridging Background/Bridging
Topic Sentence Concluding Sentence
Supporting Sentence Supporting Details
Supporting Details Supporting Sentence
Concluding Sentence Topic Sentence
Bridging Bridging

• Multiple Idea Paragraph

Jenis paragraf yang terdiri dari beberapa ide yang dibahas secara bersamaan dan
berhubungan satu sama lain sebagai uraian dari satu ide utama. Paragraf ini biasanya
hanya mengandung beberapa elemen paragraf saja dan penggunaannya ditekankan
pada pembahasan yang singkat namun padat. Jenis paragraf ini sangat disarankan
untuk digunakan pada saat mengerjakan soal Writing Task 2.

Berikut ini adalah bagan dari struktur Multiple Idea Paragraph:

Multiple-Idea Paragraph

Background/Bridging
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentence/Supporting Details
Bridging
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentence/Supporting Details
Bridging
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentence/Supporting Details
Concluding Sentence
Bridging

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• Multiple Paragraph Single Idea

Jenis paragraf yang terdiri dari beberapa sub paragraf di mana masing-masing sub
paragraf memiliki ide terpisah atau pengulangan dari satu ide yang sama yang dibahas
secara bersamaan dan berhubungan satu sama lain. Paragraf ini biasanya dibuat untuk
mengakomodir pembahasan suatu ide utama yang membutuhkan penjelasan yang
panjang sehingga perlu dibagi ke dalam beberapa sub bagian terpisah.

Berikut ini adalah bagan dari struktur Multiple Paragraph Single Idea:

Multiple Paragraph Single Idea

Main Paragraph Sub-Paragraph 1 Sub-Paragraph 2

Background Topic Sentence Topic Sentence

Topic Sentence Supporting Sentence Supporting Sentence
Supporting Sentence Supporting Details Supporting Details
Supporting Details Concluding Sentence Concluding Sentence
Concluding Sentence Bridging Bridging
Bridging

Dari ketiga jenis paragraf di atas, kita hanya akan menggunakan 2 jenis paragraf pertama
demi efektifitas dan efisiensi. Berikut adalah contoh penerapannya di dalam Writing Task 2.
Perhatikan bahwa kalimat yang dipertebal (bold) adalah ide yang tercantum di dalam
paragraf tersebut.

Single–Idea Paragraph

It is important that the government spends a significant amount of its budget on public
services because these are our hospitals, roads and schools, and they determine quality of
life. Taking the UK as an example, the government has recently reduced public spending on
health and education, resulting in increased waiting lists for hospital treatments and fewer
teachers, both of which will have further adverse effects in the future. This demonstrates the
importance of ensuring that a large proportion of government money is spent on public
services as it is the only way to maintain standards and accessibility for everyone.

Multiple–Idea Paragraph

On the one hand, some people feel that sport uses up time, which could be better spent on
academic subjects such as exam preparation. In addition, it might be said that it is unwise to
force children to do activities which they have no interest in. After all, some youngsters are
just not sporty, and should be allowed to study instead. Finally, there are question marks
over the wholesomeness of sport itself, with drugging and corruption scandals increasingly
common, as we see in cycling at present. Some people believe that this lack of morals sets a
poor example to young people.

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Parts of Paragraph

Selain jenis-jenis paragraf yang berbeda, suatu paragraf juga memiliki bagian-bagian sebagai
berikut:

• Bridging (Connectors / Linking Words)

Kata, frasa atau kalimat yang berfungsi untuk menghubungkan:

✓ Satu kalimat dengan kalimat lainnya;

✓ Suatu ide dengan penjelasannya;
✓ Suatu penjelasan dengan sub penjelasannya;
✓ Suatu ide dengan ide lainnya; atau
✓ Satu paragraf dengan paragraf lainnya.

Bridging digunakan untuk memudahkan pembaca dalam memahami keterkaitan antara

kalimat satu dengan lainnya atau paragraf sebelum dan setelahnya. Penggunaan
Bridging yang tepat akan meningkatkan nilai skor IELTS dari segi Coherence and
Cohesion.

Beberapa contoh Bridging yang bisa digunakan:

• Topic Sentence

Suatu kalimat yang mengandung ide yang akan disampaikan di dalam suatu paragraf.

• Supporting Sentence

Suatu kalimat yang fungsinya memberikan penjelasan atas Topic Sentence.

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• Supporting Details

Suatu kalimat yang fungsinya sebagai sub penjelasan dari Supporting Sentence.
Supporting Details biasanya terdiri dari 4E berikut ini:

✓ Extra Detail
✓ Examples
✓ Further Explanation
✓ Emphasis

• Concluding Sentence

Suatu kalimat penutup yang merangkum keseluruhan isi yang terkandung di dalam
suatu paragraf atau esai.

• Reporting View

Suatu Bridging yang fungsinya memberikan petunjuk bahwa suatu pernyataan yang
terdapat di dalam paragraf dinukil dari pihak ketiga dan bukan merupakan pendapat
penulis. Reporting View umumnya digunakan dalam esai yang berasal dari jenis soal
Opinion Task–Discussion.

Beberapa contoh Reporting View adalah sebagai berikut:

✓ Some people feel/believe/think/argue/say that …

✓ It might be said that …
✓ Supporters of … feel/believe/think/argue/say that …
✓ Advocates of … feel/believe/think/argue/say that …
✓ Proponents of … feel/believe/think/argue/say that …
✓ Opponents of … feel/believe/think/argue/say that …
✓ Those proposing this view/notion/idea feel/believe/think/argue/say that …
✓ Those opposing this view/notion/idea feel/believe/think/argue/say that …

• Impersonal Style

Dalam naskah akademik, kita dimungkinkan untuk menyampaikan pandangan pribadi

kita sebagai penulis dengan mengatakan “I Think/I believe/I feel, etc”. Namun, skor kita
akan meningkat jika kita bisa menggunakan fitur akademis berupa Impersonal Style
untuk mengungkapkan pandangan pribadi. “Impersonal Style” maksudnya adalah kita
tidak mengacu menggunakan kata “Saya” tetapi kita menggunakan kata alternatif.

Impersonal Style bertujuan untuk menghindari “keakuan” (egosentris) penulis dalam

menyampaikan pandangannya terhadap suatu hal. Impersonal Style umumnya
digunakan dalam esai yang berasal dari jenis soal Opinion Task–Personal Opinion.

Beberapa contoh Impesonal Style adalah sebagai berikut:

✓ It seems that …
✓ It would seem that …
✓ It appears that …
✓ It would appear that …
✓ It is logical to conclude that
✓ It is sensible to conclude that …

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• Opposing View

Suatu fitur akademik berupa kalimat yang mengandung suatu pernyataan yang
bertentangan dengan pendapat penulis terhadap suatu hal. Penggunaan Opposing
View bertujuan untuk menghindari “keakuan” (egosentris) penulis dalam menyampaikan
pandangannya terhadap suatu hal sehingga suatu esai dapat memiliki keseimbangan.
Opposing View umumnya digunakan dalam esai yang berasal dari jenis soal Opinion
Task–Personal Discussion.

• Rejecting Argument

Suatu fitur akademik berupa kalimat yang mengandung pernyataan penulis dalam
membantah pernyataan yang bertentangan dengan pendapatnya terhadap suatu hal.
Rejecting Argument terletak setelah Opposing View dan umumnya digunakan dalam
esai yang berasal dari jenis soal Opinion Task–Personal Discussion.

• Proviso

Suatu fitur akademik berupa Bridging yang fungsinya tersambung dengan pernyataan
penulis dalam mengakomodir perbedaan pandangan yang ada dalam suatu diskusi di
suatu esai. Proviso umumnya digunakan dalam esai yang berasal dari jenis soal Opinion
Task–Discussion.

• Balancing Argument

Suatu fitur akademik berupa kalimat yang mengandung pernyataan penulis dalam
mengakomodir perbedaan pandangan yang ada dalam suatu diskusi di suatu esai.
Balancing Argument terletak setelah Proviso dan umumnya digunakan dalam esai yang
berasal dari jenis soal Opinion Task–Discussion.

UNIT 5 – CONCLUSION

Conclusion dibuat dengan cara mengulang Thesis Statement yang disampaikan di bagian
Introduction ditambah rangkuman atas keseluruhan isi yang terkandung di dalam Body
Paragraph. Proviso dan Balancing Argument umumnya diletakkan di dalam Conclusion.

Contoh:

Overall, I feel that sports should be compulsory for school children because the positive effect
on their mental and physical development outweighs the negatives. This is as long as children
are given a wide range to choose from, to ensure their interest is high, and that the sports
industry itself maintains the highest standards of conduct.

UNIT 6 – IDENTIFYING PARTS OF THE ESSAY

Berikut adalah dalam memahami penyusunan Writing Task 2 dengan menguraikan bagian-
bagiannya.

Task Instruction

Some people believe that sport is an essential part of school life for children, while
others feel it should be purely optional. Discuss these opposing views and give your
own opinion.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 18

Model Essay

Sport continues to be a controversial topic in the school curriculum (IS), just as sport itself has
become a controversial industry in some respects (BG). There are valid opinions on both
sides, which I will consider now (TST).

On the one hand (BR), some people feel that (RV) sport uses up time (TS) which could be
better spent on academic subjects (SS) such as exam preparation (SD). In addition (BR), it
might be said that (RV) it is unwise to force children (TS) to do activities which they have no
interest in (SS). After all (BR), some youngsters are just not sporty (TS), and should be allowed
to study instead (SS). Finally (BR), there are question marks over the wholesomeness of sport
itself (TS), with drugging and corruption scandals increasingly common (SS), as we see in
cycling at present (SD). Some people believe that (RV) this lack of morals sets a poor example
to young people (SD).

On the other hand (BR), though (BR), one major benefit of sport is that (BR) it helps children’s
physical development at an important stage (TS). If all their time was spent studying, they
would become unfit and their minds would eventually suffer (SS). Furthermore (BR),
supporters of school sport emphasize (RV) the importance of team building in sports (TS) such
as football or hockey (SD), which is often felt to be an excellent preparation for adulthood (SS).
Finally (BR), many people feel that (RV) a competitive spirit, so important today, is fostered
by sports at an early age (TS). It is notable, for example, that (BR) many successful business
people excelled in sport at school (SS).

Overall (BR), It is sensible to conclude that (IP) sport should be compulsory for school children
(TST), because the positive effect on their mental and physical development outweighs the
negatives (SS). This is as long as (PV) children are given a wide range to choose from, to
ensure their interest is high, and that the sports industry itself maintains the highest standards
of conduct (BA).

Abbreviation:
- BG : Background
- IS : Issue
- TST : Thesis Statement
- BR : Bridging
- TS : Topic Sentence
- SS : Supporting sentence
- SD : Supporting details
- CS : Concluding sentence
- IP : Impersonal Style
- PV : Proviso
- BA : Balancing Argument
- RV : Reporting View
- OV : Opposing View
- RA : Rejecting Argument

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 19

Dari Model Essay di atas, dapat kita buat dang rangkum kerangkanya sebagai berikut:

Body I Idea 1 TS Time consuming

SS Better for academic subject

SD Exam preparation

Idea 2 TS To force children is unwise

SS Activities children have no interested in

Idea 3 TS Some youngsters are not sporty

SS They should study

Idea 4 TS The question about the wholesomeness of sport

SS Poor example for children

SD Drugging and corruption in cycling

Body II Idea 1 TS Physical development for children at an important stage

SS Unfit and mental suffer if children always study

Idea 2 TS The importance of team building

SS Excellent preparation for adulthood

SD e.g. football and hockey

Idea 3 TS Competitive spirit at early age

SS Successful business excelled in sport at school

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 20

UNIT 7 – IDEA DEVELOPMENT

Sangat lazim bagi penulis pemula untuk mengalami kesulitan dalam mengembangkan ide
yang akan dibahasnya. Sebagai pedoman, beberapa cara untuk mengembangkan ide dapat
dilakukan dengan memberikan penjelasan lanjutan berupa hal-hal berikut:

• Expectations (Advantages – Disadvantages)

Merupakan pengembangan suatu ide yang dilakukan dengan meyampaikan ekspektasi

berupa manfaat atau kekurangan dari suatu hal.

Contoh:

1 TS It might be said that it is unwise to force children to do activities

SS/SD which they have no interest in

2 TS Supporters of school sport emphasize the importance of team

building in sports

SS/SD which is often felt to be an excellent preparation for adulthood

• Comparisons

Merupakan pengembangan suatu ide yang dilakukan dengan membandingkan suatu

hal dengan hal lainnya.

Contoh:

1 TS Some people feel that sport uses up time

SS/SD which could be better spent on academic subjects such as exam

preparation

2 TS After all, some youngsters are just not sporty

SS/SD and should be allowed to study instead

• Examples

Merupakan pengembangan suatu ide yang dilakukan dengan cara memberikan contoh
atas suatu hal.

Contoh:

1 TS There are question marks over the wholesomeness of sport itself

SS/SD with drugging and corruption scandals increasingly common, as we

see in cycling at present

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 21

 2 TS Many people feel that a competitive spirit, so important today, is
fostered by sports at an early ag

SS/SD It is notable, for example, that many successful business people

excelled in sport at school

• Description

Merupakan pengembangan suatu ide yang dilakukan dengan cara memberikan

deskripsi atas suatu hal.

Contoh:

1 TS Perhaps, the main factor behind food shortage is political instability

SS/SD This is particularly true in conflict areas where a serious escalation

in fighting leads to inefficient operation of infrastructures and
business sectors

2 TS It seems that an extreme climate significantly contributes to poor

farmland production

SS/SD The situation in the majority of countries in Africa clearly stipulates

this, where a never-ending drought or an extreme-heat wave
adversely influences the quality of both land and plant growth. This
makes people in these regions heavily dependent on stocks supplied
by other countries.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 22

 CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

PART 1
MODEL ESSAY

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other
employers see no benefit in doing so.

Consider the arguments from both aspects of this possible debate, and reach a conclusion.

MODEL ANSWER

Employers are always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity, and subsidizing
healthy pursuits may be one way of achieving this. There are arguments on both sides,
however, which we will discuss here.

On the one hand, it might be said that if workers are fitter and less stressed, their working time
will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service. Furthermore, the work/life
balance of the staff will hopefully be improved, because their leisure time will be more fulfilling.
This may even be more motivating than pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as
bonuses or incentives which may be hard to attain. Finally, feeling healthier may lead to better
job satisfaction which is in itself a motivating factor.

Conversely, the problem with such leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually
impossible to quantify. For example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see
whether the objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent
on (for instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to reduce the
risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its workforce.

Overall, it seems that, while health-related subsidies are superficially attractive, the lack of
measurability is a substantial drawback. Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to
be a better use of company or human resources budgets.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 23

 CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

PART 2
MODEL PARAGRAPH FOR DISCUSSION
(DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS AND GIVE YOUR OPINION)

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other
employer see no benefit in doing so.

Consider the arguments from both aspects of this possible debate, and reach a conclusion.

A. YOUR OPINION IS PRO

A.1. BODY 1: OPPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: PROPONENT SIDE

Employers are always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. While
some people believe that subsidizing healthy pursuits should be excluded from
achieving this goal, others feel that it should be taken into account for some
plausible reasons. There are arguments on both sides, however, which we will discuss
here.

On the one hand, opponents of subsidized sport argue that the problem with such
leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For
example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the
objectives are reached or not. Furthermore, those opposing health-related facilities
argue that if this budget was spent on (for instance) the job training or day release
programmes, the employees would achieve better career progression and have better
job prospects. These matters are all easier to measure, especially in performance
reviews and appraisals, and may even help to reduce the risk of redundancy if the
company restructures, downsizes or outsources its workforce.

On the other hand, though, proponents of this view say that if workers are fitter and
less stressed, their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output
and service. Furthermore, advocates of this opinion argue that the work/life balance
of the staff will hopefully be improved, because their leisure time will be more fulfilling.
This may even be more motivating than pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such
as bonuses or incentives which may be hard to attain. Finally, supporters of this idea
believe that feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in itself a
motivating factor.

Overall, it seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth implementing

because of the positive impacts that employees may gain to motivate themselves
and reach higher levels of performance. This is as long as employers keep
spending funds on ongoing training to ensure better career development of their
employees.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 24

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS AND GIVE YOUR OPINION)

A. YOUR OPINION IS PRO

A.1. BODY 1: OPPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: PROPONENT SIDE

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic - Employers are always seeking ways to enhance their
while observing the order employees’ productivity
of the body paragraph - While some people ... (insert the opponent’s view)
- others feel ... (insert the proponent’s view)
2 Thesis Statement There are arguments on both sides, however, which we
Answering the Task will discuss here
Instruction
Body 1 (Opponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the one hand/on the one side
2 Essay Explaining the opponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Body 2 (Proponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the other hand/on the otherside/Conversely
2 Essay Explaining the proponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion/ Overall, etc
2 Insert Your Opinion it seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth
implementing
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of because of the positive impacts that employees may gain
Your Opinion to motivate themselves and reach higher levels of
performance
4 Use Proviso, If Possible, as long as/provided that, etc
To Balance Your Opinion
5 Insert the Balancing employers keep spending funds on ongoing training to
Argument ensure better career development of their employees

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 25

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other
employer see no benefit in doing so.

Consider the arguments from both aspects of this possible debate, and reach a conclusion.

A. YOUR OPINION IS PRO

A.2. BODY 1: PROPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: OPPONENT SIDE

Often are today’s employers seeking ways to enhance their employees’

productivity. While some people believe that subsidizing healthy pursuits should
be taken into account to achieve this goal, others feel that it should be excluded
from the options due to some plausible reasons. There are arguments on both sides,
however, which we will discuss here.

On the one side, proponents of this view say that if workers are fitter and less
stressed, their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and
service. Furthermore, advocates of this opinion argue that the work/life balance of
the staff will hopefully be improved, because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This
may even be more motivating than pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as
bonuses or incentives which may be hard to attain. Finally, supporters of this idea
believe that feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in itself a
motivating factor.

On the other side, however, the opponents of subsidized sport argue that the
problem with such leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to
quantify. For example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether
the objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on
(for instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to
reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its
workforce.

Taking everything into account, in spite of some potential drawbacks, it seems to

me that health-related subsidies are worth implementing because of the positive
impacts tha employees may gain to motivate themselves and reach higher levels
of performance. Of course, this is provided that employers keep spending funds
on ongoing training to ensure better career development of their employees.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 26

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS AND GIVE YOUR OPINION)

A. YOUR OPINION IS PRO

A.2. BODY 1: PROPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: OPPONENT SIDE

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic - Often are today’s employers seeking ways to
while observing the order enhance their employees’ productivity
of the body paragraph - While some people ... (insert the proponent’s view)
- others feel ... (insert the opponent’s view)
2 Thesis Statement There are arguments on both sides, however, which we
Answering the Task will discuss here
Instruction
Body 1 (Proponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the one hand/on the one side
2 Essay Explaining the proponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Body 2 (Opponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the other hand/on the otherside/Conversely
2 Essay Explaining the opponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, Taking everything
into account, etc
2 Bridging to the Body 2 In spite of some potential drawbacks ...
(Opponent’s View)
3 Bridging to Your Opinion It seems to me that ...
4 Insert Your Opinion health-related subsidies are worth implementing
5 Briefly Explain the Basis of because of the positive impacts that employees may gain
Your Opinion to motivate themselves and reach higher levels of
performance
6 Use Proviso, If Possible, as long as/provided that, etc
To Balance Your Opinion
7 Insert the Balancing employers keep spending funds on ongoing training to
Argument ensure better career development of their employees.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 27

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other
employer see no benefit in doing so.

Consider the arguments from both aspects of this possible debate, and reach a conclusion.

B. YOUR OPINION IS CONTRA

B.1. BODY 1: PROPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: OPPONENT SIDE

Today, more and more employers seek ways to enhance their employees’
productivity. While some people believe that subsidizing healthy pursuits should
be excluded from achieving this goal, others feel that it should be taken into
account for some plausible reasons. There are arguments on both sides, however,
which we will discuss here.

On the one hand, proponents of this view say that if workers are fitter and less
stressed, their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and
service. Furthermore, they argue that the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be
improved, because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more
motivating than pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or
incentives which may be hard to attain. Finally, it might be said that feeling healthier
may lead to better job satisfaction which is in itself a motivating factor.

Conversely, opponents of subsidized sport argue that the problem with such leisure-
based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For example, with
target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the objectives are reached
or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on (for instance) the job training
or day release programmes, the employees would achieve better career progression
and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to measure, especially in
performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to reduce the risk of
redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its workforce.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the lack of measurability is a substantial

drawback. Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a better use
of company or human resources budgets.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 28

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS AND GIVE YOUR OPINION)

B. YOUR OPINION IS CONTRA

B.1. BODY 1: PROPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: OPPONENT SIDE

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic - Today, more and more employers seek ways to
while observing the order enhance their employees’ productivity
of the body paragraph - While some people ... (insert the proponent’s view)
- others feel ... (insert the opponent’s view)
2 Thesis Statement There are arguments on both sides, however, which we
Answering the Task will discuss here
Instruction
Body 1 (Proponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the one hand/on the one side
2 Essay Explaining the proponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Body 2 (Opponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the other hand/on the otherside/Conversely
2 Essay Explaining the opponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Insert Your Opinion it seems to me that the lack of measurability is a
substantial drawback
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a
Your Opinion better use of company or human resources budgets

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 29

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other
employer see no benefit in doing so.

Consider the arguments from both aspects of this possible debate, and reach a conclusion.

B. YOUR OPINION IS CONTRA

B.2. BODY 1: OPPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: PROPONENT SIDE

Employers are always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. While
some people believe that subsidizing healthy pursuits should be excluded from
achieving this goal, others feel that it should be taken into account for some
plausible reasons. There are arguments on both sides, however, which we will discuss
here.

On the one hand, opponents of subsidized sport argue that the problem with such
leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For
example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the
objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on (for
instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to
reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its
workforce.

On the other hand, though, advocates of this view say that it might be said that if
workers are fitter and less stressed, their working time will be more efficient, leading to
higher levels of output and service. Furthermore, the work/life balance of the staff will
hopefully be improved, because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even
be more motivating than pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses
or incentives which may be hard to attain. Finally, feeling healthier may lead to better
job satisfaction which is in itself a motivating factor.

To conclude, it seems true that spending funds on ongoing training would appear
to be a better use of company or human resources budgets. However, I firmly
believe that the lack of measurability is a substantial drawback that should not be
forgotten.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 30

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS AND GIVE YOUR OPINION)

B. YOUR OPINION IS CONTRA

B.2. BODY 1: OPPONENT SIDE – BODY 2: PROPONENT SIDE

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic - Employers are always seeking ways to enhance their
while observing the order employees’ productivity
of the body paragraph - While some people ... (insert the opponent’s view)
- others feel ... (insert the proponent’s view)
2 Thesis Statement There are arguments on both sides, however, which we
Answering the Task will discuss here
Instruction
Body 1 (Opponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the one hand/on the one side
2 Essay Explaining the opponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Body 2 (Proponent’s View)
1 Bridging On the other hand/on the otherside/Conversely
2 Essay Explaining the proponent’s view. Do not forget to use
“reporting view” to emphasise that the view discussed is
not your opinion
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Bridging to the Body 2 it seems true that spending funds on ongoing training
(Proponent’s View) would appear to be a better use of company or human
resources budgets
3 Bridging to Your Opinion However
4 Insert Your Opinion while I firmly believe that the lack of measurability is a
Rejecting the Proponent’s substantial drawback that should not be forgotten.
View

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 31

 CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

PART 3
MODEL PARAGRAPH FOR DISCUSSION
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES)

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

What could be the benefits and drawbacks of this notion?

A. BODY 1: ADVANTAGES – BODY 2: DISADVANTAGES

So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy become that employers are
always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. There are several
advantages and disadvantages from this very topical issue, which I will elaborate
more below.

Regarding the benefits, first, it might be said that if workers are fitter and less stressed,
their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service.
Second, the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved, because their
leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than pay
increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may be
hard to attain. Last, feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in itself
a motivating factor.

Conversely, we should not ignore various drawbacks that this subsidy may bring
about. Firstly, the problem with such leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is
virtually impossible to quantify. For example, with target-related payments, employers
can at least see whether the objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if
this budget was spent on (for instance) the job training or day release programmes, the
employees would achieve better career progression and have better job prospects.
These matters are all easier to measure, especially in performance reviews and
appraisals, and may even help to reduce the risk of redundancy if the company
restructures, downsizes or outsources its workforce.

In conclusion, the positive that this subsidy may lead to shall include better
quality of individuals’ work and life. Meanwhile, the lack of measurability from this
policy could be a substantial drawback that should not be forgotten as well.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 32

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES)

A. BODY 1: ADVANTAGES – BODY 2: DISADVANTAGES

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy
become that employers are always seeking ways to
enhance their employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement There are some possible advantages and disadvantages
Answering the Task that I will explain below
Instruction while observing
the order of the body
paragraph
Body 1 (Advantages)
1 Bridging Regarding the benefits ...
2 Essay Mention the advantages and explain accordingly
Body 2 (Disadvantages)
1 Bridging Moving to the drawbacks ...
2 Essay Mention the disadvantages and explain accordingly
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Summary of the The positive that this subsidy may lead to shall include
Advantages better quality of individuals’ work and life
3 Summary of the The lack of measurability from this policy could be a
Disadvantages substantial drawback that should not be forgotten as well

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 33

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

What could be the benefits and drawbacks of this notion?

B. BODY 1: DISADVANTAGES – BODY 2: ADVANTAGES

So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy become that employers are
always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. This issue, it is
believed, would bring about, in spite of some possible disadvantages, several
advantages that I will outline in my essay.

Perhaps, one major drawback from this issue would be the problem with such
leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For
example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the
objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on (for
instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to
reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its
workforce.

Moving to the benefits, it might be said that if workers are fitter and less stressed, their
working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service.
Furthermore, the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved, because their
leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than pay
increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may be
hard to attain. Finally, feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in
itself a motivating factor.

In summary, the lack of measurability from this policy could be a substantial

drawback that should be taken into account prior to its implementation. However,
the positive that this subsidy may lead to including better quality of individuals’
work and life should not be forgotten as well.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 34

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES)

B. BODY 1: DISADVANTAGES – BODY 2: ADVANTAGES

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy
become that employers are always seeking ways to
enhance their employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement While there are some possible disadvantages, there are
Answering the Task also some probable advantages that I will explain below
Instruction while observing
the order of the body
paragraph
Body 1 (Disadvantages)
1 Bridging Perhaps one major drawback ...
2 Essay Mention the disadvantages and explain accordingly
Body 2 (Advantages)
1 Bridging Moving to the benefits...
2 Essay Mention the advantages and explain accordingly
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Summary of the The lack of measurability from this policy could be a
Disadvantages substantial drawback that should be taken into account
prior to its implementation
3 Summary of the The positive that this subsidy may lead to including better
Advantages quality of individuals’ work and life should not be forgotten
as well

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 35

 CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

PART 4
MODEL PARAGRAPH FOR DISCUSSION
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES, WHICH ONE OUTWEIGHTS THE OTHER)

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

Do the advantages of this outweight its disadvantages?

A. ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGHS DISADVANTAGES

A.1. BODY 1: ADVANTAGES – BODY 2: DISADVANTAGES

So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy become that employers are
always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. This subsidy, I
personally believe, would bring about more significant advantages that I will
outline in my essay.

Regarding the benefits, perhaps, it might be said that if workers are fitter and less
stressed, their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and
service. Furthermore, the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved,
because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than
pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may
be hard to attain. Finally, feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in
itself a motivating factor.

However, we should not ignore various drawbacks that this subsidy may bring
about. Firstly, the problem with such leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is
virtually impossible to quantify. For example, with target-related payments, employers
can at least see whether the objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if
this budget was spent on (for instance) the job training or day release programmes, the
employees would achieve better career progression and have better job prospects.
These matters are all easier to measure, especially in performance reviews and
appraisals, and may even help to reduce the risk of redundancy if the company
restructures, downsizes or outsources its workforce.

In conclusion, while this issue seems disadvantageous to some extent, I would

argue that the benefits that this subsidy may lead to are more significant. This
includes better quality of individuals’ work and life.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 36

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES, WHICH ONE OUTWEIGHTS THE OTHER)

A. ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGHS DISADVANTAGES

A.1. BODY 1: ADVANTAGES – BODY 2: DISADVANTAGES

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy
become that employers are always seeking ways to
enhance their employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement This subsidy, I personally believe, would bring about more
Answering the Task significant advantages that I will outline in my essay
Instruction
Body 1 (Advantages)
1 Bridging Regarding the benefits ...
2 Essay Mention the advantages and explain accordingly
Body 2 (Disadvantages)
1 Bridging Moving to the drawbacks ...
2 Essay Mention the disadvantages and explain accordingly
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Bridging to Body 2 While this issue seems disadvantageous to some extent
(disadvantages)
3 Insert Your Opinion I would argue that its advantages are more significant
4 Briefly Explain the Basis of This includes better quality of individuals’ work and life
Your Opinion

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 37

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

Do the advantages of this outweight its disadvantages?

A. ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGHS DISADVANTAGES

A.2. BODY 1: DISADVANTAGES – BODY 2: ADVANTAGES

So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy become that employers are
always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. While health-
related subsidies seem disadvantageous to some extent, I would argue that its
advantages are more significant, and I will explain why.

Perhaps, one major drawback from this issue would be the problem with such
leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For
example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the
objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on (for
instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to
reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its
workforce.

Looking at the benefits, though, it might be said that if workers are fitter and less
stressed, their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and
service. Furthermore, the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved,
because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than
pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may
be hard to attain. Finally, feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in
itself a motivating factor.

In summary, I believe that the sport subsidy could be more beneficial for better
quality of individuals’ work and life. Thus, this outweighs its possible drawbacks.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 38

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES, WHICH ONE OUTWEIGHTS THE OTHER)

A. ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGHS DISADVANTAGES

A.2. BODY 1: DISADVANTAGES – BODY 2: ADVANTAGES

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy
become that employers are always seeking ways to
enhance their employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement While health-related subsidies seem disadvantageous to
Answering the Task some extents, I would argue that its advantages are more
Instruction while observing significant and I will explain why
the order of body
paragraph (optional)
Body 1 (Disadvantages)
1 Bridging Looking first at the drawbacks ...
2 Essay Mention the disadvantages and explain accordingly
Body 2 (Advantages)
1 Bridging Moving to the benefits...
2 Essay Mention the advantages and explain accordingly
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Insert Your Opinion I believe that the sport subsidy could be more beneficial
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of for better quality of individuals’ work and life
Your Opinion
4 Emphasising Your Opinion Thus, this outweighs its possible drawbacks
(Optional)

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 39

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

Do the advantages of this outweight its disadvantages?

B. DISADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH ADVANTAGES

B.1. BODY 1: DISADVANTAGES – BODY 2: ADVANTAGES

So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy become that employers are
always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. This subsidy, I
personally believe, would bring about more significant disadvantages that I will
outline in my essay below.

Perhaps, one major drawback from this issue would be the problem with such
leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For
example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the
objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on (for
instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to
reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its
workforce.

Moving to the benefits, it might be said that if workers are fitter and less stressed, their
working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service.
Furthermore, the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved, because their
leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than pay
increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may be
hard to attain. Finally, feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in
itself a motivating factor.

In conclusion, while health-related subsidies are superficially attractive, I would

argue that the lack of measurability is a substantial drawback. Thus, this
outweighs its potential benefits.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 40

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES, WHICH ONE OUTWEIGHTS THE OTHER)

B. DISADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH ADVANTAGES

B.1. BODY 1: DISADVANTAGES – BODY 2: ADVANTAGES

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy
become that employers are always seeking ways to
enhance their employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement This subsidy, I personally believe, would bring about more
Answering the Task significant disadvantages that I will outline in my essay
Instruction
Body 1 (Disadvantages)
1 Bridging Looking first at the drawbacks ...
2 Essay Mention the disadvantages and explain accordingly
Body 2 (Advantages)
1 Bridging Moving to the benefits...
2 Essay Mention the advantages and explain accordingly
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Bridging to Body 2 While health-related subsidies are superficially attractive
(Advantages)
3 Insert Your Opinion I would argue that the lack of measurability is a substantial
drawback
4 Emphasising Your Opinion Thus, this outweighs its potential benefits
(Optional)

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 41

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

Do the advantages of this outweight its disadvantages?

B. DISADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH ADVANTAGES

B.2. BODY 1: ADVANTAGES – BODY 2: DISADVANTAGES

So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy become that employers are
always seeking ways to enhance their employees’ productivity. While health-
related subsidies seem beneficial to some extents, I would argue that its
advantages are more significant and I will explain why.

Regarding the benefits, perhaps, it might be said that if workers are fitter and less
stressed, their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and
service. Furthermore, the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved,
because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than
pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may
be hard to attain. Finally, feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction which is in
itself a motivating factor.

However, we should not ignore various drawbacks that this subsidy may bring
about. Firstly, the problem with such leisure-based subsidies is that their efficacy is
virtually impossible to quantify. For example, with target-related payments, employers
can at least see whether the objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if
this budget was spent on (for instance) the job training or day release programmes, the
employees would achieve better career progression and have better job prospects.
These matters are all easier to measure, especially in performance reviews and
appraisals, and may even help to reduce the risk of redundancy if the company
restructures, downsizes or outsources its workforce.

In summary, I would argue that the lack of measurability from these health-related
subsidies could be a substantial drawback. Thus, this outweighs its potential
benefits.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 42

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES, WHICH ONE OUTWEIGHTS THE OTHER)

B. DISADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH ADVANTAGES

B.2. BODY 1: DISADVANTAGES – BODY 2: ADVANTAGES

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic So important has the issue of healthy-pursuit subsidy
become that employers are always seeking ways to
enhance their employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement While health-related subsidies seem beneficial to some
Answering the Task extents, I would argue that its disadvantages are more
Instruction While significant and I will explain why
Observing the Order of the
Body Paragraph (Optional)
Body 1 (Advantages)
1 Bridging Regarding the benefits ...
2 Essay Mention the advantages and explain accordingly
Body 2 (Disadvantages)
1 Bridging However, we should not ignore various drawbacks that
this subsidy may bring about
2 Essay Mention the disadvantages and explain accordingly
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Insert Your Opinion I would argue that the lack of measurability from these
health-related subsidies could be a substantial drawback
3 Emphasising Your Opinion Thus, this outweighs its potential benefits
(Optional)

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 43

 CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

PART 5
MODEL PARAGRAPH FOR DISCUSSION
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

To what extent do you agree?

A. TOTALLY

A.1. TOTALLY AGREE

It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance employees’ productivity.

Personally, I entirely agree with this statement for some reasons I will elaborate
more below.

Perhaps, one major reason for this is that if workers are fitter and less stressed, their
working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service.
Moreover, feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction, which is in itself a
motivating factor.

Finally, it might be said that through this policy the work/life balance of the staff will
hopefully be improved, because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even
be more motivating than pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses
or incentives which may be hard to attain.

To sum up, it seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth implementing

because of the positive impacts that employees may gain. This ranges from the
improvement of work or life balance to higher levels of performance.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 44

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

A. TOTALLY

A.1. TOTALLY AGREE

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance
employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement Personally, I entirely agree with this statement for some
Answering the Task reasons I will elaborate more below
Instruction
Body 1 (Your Argument)
1 Bridging Perhaps, one major reason for this is that
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Body 2 (Your Argument) – Optional
1 Bridging Moreover/In addition/Furthermore, etc
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Paraphrasing Your Thesis It seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth
Statement implementing
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Because of the positive impacts that employees may
Your Thesis Statement by gain. This ranges from the improvement of work or life
Summarising Your balance to higher levels of performance
Argument in the Body
Paragraph

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 45

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

To what extent do you agree?

A. TOTALLY

A.2. TOTALLY DISAGREE

It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance employees’ productivity.

Personally, I entirely disagree with this statement for some reasons I will elaborate
more below.

Perhaps one major reason why we should reconsider this would be the problem
with such leisure-based subsidies. It seems that their efficacy is virtually impossible to
quantify. For example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether
the objectives are reached or not.

In addition to the above, it might also be said that, if this budget was spent on (for
instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to
reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its
workforce.

In conclusion, it seems that the lack of measurability is a substantial drawback.

Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a better use of company
or human resources budgets.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 46

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

A. TOTALLY

A.2. TOTALLY DISAGREE

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance
employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement Personally, I entirely disagree with this statement for
Answering the Task some reasons I will elaborate more below
Instruction
Body 1 (Your Argument)
1 Bridging Perhaps, one major reason for this is that
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Body 2 (Your Argument) – Optional
1 Bridging Moreover/In addition/Furthermore, etc
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Paraphrasing Your Thesis It seems that the lack of measurability is a substantial
Statement drawback
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a
Your Thesis Statement by better use of company or human resources budgets
Summarising Your
Argument in the Body
Paragraph

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 47

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

To what extent do you agree?

B. PARTIALLY AGREE

It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance employees’ productivity. I

personally agree with this statement to some extent, and I will explain why in this
essay.

On the one hand, it is true that such leisure-based subsidies would have major
drawback which is that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For example, with
target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the objectives are reached
or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on (for instance) on the job
training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve better career
progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to measure,
especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to reduce the risk
of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its workforce.

On the other hand, though, we should consider various benefits that employees
might gain from this program. If workers are fitter and less stressed, their working
time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service. Furthermore,
the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved, because their leisure time
will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than pay increments, perks, or
financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may be hard to attain. Finally,
feeling healthier may lead to better job satisfaction, which is in itself a motivating factor.

Overall, it seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth implementing

because of the positive impacts that employees may gain to motivate themselves
and reach higher levels of performance. This is as long as employers keep
spending funds on ongoing training to ensure better career development of their
employees.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 48

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

B. PARTIALLY AGREE

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance
employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement I personally agree with this statement to some extent, and
Answering the Task I will explain why in this essay
Instruction While
Observing the Extent of
Your Agreement
Body 1 (Explain the Negatives)
1 Bridging On the one hand/On the one side
2 Bridging for Concession It is true that
3 Essay Explaining the negatives and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Body 2 (Your Argument)
1 Bridging On the other hand/On the other side/Conversely, etc
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Paraphrasing Your Thesis It seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth
Statement implementing
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Because of the positive impacts that employees may gain
Your Thesis Statement by to motivate themselves and reach higher levels of
Summarising Your performance
Argument in the Body
Paragraph
4 Use Provisio to This is as long as
Demonstrate the Extent of
Your Thesis Statement
5 Balancing Argument Employers keep spending funds on ongoing training to
ensure better career development of their employees

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 49

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

To what extent do you agree?

C. CONCESSION

C.1. YOU AGREE. BODY 1: YOUR ARGUMENTS – BODY 2: CONCESSION

It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance employees’ productivity. I

personally agree with this statement for some reasons that I will explain why in
this essay.

Perhaps, one major reason for this is that if workers are fitter and less stressed, their
working time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service.
Furthermore, it might be said that the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be
improved, because their leisure time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more
motivating than pay increments, perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or
incentives which may be hard to attain. Finally, we should also consider that feeling
healthier may lead to better job satisfaction, which is in itself a motivating factor.

I do appreciate the opposing view, which is that the efficacy of such leisure-based
subsidies is virtually impossible to quantify. However, I believe that such
drawback would be overcome through a well planned program designed to meet
the need of the employers themselves.

In summary, it seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth implementing

because of the positive impacts that employees may gain. This ranges from the
improvement of work or life balance to higher levels of performance.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 50

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

C. CONCESSION

C.1. YOU AGREE. BODY 1: YOUR ARGUMENTS – BODY 2: CONCESSION

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance
employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement I personally agree with this statement for some reasons
Answering the Task that I will explain why in this essay.
Instruction
Body 1 (Your Argument)
1 Bridging Perhaps, one major reason for this is that
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Body 2 (Concession Paragraph)
1 Bridging to Opposing View I do appreciate the opposing view
2 Opposing View Which is that the efficacy of such leisure-based subsidies
is virtually impossible to quantify
3 Bridging to Rejecting However
Argument
4 Rejecting Argument I believe that such drawback would be overcome through
a well planned program designed to meet the need of the
employers themselves
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Paraphrasing Your Thesis It seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth
Statement implementing
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Because of the positive impacts that employees may
Your Thesis Statement by gain. This ranges from the improvement of work or life
Summarising Your balance to higher levels of performance.
Argument in the Body
Paragraph

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 51

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

To what extent do you agree?

C. CONCESSION

C.2. YOU AGREE. BODY 1: CONCESSION – BODY 2: YOUR ARGUMENTS

It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance employees’ productivity. I

personally agree with this statement for some reasons that I will explain why in
this essay.

It is true that the efficacy of such leisure-based subsidies is virtually impossible

to quantify. However, I believe that such drawback would be overcome through a
well planned program designed to meet the need of the employers themselves.

In addition, we should consider various benefits that employees might gain from
this program. If workers are fitter and less stressed, their working time will be more
efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service. Furthermore, it might be said
that the work/life balance of the staff will hopefully be improved, because their leisure
time will be more fulfilling. This may even be more motivating than pay increments,
perks, or financial rewards such as bonuses or incentives which may be hard to attain.
Finally, we should also consider that feeling healthier may lead to better job
satisfaction, which is in itself a motivating factor.

In summary, it seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth implementing

because of the positive impacts that employees may gain. This ranges from the
improvement of work or life balance to higher levels of performance.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 52

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

C. CONCESSION

C.2. YOU AGREE. BODY 1: CONCESSION – BODY 2: YOUR ARGUMENTS

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance
employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement I personally agree with this statement for some reasons
Answering the Task that I will explain why in this essay.
Instruction
Body 1 (Concession Paragraph)
1 Bridging to Opposing View It is true that
2 Opposing View The efficacy of such leisure-based subsidies is virtually
impossible to quantify
3 Bridging to Rejecting However
Argument
4 Rejecting Argument I believe that such drawback would be overcome through
a well planned program designed to meet the need of the
employers themselves
Body 2 (Your Argument)
1 Bridging Moreover/In addition/Furthermore, etc
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Paraphrasing Your Thesis It seems to me that health-related subsidies are worth
Statement implementing
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Because of the positive impacts that employees may
Your Thesis Statement by gain. This ranges from the improvement of work or life
Summarising Your balance to higher levels of performance.
Argument in the Body
Paragraph

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 53

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

To what extent do you agree?

C. CONCESSION

C.3. YOU DISAGREE. BODY 1: YOUR ARGUMENTS – BODY 2: CONCESSION

It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance employees’ productivity. I

personally disagree with this statement to some extent, and I will explain why in
this essay.

Perhaps one major reason for this would be the problem with such leisure-based
subsidies. It is believed that their efficacy is virtually impossible to quantify. For
example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether the
objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent on
(for instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would achieve
better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all easier to
measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even help to
reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or outsources its
workforce.

Looking from another perspective, it might be said that these health-related

subsidies could make workers fitter and less stressed, thus, their working time
will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service. However, I
believe that this is potentially unwise viewpoint considering the drawbacks that it
may contain.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the lack of measurability is a substantial

drawback. Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a better use
of company or human resources budgets.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 54

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

C. CONCESSION

C.3. YOU DISAGREE. BODY 1: YOUR ARGUMENTS – BODY 2: CONCESSION

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance
employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement I personally disagree with this statement for some
Answering the Task reasons that I will explain why in this essay.
Instruction
Body 1 (Your Argument)
1 Bridging Perhaps, one major reason for this is would be
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Body 2 (Concession Paragraph)
1 Bridging to Opposing View Looking from another perspective
2 Opposing View It might be said that these health-related subsidies could
make workers fitter and less stressed, thus, their working
time will be more efficient, leading to higher levels of
output and service
3 Bridging to Rejecting However
Argument
4 Rejecting Argument I believe that this is potentially unwise viewpoint
considering the drawbacks that it may contain
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Paraphrasing Your Thesis It seems to me that the lack of measurability is a
Statement substantial drawback
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a
Your Thesis Statement by better use of company or human resources budgets
Summarising Your
Argument in the Body
Paragraph

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 55

QUESTION

Some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sports clubs,
believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work.

To what extent do you agree?

C. CONCESSION

C.4. YOU DISAGREE. BODY 1: CONCESSION – BODY 2: YOUR ARGUMENTS

It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance employees’ productivity. I

personally disagree with this statement to some extent, and I will explain why in
this essay.

It seems true that these health-related subsidies could make workers fitter and
less stressed, thus, their working time will be more efficient, leading to higher
levels of output and service. However, I believe that this is potentially unwise
viewpoint considering the drawbacks that it may contain.

Taking into more consideration, we should also highlight the problem with such
leisure-based subsidies. It is believed that their efficacy is virtually impossible to
quantify. For example, with target-related payments, employers can at least see whether
the objectives are reached or not. It might also be said that, if this budget was spent
on (for instance) the job training or day release programmes, the employees would
achieve better career progression and have better job prospects. These matters are all
easier to measure, especially in performance reviews and appraisals, and may even
help to reduce the risk of redundancy if the company restructures, downsizes or
outsources its workforce.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the lack of measurability is a substantial

drawback. Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a better use
of company or human resources budgets.

Writing Task 2 Skills Page 56

 SUMMARY OF THE PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT
(AGREE-DISAGREE)

C. CONCESSION

C.4. YOU DISAGREE. BODY 1: CONCESSION – BODY 2: YOUR ARGUMENTS

Introductory Paragraph
1 Paraphrasing the Topic It is believed that healthy-pursuit subsidy can enhance
employees’ productivity
2 Thesis Statement I personally disagree with this statement for some
Answering the Task reasons that I will explain why in this essay.
Instruction
Body 1 (Concession Paragraph)
1 Bridging to Opposing View It seems true that
2 Opposing View these health-related subsidies could make workers fitter
and less stressed, thus, their working time will be more
efficient, leading to higher levels of output and service
3 Bridging to Rejecting However
Argument
4 Rejecting Argument I believe that this is potentially unwise viewpoint
considering the drawbacks that it may contain
Body 2 (Your Argument)
1 Bridging Taking into more consideration
2 Essay Explaining your argument and use “impersonal style” if
possible
Concluding Paragraph
1 Bridging In summary/To sum up/In conclusion, etc
2 Paraphrasing Your Thesis it seems to me that the lack of measurability is a
Statement substantial drawback
3 Briefly Explain the Basis of Spending funds on ongoing training would appear to be a
Your Thesis Statement by better use of company or human resources budgets
Summarising Your
Argument in the Body
Paragraph

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 CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

PART 6
MODEL PARAGRAPH FOR DISCUSSION
(PROVISO–STRUCTURE AND MODEL SENTENCES)

No. Your Opinion Proviso Balancing Argument

1 It seems to me that health-related Of course, this is Employers keep spending funds on
subsidies are worth implementing provided that ongoing training to ensure better
because of the positive impacts that career development of their
employees may gain to motivate employees
themselves and reach higher levels
of performance
2 I feel that sport should be compulsory This is as long as Children are given a wide range to
for school children, because the choose from, to ensure their interest
positive effect on their mental and is high, and that the sports industry
physical development outweighs the itself maintains the highest
negatives standards of conduct
3 I believe that zoos provide a valuable As long as They are properly staffed and
service to society and the animal maintained
world, as they help to protect many
species. This outweighs their
possible disadvantages
4 It appears to me that, while family This is provided that They are in a safe, well-behaved
time is essential for bonding and environment with peers who are
absorbing patterns of behaviour, themselves reasonably well
there are definite advantages when brought-up
children are outside the family too
5 My own feeling is that a year off can Of course, this is The year is planned carefully and
indeed be a useful activity, with the provided that used for something genuinely
experience leading to improved skills worthwhile
that are invaluable in the future
6 I contend that technologies provide a This is as long as They are managed effectively and
convenience for children, with its cost children are in a good control
which is relatively inexpensive and
might become an up-to-date
entertainment

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 CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL PARAGRAPH MANAGEMENT

PART 7
MODEL PARAGRAPH FOR DISCUSSION
(CONCESSION–STRUCTURE AND MODEL SENTENCES)

No. Bridging to Opposing View Opposing View Rejecting Argument

1 It seems true that Health-related subsidies are Nonetheless, the lack of
superficially attractive measurability is a substantial
drawback. Spending funds on
ongoing training would appear to
be a better use of company or
human resources budgets.
2 This is not to say that tourism There are benefits in terms of But to say that it is ‘always a
is entirely bad, of course improving local infrastructure force for good’ is to ignore the
such as roads and airports various problems it causes
3 I do understand the opposing Which is that legislation is the Nevertheless, I feel that the
view quickest and most effective way disruptive effects of ‘overnight’
to achieve gender equality legislation would destabilise
society and hinder many
people’s prospects
4 I do appreciate that some It is better to live for the moment While some daily spending is
people think differently saying and spend accordingly essential, of course, I feel this is
that a potentially unwise viewpoint,
especially considering recent
global events
5 Looking from a different It might be said that sport seems However, I personally believe
perspective beneficial to some extents, which that this could be unwise
is that it helps children’s physical viewpoint considering the
development at an important potential negative effects that
stage children may gain from its
implementation in schools as
explained before. Besides, there
are other ways we could take into
consideration to improve
children’s mental and physical
development with more minimum
drawbacks
6 It is true that The Internet can be invaluable However, this is a mature skill
for adults (for example in and we should not assume that
distance learning or self-study school age pupils are ready to do
modules) who are able to this
discriminate between sources
and sift information to marshal
their facts

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 CHAPTER FIVE
PARAPHRASING SKILLS

Paraphrasing adalah kemampuan menyalin suatu informasi yang kita ambil dari artikel, buku
atau sumber lainnya dan mengubah informasi tersebut dengan menggunakan bahasa kita
sendiri tanpa merubah makna aslinya. Skill ini adalah skill yang wajib dikuasai oleh semua
orang yang hendak belajar di luar negeri. Oleh karenanya, semua soal di dalam IELTS akan
menguji kemampuan kita dalam memahami maupun melakukan paraphrase.

Penting untuk dipahami bahwa dengan memahami “kenapa” dan “bagaimana” melakukan
paraphrase, maka kita akan lebih mudah dalam mencari jawaban dari soal di dalam Reading.
Berikut adalah beberapa contoh teknik paraphrase:

1. Sinonim

Paraphrase dapat dilakukan dengan menggunakan sinonim (kata yang memiliki makna
yang sama). Contoh:

Use : digunakan secara umum

Usage : digunakan dalam konteks grammar dan medic
Utilization : digunakan dalam konteks berkaitan dengan alat atau mesin

2. Struktur Grammar

Paraphrase dapat juga dilakukan dengan merubah struktur grammar.

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 a. Aktif menjadi Pasif dan sebaliknya. Contoh:

I write a letter (aktif) → The letter is written by me (pasif).

b. Nominal menjadi Verbal dan sebaliknya. Contoh:

Education plays an important role (verbal) → Education is important (nominal).

c. Simple menjadi Compound/Complex dan sebaliknya. Contoh:

This is the process of cooking a cake (simple) → This is how to cook a cake
(complex).

d. Frasa menjadi Kalimat dan sebaliknya. Contoh:

The importance of education (frasa) → Education is important (kalimat).

The ghost flies in the night (kalimat) → The night-flying ghost (frasa).
Cars are made in Japan (kalimat) → The Japan-made cars (frasa).

3. Nominalization

Adalah perubahan kelas kata, dari kata kerja menjadi kata benda, kata sifat, kata
keterangan dan lainnya sebagainya. Contoh:

a. To increase rapidly (verb)

b. Has an increase of (noun)
c. There is an increasing trend (adjective)
d. To be increasingly important (adverb)

4. Incorporating Data

Adalah perubahan angka dari satu bentuk ke dalam bentuk lainnya.

a. per cent, fraction dan similar expression. Contoh:

80% → 4/5 → majority

double → two-fold → two times

b. year dan similar expression. Contoh:

1980-1990 → a decade → ten-year period

1981 → early 1980’s
1985 → mid 1980’s
1989 → late 1980’s

5. Change of Order

Adalah perubahan susunan kata-kata. Ada beberapa tipe Change of Order sebagai
berikut:

a. Phrase Order. Contoh:

The importance of education → The education importance

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 b. Sentence Order. Contoh:

You make me smile → I smile because of you

c. Complex/Compound Sentence Order. Contoh:

I love you because you teach me IELTS → You teach me IELTS so I love you
(complex)
I eat and drink → I drink and eat (compound)

d. Paragraph Order. Contoh: deduktif → induktif.

e. Passage Order. Merubah susunan paragraf di dalam artikel. Biasanya terjadi untuk
tipe soal summary completion.

6. Description

Dilakukan dengan merubah suatu kata menjadi beberapa kata yang mendefinisikan kata
tersebut. Contoh: car → four-wheel vehicle.

7. Classification

Menggabungkan beberapa kata ke dalam suatu klasifikasi atau grup yang sama. Contoh:

America dan Canada → North American Countries

England, Wales, Scotland dan Ireland → UK

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 CHAPTER SIX
MOST COMMON MISTAKES

Using contractions (for example 'I don't think' or 'We can't say' ) instead of the full form
('I do not think' or 'we cannot say.')

Never use contractions in academic writing.

Writing too few words

If you write much less than the required word count, the examiner will reduce your score, even
if your essay is of good quality. You should count the number of words in your essay after
each paragraph and keep a continuous total; this way, you can be sure of reaching at least
250 words in 40 minutes.

Writing too many words

The examiner is paid to mark on an 'essay per hour basis,' and so will not read the end of an
essay if it exceeds the minimum word count by more than about 50 words. This means he or
she will not see the end of your argument, and your score will be reduced considerably.
Remember: 250 words minimum, and about 300 words maximum in Academic task 2 writing.

Having handwriting that is difficult to read

IELTS is still a handwritten exam, and the examiners will not spend time trying to understand
your writing. You must make sure that your handwriting can be read quickly. You should focus
on writing clearly when you do your practice essays. Ask friends or other students to give you
an honest opinion about whether your writing is easy to read.

Using informal words (for example 'a nice idea' or 'a silly thing to do') instead of
academic words (for example 'a positive idea' or 'a regrettable thing to do.')

Remember that academic vocabulary is different from the language you would use in English
when talking to friends.

Giving personal opinion in an IDEAS-type task

Check if the task is asking for your opinion or not. The first question you should ask yourself
is 'Is this an OPINION or an IDEAS task?'

Telling stories about your personal history, friends, or family

The task tells you to use 'examples from your own experience,' but this does not mean
describing stories from your life or people you know. It means describing examples of things
in the world that you know about, have studied or have learned about in the media.

Giving evidence which is too detailed or specific to a subject

You may be an expert in a particular social or scientific field, but the examiner probably has a
different specialty. You need to make your ideas and examples accessible to a general reader.
For example, if the Task topic is about money and you are an accountant, do not use
specialized accounting terms.

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Being emotional or too dramatic when giving your opinion in an OPINION task

You may feel strongly about issues such as animals or crime, but academic writing must be
unemotional. So avoid phrases such as 'a disgusting idea' or 'I test this concept.' It is much
better to say 'an idea is unacceptable' or 'I disapprove of this concept,' which is more
impersonal and academic; similar to the type of writing that people use in business reports or
university essays.

Not following the basic structures presented

The examiners want to see a clear, well-structured essay that is easy to read. They are
accustomed to seeing the structures we have presented in this book, and they will feel more
positive about your essay if they can recognize these structures in what you write. Remember:
the topic under discussion will be different every time, but the basic concept behind the task
and the essay will be the same. Give the examiners what they want, and they will reward you
with a high score, even if there are some grammatical mistakes in your English.

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