Writing an INTRODUCTORY paragraph

● The ultimate goal: introduce the topic & help readers understand the situation
● Introduce the topic (get straight to the point) with a fact / a common belief / a trend / examples
● Write 2-3 sentences
● [optional] your answer to the question
● Avoid repetition (vocab. & gram. in the rubric), if possible
Start with a fact, review intentions, answer the question if possible. No repetition

MODEL INTRODUCTIONS
Which introduction technique [fact | common belief | trend | examples] is used in each model
introductory paragraph below? How do you know?

Recently, there has been growing public (common cho mọi

Trend /
ng) support for universal health care. Despite its undeniable
common
benefits, I still think that this system would cause more
belief problems.

Many countries around the globe are striving to provide their

citizens with free medical services. If that becomes a reality,
trend
Discuss the advantages there may be some problems, but I think they pale into
and disadvantages of insignificance when compared to the benefits.
having a free health care
system, and give your Everyone inevitably needs medical assistance at some point in
opinion.
fact their life. I therefore believe universal health care is absolutely
vital, although of course this system is not without drawbacks.

In some developed countries such as Canada and Germany,

the citizens do not have to pay hospital bills or spend money
example
on prescriptions because they have their governments take
care of that for them.
EXERCISE 1
Nowadays, almost everything can be done with a smartphone
from working to entertainment. As a result, people are becoming
Mr. Triều more dependent on smartphones, especially for recreation.
Many seem to have switched from physical activities to
onscreen activities.

Many people nowadays In the past, most people would read a book or go out to meet
spend a large part of their friends when they had free time. In recent years, however,
N.Anh
their free time using a the use of smartphones in leisure time has been becoming
smartphone. increasingly popular.

What do you think are

the reasons for this? Recently, there have been an increasing number of people who
Long
use their smartphones for the majority of their spare time.
Do you think this is a
positive or negative
development?
The majority of people in my country have developed a daily
habit of glueing their eyes to their smartphones after school,
HƯNG
work and even when having meals. In my view, I strongly believe
that this behavior can lead to many serious consequences.
EXERCISE 2

Taxes are meant for social welfare and public facilities. As

such, there is wide public support for high income tax rates
Mr. Triều as long as the government can ensure the money collected
serves the right purpose. However, this policy is not without
criticism as it might be unfair for some individuals.

Although it is generally accepted that governments need tax

N.Anh revenues to operate and develop infrastructure of a country,
Some people feel that there has been dispute over how high taxes should be.
governments should
take a large proportion
of people's salaries to
pay for necessary public It is widely believed that high income tax rates are essential
services such as roads Long for developing public facilities such as roads or schools.
and schools. However, there are still numerous drawbacks to this policy.
Others feel that high
taxes are a bad thing.
It is widely approved that governments need a great deal of
Discuss both views and money from income taxes to develop public facilities such as
give your own opinion. HƯNG parks, bridges and schools. However, there has been an
argument that such policy would seriously affect the citizens
as well as the economy.

It is widely agreed that governments of all countries need a

stock of money to draw on to pay for infrastructure such as
Cambridge
roads and services such as education, defence or waste
sample
disposal. A more contentious issue is whether people should
be taxed heavily to pay for these.
EXERCISE 3
It is said that the extinction of some certain animal species can
cause imbalance in the ecological system and severely impact
biological diversity; thus putting effort on saving the endangered
species is essential. However, some people criticize/are skeptical
of this activity/use of public resourcesthis fact is doubted by
many.
Mr. Triều
Rewrite: It is said that the extinction of certain animal species can
cause imbalance in the ecological system and severely impact
biological diversity; thus spending a reasonable amount on
preserving wildlife diversity is essential. However, some people are
skeptical of the practicality of this activity.

Every year, governments around the world spend a large amount

Many people feel it is a of money to conserve animals that are on the brink of extinction.
N.Anh
waste of money to try to However, it is often argued that this is not an effective use of
save endangered public resources.
animal species, for
example the tiger or the
blue whale.
It is often believed that allocating resources to conserving
To what extent do you Long endangered animal species such as tigers or blue whales is
agree or disagree with essential. However, there are some people who think otherwise.
this statement?

Every year, governments have to spend a significant proportion of

public resources on campaigns that aim to prevent the extinction
HƯNG of certain animal species such as rhinos, tigers as well as whales.
Nevertheless, many people believe that this use of money is totally
wasteful.

It is often argued that with so much suffering in the human

Cambridge
population these days, it is wrong to use up precious resources on
sample
animals.
EXERCISE 4
Ever since the adventinvention of commercial flights air-craft,
the world has figuratively shrunken to a tiny globe where
people can get to any part of it effortlessly. Nations which were
formerlyhas never been connected distant are now within some
hours of travelling.
Mr. Triều
Rewrite: Ever since the advent of comercial flights, the world has
figuratively shrunken to a tiny globe where people can get to
any paet of it effortlessly. Nations which were formerly distant
are now within some hours of travelling.
These days it is much
easier for many people
to travel to different In the past, travelling abroad was almost exclusive to the
countries for tourism N.Anh wealthy. However, the development of transportation has
than in the past. opened up more opportunities for international travel.

Do the advantages of
this development
Since the advent of airplanes, it has become far/much easier
outweigh the
for vacation-makers to go country-hopping compared to the
disadvantages?
HƯNG past when they had to use land-based/earthbound vehicles. In
my view, the benefits of this advancement totally outstrip the
drawbacks.

In the last few decades there has been a significant increase in

Cambridge
the number of opportunities for international travel, with more
sample
transport routes and cheaper fares.
EXERCISE 5
Throughout millennia of human revolution, modern farming
methods has brought about significant results in agricultural
development, which produces enough food for soaring number
Mr. Triều
in world population. However, this fact leaves lots of serious
side effects and threaten the ecosystem as well as human well-
being.
Scientific developments
in farming always bring
major benefits. It is often argued that recent innovations in agricultural
N.Anh research have undoubtedly had numerous positive impacts.
To what extent do you However, from my perspective, it is not always the case.
agree or disagree with
this statement?

In recent decades there have been a number of high-profile

Cambridge innovations in farming based on scientific research, most
sample notably the use of chemical insecticides and the genetic
modification of crops.
EXERCISE 6
It’s apparent that youngsters in the old days often spent most
of their free time wandering around the neighborhood to
have fun. However, this is no longer a commonplacething
nowadays since children have found smartphones, television
andor computer games more appealing.
Mr. Triều
Rewrite: Youngters in the old days often spent most of their
free time wandering around the neighborhood to have fun.
However, this is no longer a commonplace nowadays since
children have found smartphones, televisions and computer
In many parts of the games more appealing.
world children and
teenagers are spending
more and more of their
time indoors. It is undeniable spending time on indoor activities has gained
N.Anh
great popularity among the young generation.
What do you think are
the causes of this
problem?

What measures could In Vietnam, teenagers tend to waste most of their leisure time
best be taken to solve it? on social media, television as well as video games at home,
HƯNG
which isolates them from the real world outside. From my
perspective, this trend can have many serious repercussions.

As recently as 15 years ago when I was a teenager, I used to

Cambridge play outside every day after school. However, this is no longer
sample the case these days as many young people hardly ever leave
their homes.
EXERCISE 7
Changing Jumping jobs has never been an easy decision forto
any employees, yet. Even so, many people are gravitated
towardsopt for the new challenges and opportunities they will
get in a new organization rather than the stability at one
company.
Mr. Triều
Rewrite: Changing jobs has never been an easy decision for
any employees. Even so, many people are gravitated towards
te new challenges and opportunities they will get in a new
organization rather than the stability at one company.

Some people work for

the same organization Everyone needs a job to cover their living expenses. While
all their working life, some people opt for stability at one company for their entire
N.Anh
others think that it is career, others believe that changing jobs from time to time
better to work for can open up more opportunities.
different organizations.

Discuss both views and Nowadays, people tend to work for many businesses in order
give your own opinion. to widen their horizons and enrich personal experience. In
HƯNG contrast, it is also argued that being employed in one single
company for the whole career would be safer as people just
focus on a particular domain.

For most people, when they get their first job they have little
Cambridge idea whether or not they will remain in the same organization
sample throughout their working life. If they decide to change, they
need to consider how this will impact their career overall.
EXERCISE 8
The surge in car ownership rates over the past 30 years has
had serious repercussions for traffic conditions in major
population centers. In fact, many urban citizens haves been
suffering traffic congestion every anytime they go out in the
streettravel into town, which gives rise to the need for
government acts on limiting car usage.
Mr. Triều
The surge in car ownership rates over the past 30 years has
serious repercussions for traffic conditions in majors
population centers. In fact, many urban citizen have been
Car ownership has suffering traffic congestions every time they go out in the
increased so rapidly street, which gives rise to the need for government acts on
over the past 30 years limiting car usage.
that many cities in the
world are now ‘one big The rapid increase in car ownership over the last three
traffic jam’. decades has resulted in a certain number of issues,
N.Anh particularly chronic traffic congestion in major population
How true do you think centers. From my perspective, to deal with this problem,
this statement is? governments should take necessary actions.
What measures can
governments take to The surge in car ownership rates over the recent 30 years has
discourage people from had serious repercussions for traffic conditions in urban
using their cars? HƯNG centers. In my city Saigon, traffic congestion has become a
chronic issue, which gives rise to the need for government
intervention to limit car usage.

Most people would agree that car ownership has increased in

Cambridge recent years and is causing a range of problems, particularly
sample built-up areas. I think there are a number of ways that
governments can deal with this.
EXERCISE 9
Recently, technological developments have effectively assisted
the police with keeping the public under surveillance. However,
the fact that having the government monitored public
Mr. Triều
movements constantly can have some negative side-effects on
Nowadays technology is civillians’ privacy. I suggest there should be law inhancement in
increasingly being used order to protect public solitude.
to monitor what people
are saying and doing
(for example, through In recent years, technological developments have effectively
cell phone tracking and assisted governments and the police with monitoring people’s
security cameras). In N.Anh
activities through modern gadgets such as phones and
many cases, the people cameras without their knowledge.
being monitored are
unaware that this is
happening. In recent years, advances in technology have allowed
governments, the police and privately owned companies to
Do you think the keep the public under constant surveillance. In many major
advantages of this cities and towns, security cameras are recording the
development outweigh Cambridge
movements of ordinary citizens. Whenever a cell phone is used,
the disadvantages? sample
the call is logged, so the service provider knows exactly when
and where the user made the call. invisible satellites orbit the
Earth, watching us whether we like it or not. Is this, however, a
development that we should welcome?
EXERCISE 10
Nowadays, there are more and more graduates in my country
choose to continue their study in another country with a
believe that they will receive better education and job
Mr. Triều
opportunity. This promises a bright future for country
development thanks to cultural exchange despite some certain
drawbacks.

These days, the opportunities for attending tertiary education

In the past, when are ample for high-school graduates (AmE) / school-leavers
students did a (BrE) / young people. Unlike in the past when most high-school
University degree, they N.Anh graduates would have little choice but to attend tertiary
tended to study in their education locally, there are now ample opportunities for them
own country. to enroll in overseas courses. In my opinion, in spite of certain
drawbacks, studying abroad can bring many benefits indeed.
Nowadays, they have
more opportunities to
In the past, high school graduates would have little choice but
study abroad.
to attend a local university if they wished to further their
HƯNG
education. However, globalization has now made it much
What are the
easier for them to attend tertiary education overseas.
advantages and
disadvantages of this
development? The pursuit of knowledge is a concept that is valued by most
cultures. In the 21st century, we now have more options
regarding how and where to find that knowledge. If you are a
Cambridge French national, you can apply to do an economics degree in
sample the USA, and likewise an American citizen can take a course in
linguistics in France. Indeed, most universities across the world
now have a good proportion of foreign students enrolled in
their programs.
EXERCISE 11
Social injustice, famine, rising crime rate and resource
exhaustion are inevitable consequences of soaring population.
Needless to say, the continuous rise in population pose a
Mr. Triều
serious threat to human beings. This essay will address this
issue and explain some possible reasons for the the continual
surge in population over the last few years.

Recently, rapidly growing global populations have become one

The continued rise in N.Anh of the most sensitive and hotly debated issues. From my point of
the world's population view, there are several reasons for this problem.
is the greatest problem
faced by humanity at
the present time.
Over the last century, the global population has been surging ,
What are the causes of which results in many sensitive concerns such as exhaustion of
this continued rise? HƯNG natural resources and food shortages. From my perspective,
this problem stems from poor public awareness and ineffective
Do you agree that it is government policies.
the greatest problem
faced by humanity? In the media, politics, and in academia, the impact of a massive
rise in the total global population is arguably one of the most
sensitive and hotly-debated topics about all of the potential
threats to humanity that are currently under discussion. The
Cambridge
current essay discusses some of the perceived causes of this
sample
rise, as well as asks the question of whether in fact an increase
in the global operation should be considered a serious
problem, when compared to other potential threats to our
existence.
EXERCISE 12
Over the last decade, house-hold debt ratio has risen steadily in
Korea as well as in many other developed country such as
Hongkong or USA. This may be the consequence of spending
Mr. Triều huge amount of earnings on unnecessary or unreasonably high-
priced possessions. I will discuss the reason driving people to
over-spending their budget and suggest some ways to avoid
getting into the modern consumption trap.

Some people get into Nowadays, the rise in the popularity of consumerism has
debt by buying things resulted in some individuals being driven into debt as they
they don't need and N.Anh spend money on unnecessary and unaffordable items. There are
can't afford. several reasons for this issue and a coordinated effort between
governments and consumers is required to tackle this problem.
What are the reasons
for this behavior?
These days, many people are willing to lavish their money on
What action can be
extravagant items from which they do not even know what
taken to prevent HƯNG
benefits they will receive. This reckless behavior has driven them
people from having
into debt.
this problem?

Nowadays we are living in a society based on consumption.

Cambridge
Some people have problems dealing with this budget, and they
sample
get into debt by buying things they don't need and can't afford.
EXERCISE 13

As a much of a doer like me, I believe watching more sport

program only inspire a person to get to the field and break a
Mr. Triều sweat. However, there are beliefs that the air-time dominance of
sport program on TV nowadays has resulted in the
discouragement of individuals’ participation in sport activity.

In many parts of the

With the growing popularity of sports programs on TV, they are
world there is
being given substantial air time. However, this trend has also
continuous coverage N.Anh
resulted in the discouragement of individuals' participation in
of sports on television.
sports activities.
Some people believe
this discourages the
young from taking part Watching sports programs on TV has become one of the most
in any sports prevalent ways for today’s youth to release stress. However,
themselves. HƯNG there has been a growing concern that children and teenagers
are spending too much of their spare time in front of a TV
Discuss this view and instead of playing sports themselves.
give your own opinion.
These days it is noticeable that young people are becoming less
interested in team games, sports and other forms of exercise. It
Cambridge is my belief that this is mainly because of our everyday work,
sample which is increasingly sedentary. In addition, I think every person
would admit that sitting and relaxing is much easier than
moving and running and sweating.
EXERCISE 14

Although shopping was considered as a chore long ago, it

has become a leisure activity nowadays. With the economy
Mr. Triều development making everyone richer, this trend is certainly
natural. However, it is debatable whether this can be a
positive development.

Shopping used to be considered a household responsibility.

In the past, shopping N.Anh However, in recent years, the situation has changed as
was a routine domestic shopping has become an enjoyable hobby for people.
task. How many people
nowadays regard it as a
hobby.
Shopping used to be a household chore, but these days it
To what extent do you has transformed into a popular leisure activity. To my mind,
think this is a positive HƯNG
this trend gives people a new therapeutic method to get out
trend? of stress.

Going shopping used to be a chore, but recently it has

Cambridge become a leisure activity or a pleasant outing. To my mind, it
sample is debatable whether this can be regarded as a wholly
positive development.
EXERCISE 15

Mr. Triều

The decision on which career or job to take is always an

Some people argue
important one in everybody's life. While it is advisable to choose
that it is more N.Anh
a job that brings satisfaction/pleasure, some people regard the
important to have an
financial reward of a job as the most important consideration.
enjoyable job than to
earn a lot of money.
Others disagree and
think that a good It is widely believed that financial reward is a key factor in
salary leads to a better choosing a profession. Nonetheless, there has been an
life. HƯNG
argument that following an occupation which gives no joy is a
big waste of our lifetime.
Discuss both views and
give your own opinion.
Everybody knows that you need money to survive, but it is often
said that money does not bring happiness. Although the ideal
situation may be to have an enjoyable job that also provides a
Cambridge
good salary, that is not always possible. It is important to
sample
remember that some people might not have a choice of jobs
because they did not have the chance of a good education or
because they have a large family to support.
EXERCISE 16

Mr. Triều

The use of the internet has become an integral part of

It is generally believed
everyday life as it provides an effective way of communication.
that the internet is an N.Anh
However, there still exist some drawbacks when it comes to
excellent means of
looking for a reliable source of information.
communication but
some people suggest
that it may not be the
best place to find These days, thanks to modern online tools such as email,
information. instant messaging and social media, people can easily keep in
HƯNG touch with their friends and families or follow well-known
Discuss both these celebrities. Nevertheless, it is still undeniable that there are a
views and give your plethora of websites providing the public with misinformation.
own opinion.
Using the internet has become a normal part of everyday life
for many people. They use it to book airline tickets, or to
access news about world events, or to follow the fortunes of
Cambridge
their favorite football club. Millions of people across the world
sample
belong to social networking groups where they keep in touch
with their friends and, if they live away from them, their family.
In my opinion these are all good ways to use the internet.
EXERCISE 17

Mr. Triều

Some people choose to The choice of excluding meat or fish from people’s diet may
eat no meat or fish. N.Anh depend on people’s personal reasons such as benefits for
They believe that this is their health and the world.
not only better for their
own health but also
benefits the world as a
whole. Meat and fish provide a substantial amount of protein which
does wonders for our metabolic system. However, recently a
HƯNG
Discuss this view and growing number of people have decided to exclude protein
give your own opinion. sources FROM their diets for some possible reasons.

The number of vegetarians in a community may depend on

various factors, for example the traditions of the country, the
Cambridge
wealth of the country, the religion or the age group.
sample
Therefore, the reasons why people choose to exclude Meat
and Fish from their diet may also vary.
EXERCISE 18

Mr. Triều

One of the
consequences of
improved medical care is
Due to advancements in healthcare and medicine, the lifespan
that people are living
of individuals / people’s lifespan has been significantly
longer and life
N.Anh enhanced. However, this trend can bring more disadvantages
expectancy is increasing.
than benefits if people are dependent and unable to take care
of themselves.
Do you think the
advantages of this
development outweigh Thanks to the development of healthcare and medicine, the
the disadvantages? average human lifespan has been significantly
HƯNG extended/prolonged/lengthened. To my mind, this
advancement is absolutely beneficial as it grants people a
chance to enjoy their life more.
EXERCISE 19

Mr.
Triều
In some countries an
increasing number of
people are suffering
from health problems as
a result of eating too
In many parts of the world, people are consuming astonishing
much fast food. It is
amounts of fast food, which leads to serious health problems. It
therefore necessary for N.Anh
has been suggested that governments should introduce higher
governments to impose a
taxes to reduce consumption.
higher tax on this kind of
food.

To what extent do you

agree or disagree with Recently, people tend to prefer eating fast food due to its
this opinion? convenience even though it is the leading cause of many health
concerns such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular
HƯNG
conditions. Therefore, it is suggested that governments ought to
introduce higher taxation to curb/curtail the consumption of
this food type.