WRITING TASK 2

A Some ideas from the e-book about the benefits of mobile phones:
1 The mobile phone is the most popular gadget in today’s world.
2 We can stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues wherever we are.
3 Users can send text messages, surf the Internet, take photos and listen to music.
4 Mobiles have also become fashion accessories.
5 Mobile phones have revolutionized the way we communicate.
The mobile phone has become the most popular gadget in today’s world. The reason
for this is that it is portable and versatile. Mobile phones are now carried at all times by
most people, allowing us to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues wherever we
are. Furthermore, they now have many more functions than a standard telephone; mobile
phone users can send text messages, surf the Internet, take photos and listen to music, as
well as making calls. Mobiles have become fashion accessories, and they have
revolutionized the way we communicate.

B The number of plants and animals is declining. Describe the problem and suggest some
solutions.
Ideas for describing the problem:
1 over-farming, land needed for crops and animals
2 cutting down trees destroys natural habitats, animals become extinct
3 industrial waste in rivers, sea
4 chemicals kill fish and plants, interrupt natural cycles / food chain
There are two main reasons why plants and animals are disappearing. Firstly, in
many parts of the world trees are being cut down to make way for farmland on which to
grow crops and keep animals. The result of this is that natural habitats are being
destroyed, and in some cases whole species of animals are becoming extinct. Secondly,
human activity is also responsible for the destruction of aquatic life as domestic and
industrial waste is pumped into rivers and seas.

C The main reason people go to work is to earn money. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Ideas for one main paragraph:
1 agree that money is the main reason people work
2 people look at salary first, they rarely take a salary cut
3 need to live, pay bills, food etc.
4 look after our families, save for the future
5 otherwise, most people would probably choose not to work
D
I agree that the majority of people work in order to earn money. Before taking any
other factors into account, it is normal to first consider the salary that a particular post
offers, and it is rare to hear of a person who happily takes a cut in pay when beginning a
new job. We all need money to pay for our basic necessities, such as accommodation, bills
and food. Many adults also have families who depend on the wages they earn, and at the
same time they are conscious of the need to save for the future. If we no longer needed
money, I doubt most of us would choose to continue in our jobs.
Advantages of studying abroad:
Many students choose to study abroad because there are greater opportunities in a
particular foreign country. Foreign universities may offer better facilities or courses. They
may also be more prestigious than universities in the student’s own country and have
teachers who are experts in their fields. Therefore, by studying abroad, students
can expand their knowledge and gain qualifications that open the door to better job
opportunities. A period of study abroad can also broaden students’ horizons. In the new
country, they will have to live and work with other students of various nationalities. Thus,
overseas students are exposed to different cultures, customs and points of view.

Lecturer: NGUYỄN HÀ BÍCH PHƯƠNG 1

E Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of
technology.
In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make? Has
this been a positive or negative development?
It is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between people.
Technology has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion, there are both
positive and negative effects. Technology has had an impact on relationships in business,
education and social life. Firstly, telephones and the Internet allow business people in
different countries to interact without ever meeting each other. Secondly, services like
Skype create new possibilities for relationships between students and teachers. For
example, a student can now take video lessons with a teacher in a different city or
country. Finally, many people use social networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and
find people who share common interests, and they interact through their computers rather
than face to face.
On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. Cooperation between
people in different countries was much more difficult when communication was limited to
written letters or telegrams. Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are almost
as good as face-to-face meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions, either in
work or social contexts. On the other hand, the availability of new communication
technologies can also have the result of isolating people and discouraging real interaction.
For example, many young people choose to make friends online rather than mixing with
their peers in the real world, and these ‘virtual’ relationships are a poor substitute for real
friendships.

F Zoos have several benefits. The main benefit is that zoos play an important role in wildlife
conservation. They help to protect endangered species, such as pandas or rhinos,
and allow scientists to study animal behavior. Another advantage of zoos is that
they employ large numbers of people, therefore providing job opportunities and income
for the local area. Also, the money that zoos make can be used for conservation projects.
From a personal point of view, zoos are interesting, educational and fun. They are
entertaining for families, and teach children to appreciate wildlife and nature.
G Paraphrasing
1 Museums: exhibition, exhibit, an exhibit, artifact, object, collection, history, science,
art, culture, visitors, members of the public, public viewing...
2 Entertain: entertainment, entertaining, enjoy, enjoyment, enjoyable, have fun,
interesting, fascinating, spectacular, impressive, leisure time, free time, a day out,
tourist attraction...
3 Educate: education, educational, teach, learn, explain, understand, know,
gain/expand/pass on/transmit knowledge, skills, experience, open your mind, broaden
your horizons...
H Celebrations
a There are several national or international celebrations throughout the year which are
dominated by shops and companies taking the opportunities to make large profits.
b Heavy advertising campaign, which begin well in advance of the celebration itself,
mean that some people pay very little attention to the actual reason behind the event.
c In the following essay, I will discuss some of the problems this causes and also offer
some solutions.
d This could be created by worrying about what gifts to buy or by not having any money
to buy presents.
e I believe the solutions to these problems, however, are simple. First, it is the duty of
schools and parents to educate the younger generation, teaching them the true
meaning of each celebration.
f Perhaps the most significant problem, however, is that the true meaning of the
celebration is forgotten. Most celebrations are about appreciating life and spending
time with friends and family.
g As a result of focusing on presents and money, this is often forgotten, and the buying of
gifts can actually cause arguments between loved ones.

Lecturer: NGUYỄN HÀ BÍCH PHƯƠNG 2

h One of the main problems with some celebrations being too focused on spending
money is that it means for some people the occasion might cause stress and
unhappiness.
i Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, people should limit the number of presents
they give and receive, consequently putting less emphasis on that part of the occasion.
j In conclusion, therefore, there are several negative effects associated with celebrations
becoming too focused on spending money – effects which, for some, can cause
unhappiness and stress.
k In order to prevent this from happening in the future, the younger generation need to
be educated fully on the true meaning of celebrations and generally people should put
less importance on buying and receiving presents.
I The majority of participants were Chinese # Only the Chinese entered the competition.

Lecturer: NGUYỄN HÀ BÍCH PHƯƠNG 3