Academic Writing II
Spring 2013 Meet twice a week Monday, Tuesday
Time: Monday 8:00-9:50 (3-106) Wednesday 4:10-6:00 (1307)
E-mail: austinkc@hotmail.com
Phone: 134 3922 0499
Website: http://austincasey.yolasite.com/
Office Hours: (ICB 319) Wednesday 6-8, Thursday 10-12
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Today:
Homework Due: FOV p.68-70
Writing Test
T1
T2
Homework: Midterm
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Writing task 1
Midterm
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The figure below shows the cheese-making process
from milk to finished product.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting
the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Task 1 model answer
The flow-chart shows the main steps in cheese production. The process begins with
raw milk and ends with fresh or aged cheese.
The first main step involves preparation. In mass cheese production, raw milk is
pasteurized and filtered to ensure food safety. However, it is worth noting that
these steps were usually omitted in the past, when cheese was more commonly
manufactured from untreated milk.
The second main step involves the addition of ingredients and heat. Microorganisms
such as bacteria, as well as the enzyme rennet, are added to the milk in order to
cause curdling. The curds are then cut and stirred as the milk is cooked.
Eventually, the curd will separate from the whey, and the whey is drained off. Then
the curds are processed through a mill and salted liberally. At this point the cheese
maker will have fresh cheese.
The optional third step results in ripened cheese. The salted cheese is poured into
moulds and pressed mechanically in order to remove more whey. Then the
cheese is allowed to mature for some time.
In short, the process of making cheese involves three main steps: preparation,
cooking and addition of ingredients, and, optionally, ripening.
(197 words)
Writing task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
The increased availability of consumer credit in some countries has
contributed to the problem of personal debt.
Who is more responsible for high levels of indebtedness: the financial
institutions that lend money or the individuals who borrow it?
What steps can be taken to address the problem of personal debt?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Task 2 model answer:
The global financial crisis of 2008, sparked by unsafe lending practices in the United
States and Europe, brought the problem of individual debt to everyone’s attention.
When it comes to personal debt, many people are fond of finger pointing. Some are quick
to ascribe blame to those who borrow indiscriminately. The college student away from
home for the first time may feel a thrill when he or she receives a pre-approved credit
card application in the mail, but spending money one doesn’t have is irresponsible to
say the least. Lending institutions that loan money to unqualified borrowers likewise
deserve an equal share of the blame. People “up to their eyeballs” in debt have
certainly made poor financial decisions, but they have also been tempted mercilessly.
In my estimation, there are three important ways to address the problem of individual
debt. The first is education. Despite the fact that making and following a budget,
saving for retirement, and investing in the stock market are basic life skills, very few
people in my country graduate from high school with a finance course on their
transcript. Second, people need to learn to postpone pleasure. With very few
exceptions, individuals should wait to buy something until they have the money to pay
for it. Third, governments should have greater control over the banking industry. The
financial sector as a whole has demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to selfregulate.
It is sometimes unfortunate that banks lend money so freely, but it is also unfortunate that
many people have never been taught how to make wise financial decisions, nor have
they learned self-discipline. These three problems need to be addressed if we are to
save more people from crippling debt and improve economic stability worldwide.
Midterm Exam
Common Task 1 errors: the coagulation chamber,
box, tank, container, area
Common Task 2 spelling errors:
Produting, = producing
To be responsible / to have responsibility = shoulder
the responsibility:
Ex: I think that both _____ , and _____ should
shoulder the responsibility / weight
Midterm Exam
Although I believe that both the individual and the
banks should shoulder the weight, for my part, the
banks should be held more accountable.
At the beginning of it all, I want to mention that it is
both the banks and the individuals that should be
held accountable, but …
I think we need to take serious measures to tackle
this disturbing issue...
Midterm Exam
Sth is worth it (set phrase, must use it)
Ex: Buying dollars right now is worth it. = buying dollars
is worthwhile
Useful collocations
1. Filial piety = love/duty/honor towards parents
Ex: I believe that having filial piety is not only blind loyalty
to one's parents, but a way of life.
According to the Analects* of Confucius, we should “do onto
others as we would have others do onto us**” and this applies
not only to filial piety but also to friendships.
* 論語
**Known as the Golden Rule
Useful collocations
2. bring home the bread / bread winner = main support(er)
of the family
Ex: My father has always been bringing home the bread,
but when he is on a business trip, it is my mother who
takes the role of bread winner.
3. wears the pants (used for moms who are bread
winners)
Ex: My mom wears the pants in our family
Useful collocations
4. to cash in on sth = to take advantage
Ex: Once Mary got the position as manager at the
company I applied to, it was time to cash in on the
situation / friendship.
Ex: The clever lad cashed in on tourists by selling hot
chocolate and tea at the top of the mountain on a cold
spring day. He was able to sell the beverages /
refreshments for 70% more than market value!
Review: Idioms 4: on Money
1. bread and butter = reliable income
2. bread winner = the supporter of the family
3. bring home the bacon = bring home money for family
4. at all costs = no matter what
5. born with a silver spoon in one's mouth = rich/spoiled kids
6. face value = the obvious value, surface (superficial) value
7. to cash in on sth = draw out money, take advantage of sth
8. hit the jackpot = to get rich, lucky
9. strike it rich = to get rich
10. to be in the red = to be in debt
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Activity – make a sentence with the
following idioms
To have filial piety
cash in on sth
to bring home the bread
wears the pants
Vocabulary p.72 collocation #1-8
alter
demonstrate
challenge
expose
participant
rejection
stability
vision
Vocabulary p.72 collocation #1-8
1. stability
2. participant
3. rejection
4. challenge
5. vision
6. alter
7. expose
8. demonstrate
FOV Chap 8 p.74: Quiz next week
24 words total, learn the meanings
Phrasal verb:
Verb + preposition (prepositional phrasal verbs)
a. Who is looking after the kids?
b. They pick on Billy.
c. I ran into an old friend.
d. She takes after her mother.
e. Sam passes for a linguist.
f. You should stand by your friend.
Notes:
Verb + preposition (prepositional phrasal verbs)
a. Who is looking after the kids? – after is a preposition that
introduces the prepositional phrase after the kids.
b. They pick on Billy. – on is a preposition that introduces the
prepositional phrase on Billy.
c. I ran into an old friend. – into is a preposition that introduces
the prepositional phrase into an old friend.
d. She takes after her mother. – after is a preposition that
introduces the prepositional phrase after her mother.
e. Sam passes for a linguist. – for is a preposition that introduces
the prepositional phrase for a linguist.
f. You should stand by your friend. – by is a preposition that
introduces the prepositional phrase by your friend.
FOV Chap 8 p.74: Quiz next week
Formal: confer, ordain
Informal: stupid, oh my god, etc
Law: a legal word
Literary: transcendentalism, phantasmagoria
Old fashioned: automobile (car), autobike
(motorcycle)
Technical: medical words
Don't Trust your dictionary 100% for
proper nouns, use wikipedia
Example:
4 Classic Novels: Correct English Titles
1. Journey to the West
2. Water Margin / Outlaws of the Marsh
3. Romance of the Three Kingdoms
4. Dream of the Red Chamber
Journal 5: Small Arguments (250+
words)
1. Make your own argument about something that doesn’t really
matter. It is not a serious social problem.
2. Be creative
3. Choose a small topic, narrow it down
4. It can just be a simple opinion
5. Describe your point and counterpoint (like a mini Essay 2)
5. Due Week 12 (Monday)
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Journal 5: Example
An issue that is not necessarily a social issue
Ex: Some people think that it is better to spend money
on something that lasts a long time such as a piece
of jewelry or an investment, while others propose to
spend on something short term like a vacation or a
great meal.
I think spending money on short term things is
worthwhile because it is short term we will value it
more
Journal 5: Example
An issue that is not necessarily a social issue
Ex: When it comes to living places while studying
abroad I definitely think that having a host family is
better than sharing an apartment with a mate.
I think it can benefit our English language ability as
well as allow us to learn various things and get some
other advantages like family trips.
Example:
Science Fiction is better than Fantasy for movies
because it can teach us science and the setting
can be more various.
Other's Opinion: Fantasy is better because the
nostalgic feeling is about the past and is usually
more pure and wholesome entertainment.
Counterargument / refute
Example: with small arguments
Argument
Opinion
Birds are a useful pet because
I like birds.
Popcorn is a better snack
than biscuits
TVs are bad.
Blue is the best color.
they can be taught some
simple tasks.
...
Some violent TV programs can
be detrimental to children's
health because kids want to
emulate them.
Light blue is a good choice for a
baby's room because it can
produce a calming effect.
Essay 2: Argument
Thesis = topic + opinion + reason (brief reason)
Must attach rough draft to get full score (no rough
-20%)
Essay 2: Argument
Rhetorical question = a question that has no expected
answer.
Ex: don't you think? Isn’t It?
Don't overuse
It can be used as a hook or to catch the reader's
attention
Its not academic, and may seem childish if used
incorrectly
Essay 2: Argumentative Essay
Rules for Essay 2:
1.Research Essay (3 Academic References)
2.Argument, counter argument + refute
3.Who disagrees with you
4.One quote (1-3) Academic
5.Cannot use first or second person (I, you, etc)
“ Quotes ”
A few quotes are good (1-3 per essay)
Must have at least one academic quote
Don’t forget the in text citation, or you will have
plagiarism!
Put the in text citation right after the quotes:
According to Kant on filial piety, he stated that
“family ties are important” (Kant p.66). I agree
that having a strong connection in your family is
important because...
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In text citation + works cited page
Lucky Smith writes in The Hunting Diaries that “I
think people should have the right to own a gun
and go hunting, because it is an age old custom
which can make us feel more natural. We also get
the benefits from cleaner meat and good exercise
in the forest; hunting is a way of life” (Smith p78).
last name and page number
Works Cited Page:
Smith, Lucky. The Hunting Diaries. Berkeley,
California: Berkeley Books, 2010.
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When do you cite sources in your
essay?
When you’re talking about an idea you got from
something you read. paraphrase
When you quote from something you read or
heard. Direct quote
When you want to give the reader some places to
look for more information.
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Essay 2: Argumentative Essay
Essay 1: Profile
Essay 2: Argumentative / Persuasive Essay
use quotes and paraphrasing from other authors
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Essay 2: Argumentative
I want this essay to be your opinion, but I also
want you to support your opinion with other
author's opinions
At least 3 references.
At least 1 quote
You may also use 1 paraphrase
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Meaningful Argument = Social Issue
1. Family: Growing Up, Love, Friends, Family, Child Raising,
Entertainment of Youngsters, Population Control,
Cloning/Genetics, Nursing Homes
2. Education/Jobs: Chinese vs. Western Education,
Educating poor people, Educational facilities, Part time
jobs
3. Health & Safety: Security & Police, Crime/Prisons,
Censorship, Robot Spies, Medical Care, Drugs
4. Sharing: Resources & Energy & Land (food, water, oil,
international aid, land/animals, etc)
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Discuss Topics
1. The government needs to control the food industry more, such as
requiring proper labeling and enforcing mislabeling
2. Refugees who face troubles in their country should be given
citizenship because it is a kind of human rights
3. Our country should provide rice / financial aid to poor countries
4. Corruption: various issues
5. International companies need to be controlled more
6. High Housing Prices: government control, enforcing laws, etc
7. Inflation: high prices of foods etc
8. Companies such as Coca-Cola should not market to children, it is a
bad influence
9. Gender Gap / Imbalance: more boys than girls
10. Education: various
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Discuss Topics
11. Environmental Protection, water issues, air pollution
12. Serious Malignant Accidents: drunk driving, university murder/suicide
13. Imbalanced Development: cities vs villages
14. Social Welfare / Healthcare System: some farmers or peasants have
no salary, insurance, or pension. Hospital care is expensive
15. Religion: various issues, role of religion in everyday life
16. Undeveloped Regulations and Laws: some laws are not clear, some
people are outside the law
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Essay 2: Example
Title: Video Games are The Devil
Thesis: I don't think students need to use video games because
they waste time, keep you from playing outside, and they will make
your eyes bad.
T1 The first thing about video games that disturbs me is that they
can take away precious time from students
T2 Secondly, I think students will not be encouraged to play
outside if they have the latest games waiting for them at home'.
T3 Last but not least, using games a lot will make your eyes bad
Conclusion
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More Help
You can choose something that most people will
disagree with, that can be more fun and
interesting for argumentative essays
Choose your own topic, a topic not listed is better
– it will be fresh and new
Write your real opinion, it is easier to have
supporting evidence this way
You don't have to agree with me, or your friends,
or anyone – I want to see original topics.
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Activity: supporting evidence
I support teenagers working. List 3 good points and 3
bad points
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
I support that people have the right to own guns. List 3
good points and 3 bad points.
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
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Useful collocations
2. bring home the bread / bread winner = main support(er)
of the family
Ex: My father has always been bringing home the bread,
but when he is on a business trip, it is my mother who
takes the role of bread winner.
3. wears the pants (used for moms who are bread
winners)
Ex: My mom wears the pants in our family
Useful collocations
4. to cash in on sth = to take advantage
Ex: Once Mary got the position as manager at the
company I applied to, it was time to cash in on the
situation / friendship.
Ex: The clever lad cashed in on tourists by selling hot
chocolate and tea at the top of the mountain on a cold
spring day. He was able to sell the beverages /
refreshments for 70% more than market value!
Review: Idioms 4: on Money
1. bread and butter = reliable income
2. bread winner = the supporter of the family
3. bring home the bacon = bring home money for family
4. at all costs = no matter what
5. born with a silver spoon in one's mouth = rich/spoiled kids
6. face value = the obvious value, surface (superficial) value
7. to cash in on sth = draw out money, take advantage of sth
8. hit the jackpot = to get rich, lucky
9. strike it rich = to get rich
10. to be in the red = to be in debt
43
Activity – make a sentence with the
following idioms
To have filial piety
cash in on sth
to bring home the bread
wears the pants
Thesis: Avoid Announcements
-I am going to show...
X
-I am going to talk about... X
-In this essay...
X
-In this paper let's consider...X
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Movie and Book names
Don't use : <<Title>> or “Title”
These are not necessary, as English has spaces
and capital letters
….. in the movie Shashank Redemption there is...
…. in the book Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Secrets ….
Brands
Never use all CAPS in writing, it is not academic
Brands are always: Nike, Coca-cola, etc
Only some brands are special like iPhone
(if the brand uses all caps, then you can use it,
check internet to find official spelling of brand)
How Far Can We Go:
Argumentative Essay
… ellipses (not a complete thought)
Rules:
1.Research Essay (3 Academic References)
2.Counter argument + refute
3.Who disagrees with you
4.One quote (1-3)
5.Cannot use first or second person (I, you, etc)
Argumentative Style
An argument where nearly 50% of the general
population agree, while 50% disagree.
Like Task 2 w
Activity: Small Arguments (150+ words)
1. Make your own argument about something that doesn’t really
matter. It is not a serious social problem.
2. Be creative
3. Choose a small topic
4. It can just be a simple opinion
5. Describe your point and counterpoint
6. Who agrees and who disagrees (two groups)
50
Example:
Bananas are the most convenient food because
they have their own wrapper and you can carry
them around and trade them.
Other's Opinion: Many people think eggs are
more convenient, but they can easily spoil or
break and make a mess.
Counterargument / refute
Example: with small arguments
Opinion
Argument
I like cats.
Cats are a useful pet
because they can catch
mice.
Rice is better than noodles.
TVs are bad.
Rice is better than noodles
because it is healthier.
Blue is the best color.
TV programs are bad for
children because they
show a lot of violence.
Blue is the best color
because it can make you
feel calm.
Social Issue Rule
You must choose a topic that at least 50% of
people disagree about.
Ex: I think eating well is healthy for your life. NO
Ex: I think pollution is wrong because...
NO
Ex: Why the pencil is better than the pen. NO,
small problem
Ex: How to install windows 7 NO, too small
Ex: Once I saw a dog eating a pie. NO, horribly
written, not a thesis
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Don't be afraid if 50% or more
disagree. It may be more interesting
50% or more disagree:
Ex: Unfortunately, war is important to develop
better technology. YES
Ex: Unlike my classmates, I think we should study
more and sleep less to become more
competitive YES
Ex: I may be different, but I think smoking is an
important way to relax yourself because...
YES
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Social Issue Rule
Your topic must be a social issue that can relate
to others.
Ex: I had a difficult exam last week. NO
Ex: I always struggle with English essays. NO
Ex: Many people will struggle with exams if they
were not properly educated because... YES
Ex: Tests should not be given in our university
because... YES
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Must be a big argument
Ex: Bananas are the most convenient food
because they have their own wrapper and you
can carry them around and trade them. NO
Ex: Reading magazines is better than reading
novels because you can get more information
from the pictures. NO
Ex: Children should be limited in the time they
spend watching TV everyday for their mental
and physical development. YES
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Try to make it an important issue
Bottled water is better than tap water
Pet fish are better than pet dogs
Taking too much medicine is bad for you
Eating too much junk food is bad for you
ALL NO
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The government needs to control the food industry more
Gender specific schools are better (all-boys or all-girls
school)
International companies need to be controlled more
Lotteries are effective to raise money
Curfews help teenagers stay away from trouble and get
better grades
Companies should not market to children
Children should be 17 before dating
ALL YES
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Challenge an Serious Topic
You may want to challenge something serious:
Interracial adoption, Human Cloning, Nursing
homes, Cremation, Censorship of the internet,
Organ donation, Death penalty, Animal rights,
Gambling, Hunting and Guns, Steroids in
Sports, Robots & Jobs, Genetically Modified
Foods, Space Exploration, One Child Policy,
Euthanasia, Vegan, Student Suicide, Political
Dispute
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Social Issue from Basic Life
Growing Up, Love, Friends, Family, Education
Jobs
Health, Security & Police, Animals, Crime,
Censorship
Resources (food, water, oil, etc)
Child raising, technology
60
Remember
At least 50% of people should disagree with you
Pollution is bad = No, nearly everyone agrees
Government needs to control companies more to
prevent pollution even if it hurts the economy =
Yes, about 50% will disagree
61
Don't be afraid if 60% or more
disagree. It may be more interesting
60% or more disagree:
Ex: Unfortunately, ...
Ex: Unlike many of my classmates, I think we
should...
Ex: I may be different, but ...
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Writing Task 1: Flow Chart
production, manufacturing process
As featured in the flow chart, there are ______ steps that
________.
Notice the general trends
For the conclusion, just paraphrase your introduction.
Illustration = diagram, illustrated figure, set of pictures,
layout, drawing, representation of _______
1. talent = ability, skill, to have a knack for sth
T2: Synonyms
2. to be born with talent = inborn talent = innate talent = raw talent/ability
= god-given ability = to be endowed with gifts
3. a genius = a savant = an idiot savant = born a genius = a naturally
born genius = gifted kids = hand picked by god
4. fostered talent = book smart, learned abilities, acquired knowledge
5. the age old question of nature vs. nurture = book smart vs. street
smart
6. “hard work beats talent”
Quote: “hard work beats talent when talent refuses to work hard”
7. on the other hand = to the opposite end
8. clever = street smart, to have moxy, to be cunning (like a fox), to be
savvy, to have the right stuff, to be mentally deft
The university's bread and butter is student loans
Crushing debt
Interest rates
Filial piety
Activity: Choose one, write topic,
thesis, supporting evidence
What is the most important quality of a good friend?
What do you think can make friends break up?
Why do modern people have fewer friends these days?
What do you think of the educational system in your country?
How can teachers encourage creativity in students?
Who is the most successful person you know?
Do you think an adventurous spirit is born or nurtured?
What kind of people are more likely to succeed?
Who do you admire the most?
Example
1. What is the most important quality of a good friend?
Topic: Important quality of friends
Thesis: Friendship can teach us the benefits of teamwork, as
well as how to get along with others and be successful,
therefore trust is an essential quality in a good friend.
Essay: Useful Idioms 4: on Money
1. bread and butter = ?
2. bread winner = ?
3. bring home the bacon = ?
4. at all costs = ?
5. born with a silver spoon in one's mouth = ?
6. face value = ?
7. to cash in on sth = ?
8. hit the jackpot = ?
9. strike it rich = ?
10. to be in the red = ?
70
Essay: Useful Idioms 4: on Money
1. bread and butter = reliable income
2. bread winner = the supporter of the family
3. bring home the bacon = bring home money for family
4. at all costs = no matter what
5. born with a silver spoon in one's mouth = rich/spoiled kids
6. face value = the obvious value, surface value
7. to cash in on sth = draw out money, take advantage of sth
8. hit the jackpot = to get rich, lucky
9. strike it rich = to get rich
10. to be in the red = to be in debt
71
Activity – make a sentence with the
following idioms
Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
face value
hit the jackpot
to be in the red
Common Idioms 3
Apple of my eye
Carry a torch for someone
Kick the bucket / have a bucket list
Diamond in the rough
My knight in shining armor
Have your cake and eat it too
All the world's a stage
Be like clay
Common Idioms 3
Apple of my eye = your treasure
Carry a torch for sb = carry a secret love for sb
Kick the bucket
= to die
Diamond in the rough = sth good in the bad
My knight in shining armor = your hero
Have your cake and eat it too = best of both worlds
All the world's a stage = everyone plays their part in this world
To be like clay = moldable, easy to control (person) *neutral
word *
Activity – make a sentence with the
following word sets
Jane, clay
Bill, diamond in the rough
Bill, kick the bucket
Jane, have her cake and eat it too
Essay Types:
You will write 2 essays and weekly journals
1. Remembering an Event (550-650 words)
Something that happened to you. An interesting event that you remember clearly.
2. Writing a Profile (550-650 words)
You will describe something or someone.
3. Proposing a Solution (550-650 words)
You will discuss a problem and explain how to fix it
6. Journal Entries
These will be given by the instructor. They will cover various topics.
Very similar to IELTS Task 2 questions
7. Vocabulary Quiz
A weekly quiz on the target words
Course Schedule:
Lesson A
Lesson B
Week 4
Essay 1: Choose your topic
T2
Week 5
Essay 1 Rough Draft Due (550+ words)
Week 6
Essay 1 Final Draft WEDNESDAY(550+ words)
Week 7
T1 T2
Week 8
Quiz
Week 9
Midterm
J3
J4
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Journal 1
Different Shops
Write an essay comparing and contrasting the
experience of shopping at two different kinds of
stores. Use specific reasons and examples to
illustrate the stores' similarities and differences.
Use 4 vocabulary words from Chapter 6
Journal 2
Choose an IELTS Task 2 question and answer it.
Remember choose a trend or a problem. Then
use the format “what are your opinions on this”
Use 4 vocabulary words from Chapter 6
Journal 3: Bucket List
A bucket list is a list of things you want to do in
your life before you die.
Although this is a creative writing assignment,
you must still follow the correct structure as usual.
250+ words, follow normal structure: Introduction,
Body, Conclusion. Make a thesis
Journal 4: IELTS T2
Choose a science or technology based IELTS
Task 2 question and answer it. Remember
choose a trend or a problem. Then use the format
“what are your opinions on this”
Write the question clearly and paraphrase it for
the introduction.
250+ words, use 4 vocabulary words from
Chapter 7
Journal 4: Tech
TOPICS: people's reliance on machines, government spending
money for space exploration and development of new energy
tech like ITER or CERN, military tech, functional robots
Will modern people forget basic survival and necessary skills like
writing and cooking because they use machines too much?
How do you think people in the future will use robots?
Why do people long for tech?
Homework
Finish Entrance Exam
Journal 5 (Monday)
Vocab Chap 8 Quiz (Monday)
Essay 2: First 100 words (next Wednesday)