CHUYÊN ĐỀ: Effective Writing A/ MỤC TIÊU CẦN ĐẠT: - Thông qua nội dung chuyên đề, giúp HS đội tuyển HSG có nhìn khái qt, hệ thống, đầy đủ kĩ làm phần thi viết, phần khó đề thi mơn tiếng Anh Bao gồm viết câu theo cấu trúc, viết esay - HS có kiến thức mở rộng nâng cao biết vận dụng kiến thức vào làm tập liên quan đến nội dung chuyên đề - Giáo dục cho HS có ý thức tìm hiểu tài liệu để mở rộng, nâng cao, hiểu sâu sắc kiến thức chương trình học; kích thích tinh thần ham học, sáng tạo HS học làm thi B/ ĐỐI TƯỢNG- PHẠM VI- PHƯƠNG PHÁP BỒI DƯỠNG 1- Đối tượng bồi dưỡng: HS đội tuyển HSG Tiếng Anh lớp 9( bồi dưỡng thi HSG cấp Tỉnh) Thời gian thực hiện: tiết 2- Phạm vi kiến thức bồi dưỡng: - Sentence writing - Essay - Unity, coherence, and progression 3- Phương pháp bồi dưỡng: Phương pháp dạy kỹ viết Chapter I C/ NỘI DUNG CHUYÊN ĐỀ: I- Sentence writing A- Định nghĩa câu Câu nhóm từ sử dụng để giao tiếp dạng chữ viết lời nói Câu đơn vị ngơn ngữ hành chính, độc lập bao gồm hai thành phần chính: chủ ngữ (subject) vị ngữ (predicate) + Chủ ngữ từ cụm từ định danh người, vật địa điểm mà câu nói tới Chủ ngữ thường danh từ (noun), cụm danh từ (noun phrase) đại từ (pronoun) + Vị ngữ cung cấp thông tin chủ ngữ Vị ngữ bao gồm động từ (verb) thành phần phụ (modifier) bổ ngữ (complement) Động từ phận quan trọng vị ngữ Động từ diễn tả hành động (action) trạng thái (state of being) Bổ ngữ từ cụm từ sử dụng để hoàn thiện nghĩa động từ Note: Tất câu tiếng Anh phải có chủ ngữ động từ (Trường hợp với câu mệnh lệnh ẩn chủ ngữ “you”) Một câu câu trần thuật (statement), câu hỏi (question), câu mệnh lệnh (command), câu cầu khiến (request) câu cảm thán (exclamation) Chữ câu phải viết hoa câu phải kết thúc đấu chấm hết – full stop (.), dấu chấm hỏi – question mark (?) dấu chấm than –exclamation mark (!) B- Phân loại câu Chức , câu phân thành loại What is ecology? Question Our environment is being seriously polluted Statement Save the environment! Command Would you write a report on environment and man? Request What a polluted lake! Exclamation Cấu trúc có loại câu tiêng Anh: Câu đơn ( Simple sentence) Câu ghép ( Compound sentence) Câu phức ( Complex sentence) C- Viết câu Viết câu đơn Một câu đơn có tới thành tố (element), bao gồm chủ ngữ- Subject (S), động từVerb (V), bổ ngữ- (Complement) (C), tân ngữ -Object (O), trạng ngữ - Abverbial (A) thành tố xếp tạo loại câu khác Trong tiếng Anh có cấu trúc câu a Chủ ngữ + động từ ( SV) Ví dụ: Water pollution is increasing S V She has gone S V The Moon rose S V b Chủ ngữ + động từ + bổ ngữ ( SVC) Nhóm động từ cấu trúc chủ yếu động từ nối ( link verbs), bao gồm: be, seem, become, appear, remain, sound, look, taste, smell, stay, feel….Bổ ngữ thường tính từ (adjective), danh từ (noun), đại từ (pronoun), có chức hồn thiện ngữ nghĩa phát ngơn cho ta biết thêm chủ ngữ Ví dụ: I want to become a teacher S V O That picture is hers S V C She seems very tired S V C c Chủ ngữ + động từ + Trạng ngữ ( SVA) Thành phần trạng ngữ cấu trúc thường trạng từ (adverbial phrase), mệnh đề trạng ngữ (adverbial clause), cụm danh từ (noun phrase), cụm giới từ (prepositional phrase), Các trạng ngữ đặt vị trí khác câu Trạng ngữ tiếng Anh thường dùng để thời gian (time), nơi chốn (place) Ví dụ: That sweet memory is always in my mind S V A We can come back there this summer S V A( place) A (time) Last summer our family went to Ha Long Bay A (time) S V A (place) d Chủ ngữ + động từ + tân ngữ ( SVO) Trong cấu trúc thành phần tân ngữ phải tân ngữ trực tiếp (direct object) Tân ngữ trực tiếp đề cập đến người hay vật bị tác động hành động động từ Tân ngữ trực tiếp phải đứng sau động từ Tân ngữ cấu trúc danh từ, đại từ, cụm từ mệnh đề Ví dụ: I like watching horror film S V O They didn’t see me S V O e Chủ ngữ + động từ + tân ngữ + bổ ngữ ( SVOC) Trong cấu trúc động từ nội động từ (intransitive verb), tân ngữ tân ngữ trực tiếp (direct object) bổ ngữ (complement) theo sau tân ngữ cung cấp thông tin cho tân ngữ chủ ngữ Thành phần bổ ngữ danh từ tính từ Ví dụ: Sports and games make our bodies strong S V O C I consider him my elder brother S V O C f Chủ ngữ + động từ + tân ngữ + trạng ngữ (SVOA) Cũng giống cấu trúc SVOC, tân ngữ cấu trúc tân ngữ trực tiếp thành phần trạng ngữ bổ nghĩa cho tân ngữ khơng phải chủ ngữ Ví dụ: She keeps her stamp collection in the wordrope S V O A You can put it anywhere you want S V O A g Chủ ngữ + động từ + tân ngữ + tân ngữ ( SVOO) Trong cấu trúc tân ngữ đầu tân ngữ gián tiếp (Indirect object: Oi) Tân ngữ gián tiếp đứng sau động từ thường người Tân ngữ trực tiếp ( direct object: Od) đứng sau tân ngữ gián tiếp thường đề cập đến vật bị tác động hành động động từ Ví dụ: My parents bought me a computer on my birthday S V Oi Od A Keeping pets brings me a lot of benefits S V Oi Od h Một số dạng thức biến đổi câu Cấu trúc câu biến đổi nhiều chuyển câu chủ động sang bị động ngược lại ( Kết hợp phần dạy ngữ pháp.) Viết câu hỏi.(QUESTIONS) Trong tiếng Anh có hai dạng câu hỏi chính: Câu hỏi trả lời Có /Không (Yes/ No questions) câu hỏi cung cấp thông tin ( information questions) a Yes/ No questions and information questions (Dạy kết hợp phần dạy kiến thức bản) Note: Câu hỏi phủ định ( Negative questions) Câu hỏi phủ định trả lời có/ khơng bắt đầu trợ động từ phủ định viết tắt như: Don’t, Doesn’t, Didn’t, Isn’t, Aren’t, Haven’t… Ta dùng dạng thức câu hỏi để bày tỏ ý kiến thái độ người phát ngôn ngạc nhiên, tức giận, sốc Ví dụ: Didn’t you hear the bell? I rang it four times (Bày tỏ ngạc nhiên) Hoặc mong muốn người nghe đồng ý với Ví dụ: Isn’t it a beautiful day? Ở cần ý nghĩa cách trả lời Yes No cho dạng câu hỏi Ví dụ: Don’t you want to go to the party? Yes ( = Yes, I want to go) No ( = No, I don’t want to go) b Câu hỏi đuôi ( Tag questions) * Phần h/s học chương trình kỳ I) * Note: Nghĩa phần trả lời Yes/No câu hỏi phủ định tương tự với câu hỏi trả lời Yes/ No phủ định thơng thường Ví dụ : You’re not going out tonight, are you? - Yes ( =Yes, I am going out) - No ( = No, I am not going out) Ở mệnh đề tường thuật có từ sau: neither, none, no one, nobody, nothing, scarcely, barely, hardly (ever), seldom, never, ta coi câu phủ định dùng đuôi hỏi khẳng định Ví dụ: Neither of them failed the exam, did they? Nothing was said, was it? Tom hardly ever goes to parties , does he? + Ngồi ta cịn số mẫu câu hỏi đuôi đặc biệt sau: (a) - This/ That is your bag, isn’t it? - These/ Those are yours, aren’t they? * Đại từ nhân xưng đuôi cho this/ that = it; cho these/ those = they (b) - There is a meeting tonight, isn’t there? * Cho cấu tạo There + be there sử dụng làm đại từ nhân xưng đuôi (c) - Everything is ready, is it? - Everyone took the rest, didn’t they? * Chủ ngữ mệnh đề tường thuật everything, something, anything, nothing đại từ nhân xưng đuôi it * Chủ ngữ everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, no one, nobody ta dùng they (d) Let’s go for a walk, shall we? * Sau Let’s để hỏi shall we (e) - Open the door, will you? - Don’t be late, will you? * Ở câu mệnh lệnh kể câu khẳng định phủ định ta dùng đuôi hỏi will you (f) I’m late, aren’t I? * Ở mệnh đề khẳng định I am, ta dùng đuôi hỏi aren’t I Ta dùng am I not không phổ biến dùng văn phong trang trọng, xã giao ( formal) (g) I think you shouldn’t buy that house, should you? * Mệnh đề tường thuật bắt đầu I think, I don’t think, I’m sure, I suppose + mệnh đề (clause) ta cấu tạo câu hỏi đuôi cho mệnh đề sau Note: Nghĩa câu hỏi đuôi phụ thuộc vào ngữ điệu (tone) phần đuôi Nếu ngữ điệu giáng ( falling tone), khơng thực câu hỏi mà thực chất người nói muốn tranh thủ đồng tình người nghe Nếu ngữ điệu thăng (rising tone), thực chất câu hỏi để kiếm chứng xem thơng tin, ý kiến người nói có không Viết câu phức hợp ( COMPLEX SENTENCE) Một câu phức cấu tạo mệnh đề độc lập (independent clause) nhiều mệnh đề phụ thuộc (dependent clause) Mệnh đề phụ thuộc mệnh đề với từ nối phụ thuộc (subordinator) như: when, while, where, who, because, as, if, even though, so that… Mệnh đề phụ thuộc đứng đầu cuối câu phức Khi mệnh đề phụ thuộc đứng đầu câu, ta phải dùng dấu phẩy (,) để tách với mệnh đề độc lập Trong câu phức nối hai ý, ý thường quan trọng ý Ý quan trọng đặt mệnh đề độc lập, cịn ý quan trọng đặt mệnh đề phụ thuộc Một câu phức tạo bởi: Mệnh đề độc lập + Mệnh đề phụ ( Independent clause) ( Dependent clause) Hoặc: Mệnh đề phụ + Mệnh đề độc lập ( Dependent clause) ( Independent clause) Note: Mệnh đề phụ thuộc tạo bởi: Từ nối phụ thuộc + Chủ ngữ + Động từ + Bổ ngữ ( Subordinator) (Subject) (Verb) ( Complement) Ví dụ: Because the cost of education is rising, many students must work part-time Sub Independent clause Dependent clause You will failed the exam unless you work hard Independent clause Sub Dependent clause Các loại mệnh đề phụ thuộc (Types of subordinate clauses) A Mệnh đề quan hệ ( Relative clause) Đại từ quan hệ ( Relative Pronoun) Phó từ quan hệ ( Relative Adverb) Từ nối phụ thuộc ( Subordinators) Who Whom Whose + Noun / of which That Which When = on/at which Where = at/in which Why = for which Ví dụ: - I thanked the woman who /that helped me - The book which / that is on the table is mine - She is the woman about whom I told you - I know the boy whose bicycle was stolen - I will never forget the day when I first met you - The building where he lives is very old - The reason why he left was that he felt disappointed B Mệnh đề điều kiện ( Conditional clause) Từ nối phụ thuộc (Subordinator) If Even if Only if; only when In case Unless = if ….not As long as; so long as; provided/ providing (that) On condition (that) Suppose/ supposing (that) Imagine (if) Ví dụ: - If you don’t hurry, you’ll miss the train - (=Unless you hurry, you’ll miss the train.) Nghĩa ( Meaning) Chỉ người ( chủ ngữ) Chỉ người ( tân ngữ) Sở hữu người vật ( posessive) vật, người ( dùng mệnh đề hạn định) Chỉ vật Thời gian (time) Địa điểm (place) Lý (reason) Nghĩa ( Meaning) Nếu Chỉ nếu; Trong trường hợp Trừ khi; Miễn ( dùng cho câu điều kiện loại I) Với điều kiện ( Loại I) Giả sử ( Loại I + II) - You can use my car as long as you drive carefully - Suppose you won the first prize, what would you do? - She’ll go to the party only if she has finished her work - You should take some water with you in case you get thirsty C Mệnh đề danh từ ( Noun clause) Từ nối phụ thuộc Nghĩa (Subordinator ( Meaning) That Who Whoever Bất người What Bất Bao gồm câu hỏi lấy Whatever Bất nơi đâu thông tin ( Wh- questions) Where Bất nơi Wherever How much (many, often…) Bao gồm câu hỏi trả Whether ( or not) Liệu …… (có) khơng lời Có/ Khơng ( Yes / No If questions) Ví dụ: - I think that he is a good teacher - That the world is round is a fact ( = It is the fact that the world is round.) - I don’t know where she lives - We don’t care whatever he has done - What she said surprised me - I don’t know whether / If she will come - I wonder whether or she will come or not D Mệnh đề trạng ngữ ( Adverbial Clauses) Từ nối phụ thuộc Nghĩa (Subordinator ( Meaning) When Khi While Trong As soon as Ngay sau Thời gian ( Time) After Sau Before Trước Until/ till Mãi đến Since Kể từ As = while / when Trong khi; Where Địa điểm (place) Wherever Nơi (một địa điểm xác Everywhere định) Cách thức ( manner) Bất nơi As Lí ( reason) Kết ( result) Mục đích (purpose) Đối lập / Nhượng (contrast/ Concession) Giống Because As Since So +Adj/ Adv + that Such + (a/an) + N-phrase + that So that In order that Although Even though though Bởi Đến nỗi mà Vì Mặc dù Ví dụ: - When I came, she was watching TV - We will go as soon as the lecture finishes - You should have done it as I showed you - Mary couldn’t go to school yesterday because she was sick - John is so short that he can’t become a good basketball player - Jane hid the letter under the pillow so that her mother couldn’t see it - Even though the weather was bad, We went camping * Câu phức ghép ( compound-complex sentence) Một câu phức ghép kết hợp hai nhiều mệnh đề phụ thuộc (dependent clause) Ví dụ: - Many students drive their cars to college, but others prefer to take public transportation because free parking near the campus is unavailable - Statistics show beyond doubt that cigarette smoking can be harmful to the health, yet a large number of people continue to smoke though they are all warn about its damage Viết câu ghép ( COMPOUND SENTENCE) Một câu ghép tạo hai mệnh đề độc lập (independent clause) nối với từ nối mệnh đề (coordinating cọnjunction) như: and, or, nor, but, for, so, yet, cụm từ nối câu (sentence connector) như: furthermore, however, otherwise, therefore a Từ nối mệnh đề từ nối câu.( Coodinators and connectors) Từ nối mệnh đề Từ nối câu Nghĩa ( CoordinatingConjunctions) ( Sentence Connectors) ( Meaning) And Furthermore, besides, in addition, moreover, also, Cung cấp thêm thông tin But, yet For Or however, nevertheless, still, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand Otherwise, consequently, therefore, thus, accordingly, as a result Cho ý kiến trái ngược Lí Lựa chọn hai khả So Kết nor Sự lựa chọn phủ định b Cách cấu tạo câu ghép ( Formation of a compound sentence) b1 Sử dụng từ nối mệnh đề ( Using coordinating conjunctions) - Một câu ghép cấu tạo bởi: Mệnh đề độc lập + Từ nối mệnh đề + Mệnh đề độc lập ( Independent clause) ( Coordinating conjunction) ( Independent clause) Ví dụ: - John is very good at speaking in the public, and his ambition is to become an orator - I enjoy playing tennis, but I hate playing golf - We have taken two tests, yet we must take two more this week - We listened eagerly, for he bought news of our families - Are you planning to meet her, or she’ll go to meet you? - Tom finished his homework early, so he decided to go to the party - She didn’t study maths, nor did she study English b2 Sử dụng từ nối câu ( Using sentence connectors) Một câu ghép cúng tạo bởi: Mệnh đề độc lập + Từ nối câu + Mệnh đề độc lập ( Independent clause) ( Sentence connector) ( Independent clause) Ví dụ: - I know this painting is a forgery; moreover, I know who painted it - Travelling by train is very interesting; however, it has both its advantages and disadvantages - I have no problems; otherwise,I would have telephoned you - He is on holiday; therefore, he is unable to attend the meeting Note: Ta dùng từ nối câu ( sentence connectors) để nối ý câu đoạn văn với cách dùng dấu chấm (.) thay cho dấu chấm phảy (;) Ví dụ: - I know the painting is a forgery Moreover, I know who painted it - Tavelling by train is very interesting However, it has both its advantages and disadvantages Viết câu đảo ngữ ( INVERSION) Trong tiếng Anh, từ nhóm từ sau đứng đầu câu động từ mệnh đề câu đảo lên trước chủ ngữ để nhấn mạnh nghĩa câu 6.1 Khi gặp yếu tố phủ định đầu câu ( not , no, hardly, little, never, seldom , few, only, rarely .) Nhìn chung, câu đảo ngữ thường dùng để nhấn mạnh tính đặc biệt kiện thường mở đầu phủ định từ • Đảo ngữ với No / Not - No+ N + auxiliary + S + Verb(inf) = Not any+ N+ auxiliary+ S+ verb(inf) Ví dụ: - I will lend you no money from now on → No money will I lend you from now on - I won’t lend you any money from now on → Not any money will I lend you from now on • Đảo ngữ với cụm giới từ có NO - At no time: chưa Ví dụ: - He never knew she came from a rich family → ĐN1: At no time did he know she came from a rich family → ĐN2: Never did he know she came from a rich family - On no condition: Khơng điều kiện Ví dụ: On no condition shall we accept their proposal - For no season: Khơng có lý Ví dụ: For no reason what you play traunt - In/ Under no circumstances: Dù hồn cảnh khơng Ví dụ: The money is not tobe paid under any circumstances → ĐN: Under no circumsstances is the money tobe paid - No longer:khơng cịn Ví dụ:- He no longer works as an accountant He has just found another job → ĐN: No longer does he works as an accountant He ………………………… - On no account: Dù lý khơng Ví dụ: On no accout must this switch be touched - In no way: Khơng Ví dụ: - Keith certainly cant be held responsible for the accident → ĐN: In no way can Keith be held responsible for the accident - By no means: Hồn tồn khơng By no means does he intend to criticize your idea - No where + Au+ S+V Ví dụ: No where in the VN is the cenery as beautiful as that in my country No where I feel as comfortable as I at home No where can you buy the goods as good as those in my country • Đảo ngữ với Not only but also (không mà còn) - Not only + auxiliary + S + V but also Ví dụ: - He is not only good at English but he can also draw very well → ĐN: Not only is he good at English but he can also draw very well • Đảo ngữ với Negative , nor + auxiliary + S + V I am not used to driving to the left of the road VIII Rewrite the following sentences so that they have the same meaning as the given sentences If Chris works hard, he will pass his exams He used to run faster (than he does) Although he had a good salary, he was unhappy in his job The accident prevents him from driving faster I really must have my car cleaned soon * Một số đề tham khảo ( Key) Exercise 1: There is no question of supper being ready by o’clock As far as I can see, there is no advantage in further discussion Please make allowance for Jane’s poor typing; she’s only been learning for a month That young man is bound to fail in this test Trontrary to (its) (harmless) appearance, the dog was in fact quite dangerous If Smith hadn’t broken his leg, he would have represented England It’s not possible to get to/to reach this hotel in winter To (the best of) my knowledge, he is still working in Bristol Exercise 2: Only after a new pay offer did the workers call off the strike He received a sentence of six months for his part in the robbery There is no limit/restriction to how much you eat at the new lunch-bar She wasn’t so deaf/hard of hearing that she couln’t hear the phone Mrs Jones is the most generous person you will/could ever meet/ (be likely) to meet I was allowed to go abroad alone for the first time last year If he hadn’t been so imcompetent they wouldn’t have been captured I have no intention of giving you any more money Exercise 3: There is little/no likelihood that there will be applicants for this post Susan could hardly believe the good news You must take his experience into account/ You must take account of his experience Neither (one) of us is bound by this contract until we both sign it The accident was not his fault You should /do not assume (that) he will help you Exercise 4: We haven’t received confirmation of/about our hotel booking (yet) According to the salesman my new car would/will be delivered next Wednesday There have been very few sightings of the Yeti at this altitude It is open to question (as to) whether Jones will get the job No sooner had the announcement been made than everyone started complaining The older I get the less I want to travel You won’t be able to buy/get a house in that district for less than/under $100.000 Alan’s illness was caused by/brought about/due to/the result of his working too hard at the office Exercise 5: Without the help of his neighbor, Mr Bill would/could not/never have repairted the garage roof We all make mistakes/ Everyone makes mistakes/Everyone can make mistakes The last Olympic Games took place in Seoul His sole topic/subject of conversation was the weather I had no regrets about/on/over leaving the club in the end You are an idiot to refuse Richard’s offer of a loan It’s the company’s intention to replace this model We’re likely to hear a lot more about environmental pollution in the next few years Chapter II Essay writing Essays require you to explore issues by comparing, evaluating or challenging ideas You may be asked to present an argument or offer a sollution to a problem This means demonstrating your understanding of the topic by including examples and evidence You should think of your audience as non-specialist, educated reader The Main essay types are outlined below Essay Types Task words This means…… For and Against - What are the advantages Give a balanced ( sides of an issue) and disadvantages of… presentation This means - Discuss you should write equally - Compare/ contrast about both sides of the issue In the conclusion you can indicate your position Opinion essays - Do you agree or disagree? Take a position ( Agree or disagree/ - Explain your opinion Defend it strongly Give Argumentative essays) - Justify your opinion several reasons to support - What is your opinion? your argument ( paragraph each) It is useful to acknowledge the opposite view (counter- Problem/ solution Evaluate an argument - What can be done to solve….? - How can this problem be addressed? - What challenges….? - What strategies……? - To what extent… - How important…? - What you think? argument) and say why you don’t accept it Explain or aspects of the issue ( paragraph each) Suggest solutions Make recommendations You will probaly take a position, which is neither in total agreement (100%), not total disagreement (0%), but somewhere in between Explain why Make choices and justify - From options A, B, C , D Each of your choices etc…choose most becomes the topic of one important Justify your paragraph choice Give reasons for choosing in this order * Trong chuyên đề này, xin đề cập đến dạng essays thường gặp đề thi học sinh giỏi cấp tỉnh For and against For and against essays present both sides of an isue, discussing points in favor of a particular topic as well as those against, or the advantages of a particular question Each point should be supported by justifications, examples, and/ or reasons The writer’s own opinion should be presented only in the final paragraph A good essay of this type should consist of: * an introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be discusses without giving your opinion; * a main body in which the points for and against along with your justifications, examples or reasons are presented in separate paragraph; * a closing paragraph in which you state your opinion or give a balanced consideration of the topic Note: Opinion words such as I think, I believe, In my opinion, etc, can only be used in the closing paragraph where you give your opinion on the topic Model analysis Email has had a huge impact on professional and social communication, but this impact has been negative as well as positive What are the advantages and disadvantages of using email? It is certainly true that the use of email has greatly changed the way we communicate with each other at work as well as socially However, it is also true that not all the effects of this innovation have been positive although there are certainly some advantages Generally, email has created a number of objections A common criticism of email in the workplace is that it causes extra work and stress This is because employees receive more messages than they can answer every day and since email writers expect a quick response, this further increases pressure on employees Other objections to email for both social and professional users include the way it encourages people to spend even longer at their computers and also the danger of incoming messages allowing viruses into your computer system In spite of these negative effects; however, email has brought important benefits as well One such advantage of using email is that it is a fast and easy way to communicate with family, friends and work colleagues wherever they are in the world It is not only alloes people to stay in touch with each other, but it also allows them to send all kinds of information ( such as pictures, photos, diagrams, texts, etc) very quickly, cheaply and with a very good quality of reproduction This is a huge advance on ealier communication systems, and the low cost of email means it is very widenly used To sum up, while there are some obvious drawbacks to use email, this fast and userfriendly technology has greatly improved our ability to communicate both professionally and socially Therefore, I think email has brought us many more benefits than disadvantages Language notes Useful expressions and linking words/ phrases * To list points: - Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To start with, To begin with, - Secondly, Thirdly, Finally * To list advantages - One / Another / A further / A additional (major) advantage/ benefit of …is - The main/ greatest/ first advantage of…is * To list disadvantages - One / Another / A further / A additional (major) disadvantage/ drawback of… - The main/ greatest / most serious/ first disadvantage/ drawback of… - An other negative aspect of……… is * To introduce points/ arguments for or against: - One ( very convincing) point / argument in favor of…… / against…, - A further common criticism of…/ It could be argued that… often claimed/ suggested It is widely argued/ maintained that… generally felt/believed/ held Opinion essays ( Agree or disagree/ Argumentative essays) A Agreeing or disagreeing - In this essay, you must state an opinion and defend your point of view You must give reasons for your thinking You usually discuss only one side of the issue Key words or phrases Do you agree or disagree… ? Do you support or oppose….? In your opinion, which is the most effective? Why or why not? Note: Your opinion is an important part of every essay You will see many different topics asking for your opinion In determining the writing task, you must look at what the topic is asking you to Examples Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Only people who earn a lot of money are successful Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer Model essay: Many people believe that a large income equals success I believe, however, that success is more than how much money you made Some of those measures of success in include fame, respect, and knowledge Most people assume that famous people are rich people, but that is not always true For example, some day I would like to be a famous researcher Few scientists are rich by today’s standards Still, I will feel myself successful if I am well known Additionally, there are many famous humanitarians who are not rich Mother Theresa was one Certainly no one would say she was not successful I also believe that being respected by coworkers indicates success Without that respect, money means very little For example, I once did some work for a top attorney in a law firm He made a very good salary, but he was not a nice man No one ever did work for him unwillingly He ordered everyone around, and we did not respect him In contrast, however, I had a wonderful band director in my school He had to take extra job just to make enough money to support his family However, his students had great respect for him and always listened to what he said, As a result, we were a very good band In my opinion, my band director was more successful than the attorney was Finally, I think one of the most important indicators of success is knowledge Wealthy people don’t know all the answers For example, in the movie Good Will Hunting, the only person who could solve complex problems was the janitor He knew a lot and decided what he wanted to with that knowledge rather than just think about money In my opinion, he was extremely successful When we think of history, there are few people we remember simply because they were rich Overall, we remember people who did something with their lives- they were influential in politics, or contributed science or art or religion If history is the ultimate judge of success, then money surely is not everything B Making an argument - In this essay, you will be presented with a hypothetical situation You will have to determine what needs to be done, make a choice, and support your hypothesis In these essays, the topic is usually written in the future or conditional tense Key words or phrases If………………… How…………… In your opinion……… If you could change ( something), what would you change? What is the best way to ( something)? What should be the main focus? Which of the following is the most important to you? What would you give to help someone? How would you something? How would you something/ choose between two things? How will (something) affect (something else)? Examples When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer Model essay: When students go to a new school, they often have a problem fitting in They not know how the school operates and they not have any friends The school administrators, the school counselors, and the teachers can a lot to help new students become part of the community School administrators can help orient new students to their school They can take the new students on a tour of the school, showing them classrooms, the gym, the cafeteria, the computer labs, and other school facilities They can explain the school program and tell the students about what is expected of them The school counselors can talk to new students about their goals and interests They should explain the school schedule and help the students choose the appropriate classes They should also talk about extracurricular activities such as the school newspaper, sports teams, band, and language clubs They should encourage new students to participate in such activities because it is a good way to make friends Teachers can help new students the most They explain their coursework to them, of course They can also encourage old students to be friendly with the new students and help them learn the school system They are with the students all day, so they are aware if a student is having difficulties Then they can try to help the student themselves, or ask for assistance from the counselors and administrators School administrators, counselors, and teachers can a lot to help students adjust to their new school It is not easy, but it pays off with happier, more successful students in the end Note: When stating an opinion, we often use the following words and expressions to indicate our attitude - Reason and result links: in order to, for this reason, because, so, consequently, therefore, as a result, so as to… - Useful expressions: In my opinion, I think, I believe, I feel, I strongly agree, I was interested/ surprised/ shocked, It seems to me, As I see, As far as I’m concerned, To be honest, Personally, Undoubtedly, Obviously, In short, etc… - These other expressions can be used to order your ideas as you develop them: Firstly, socondly, thirdly, lastly, finnally, First of all… *Một số đề thi tham khảo Within 150 words, write a passage about the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet (KỲ THI CHỌN HSG LỚP THCS - NĂM HỌC 2007- 2008 ) Holidays honor people or events It you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer (KÌ THI CHỌN HSG LỚP 9- NĂM HỌC 2009- 2010) If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer 4.Write a passage (150-200 words) on the following topic: ‘Most teachers think that homework is necessary’ How far you agree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience (KÌ THI CHỌN HSG LỚP 9- NĂM HỌC 2011- 2012) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games teaches us about life Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer “ Children should never be educated at home by their parents.” Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer You should write about 200-250 words (KÌ THI CHỌN HSG LỚP 9- NĂM HỌC 2012- 2013) Chapter III Unity, coherence, and progression in an essay I- Using Transition words Effectively Often the essay is a statement that you must agree or disagree with Another common type of topic is an issue with two sides You are asked to describe both sides of the issue and then to choose one There are expressions known as transitions which assist you in explaining agreement or opposition In this section we look at transitions which express contrast, addition, and cause and effect Transitions of contrast Transitions of contrast come in two types They show contrast or opposition or they concede a point, meaning that they agree with another’s opinion, but with qualification In the two boxes below, you will find many familiar words: Contrast Concession but, yet, however, on the one hand, although, even though, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, while even so, in spite of * Contrast: A, However and yet function like but They appear most frequently in the middle of the sentence Yet and but are preceded by a comma In the middle of a sentence However is preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma Example: Jack likes butter, but his roommate prefers margarine The bookstore accepts credit cards, but not checks Alice walks to school, yet she owns a car Frederick still can’t play very well, yet he practices every day The government declared fireworks to be illegal; however, most people can still purchase them The facts are clear; however, no one wants to listen B, On the one hand must be used with on the other hand Example: - On the one hand, the state needs more money to balance the budget On the other hand, most people don’t want to pay higher taxes - On the one hand, pesticides are harmful to humans On the other hand, harmful insects are difficult to kill without pesticides C, In contrast appears at the beginning of a sentence Example: - Families in Denmark receive free day care for their children In contrast, American families must pay for day care - Each child at Washington Elementary School has a computer to use in the lab In contrast, there is only one computer for every five children at Lincoln Elementary School D, While is followed by a clause or a full sentence, and not just a noun Example: - While I don’t like the idea of paying higher prices, I understand that the price of basic materials has gone up - While most citizens resent the idea of higher taxes, they benefit from the services that the taxes provide Exercise 1: Determine which transition of contrast best completes the following sentences More than one answer may be possible Example: - I like cats; however, Marie doesn’t - Residents of California pay sales tax In contrast, residents of Nevada don’t - Dr Carver had many disappointments, yet he never gave up his search for a cure 1……………….I understand the basic idea, the directions are not clear enough for me to understand Mark is allergic to cats,………………….his wife insists on keeping one in their small flat The price of this car may be low;…………… , than car insurance will be high Most families in California have two or three cars…………… , families in Network City generally have only one car ………………, I have always wanted to go on a cruise On the other hand, cruises are very expensive Sam owns a computer, ………………… he doesn’t use it A number of homes were destroyed by the hurricane…………………., the sports stadium was left intact ……………….that may be true, it’s not a very popular idea * Concession A Although and even though are followed by a complete clause or sentence Both transition expressions can be used at the beginning or the middle of the sentence Example: Although I got a raise this year, the increase in the cost of living made it seem like I got nothing Jack continues to attend class even though he has no chance of passing B Nevertheless and even so are used at the beginning of the second sentence Example: Paul has been saving money for years Nevertheless, he still doesn’t have enough money to buy a house Arriving on campus in the middle of the school year was hard Nevertheless, I enjoyed my first semester very much I don’t agree with his political views Even so, I voted for him since the other candidate was worse C In spite of is followed by a noun phrase or a gerund Example: In spite of his hard work in the garden, all of the new plants died In spite of my complaining, the landlord didn’t fix the heat Exercise 2: Determine which transition of concession best completes the following sentences More than one answer may be possible Example: - The class was dull and boring Even so/ Nevertheless, I had to take it - In spite of my attempts to repair the situation, the negotiations were not successful - Although Charles doesn’t like cigarette smoke, he agreed to go to the club ………………….his efforts, George didn’t get elected The new class was added the first day of registration………………… , very few students registered for it ………………… the price was low, I didn’t like the sofa enough to buy it The delivery charge for the washing machine was very expensive; ……………………, I had no way to deliver it myself Mr Williams continues to worry about his children……………… they are adults and have children of their own Both countries thought that they were right and that the other should be the first to apologize……………… , one country had to admit that the policy had been violated Exercise 3: Connect the two sentences with a transition of either contrast or concession More than one answer may be possible Pay close attention to punctuation Example: Although/ Even though/ While that may be true, I will not change my decision 1………………I understand the problem, I don’t think that I can solve it 2………………his efforts to explain, the driver couldn’t avoid paying for damaged property The government warns citizens that smoking is harmful,…………….it allows cigarettes to be sold 4.…………… he didn’t intend to shoot the child On the other hand, he loaded gun in the house When both the husband and the wife work, both are tired when they get home…………………, one or both of them has to cook dinner The salary of a begging worker at that company is six dollars an hour……………… , a senior worker makes three times that amount The tuition at a private college is $20,000 a year………………, the tuition at a state college is only about $10,000 a year 8………………the criminal was sorry for his actions, the judge sentences him to life in prison Transitions of addition Transitions that show addition come in two two types They show that there is an additional idea, or they can be used to show emphasis When using these transitions, be sure that the relationship between the two boxes below, you will find several familiar words Addition Emphasis (Sự bổ sung) ( Sự nhấn mạnh) and not only/ but also in addition furthermore in addition to infact plus actually besides not to mention Addition And is best used in the middle of a sentence Avoid using it to start a sentence Eg: - The court ordered the owner to pay for damages and to compenssate the person for lost wages In addition, in addition to, and plus are used at the geginning of a sentence In addition to is followed by a gerund Eg: - In addition to taking 16 units, Carl plays on the soccer team - The child required surgery In addition, he will need physical therapy to restore his arm to normal Exercise 4: Determine which transition or addition best completes the following sentences More than one answer may be possible Catherine requested that her seat assignment be changed …………………, she wished to have a window seat Expecting too much leads to frustration………………… anger ……………… developing strong language skills, a journalism student must learn to think critically Marilyn will probably be selected for the basketball team She has natural skill and quick reflexes …………… , she is quick Each manager was issued a computer…………….a printer Emphasis Not only must be paired with but also Eg: - Not only does he get a higher salary, but he will also move into a larger office - The captain not only restricted the sailor to his quarters, but he also put him on a diet of bread and water Furthermore, in fact, actually, and besides are generally used at the beginning of a sentence They show emphasis by presenting yet another fact Besides can also be used with a gerund Eg: - Besides being the best in his class, Henry is a star player on the swim team - This project is poorly designed and doesn’t follow standard design procedures Furthermore, the cost has exceeded the original estimates Exercise 5: Determine which transition of emphasis best completes the following sentences More than one answer may be possible The architect’s first drawings of the museum originally included a pool near the entrance………………………, the steps that are near the cafeteria were originally meant to lead to the pool …………………having two final exams and one paper due this week, Jeff has to see the dean about his last tuition payment I decided not to sell the painting after I learned that it was more valuable than I had thought……………………., I like it Children often intimate their parents’ gestures and expressions……………… , if you see the child making a strange expression, you can be positive that one of the parents does this as well Bees communicate with each other through a series of movements that look very much like a dance……………………., they use movement to signal each other about danger or location of a new hive Transitions of Cause and Effects Transition of cause and effect come in three types They show reason, result, or condition These transitoins appear in three boxes below Reason Result Condition because / since consequently if, then for, due to as a result or else accordingly therefore providing due to the fact that so, so that for that reason in oder that Reason Because and since can be used either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence Eg: - Because/ Since she didn’t have all of the materials that she needed, Sue couldn’t finished the garage - The project remains unfinished because/ since there weren’t enough materials to complete it For is generally used in the middle of the sentence Eg: He was tired, for he had been up all night Accordingly follows the reason and introduces the consequence Eg: Accordingly, the zoo will raise its entrance fee Due to is followed by a noun phrase, while due to the fact that is followed by a complete sentence Both may appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence Eg: Due to low enrollment, the course was cancelled Due to the fact that not enough students enrolled, the course was cancelled For that reason is usually used at the beginning of a sentence Eg: - Lions live in prides, or groups, but jaguars usually live alone For that reason, zoos generally put several lioons together in one area Result Consequently, as a result, and therefore introduce the result They can be used at the beginning of the second sentence Consequently and therefore can be used in the middle of a sentence So and so that don’t normally begin a sentence In order to is followed by an infinitive It may be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence Eg: In order to get a lower price, Angela had to buy her ticket in advance Condition If, then, or else, and providing are followed by a complete sentence If and then are often used in the same sentence Exercise 6: Complete the following paragraphs using transitions of reason, result, and condition John tried to start his car, but the engine wouldn’t turn over (a)……………… , he had to call a garage to come to his home (b)…………………….check the car’s battery The mechanic told him that the battery was old and that he should replaced it (c) ……………… the battery would fail again John agreed, (d)…………………he let the mechanic replace the battery on the spot (e)……………………this took longer than expected, John was late to an important meeting (f)………………, his boss was unhappy NOTE: • Avoiding: - Unclear references -Unknown references -Unclear subject or reference • Clarifying pronoun references • Organizing examples or details - Paragraph order - Sequence words Answer key chapter III Exercise 1: While yet/ but however In contrast On the other hand but/ yet However While Nevertheless However In contrast Even though / Although Exercise 2: In spite of Even so/ Nevertheless Even though / Although nevertheless even though/ although Nevertheless Exercise 3: Although/ Even though/ While In spite of yet/ but On the other hand Exercise 4: In addition and In addition Plus/ In addition and Exercise 5: Actually/ In fact Besides Besides In fact In fact Exercise 6: (a) As a result/ Consequently/ Therefore (d) so (b) in order to (e) Because/ Since (c) or else (f) For that reason ? Accordingly PHẦN KẾT LUẬN Trên tơi trình bày ba chương kiến thức “Effective writing”, nhằm nâng cao hiệu phần kỹ viết cho học sinh đội tuyển tham dự kỳ thi học sinh giỏi cấp tỉnh môn tiếng Anh lớp Sau thời gian vận dụng, tơi thấy kiến thức thực có hiệu Các em học sinh đội tuyển viết câu với cấu trúc văn phong, viết “Essays” với chất lượng cải thiện rõ rệt Hy vọng em thêm phần tự tin làm tốt phần kỹ viết kỳ thi cấp Tỉnh tới Với mong muốn vậy, cố gắng thể phần kiến nhằm nâng cao hiệu thi viết chuyên đề Tuy nhiên chuyên đề chắn không tránh khỏi thiếu sót Rất mong góp ý đồng chí để chất lượng giảng dạy đội tuyển ngày không ngừng nâng cao, đồng thời nâng cao chất lượng giải kỳ thi học sinh giỏi cấp huyện, cấp tỉnh ... trọng đặt mệnh đề độc lập, ý quan trọng đặt mệnh đề phụ thuộc Một câu phức tạo bởi: Mệnh đề độc lập + Mệnh đề phụ ( Independent clause) ( Dependent clause) Hoặc: Mệnh đề phụ + Mệnh đề độc lập (... ý kiến người nói có khơng Viết câu phức hợp ( COMPLEX SENTENCE) Một câu phức cấu tạo mệnh đề độc lập (independent clause) nhiều mệnh đề phụ thuộc (dependent clause) Mệnh đề phụ thuộc mệnh đề. .. phần kỹ viết kỳ thi cấp Tỉnh tới Với mong muốn vậy, cố gắng thể phần kiến nhằm nâng cao hiệu thi viết chuyên đề Tuy nhiên chuyên đề chắn khơng tránh khỏi thiếu sót Rất mong góp ý đồng chí để chất