Essay 10th form

Comment on the following statement.

Fast food outlets should be closed.

What is your opinion? Do you agree with this statement?

Write 200–250 words.

Use the following plan:

– make an introduction (state the problem)

– express your personal opinion and give 2–3 reasons for your opinion

– express an opposing opinion and give 1–2 reasons for this opposing opinion

– explain why you don’t agree with the opposing opinion

– make a conclusion restating your position

Task 3. Practice

 Task 3. These are photos from your photo album. Choose one photo to describe to your friend.

You will have to start speaking in 1.5 minutes and will speak for not more than 2 minutes 
(12–${\displaystyle }$15 sentences). In your talk remember to speak about:

·        where and when the photo was taken

·        what/who is in the photo

·        what is happening

·        why you keep the photo in your album 

·        why you decided to show the picture to your friend

Photo 1.

Photo 2.

Photo 3.

You have to talk continuously, starting with: “I’ve chosen photo number …”

7 form Chinese Opera

           

Opera has a long history in China. In ancient times, actors performed the operas on the streets on temporary stages with only hanging lanterns for lighting. The actors used to wear bright colours to stand out in the dark. The singing in Chinese Opera is quite strange – very sharp and high-pitched. The street performers used to sing that way so that their voices could carry over the crowds. The actors don’t only tell the story through song; the dancing and acrobatics are fantastic, too. The actors use their faces and their whole body to act out the story and show their emotions.

 There aren’t a lot of stage props or scenery because the actors use a lot of symbols to help tell the story. An actor galloping with a whip, for example, means they are running a horse. The actors’ make-up is incredible. Each colour has a special meaning and reveals something about their character; red means loyalty and bravery, blue means cruelty and gold and silver means mystery. It is breathtaking to see all the actors on stage together in their bright costumes and make-up. I don’t think that opera is for me, but I’d like to see a Chinese opera one day.

10th form Task 2 2.15, 2.24

Task 2. Study the advertisement.

You are going to visit Japan this summer and you'd like to have more information about the flights to Japan. In 1.5 minutes you are to ask five questions to find out the following:

1) departure dates 2) travel time 3) return ticket price 4) discounts for students 5) buying the ticket online You have 20 seconds to ask each question.

10th form Task2 Наиболее распространённые вопросы в задании 2 части «Говорение»

Наиболее распространённые вопросы в задании 2 части «Говорение»

№	О чём надо спросить	Как задать вопрос
1	age restriction/minimum age limit	Is there a minimum age restriction for this film? What is the minimum age limit for this film?
2	age of (something)	How old is (something)?
3	availability of (something)	Is (something) available?
4	beginning of the course	When does the course begin/start?
5	courses available	What courses are available at your school?
6	cost of (something)	How much does (something) cost? How much is/are ….. ?
7	credit card acceptance	Do you accept credit cards for payment? Do I have to pay by credit card/in cash/cash?
8	date of delivery/arrival/departure	What is the possible date of delivery/arrival/departure? What is the delivery/arrival/departure date?
9	directions to the hotel/gym	How can I get to your hotel/gym?
10	discounts for groups/party reductions	Are there any discounts for groups available? Are group discounts available?
11	discounts for students	Are there any discounts for students? Do you provide any discounts for students?
12	distance from the city centre	How far is the hotel from the city centre?
13	duration of the course/tour/flight	How long is the course/tour/flight?
14	entrance/admission fee	How much is the ticket? How much does the tour cost? What is the entrance/admission fee?
15	cancellation	Is the cancellation of the (flight/booking etc.) possible?
16	hotel facilities	What facilities are available at the hotel? What facilities does your hotel provide/offer?
17	if breakfast is included	Is breakfast included into the price?
18	if textbooks are included	Are textbooks included into the price?
19	location of the hotel/gym/club	Where is your hotel/gym/club situated/located?
20	nearest car park/parking garage	Where is the nearest car park/parking garage?
21	number of lessons per week	How many lessons are there per week?
22	number of students in the group	How many students are there in the group?
23	online (advance) reservation/booking	Can I book/purchase a ticket online (in advance)? Can I reserve a room online?
24	opening hours (of the club)/hours of operation	When does the club open and close? When is the club open? What are the opening hours of the club?
25	photo permission/taking pictures	Is it allowed to take pictures on the tour? Can I take photos during the tour?
26	possible accommodation	What kind of accommodation do you offer/provide?
27	(double/single) room price per night	How much does it cost to book a (double/single) room for a night? What is the (double/single) room price per night?
28	price for a three-week course	How much does a three-week course cost? How much is a three-week course? What is the price for a three-week course?
29	refund for a ticket	Can I get a refund for a ticket if I miss the flight/concert?
30	type of (clothes) sold	What types of (clothes) do you sell?

10th form Подготовка к олимпиаде районный тур writing (sample answers)

Part 1

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Your teacher has asked you to write your response to the following statement taken from a recent newspaper article:

Do you agree that community service works better than fines?

Notes

Write about: effort and time lesson learned ………………(your own idea)

Sample essay:

Anyone who commits a crime should be prosecuted. Some people believe, myself included, that serving a community is a more effective way to stop reoffending than financial penalty. So what are the benefits deriving from doing community service?

First and foremost, offenders are being requested to spend their precious time on voluntary work. Paying a fine is relatively unchallenging when compared to weeks or even months of labour a lawbreaker has to devote to local society free of charge.

Additionally, community service is sometimes the only way to gain the knowledge about hazards arising from felonies. For example, if a person has been caught speeding, an adequate service one should do is to become a lollipop man at a local school crossing.

Finally, spending time and helping out a local society may positively influence wrongdoers. They begin to contemplate on their behaviour and eventually come to conclusion that they are capable of making a positive difference in society.

In conclusion, creative way of punishment in a form of community service is without a doubt a more efficient way to halt reoffending. Not only the local society benefits from it but also the lawbreaker who learns the lesson.

Part 2 

You must answer this question.

You see this competition in an international magazine.

COMPETITION

Imagine you were on a desert island. What would you miss most? Write an article briefly describing an important object, person or place in your life and give reasons for your choice.

The best article will be published and the writer will receive £500.

Write your article in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Sample answer:

Have you ever thought about the most important possessions you can barely live without? Would they be your bare necessities on a desert island? Well, for me it’d definitely be my mobile accompanied by a solar charger and a week supply of my favourite chocolate.

Reading books and taking photos are just a few of daily activities I’ll be occupying myself with during the lonely stay on an island, hence the latest smartphone and a solar charger are my top items. An abundance of ‘me-time’ guaranteed on an island, which I’ve lacked for ages, would come handy when devouring Stephen King’s and Jeffrey Archer’s ebooks.  

Skills I’ve learnt on a survival course will definitely help me get by on an island however as I’m a chocoholic, I’d definitely opt for a week supply of my favourite chocolate bar. Having mastered tricks like catching a fish or igniting a fire without a lighter, which even Bear Grylls will praise me on, can hardly replace heavenly delicious Milka chocolate.

I don’t know how you feel about staying on a desert island, but I can guarantee I would be far from bored. Just imagine all those hot sunny days and warm starry nights with my favourite book and mouthing-watering chocolate.

(209 words)

 Part 2

You’ve noticed the following announcement in an English- language magazine.

Articles wanted:

A really special holiday

Have you ever had a really special holiday? Where did you go? What did you do there? 

Write us an account of your holiday

The best article will be published in the magazine

Write your article in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Sample answer:

A really special holiday

You wouldn’t believe but it was not until spring 2011 that I’ve had the truly magnificent vacation ever. A childhood friend of mine Monika massively contributed to the life changing holiday we spent backpacking in India.

Prior to booking the flights we had investigated the ideal time to travel on the east coast and soon after we were taking off at the Heathrow airport. I had no idea what to expect as apart from the accommodation for just one night in Mumbai nothing else was arranged. Scared of the unknown, I quickly got used to the spicy food, unbearable heat, humidity, that made you gasp for fresh air, and annoying, loud horns on the street. It has been totally spontaneous four weeks of total immersion in Indian culture, which I loved.

We have covered staggering eight thousand kilometers while sleeping on numerous overnight coached and trains. Meeting locals, attending events, such as weddings or funerals made us understand that our world is an amazing and diverse place.

My holiday in India and its influence on my life has totally changed me as a person. So, if you’re looking to spend amazingly adventurous time while completely shifting your mindset, backpacking in India is the answer.

FCE Writing Part 2 report b Part 2

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

The principal of your college has asked you to find out reasons and suggest solutions to a decreasing number of students visiting canteen.

Sample report 

Student cafe in Bradford College

Introduction

The aim of this report is to outline the reasons why the majority of students fail to dine at college’s canteen and suggest solutions to improve the exciting situation.

Current problems

Having interviewed almost a hundred students of the college the following concerns have been risen:

• The cafe closes too early which prevents students from buying meals if they attend evening lectures.
• Almost 50% of learners are vegan or vegetarian and there are no plant-based meal options in the menu.
• Seats and tables are rather old and uncomfortable.
• Compared with a local restaurant, canteen prices are much higher.

Recommendations

It is understandable that the college might find it difficult to invest a significant amount of money in a new decor. Nevertheless, unless new and more comfortable seats and tables are bought, the number of students eating there will continue to fall.  Moreover, introducing a new vegan menu might attract more students to spend money in the canteen provided some discounts or promotions are offered.

Conclusion

Bradford College Cafe used to be considered as the heart and soul of the college. New furniture, attractive menu and lower prices might help bring the sparkle back to this once so popular place.

Part 2 

You must answer this question.

You recently had a short holiday organized by TravelWise. The manager of the company sent you a letter asking to state the problems which had occurred during your vacation. Write a letter to the manager, explaining what the problems were and telling them what you want them to do.

Write your letter. Don’t include any postal addresses. Write your answer in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet

Sample letter:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing with reference to your letter, where you politely requested a feedback of  my recent vacation organized by TravelWise. As you already know I was displeased with numerous points.

Firstly, the hotel I stayed was located in a run-down and dangerous neighbourhood, on few occasions  I was approached by a drug dealer and a beggar. When it comes to the room it was completely different from what had been presented in your brochure. Dirt, darkness and rats were my company throughout the stay, I actually changed rooms few times, however it seemed all the rooms were in similar condition.

One of the reasons I had chosen your company was the free of charge spa and trips organized by your staff. It turned out that I had to pay extra for all of these services. And although it might be true that the water sports provided were amazing it does not change the fact my holiday was ruined by the above problems.

I must ask you to refund all the costs of my vacation including extra charge for spa and trips please.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Sam Smith

FCE exam- Writing Part 2 Formal letter 

Sample letter:

Dear Sir/ Madam,

My name is Emily and I am a secretary of the Middlesex Science Club. Reading your advert in the newspaper caused a heated discussion amongst club’s members hence we wish to visit and learn more about exhibits. Nevertheless, prior to our tour I was hoping you could answer few questions please.

Firstly, we are a group of fifty passionate scientists, and so we are uncertain whether the museum is capable to accommodate such a vast number of visitors. Do you think you could confirm if it essential to book a timeslot and also how far in advance shall we do that?

In addition, we are planning to spend a relaxing afternoon while enjoying our lunch, therefore I would be grateful if you could advise whether there is a snack bar or a picnic space available in a close proximity of the museum.

Last but not least, we wish to take some photos and maybe record a video to post it on our Facebook page. Could you please let me know whether there are any restrictions in terms of the use of electronic devices such as mobiles with flash?

Thank you in advance for all your help. I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Emily Kruszewska

 FCE exam- Writing Part 2 Formal letter

Part 2 

You must answer this question.

You would like to learn Russian and you see this advert in a newspaper. You would like to know more. Read the ad and the notes you have made. Write a letter to the school asking for more information.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

My name is Emily and I have recently become interested in learning Russian as my fiancee and I are planning to relocate to Moscow hence the reason I am writing to you as the announcement in the local newspaper about the language course you provide seems like the perfect solution. Nevertheless, prior to the enrollment there are few questions I was hoping you could assist me with.

Firstly, as I have not had any experience with the language I was wondering whether you could provide class for total beginners. If so, I was wondering whether you could tell me how big the groups are, is it more likely to be a class of dozen or half a dozen students. In addition, I was hoping you could supply more details about the exact time of lessons as well as the total number of hours of the fortnight course which I’m planning to enroll this summer.

Also, would you mind sending the bank details and the final fee of the fortnight course.  Moreover, I know that your language school includes the home-stay accommodation, I was wondering how far from the school the house would be.

I hope the letter finds you well and thank you in advance for your reply.

I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Yours faithfully,

Emily Kruszewska