Quick Writing Tasks
1 Choose the correct alternatives to complete the text.
Some students work in their spare time in order to earn some money. 1 But/On the other hand is
this really such a good idea?
Some people 2 point of view/claim that students should concentrate on their studies, not on
earning money.
3 Furthermore/Despite this, they point out that some students who have jobs become very tired,
which can affect their health as well as their grades.
4 Finally/However, learning is not all about having your nose in a book, in my 5 sight/view.
Working, even for a couple of hours a week, can teach us many things about responsibility,
teamwork and how to be independent. 6 While it is true that/On balance some students would
prefer to earn money than revise for exams, the majority manage to find a balance between
working and studying. 7 The fact that/It is clear that such students will become more mature as a
result.
8 Sum up/In conclusion, having a job can be a very worthwhile experience for students, assuming
they also spend enough time on their studies.
/8
2 Complete the report with the phrases in the box. There are five words you
do not need to use.
despite disadvantages findings for this reason however in order to in summary
introduction since was agreed was made were opened were raised
Report on suggestion for a school art gallery
1 _____________
The aims of this report are to outline advantages and potential problems of investing money in a
small art gallery, and to make recommendations. 2 ______________ do this, both students and staff
were consulted.
Advantages
In general, it 3 _______________ that an art gallery in the school would offer many advantages for
students and teachers. It was proposed that students studying art could display their work in the
gallery, and that local artists could be invited to the gallery to give talks. The gallery might also be
used as a quiet study room for students preparing for exams.
4 _______________
The main concerns that 5 ________________ are as follows:
6 ________________ only 15 percent of students study art, not all students would be interested in
the gallery.
There is limited free space in the school, and it may be difficult to find a suitable room.
Conclusion
A school art gallery may not appeal to all, and might take up valuable free space in the school.
7 ____________, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. 8 ____________ I would
recommend going ahead with the project.
3 Complete the report with the phrases in the box. There are five words you do not need
to use.
despite disadvantages findings for this reason however in order to in summary
introduction since was agreed was made were opened were raised
Report on suggestion for a school art gallery
1 _____________
The aims of this report are to outline advantages and potential problems of investing money in a
small art gallery, and to make recommendations. 2 ______________ do this, both students and staff
were consulted.
Advantages
In general, it 3 _______________ that an art gallery in the school would offer many advantages for
students and teachers. It was proposed that students studying art could display their work in the
gallery, and that local artists could be invited to the gallery to give talks. The gallery might also be
used as a quiet study room for students preparing for exams.
4 _______________
The main concerns that 5 ________________ are as follows:
6 ________________ only 15 percent of students study art, not all students would be interested in
the gallery.
There is limited free space in the school, and it may be difficult to find a suitable room.
Conclusion
A school art gallery may not appeal to all, and might take up valuable free space in the school.
7 ____________, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. 8 ____________ I would
recommend going ahead with the project.
4 Complete the review with the words (a–i). There is one extra word you do
not need to use.
a) star d) special effects g) location
b) script e) convincing h) cast
c) gripped f) disappointing i) director
Borgen
Borgen is a Danish TV drama that explores the world of politics at the heart of government. It has
been a smash-hit across Europe and in the USA, thanks to the 1 _______ characters and fast-
paced storyline. There is no need for 2 _______ here: the twists and turns of the plot provide all
the excitement you could need.
The main 3 _____ of the series is Sidse Babett Knudsen, who plays the female prime minister
Birgitte Nyborg Christensen. During the three series to date, she has had to battle her political
enemies whilst trying to manage a complicated home life that includes divorce and a depressive
teenage daughter. Other members of the talented 4 _____ include Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as the
brilliant young journalist Katrine Fønsmark, and Pilou Asbæk as her on-off boyfriend and
political advisor Kasper Juul.
The 5 _____ is cleverly written, focusing on current issues and often ending on a cliff-hanger,
leaving the audience wanting more. And while the 6 _____ is not very glamorous – central
Copenhagen, often in the rain – it is reassuringly ordinary, which gives the drama further realism.
I can’t remember when I was last so 7_____ by a TV drama. The only 8 _____ point about
Borgen is that there may not be a fourth series.