Homework – Complete First Writings

5/203: 1,3,4,6,8

6/204:

1. Introduction : 1
2. Arguments against exploring space: 3, 6
3. Arguments for exploring space: 4,8

7/203:

Best introduction: C (because it starts with a general statement: “watching a film on a big screen
is certainly very impressive” and it continues with giving arguments, which will be debated later
(advantages and disadvantages)

Best conclusion: C (because it summarizes both advantages and disadvantages and it also
expresses the writer’s personal opinion on the subject)

9/203

1. As
2. In my opinion
3. In addition to this
4. Firstly
5. Such as
6. As a result
 ESSAY

Some people believe that cycling is the best way to travel around cities. Do
you agree?

Notes:

 Health
 Safety
 Your own idea (environment)

It goes without saying that transportation from once place to another is an essential aspect
of our everyday life. Some people insist that cycling should be taken into consideration when
traveling. But is this the best way to travel around cities?

Firstly, when cycling on a daily basis the main advantage is becoming healthier and fit.
Unfortunately nowadays the obesity is a general problem. We can tackle this by wisely mixing
the necessity of moving around with the pleasure of cycling. The advantages are noticeable:
burning calories, raising the metabolism and endorphin levels. However, it is unlikely to use
bikes when the temperatures are extreme: if it’s too cold, we may fall on ice and get injured and
if it’s too hot, we may be affected by blood pressure problems or heatstroke.

Secondly, another important issue to consider is related to safety. Had the city
infrastructure integrated basic facilities like bike lanes and parking places, then the cyclist would
use them safely and faster for work, leisure or other purposes. In contrast, failing to offer such
facilities is a main drawback as it puts the cyclist at risk of accidents.

Last but not least, another matter to consider refers to environmental issues. The
advantages include the reduction of air pollution, cutting off fuel costs and protecting our nature.

In the light of the above, cycling is a great option to travel for health and environmental
reasons, as long as infrastructure facilities are provided by the cities.
 EMAIL/LETTER

2/204

 You should write an email to Jo.

 The questions you should answer to are about new home, the things to do in new
town and about new friends

3/204

- She describes the new flat

- She mentions new , exciting things to do
- She has new friends
- The tone is informal.

5/204

Our college wants to organize an event this summer to raise money for schools in
developing countries. Below are some of our ideas. Please email me to let me know which you
think is the best idea and why. Please also tell us how we should organize the event, to make sure
it is a success.

1. A fun sports day

2. A quiz evening
3. A concert

Thank you for your help.

Anna Bradley, Principal

1. F 4. F
2. T 5. T
3. T 6. F

6/204
The suitable ideas to include in the email are: 2, 5, 6, 8 – formal language.

7/204
1) Dear Ms. Copeland
2) In response to
 3) Currently
4) Would be interested in working
5) Studied different aspects of
6) Was employed
7) Gained some experience as
8) Customer satisfaction
9) I would be grateful if you would
10) I look forward to hearing from you

8/205 LETTER

STAFF WANTED FOR SUMMER WORK

We require staff to work with our English-speaking guests in our busy hotel this summer.

We are looking for people for the following roles:

- Waiter
- Coffee bar assistant
- Receptionist

Write to Maria Simpson at Top Beach Hotel, saying which job interests you, and
explain why you would be suitable for the job.

Dear Ms. Maria Simpson,

I saw your advert in the local newspaper and I am writing you in response to your
job offer.

I am interested in applying for the position of coffee bar assistant. Being a coffee
lover myself, I have always been curious in experimenting with different brands and
tastes. I have tested nearly everything from coffee beans like Arabica or Robusta, to
various brands coming from Kenya, Colombia or Arabia as well as different drinks such
as ristretto, espresso, cappuccino, macchiato or Irish coffee.
 I am a very friendly person and I enjoy meeting new people. I have already
worked for two years as a shop assistant in London, UK, therefore, I would be able to
carry out conversation on different topics easily.

I have acquired some skills in the art of making coffee while working in a café in
Rome, Italy. The Italians are well known for their talents when it comes to coffee drinks,
as well as creative cocktails. I am willing to learn more tips and tricks from your main
barista and I will put great efforts to be integrated in your hotel team and have a
successful experience.

I hope my qualities are suitable for the coffee bar assistant job and I am looking
forward to hearing from you.

Nadia Sandulache

ARTICLE

1. Has an interesting title.

2. First sentence – interests the reader and encourages them to read more.
3. Clear paragraphs – each with a topic sentence.
4. Gives the writer’s opinion.
5. Creative language + structures to add emphasis.
6. Gives examples to support the ideas.
7. Try to end with a question or lively final sentence.

3/206

- It covers all the points in the task (what hobby, how/when it started, why you enjoy)
- 4 paragraphs
- One direct question
- Informal style (language)

5/206
B – A peaceful transformation is a title that makes the reader curious about what does
the topic refers to. The rhetorical question that follows the title, encourages the reader
to continue reading in order to discover more details about the personality.

6/207
1 d, 2 e, 3 a
 7/207
1. Interested in – fascinated by
2. Crowded – packed
3. Big – huge
4. Cold – freezing
5. Scary – terrifying
6. /Really necessary – absolutely essential

8/207

1. I admire his determination – What I admire is his determination.

2. I like the freedom you get when you go hiking. The thing I like is the freedom
you get when you go hiking.
3. Her honesty really surprised me. One thing that really surprised me was her
honesty.
4. I will never forget our evening barbecues on the beach. What I will never
forget is our evening barbecues on the beach.
5. I noticed how happy everyone looked. The thing I noticed was how happy
everyone looked.

10/207

1. For (me)
2. In (addition to this)
3. (as far) as (I’m concerned)
4. Which (means that)
5. What (I love the most is)
6. Tell (you about)
 ARTICLE

Articles wanted

Staying healthy

How important is your health to you? What do you think are some of the best ways
to stay fit and healthy?

The best articles will appear on our website next month.

Our most precious possession

Nowadays we live in a constant run for fame and fortune and we take our heath
for granted. We are young and strong and we believe that we are invincible. Should we
wait to be as sick as a dog to really see the importance of being healthy and make it a
priority?

Firstly take a look at yourself in the mirror: be aware of your best parts, discover
your flaws and take a decision. Does your skin glow, is your hair strong and your smile
shows spotless white teeth? Then you’re doing a good job regarding your diet: keep
hydrated, eat your fruits and vegetables and show moderation when it comes to sugar and
alcohol.

Secondly, be more critical and examine your body in a more detailed manner. Is
there fat excess, do you experience pain in your joints and you get tired easily? Not only
have a balanced diet, but also start exercising according to your body needs. It goes
 without saying that there’s a variety of options related to exercising such as aerobics,
Zumba, cycling, team sports or running. In addition to this, you can always hire a trainer
for a personalized routine. What I love about personal trainers is that they are there to
motivate you and keep track of your progress.

In my opinion having a balanced diet and exercising regularly generate the key to
our precious health.

STORY

2/208

1. The first sentence should be the given sentence (in the task) - feeling slightly
nervous…
2. The two ideas to be included refer to bad weather and a surprise.
3. The story will be published on a website for young people .

3/208

1. The story starts with the first sentence in the task.

2. The story includes the two main ideas from the task.
3. The story has a clear beginning, middle and ending.
4. The story uses past simple and past continuous and past perfect.
5. The story includes descriptions (descriptive adjectives and adverbs)

5/209

B is a better story because

- It uses a wide range of words and expressions

- It contains descriptive details
- It contains past simple, past continuous and past perfect.

6/209

B is the best ending because it has a surprise element, the reader isn’t sure if the one grabbing the
bag is the owner or not.

7/209
 1. Suddenly
2. By the time
3. As soon as
4. During
5. In the end
6. Just then

9/209

1. “Will you come with me?” he said.

2. “Don’t worry!” he said.
3. “Get out!” she cried.
4. “It doesn’t matter,” she said.

STORY

STORIES WANTED

We are looking for stories in English for our new school magazine for
teenagers.

Your story must begin with this sentence:

When he saw the postman coming up to his door, Matt ran to open it.

Your story must include:

- A mobile phone
- A new friend

When he saw the postman coming up to his door, Matt ran to open it. He had never been
so excited to get a box before, but now his heart was in his mouth.

His hands were uncontrollably trembling as he was trying to open the package. There was
a small grey box, beautifully decorated with a shiny blue bow. He could read his name on the
label while carefully unwrapping the gift. The more pieces of paper were falling on the floor, the
stronger his heart was beating. After few seconds which felt like centuries, there it was: a brand-
new, amazing, high-tech mobile phone! All his efforts paid off! All those long hours that he had
been hammering away at his keyboard in order to create the most attractive educational game for
students were worth it. He won what he had set his heart on!

As he turned the device on he could see a text with the message: welcome new friend! He
continued to press next button till he was directed to an eye catching application, WWWSF, the
acronym for World Wide Web Smart Friends. Not only did he receive a smart phone, but he also
had the international recognition and appreciation for his creativity skills. “This is the best day of
my life,” Matt thought with a grin on his face and he went on with discovering more of the
settings and options.

REVIEW

2/210

- We should write a review of a film

- It should include details about the plot and if we enjoyed it or not and give our
opinion if other people would like it.
- The people will read the review in an English-language magazine.

3/210

1. Yes (title, paragraph 1 with introduction, a general idea of the film, paragraph 2 with
more details about the plot and actors, paragraph 3 with positive and negative aspects,
end with a recommendation)
2. Yes
3. Anyone , excepting young children
4. Informal, friendly language

5/211

A – is a better plan because it respects all the steps needed for a review

- Title
 - Paragraph 1 – gives a general idea of the shop
- Paragraph 2 – more details about what he bought and his experience
- Paragraph 3 - some negative aspects
- End – his recommendation

B – start with giving reasons why he chose the website, continues with explaining the problems
he had with his old tablet, then he gives details about games he enjoys playing (which is not what
the review is about. Doesn’t give any recommendation.

6/211

1. Incredibly (gripping)
2. Ridiculously (expensive)
3. Rather (predictable)
4. Brilliantly (entertaining)
5. Extremely (useful)
6. Very (well equipped)
7. Absolutely (perfect)
8. Really (welcoming)

7/211

1. 1-c
2. 2–f
3. 3 –a
4. 4–e
5. 5–d
6. 6 –b

8/211

1. Spite
2. Though
3. Despite
4. Although
5. However

10/211

1. Than
2. Disappointing
3. Will
4. Miss
5. Using
6. Advise

REVIEWS WANTED!

What holiday resorts have you been to recently?

Write a review describing the resort, explaining why you did and didn’t enjoy your stay
there and saying if you would recommend it.

The best reviews would be published on our website.

Kamelya Collection Turkish delight

This spring I had the incredible chance to spend one week in a luxurious holiday
resort situated in Antalya, Turkey.

With a surface area of 240,000 square meters, Kamelya Collection consists of

three main areas: Kamelia Selin, a hotel situated on the beach, which is suitable for
families with children, Fulya Hotel, for the ones who appreciate a luxurious impressive
architectural style and Aishen Club, a complex of small villages situated in a green area
for those who love privacy and nature.

We have chosen Fulya Hotel and had full access to both their outside and inside
pools and Spa services. Moreover, we could enjoy international culinary delicacies as
well as various entertaining shows. I was delighted to discover talented artists from
different corners of the world. What I enjoyed the most was the spotless beach and
spacious cabanas with free beverage, snack varieties, fruit plates and ice cream services.
On the other hand, I was slightly disappointed with their pool areas, which were quite
noisy and extremely crowded between lunch and dinner time.
 Overall I would recommend this exquisite resort to anyone who loves the seaside
as it is adapted even for the most pretentious ones and it is suitable for singles, couples or
big families.