Giaoandethitienganh.

info
1. Topic Sentence
Parts of a Paragraph 2. Supporting Details
3. Closing Sentence
1. Prewriting Paragraphs
How to Write a 2. Writing Paragraphs
Paragraph 3. Editing Paragraphs
4. Publishing Paragraphs
1. Definition 5. Sequence
2. Classification 6. Choice
Kinds of Paragraphs
3. Description 7. Explanation
4. Compare and Contrast 8. Evaluation
PART 1: Parts of a Paragraph
1. Topic Sentence
What is the topic sentence? 
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do? 
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one? 
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what
your paragraph will be about.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the
world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians
have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a
high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers
and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's
cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks
and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to
live.
2. Supporting Details
What are supporting sentences? 
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.

Page 1
What do they do? 
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write them? 
You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the
world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians
have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a
high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers
and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's
cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks
and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to
live.
3. Closing Sentence
What is the closing sentence? 
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do? 
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
How do I write one? 
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the
world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians
have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a
high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers
and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's
cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks
and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to
live.
PART 2: How to Write a Paragraph
1. Prewriting Paragraphs
What is the prewriting stage?
The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your ideas
for your paragraph before you begin writing.
Six Prewriting Steps:
1. Think carefully about what you are going to write. Ask yourself:
 What question am I going to answer in this paragraph or essay?
 How can I best answer this question? What is the most important part
of my answer?
 How can I make an introductory sentence (or thesis statement) from
the most important part of my answer?
 What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence?
 How can I make this paragraph or essay interesting?
 Do I need more facts on this topic?
 Where can I find more facts on this topic?
2. Open your notebook. Write out your answers to the above questions.
You do not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to help
you remember why and how you are going to write your paragraph or
essay.
3. Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic. Look for and write
down facts that will help you to answer your question. Timesaving hint:
make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact question you are
going to answer in your paragraph or essay.
4. Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself:
 What else do I want to say about this topic?
 Why should people be interested in this topic?
 Why is this topic important?
5. Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay. Choose the most
important point you are going to present. If you cannot decide which point
is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it throughout your
paragraph or essay.
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main
idea. Once you have chosen the most important point of your paragraph or
essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it. Look at the
facts you have written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide which
facts and ideas will best support the main idea of your paragraph. Once you
have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask yourself which order to
put them in the paragraph. Write down your own note set that you can use
to guide yourself as you write your paragraph or essay.
2. Writing Paragraphs

Page 3
What is the writing stage?
The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.
Five Writing Steps:
1. Open your notebook and word processor.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your
ideas.
3. Editing Paragraphs
What is the editing stage?
The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and
correct them.
Grammar and Spelling
1. Check your spelling.
2. Check your grammar.
3. Read your essay again.
4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.
5. See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
Style and Organization
1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.
2. Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
3. Make sure you have a closing sentence.
4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
5. See if your paragraph is interesting.
4. Publishing Paragraphs
What is the publishing stage?
The publishing stage is when you produce a final copy of your paragraph to
hand in.
Three Publishing Steps:
1. Make a paper copy of your paragraph.
2. Show your work to your teacher, tutor, or parents.
3. Ask them for hints on how to improve your writing.
PART 3: Kinds of Paragraphs
1. Definition Paragraph
When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and
explain what it is.
Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.
The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph:
1. "is defined as"
Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops,
forests, or property.
2. "is a kind of"
Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or
property.
2. Classification Paragraph
When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into
specific categories.
Example:     Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy resources.
The following words can help you to write a good classification paragraph:
 is a kind of
Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.
 can be divided into
Energy resources can be divided into two types.
 is a type of
Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.
 falls under
Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.
 belongs to
Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.
 is a part of
Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.
 fits into
Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.
 is grouped with
Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.
 is related to
Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.

Page 5
 is associated with
Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.
3. Description Paragraph
In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a person, place,
or thing is like. Sometimes, you may describe where a place is located.
Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks like.
Examples
Describe where Canada's industry is located.
The following words can help you to write a good description paragraph:
Properties Measurement Analogy Location
size length is like in
colour width resembles above
shape mass/weight below
purpose speed beside
near
north/east/south/west
Properties
Giaoandethitienganh.info
size 
Example:     Polar bears are big in size.
colour 
Example:     Polar bears are usually white in colour.
shape 
Example:     Polar bears have a special shape.
purpose 
Example:     The purpose of the polar bear's fur is to keep it warm.
Measurement
length 
Example:     The length of a polar bear's claws is 20 cm.
width 
Example:     The width of a polar bear's head is about 50 cm.
mass / weight 
Example:     Polar bears weigh up to 650 kg.
speed 
Example:     Polar bears can swim at a speed of 40 km per hour.
Analogy
is like 
Example:     A polar bear is like other bears in shape.
resembles 
Example:     A polar bear resembles other bears in shape.
Location
in
Example:     Most of Canada's manufacturing is located in Ontario and
Quebec.
above
Example:     The ceiling is above us.
below
Example:     Most of Ontario is below Hudson Bay.
beside
Example:     Quebec is located beside Ontario.
near
Example:     Many companies are located near Toronto.
north / east / south / west
Example:     Ontario is west of Quebec.
4. Compare and Contrast Paragraph
In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and
differences between two or more people, places, things, or ideas.
Example:  Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Vancouver and
Halifax.
The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast
paragraph:
Similarities Differences
is similar to the other hand
both however
also but
too in contrast
as well differs from
while
unlike
Similarities
is similar to
Example:   Spring weather in Vancouver is similar to spring weather in
Halifax.

Page 7
both
Example:   Both Vancouver and Halifax have rain in the spring.
also
Example:   Halifax also has a rainy spring season.
too
Example:   Halifax has a rainy spring season, too.
as well
Example:   As well, Halifax has rainy spring season.
Differences
on the other hand
Example:   On the other hand, winter is much colder in Halifax.
however
Example:   However, winter is much colder in Halifax.
but
Example:   Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold one.
in contrast to
Example:   In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.
differs from
Example:   Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold winter.
while
Example:   While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a cold winter.
5. Sequence Paragraph
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events or
a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time.
Example:   Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the prime
minister.
The following words can help you to write a good sequence paragraph.
Order Time
first, second, third, etc. recently
in the beginning previously
before afterwards
then when
after after
finally
at last
subsequently
Order
first, second, third, etc.
Example:   First, you need to become a leader of a political party. Second,
you need to win a seat in the House of Commons. Third, your party must
have a majority of seats.
in the beginning
Example:   In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political
party.
before
Example:   Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the
leader of a political party.
then
Example:   Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.
after
Example:   After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make
sure you have a majority of seats.
finally
Example:   Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the prime
minister.
at last
Example:   At last, you can call yourself the prime minister.
subsequently
Example:   Subsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of seats
in the House of Commons.
Time
recently
Example:   She was recently elected prime minister.
previously
Example:   She is the new prime minister. Previously, she worked as a
lawyer in Toronto.
afterwards
Example:   She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won the
election.

Page 9
when
Example:   When she won the party leadership, she was still working as a
lawyer.
after
Example:   After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make
sure you have a majority of seats.
6. Choice Paragraph
In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose which
object, idea, or action that you prefer. Often, you will need to give your
opinion on a choice of actions or events.
Example:    Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to play
hockey or lacrosse.
The following words can help you to write a good choice paragraph:
Point of View Personal Opinion
in my opinion like/dislike
belief hope
idea feel
understanding
I think that
I consider
I believe
it seems to me
I prefer
Point of View
in my opinion
Example:     In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
belief
Example:     My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
idea
Example:     My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
understanding
Example:     My understanding is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
I think that
Example:     I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.
I consider
Example:     I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.
I believe
Example:     I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
it seems to me
Example: It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
I prefer
Example: I prefer hockey over lacrosse.
Personal Opinions
like/dislike
Example: I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.
hope
Example: I hope that I can play hockey in the future.
feel
Example: I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.
7. Explanation Paragraph
In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something
happens. Very often in social studies class, you will be asked to explore
causes and effects of certain events.
Example:     Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved
to Canada during the nineteenth century.
The following words can help you to write a good explanation paragraph:
Cause Effect
because therefore
since thus
as a result of consequently
is due to hence
it follows that
if . . . then
Cause
because
Example: People moved to Canada from Europe during the nineteenth
century because they had poor living conditions in Europe.
since
Example:   Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people
moved to Canada.

Page 11
as a result of
Example:   People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living
conditions in Europe.
is due to / was due to
Example:   The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic
pressures in Europe.
Effect
therefore
Example:   Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Therefore, many
people moved to Canada for a better life.
thus
Example:   Living conditions in Europe were terrible. Thus, many people
moved to Canada for a better life.
consequently
Example:   Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Consequently, many
people moved to Canada.
hence
Example:   Living conditions were terrible in Europe. Hence, many people
moved to Canada.
it follows that
Example:   Living conditions were terrible in Europe. It follows that many
people moved to Canada.
if ... then
Example:   If living conditions were better in Europe, then fewer people
would have moved to Canada.
8. Evaluation Paragraph
In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas, and
possible actions. You need to make your evaluation based on certain criteria
that you develop. In the paragraph, you will state your evaluation or
recommendation and then support it by referring to your criteria.
Example:   Write a paragraph evaluating whether pesticides should be used
on farms.
The following words can help you to write a good evaluation paragraph:
Criteria for Evaluation Recommendation
good / bad suggest
correct / incorrect recommend
moral / immoral advise
right / wrong argue
important / trivial

Criteria
good / bad
Example:   The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment.
correct / incorrect
Example:   The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.
moral / immoral
Example:   The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it harms
the environment.
right / wrong
Example:   It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the
environment.
important / trivial
Example:   The issue of pesticides is an important one because it affects the
environment.
Recommendation
suggest
Example:   I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.
recommend
Example:   I recommend that pesticides should not be used because they are
harmful to the environment.
advise
Example:   I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.
argue
Example:   I would argue that pesticides should not be used because they
harm the environment.
Writing a paragraph
Một đoạn văn là một loạt câu phát triển, ủng hộ, chứng minh một ý nào đó,
và ý này thường là câu chủ đề (topic sentence) của đoạn văn. Các câu còn
lại (supporting sentences) phát triển, giải thích, minh họa cho câu chủ đề.
Câu kết luận (concluding sentence) của đoạn văn là câu khẳng định lại câu
chủ điểm, tóm tắt lại các ý chính của đoạn văn.

Page 13
1. Topic sentence
 Introduces the topic in the paragraph
 Is the most general sentence in the paragraph
 Contains controlling ideas that the following sentences in the
paragraph will explain/ define/ clarify/ illustrate
* A controlling idea is a word or phrase that the reader can ask questions
about: How? Why? In what ways? What does that mean?
Ex: The conical leaf hat is one of the typical features of the Vietnamese
culture.
Topic: conical leaf hat
Controlling ideas: What is it? (typical feature of the Vietnamese culture), In
what way is it typical?
2. Supporting sentences
develop the topic sentence by giving:
 reasons
 examples
 facts
 statistics
 quotations
3. Concluding sentence
 Signals the end of the paragraph
 Summarizes the main points of the paragraph/ restates the topic
sentence without copying exactly
 Gives a final comment on the topic
Vậy trước khi viết một đoạn văn, HS hãy theo các bước sau:
 Liệt kê tất cả những ý có thể nghĩ ra được có liên quan đến chủ đề đó.
 Đọc chủ đề cho sẵn, rồi chọn viết một câu chủ đề. Gạch chân câu chủ đề
này để nhắc các em về trọng tâm của đoạn văn.
 Viết ra các ý giải thích và làm rõ câu chủ đề.
 Với mỗi ý lớn, hãy viết ra các ví dụ, số liệu…dùng để minh họa.
 Nghĩ cách kết thúc đoạn văn và viết nó ra.
Sau khi đã làm dàn ý như trên, hãy bắt đầu viết và bám sát dàn ý đã vạch ra.
Để đoạn văn có thể liên kết với nhau và thống nhất trong một mạch chảy
của bài viết, HS phải biết cách sử dụng các từ nối câu cho h ợp lý. Sau đây là
bảng các từ/ cụm từ nối.
Useful expressions
Sequencing/ Listing First of all, First(ly), Initially, To begin
with; Second(ly); Third(ly); Next; Then;
After that (this); Following this (that);
Finally; The first reason is…/ The second
is…; Last but not least…
Adding to what you have said Also, Furthermore, In addition,
Additionally, Moreover, Besides, As well
as, Similarly, not only…but also…, even
beside this/ that
Contrasting In contrast to this, On the contrary, In
contrast, Conversely, On the other hand,
While, Whereas, However, Despite/ In
spite of, Although, Even though,
Otherwise, Nonetheless
Expressing similarity Similarly; Likewise, In the same way
Showing results As a result, As a consequence,
Consequently, Hence, Thus, Therefore,
So
Giving examples For example, For instance, In particular,
Particularly, That is to say, Namely,
Such as
Restating In other words, That is to say, To put it
simply
Inferring In other words, In that case, or else,
Otherwise
Summarizing In summary, To sum up, To conclude, To
recapitulate, In conclusion, In short, In
brief, In a nutshell, Lastly, Finally
Writing an essay
Một bài luận là một bài viết dài hơn và thường gồm nhiều đoạn và mỗi
đoạn văn thường theo cấu trúc đoạn văn trình bày trên. Tuy nhiên, cách
viết đoạn mở đầu (introductory paragraph) và đoạn kết (concluding
paragraph) đặc thù như sau:
1. The introductory paragraph
• The attention getter

Page 15
- a sentence that gets the reader interested
• The main idea
- the topic or thesis of the essay
• The guide/ thesis statement (the last sentence of the introductory
paragraph)
- a list of the points that will be discussed, thus showing the organization of
the composition
Ex: There are many things that symbolize the Vietnamese culture. Among
these is the conical leaf hat, a symbol of traditional Vietnamese girls. The
hat is very special because of its physical features and its use.
- Attention getter: There are many things that symbolize the Vietnamese
culture.
- Topic/ thesis: Among these is the conical leaf hat, a symbol of traditional
Vietnamese girls.
- The guide/ thesis statement: The hat is very special because of its physical
features and its use.
2. Body
Các đoạn tiếp theo sau đoạn mở đầu sẽ phát triển tương ứng các ý được đề
cập trong câu chủ đề của bài luận, và cách viết tuân thủ theo cách viết đoạn
văn đã được đề cập trên. Ví dụ, đối với phần mở bài trên, phần thân bài sẽ
có 2 đoạn: Paragraph 1: physical features & Paragraph 2: its use
3. The concluding paragraph
Là đoạn cuối của bài luận. Thường có 3 cách để viết đoạn kết.
• A summary repeats the main points of the essay.
• A prediction discusses what will happen in the future.
• An evaluation compares the main points and states what is best.
Tóm lại:
Structure of the Paragraph and the Essay
• Main idea (topic sentence or thesis)
• Support for the main idea (a number of supporting details in a paragraph
or a number of paragraphs in an essay)
• Conclusion (summary of the main points of support for the main idea)
The writing process for the Paragraph and the Essay
• First steps
 understanding the assignment
 narrowing the topic
 determining the writing context
 formulating a main idea
• Generating ideas
 stating the main idea
 brainstorming
 freewriting
 listing
 clustering
 diving
• Organizing ideas
 Drafting
 Revising
 Editing

Writing an argumentative essay

Thể loại viết tranh luận thường gặp đối với các vấn đề có 2 mặt, ví dụ như
các ưu và nhược của máy tính/ Internet… Đề bài thường yêu cầu cho biết
quan điểm về vấn đề nào đó; ủng hộ hay chống đối; hoàn toàn đồng ý hay
bất đồng.
Thể loại viết tranh luận cũng theo cấu trúc cơ bản của một bài luận, từ đoạn
mở đầu, các đoạn thân bài, cũng như kết luận. Tuy nhiên, viết một bài
tranh luận thường yêu cầu một kỹ năng viết riêng; đó là ngôn ngữ sử dụng
để tranh luận, chứng minh hay biện giải cho quan điểm đưa ra. Sau đây là
một số ngôn ngữ hữu dụng cần khi viết thể loại này.
1. Introducing arguments
• First of all,…
• On the other hand,…
• It is worth remembering that…
• Another advantage is…
• In addition to this…
• Another point is that…
• What is more,..
• Some people believe that…
• To begin with…
2. Contrasting a previous statement or justifying an opinion

Page 17
a. Common expressions
 On the other hand,…
 In spite of this,…
 It is worth pointing out, however,…
 In contrast,…
 There again,…
 Others feel that…
 Nevertheless/ However? Nonetheless
 That may be true, but…
 In my opinion, it is true to say…
 Personally, I believe/ I do not believe that…
 Having said that, it is important to remember that…
 At the same time, I feel that…
 Although some people feel…
 Perhaps the most important point, however, is…
 Another important consideration is that…
 One of the main arguments against … is…
 Several objections to…may be raised.
 All things considered/ On balance, it is fair to say that…
 It is inevitable/ undeniable that…
 While I appreciate the importance of…, I still think that…
 Most people would argue that…
 On the whole/ Overall,…
 Many people would disagree with the assertion/ idea that…
 The fact that… does not mean…
 It may be true that…but…
 However, it is doubtful/ I doubt whether…
b. Use double negative to give emphasis to an unexpected
 While it is not unusual/ uncommon/ impossible for sb/ sth to do sth, it
is quite usual/ common/ possible that…
 While it is not inconceivable that…, there is slight possibility that…
c. Summarizing
Nên tóm tắt các ý chính vừa thảo luận để giới thiệu phần tranh luận tiếp
theo, nhằm cho người đọc biết mình đang tranh luận theo hướng nào. Có
thể dùng các ngôn ngữ sau:
 Having looked at/ discussed a number of problems/ benefits, we should
now consider…
 Given the problems/ factors which have been outlined, we can now
turn to the question of…/ we need to ask…/ we have to examine the
case.
3. Concluding
 In conclusion,…
 In summary,…
 To conclude/ To sum up/ To summarize,…
 In short,…
 In the last analysis,…
 On balance, I would say that…
Describing a film/ a book/ a place
IV. Describing a film/ book
1. What to write
Khi mô tả một bộ phim/ cuốn sách, HS nên đưa vào các phần sau:
 Title and author
 Type of book/ film
 Characters
 Events in the film/ book
 Your opinion of the film/ book
 Personal recommendation
2. How to write
a. Viết tiêu đề
Tiêu đề phim/ sách thường được gạch dưới hoặc in nghiêng. Từ quan trọng
thường được viết hoa, trong khi các từ chức năng như and, in, a… thường
được viết thường trừ phi chúng là từ đầu tiên của tiêu đề.
Ex: Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands
b. Dùng tính từ để làm cho bài mô tả phim/ sách hấp dẫn
 Type of book/ film: a detective story/ film; a romantic novel; a love
story film; an adventure story; a science fiction novel; a historical novel;
a humorous story; a thriller
 Adjectives to describe film/ book: funny; hilarious; horrifying =
frightening; interesting; gripping; exciting; fascinating; entertaining;
brilliant; realistic; sad; tragic; imaginative; touching = moving; action-

Page 19
 packed; well-written; well-directed; well/beautifully-filmed;
wonderfully-acted…
 Adjectives to describe author/ director: great; skilled; observant; gifted
= talented; perceptive; entertaining…
c. Cấu trúc Giaoandethitienganh.info
 Mô tả: It’s called…; It’s by…; It was (written/ directed/ produced/
published/ designed) by/ in…; It’s by the same (writer/ director) as…;
It’s his/ her first/ second (book/ film); It’s about/ tells the story of…; It
stars…; It’s set in…; It’s based on…; It’s adapted from…; It lasts
about…hour(s); The story is very simple/ complicated.
 Bày tỏ ý kiến cá nhân: The (acting/ story/ graphics) is/ are brilliant/
terrible.; The best/ worst thing(s) about it is/ are…; …..is really boring/
annoying/ exciting.; Another thing I really liked/ hated was…; One
weak point was…; It’s well worth seeing.; I’d recommend it to anyone
who likes…; I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone…..
 Thì V: dùng simple present để mô tả phim/ sách dù là kể lại các sự kiện
xảy ra trong quá khứ.
 Dùng ngữ đồng vị:
Ex: Titanic, a tragic love story film, is about a couple on a sinking ship.
V. Describing a place
1. Outline
 What it is
 Location
 Size
 Population
 Area
 Main attractions
 Your feeling (s)/ opinion(s)
2. Useful language
 What: It is a small/ big village/ town/ city.; It is … in area.; Its total area
is …; It has a population of…
 How: cosmopolitan; crowded; densely-populated; sparsely-populated;
exciting; romantic; charming; historical; industrial; noisy; ugly; modern;
old-fashioned; ancient; peaceful; polluted; popular with tourists…
 Where: It is located/ situated in the west/ southern/ centre of…; It is
near the border with…; It is on the river X.; It is famous for…; It is
about/ approximately … km from…
 Main attractions: an industrial area; beautiful scenery nearby; an
underground system or trams; sandy beaches; docks or a habour;
spectacular views; shopping malls or street markets; a carnival/ festival
or other events
VI. Writing an announcement about a sports event
Writing an announcement cơ bản là viết một bản tin để thông báo một sự
kiện nào đó. Vì thế, ngôn ngữ thông báo thường ngắn gọn, rõ ràng và dễ
hiểu. Thông thường để thu hút sự chú ý của người đọc, các nội dung chính
thường được in đậm, gạch dưới, hoặc viết in hoa.
Tips
 Keep it short, inviting and to the point.
 Making the information in the announcement clear and complete.
 Be straightforward and concise so the reader can get the information
quickly and be able to refer to it easily.
Ngoài ra, các chữ viết tắt đôi lúc cũng sử dụng, mạo từ, giới từ… cũng được
bỏ đi.
HO CHI MINH COMMUNIST YOUTH UNION
In celebration of the International Workers’ Day
Friendly Football Match
Cantho Youth Union vs. Local Sports Club
4 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 201…
School Stadium
*************
All teachers and students are invited.
Nguyen Van A
Head of the Union

Về nội dung, một thông báo về một sự kiện thể thao thường bao gồm các
thông tin sau:
 Who that announcer is.
 What the event is.
 The purpose of the event

Page 21
 When and where the event will take place.
 Who can come.
Ví dụ về một đoạn văn viết bằng tiếng Anh:
Your school organizes a competition for students to write about The world
in which I would like to live in the year 2020.
Below is an essay by one of the studens.
 My ideal world would be a peaceful one. There are no wars or conflicts
between nations. People won't have to live under the threat of terrorism
but all live together in harmony. Everyone has a job to do, and there is a
good healthy standard of living for all. I would also wish to live in a clean
healthy environment with less noise and less pollution. There are more and
larger parks where children can play and wildlife can be protected. But my
main desire is to see people less materialistic, less selfish, less violent and
more loving than they are now. (Trang 89 - 90 SGK Tiếng Anh 12)
Bản dịch tiếng Việt:
Thế giới lý tưởng của tôi là một thế giới hòa bình. (Thế giới đó) Không có
chiến tranh hoặc mâu thuẫn giũa các quốc gia. Người dân sẽ không phải
sống dưới nỗi sợ khủng bố mà tất cả mọi người cùng chung sống hòa thuận.
Ai cũng có công ăn việc làm và mọi người đều có mức sống tốt đẹp. Tôi
cũng muốn sống trong một môi trường trong sạch, lành mạnh có it tiếng ồn
và it bị ô nhiễm. Nhưng khát vọng của tôi là được nhìn thấy mọi người bớt
tôn sùng vật chất, bớt ích kỷ, bớt bạo lực và thương yêu nhau nhiều hơn.)
 Trong đoạn văn trên, câu đầu tiên (My ideal world would be a peaceful
one.) là câu chủ đề, trong đó topic là My ideal world và controlling idea là a
peaceful one (hiểu là a peaceful world)
 Các câu văn còn lại là supporting sentences.
 Tác giả sắp xếp supporting sentences theo trật tự từ chi tiết ít quan trọng
nhất đến quan trọng nhất  
Đề thi bạn có thể gặp: Write about the ideal world in which you would like
to live in the year 2020. (Trang 90 SGK Tiếng Anh 12)
 Như vậy, nếu trong kỳ thi TN THPT 2014, đề bài yêu cầu viết một đoạn
văn, các em cần bình tĩnh thực hiện các bước sau:
 1/ Viết câu chủ đề. (cần triệt để lợi dụng đề bài để viết thành câu chủ đề.)
 2/ Kiểm tra lại câu chủ đề để biết chắc trong câu chủ đề có topic và
controlling idea.
 3/ Tìm ý để chứng minh/diễn giải ý chính bằng cách đặt các câu hỏi mở
đầu bằng từ nghi vấn. Lưu ý: do độ dài của đoạn văn bị khống chế nên các
em chỉ cần đặt khoảng 5 câu hỏi là được. Nhớ rằng các câu hỏi phải liên
quan đến câu chủ đề.
 4/ Ráp các câu trả lời cho các câu hỏi (supporting sentences) lại thành một
đoạn văn hoàn chỉnh. Cần nhớ mấu chốt ở bước này là phải biết chắc mình
đang sử dụng trật tự nào để ráp nối supporting sentences.
 5/ Cân nhắc có nên viết câu kết hay không. Nếu không chắc chắn thì bỏ
qua bước này.
 6/ Kiểm tra lại các lỗi chính tả, lỗi ngữ pháp có thể có trong từng câu viết
của bạn. Lưu ý: cũng như phần viết thư, các em chỉ nên dùng những loại
câu đơn giản như câu đơn, câu kép, câu phức. Nói chung, từ ngữ, cách diễn
đạt càng rõ ràng, càng đơn giản càng tốt.
PRACTICE EXERCISES
Topic 1: writing a letter of job application

Page 23
Topic 2: Writing TOPIC 2 – A MAGAZINE ARTICLE
Page 25
Topic 3: DESCRIBING PLACES OF INTEREST

TOPIC 4 – A REVIEW OF A FILM

Page 27
TOPIC 5 – AN ESSAY ON A GLOBE ISSUE
TOPIC 6 – A STORY DESCRIBING A CRIME

Page 29
TOPIC 7 – A BOOK REVIEW

Page 31
TOPIC 8 – A NARRATIVE TELLING THE STORY OF AN EVENT
TOPIC 9 – PRESENTING OPINION FOR OR AGAINST STATEMENT

Page 33
TOPIC 10 – DISCUSSING A THEORETICAL ISSUE
Page 35
 MORE EXERCISES
Exercise 1:
Imagine you are an American student volunteer, who stayed in Mrs. Mai’s
house during your one-month volunteer campaign in a remote villagw.
Now you have just returned home. Write a letter to thank her for her
special help and care to you and your friends during the time you stayed
there.
OUTLINE YOUR WRITING
1. Paragraph 1 September 12th, 2015
- reason to write New York
- say you really appreciated Dear Mrs. Mai,
1. Paragraph 2

Exercise 2:
Some people think that family is the most important influence on young
adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on
young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and
examples to support your opinion.
 OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 3:
Write a description of the popular celebrations in Vietnam [e.g. Mid-
autumn festival, National Independence Day, Tet Holiday]. Your
description should include the following main points
 Name of the festival
 Time of the festival
 purpose of the festival
 main activities of the festival
 your fellings about the festival {whether you like it or not and the
reasons}
OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Page 37
Exercise 4: describing your prparation for Tet holiday
In 130-150 words, write a paragraph on what you like and don’t like about
out Tet holidays. Your writing hsould include the activities people often do
before and during Tet, the food and the weather at Tet. You may use the
cues below.
Before Tet: clean and decorate the house/buy peach flowers, kumquat trees/
buy things {sweets, candies, ….}
During Tet: cook traditional foods/ go to pagoda or church/ visit relatives
and friends/ ………..
Typical foods: banh chung/ fruit jams/
The weather: cold and wet/ cool and windy/ sunny
 OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Exercise 5: an essay
Write a paragraph of 120-150 words about the measures to protect the
environment, using the cues below:
OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Page 39
Introduction: we/ try to We are trying to find sollutions to the
find sollutions/ environment pollution. There are a number of
environment pollution Solutions but I think people should

Body:
- people/ stopcutting trees
for timbers/ instead, they/
plant more trees and
forests./
- people/ reduce using
cars, motorbike/ that
cause noise and air
pollution./
- we / prevent farmers/
use fertilizers and
pesticides/ that damage
soil./
- people/ not to leave/
litter on land and in
water./
- we/ prohibit factories/
dump industrial waster/
rivers and lakes./

Conclusion:
- it/ be/ high time/
government/ have
suitable measures/ that
require companies,
individuals/ stop cutting Giaoandethitienganh.info
down/ polluting activities.
Exercise 7:
Imagine Vietnam is going to host the coming Asian Games. Write a
paragraph of 130-150 words to desvribe the preparations for the games,
using the cues below.
OUTLINE YOUR WRITING
Build: more national To prepare for the coming Asian Games, we
stadium, some sportd have a lot of things to do.
buildings and cars parks First of all, we will

Build: National Sports

Centres and local
stadiums (old are not in
good condition)

Widen: training ares and

roads to sports buildings

Equip: hotels, guess

houses, with modern
facilities [also special
services for disabled
athletes]

Promote and advertise:

preparations for the Asian
Games on TV and radio

Recruit: voluteers to
serve the Games
[university teachers and
students with good
English]

Page 41
Hold: competition to
choose an official song

Exercise 8:
Write a paragraph of 130-150 words about your collection, real or
imaginary. These guidelines may help you.
OUTLINE YOUR WRITING
Name of collectiom
How to collect them
How to keep them
When to start it
How to clasify them
Why to collect
Your plan for the future
……………………….
Exercise 9:
“Fifty years from now life will be much easier and healthier for ordinary
people than it is today.”
Do you agree or dis agree with the statement. Give the reasons.

OUTLINE YOUR WRITING

Page 43
Exercise 10:
Write a paragraph of 130-150 words about your class’s camping holiday,
real or imaginary, using the information below.
OUTLINE YOUR WRITING
- the bus leaving the
school at 5 a.m.

- putting up the unberella

tents

- watching wildlife in the

forest

- swimming in the lake

- going fishing and hiking

- cooking food over an

open fire Giaoandethitienganh.info

- singing and dancing

around the campfire

- playing games
- leaving the campsite at 4
p.m. the next day

- felling relax and active

* useful words: campgrounds/ wildeness/ waterfalls/ dirt bike/ trash/ gaint

trees/ depressed/ solitude/
* be atracted to the beauty of nature/ like the solitude of the wildeness/
enjoy spectacular scenery/ have a lot of outdoor activities/ get close to
nature/ become more active/ sleep in a tent/ the weather was bad/ ….

Exercise 11:
Below are some notes made by a visitor to the Ponagar Cham Tower in
Nha Trang. Use his/her notes to write a report of 130-150 words on the
visit.
Your outline here Your writing here
1. Brief information:
- Brief tour to Ponagar
Cham Tower in Nha
Trang
- example of Cham
architecture in central
Vietnam

2. Details
- consists of 4 towers
- located on Cu Lao
Marble Hill, 2 km north

Page 45
Nha trang
- built between 8th and
13th centuries
- each tower delicated to
a different god
- largest tower 22.5m
high, built in honour of
Lady Thien Y, contain
sandstone statue, sit on
Buddha’s throne
Statue 2.6m high, with
10 hands, hold objects,
illustrate the buddha’s
power

3. Summary of the visit

- last 5 hours
- tiring but enjoyable,
memorable

Exercise 12:
What rules do you have in your family. Write a paragraph of 180-200
words about your family rules. You can use the cues below.
LET/ ALLOW/ BE ALLOWED/ HAVE TO/ PERMIT
Doing some household chores Talking on the phone
Coming home late Using the family motorbike
Preparing meals Going out with friends
Watching TV ………………………….

Example here Your writing here

Every family has its own Every family has its own rules and of course
rules. Mine has a few. mine has a few. It was the rules that make our
First, I have to prepare
meals because my mother
is very busy with her
work. Next, I am permitted
to watch TV after I have
finished my homework.
My mother also lets me
talk on the phone with
friends provided that I
don’t use it too long. As a
girl, I am not permitted to
come home late except for
some special reasons. My
parents don’t allow me to
use the family motorbike
for fear that I may have
accident. Despite the
severe rules, we all feel
comfortable and safe
because we know that our
parents want the best
things for us.

Exercise 13:
1. Paragraph 1

Page 47
 Your writing here

Giaoandethitienganh.info

2. Paragraph 2

Your writing here

3. Paragraph 3

Your writing here

Page 49
Exercise 14:

Your writing here

Exercise 15:
1. Example

2. Writing task.

Page 51
Example:
My ideal world will be an interesting one. People won’t use money or
credit cards anymore. Special machines will read our fingerprints and we
will pay for thing that way. We will not have to type on computers.
Instead, we will say the words and the computer will type them. Cars will
drive themselves. We will just tell the cars where to go. So kids at my age
will be able to drive. We will have a pet robot dog. I will not have to feed
it, and I will not have to walk it. The dog will only need batteries.
People will live longer, and they will be active longer. People will not get
sick any more. There will be many more treatments to cure sickness.
Your outline here Your writing here
- World peace:
 He/She would like to live
in a peaceful world.
 There will be no wars, no
conflicts.
 People won’t have to live
under the threat of
terrorision.
 People all over the world
live in harmony.
- Employment:
 Every one will have jobs.
- Environment:
 There will be clean and
healthy environment.
 There will be less noise,
less pollution, larger parks
and wildlife will be well
protected.
- People:
 People will be less
materialistic, selfish,
violent and more loving.
Exercise 16:
1. Example
Problems Solutions
1/ People do not know much about a/ Punish severely those who poach for
the need to protect rare and their horns, meat and skin and those who
endangered animals. buy and sell wildlife products illegally.
2/ Projects to save endangered b/ Stop people from hunting endangered
animals do not have sufficient funds. animals for food and for commercial
3/ The habitats for endangered purposes.
animals are being seriously damaged c/ Ask other non-governmental
and polluted. organizations and individuals to sponsor by
4/ People who live in or near advertising them on mass media.
endangered animals’ habitats have d/ Establish more wildlife habitat reserves.
poor living conditions and rely e/ Ask people not to use these products.
mostly on wildlife products for their Make them feel guilty to use them.
livelihood. f/ Preserve good habitats for endangered
5/ Some countries do not have laws species by banning dumping wastes into
to protect endangered animals. the sea, making campfires in the forests or
6/ People keep buying fashionable destroying the forests
wildlife products. g/These animals should be kept together in
7/ There are not enough wildlife their natural habitat so that they can be
habitat reserves. productive and saved from extinction.
Answer: 1b 2c 3f 4a 5g 6e 7d
2. Writing task
Write a paragraph of 180-200 words about measures for protecting
endangerd animals.
Your outline here Your writing here
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS There are a number of measures that should be
- There are a number of taken to protect endangerd animals. For me the
measures that should be main mesures are …………………………
taken to protect
endangered animals. First
of all, ……………
There should be..
One thing we can do is ..
Moreover……
Last but not least, …..
We can see that………

Page 53
Exercise 17: Writing a book report.
1. Example:

Example:
I would like to introduce you “Falling into bed”, a funny story. It was
written by Phil Healey. Last autumn an Englishman went to the United
States to visit some important places. On the last day of his holiday he went
to New York to visit the Empire State Building. The weather was cold and
it was very windy but he walked up… and up ..and up. He arrived at the
top and looked down at the street below. Suddenly there was a strong
wind and he fell off the building. But when he was only a hundred metres
from the street, a big car came round the corner with a bed on top of it . He
hit the bed, not the road. Lucky man !
“Falling into bed” is a strange and interesting story.
2. Writing task:
Write a report of 180-200 words on the book you have read recently. The
folowing questions can help you.

Your outline here Your writing here

S1:general introduction
7. What is the title of the
book? Falling into Bed
4. Who is the author? Phil
Healey
9. What the type of book is
it? A funny story.
S2:Summary of the book’s
content
2. Where is the book set?
Giaoandethitienganh.info
New York
5. What is the main theme
of the book? Urban myths
6. Who are the main
characters? Englishman
8. What is the plot of the
story?
S3:Conclusion
1.What was your opinion
of the book?
3.would you recommend
the book?
Exercise 18:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? “ You shouold
never make a decision on your future career alone.”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words to support your answer.

Your outline here Your writing here

Page 55
Exercise 19:
Write a composition of about 180-200 words on the following topic.
“ The invention of the Internet has had negative effect on our children.”
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 20:
“What are important quanlities of a good student?”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words, using specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.

Your outline here Your writing here

Page 57
Exercise 21:
“Good books are good teachers and friends.”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words, using specific reasons and
examples to support your opinion.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 22:
“In the future students may have the choice of studying at home by using
technology such as computers or television, or of studying at traditional
schools. Which do you prefer?”
Write a composition of about 180-200 words to support your position.

Your outline here Your writing here

Page 59
Exercise 23:
“Some people prefer to live in the countryside. Others thinkliving in big
cities is better and comfortable. Which place do you prefer to live in?”
Write a paragraph of about 180-200 to explain your choice.

Your outline here Your writing here

Exercise 24:
“Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a
group. Others think that it is always better to work in groups. Which do
you prefer?”
Write a paragraph of about 180-200 words to support your position.
Your outline here Your writing here

Giaoandethitienganh.info

Page 61