AN E-MAIL ASKING FOR ADVICE

SALUTATION TAG
Dear friend,

OPENING PARAGRAPH
How are you? Hope everything is going well and I wish things were better for me too but I’m actually
writing to you because I have a problem and I’d really like your advice on the matter.

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
Description of problem/s.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
I was wondering what you would do if you were in the same situation as me. I know that you always
have lots of great ideas. Please write back and let me know what you think I should do. Looking
forward to your reply.

CLOSURE TAG
Kind regards,
FIRST NAME

Dear Celia,

How are you? Hope everything is going well and I wish things were better for me too
but I'm actually writing to you because I have doubts about what to study next year and
I'd really like your advice on the matter.

On the one hand, I would like to study archeology, because as you know, it is what I
have always liked, but the problem is that there is very little work here in Spain. I'm
worried about studying 4 years of a degree and in the end being unemployed.

On the other hand, I could study a degree with more professional opportunities, such as
engineering, although I would not know which one to choose either, because there is
none that really fascinates me, but this way I could have economic stability.

I was wondering what you would do if you were in the same situation as me. I know
that you always have lots of great ideas. Please, write back and let me know what you
think I should do.

Love,
Silvia xxx
by Silvia Avilés
AN ARTICLE
TITLE

INTRODUCTION
- ASK ONE RHETORIC QUESTION connected to the title. Answer it. e.g: If you ask me, I would
say that…
- Explain things. e.g: It goes without saying that…

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
- 1st idea (connected to the rhetoric question) + example
For one thing, it is a well-known fact that … Let me illustrate this point.
- 2nd idea (connected to the rhetoric question) + example.
Besides,… / In addition,… / What is more,… / Furthermore,…
- 3rd idea (connected to the rhetoric question) + example.
Last but not least,…

CONCLUSION
To sum up,…

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Write an article on the most popular leisure-
time activity nowadays.
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
Let's Go to the Gym
Do you go to the gym when you are free? Perhaps it isn't your favourite activity but I
am sure that nowadays many people spend their spare time at a gym. You only have to
look in the street, everyday a new gymnasium is open.

For one thing, it's fashionable. Why so? Because nowadays everybody wants to have an
incredible body and big muscles. People look well in this kind of bodies, so they go to
the gym and do intense exercise.

Besides, it's healthy. People not only go to the gym to look well or to have a 'perfect
body'. Others prefer going because doing exercise is one of the things you have to do to
be a healthy person. It isn't necessary to go to the gym everyday, you can train three
days per week and eat a healthy diet.

In conclusion, going to the gym is one of the hobbies that people do the most. We can
say that having a healthy life is fashionable and that's good because people who have
never done exercise, maybe they will jump on the bandwagon and decide to sign up at
the nearest gymnasium.
by Rocío Calero redondo

AN E-MAIL OF ENQUIRY
SALUTATION TAG
a) Dear Sir/Madam
b) Dear Mr/Ms (+ surname)

OPENING PARAGRAPH – Reason for writing

I am writing this email to request information about… I saw your advert on (www.website.com) on
(date)
CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS (The questions you have)

First of all, I would like to know… if they have any vacancies, if there are parking spaces available, if
credit cards are accepted, what the times are for the check-in and the check-out, what the deadline is
for free cancellation if available… You can also mention how many of you are travelling, on what
dates, what time you expect to check in on arrival and if you need any specific requirements.

Besides, I was also wondering… if breakfast is served, if barbecues are permitted, if they have cots for
babies, if pets are allowed…

Finally, I would be grateful if you could send me information about… transport services / facilities /
convenience stores… nearby interesting sights / spots to visit recommendable restaurants / cafés to go
to

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

CLOSURE TAG
a) Yours Faithfully,
b) Yours Sincerely,
NAME + SURNAME

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) You are planning to spend your next holidays in
Dublin and do an English course while you are there. A friend of yours has told you
about Grafton Academy. Write an e-mail of enquiry to the academy. Include:
- When and why you want to go and ask what courses they are offering
- Explain the kind of accommodation you want
- Ask them about extra activities and other relevant information
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this email to request information about your English academy. I am going
to spend my holidays in Dublin from 1st to 20th July and I would like to know what
kind of courses you are offering on those dates. I am a 42-years-old man from Madrid
and I would like to improve my communication skills.

First of all, I would like to know the timetables, the number of students in each group,
the deadline to make the registration and also the prices. In addition, I would like to
know if I could pay by credit card and if euros are accepted.

Besides, I was wondering if there is any apartment for rent near the academy. I am
looking for a small one or perhaps B&B accommodation in order to practise my
speaking with local people.

Finally, I would be grateful if you could send me information about public transport and
the best way to get there from the airport. I would also appreciate it if you could
recommend me any interesting places to visit during my holidays.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,
David Silgado
by David Silgado Herranz

AN EMAIL GIVING ADVICE

SALUTATION TAG (Dear friend,)

OPENING PARAGRAPH
I just got your letter and I think I can help you. It’s great news you have finally decided to tackle the
problem. Here’s what I think you should do.

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS

Firstly, the best advice I can give you is to… (TIP 1) For instance,… (EXPLANATION)
If you do this… (RESULT)

Secondly, what you should do is to… (TIP 2) Let me give you an example. … (EXPLANATION)
That way… (RESULT)

Finally, if I were you, I would… (TIP 3) In other words,… (EXPLANATION)

This would mean that… (RESULT)

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
I hope my advice helps. Write back and let me know what happens.

CLOSURE TAG (Best wishes,)

FIRST NAME

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) You have a friend who lives in Boston and has
emailed you to ask for some advice on losing weight. Answer the email and include:
- How to eat healthily
- Exercise tips
- Small lifestyle changes that could also help
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
Dear friend,

I just got your letter and I'm very glad that you asked me some tips to lose weight. I can
understand how difficult it's for you but I think that I'm going to be able to help you.
Here's what I think you should do.

Firstly, the very best advice I can give you is to change the food you eat, for example, if
you usually eat chocolate after lunch or dinner you could change it for a cup of tea. If
you do this, you will be thinner faster.

Secondly, if I were in your position, I would go walking everywhere and not by car. For
instance, when I have to go to my English classes, I usually go walking instead of
taking the bus. That way, you will move your body and also burn some calories.

Finally, what you should do is try to do some exercise. You can do it where you prefer,
at the gym or outdoors, for example, you can go running, go for a walk, do spinning or
even zumba. this would mean that you have to sweat because it's the very best form to
lose weight.

I hope these tips will help you and remember eating better and doing more exercise
make you thinner, so don't give up! I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress,
so write back and let me know what happens with your weight.

Best wishes,
Ana
by Ana Baquera Labanda

A LETTER OF APPLICATION FOR A JOB

(a covering letter)
SALUTATION TAG
a) Dear Sir/Madam
b) Dear Mr/Ms…

OPENING PARAGRAPH
I am writing with regard to the position of … which I saw advertised in (newspaper) / on (website)…

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
- Regarding my qualifications,... (studies, languages, IT skills and driving licence.)
- As for my work experience,...
- As regards my qualities and skills, I believe to be suitable for this job because…

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
I enclose my CV for your consideration and I am available to attend an interview at any time
convenient to you. I look forward to hearing from you.

CLOSURE TAG
a) Yours Faithfully,
b) Yours Sincerely,
SIGNATURE
FULL NAME (name + surname)

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) You are searching for a job in Britain and a
recent advertisement in an English newspaper caught your eye. Write a covering letter
including the following:
- Relevant qualifications
- Previous work experience
- Why you think you are suitable for the post
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing with reference to the advertisement which I saw published in the Daily
Telegraph last Monday. I am interested in applying for the position of hotel receptionist.

Regarding my qualifications, I have a tourism certificate which I finished in 2017. I

have a level B1 of English and currently I am studying for obtaining a level B2. In
relation to my IT skills, I have attended several courses on Office such as on Excell and
Word and I have notions of web design.
As for my work experience, I have been working as a trainee for three months in the
hotel where I did my internship.

As regards my qualities and skills, I believe to be suitable for this job because I consider
myself to be hard-working, responsible and loyal. Beisdes, I am a person who enjoys
travelling and I like to live new experiences, so I would not mind if I had to work in any
other of your hotels.

I enclose my CV and my certificates and I would be grateful if you would consider my

application. I am available for an interview to discuss any matter that you may consider.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,
Noelia Romo
by Noelia Romo Pérez

A STORY
(an account of an experience)
TITLE

OPENING PARAGRAPH
TIME & PLACE SETTING
PEOPLE INVOLVED

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
PLOT (STORYLINE)
- INITIAL EVENTS
- CRUCIAL EVENTS
- RESOLUTION (In the end, it turned out that…)

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
people’s feelings, final comments and reactions or…
A TWIST (a surprising ending)

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 minutes) You have decided to take part in a

competition for which you have to narrate the most dangerous thing you have ever done
in your life. Write your story making sure you include:
- A description of the setting and people involved
- The course of events
- Your feelings
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
The Riskiest Experience of my Life
Surely, the riskiest experience I have had is the day I went canyoneering. This happened
three years ago and I can still remember how nervous I was.

I was in Asturias with my boyfriend on our summer holidays when one day we decided
to go canyoneering because we thought that the views inside the mountains would be
incredible and it would also be a great experience.

As soon as I got into the car, I started to feel really nervous and a little scared. The
instructor told me that although this sport was a bit dangerous I didn't have to worry
about this because the descent was safe.

When I entered the water for the first time I felt the freezing water on my face and on
my hands. I was swimming when suddenly I started to slide through the canyon. I still
remember how much fun it was and how my heart was beating very fast.

When the activity ended, I felt a little sad as I had enjoyed it as if I were a child playing
for the first time in a park.

All in all, I felt really proud of myself since I had been able to reach my goal.
by Verónica Granado

A FILM OR BOOK REVIEW

TITLE

OPENING PARAGRAPH (BACKGROUND INFORMATION)

- The film/book is entitled… (title)
- It was directed/written by…
- Regarding its genre, it could be classified as…
- As for its setting, it is located…(+place) and it takes place… (+time)

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
- The plot deals with… (Story in the Present Tense BUT NOT THE ENDING!!!)
- The plot is entertaining / exciting / gripping…
- The film cast / the book characters are superb / outstanding…
- The film script / The book style is moving / touching…
- The ending is predictable / unpredictable / very clever / disappointing…

CLOSING PARAGRAPH (RECOMMENDATION)

- I highly recommend it.
- It will keep you hooked until the end.
- Do not miss it. It is well worth + seeing/watching/reading
- It is truly entertaining.

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Write a review about a film you have recently
seen. Include:
- The plot of the film
- The cast
- The reasons why you recommend it
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
Champions
The film in entitled 'Champions' and was directed by Javier Fesser. Regarding its genre,
it could be classified as a tragic comedy. As for its setting, it is located in Madrid and it
takes place nowadays.

The plot deals with Marco who is a basketball trainer at one of the top teams in Spain.
He is stressed out at work because he is going through some difficulties with his wife at
home, so he gets fired. Later, he has a traffic accident while he is driving drunk. Marco
should choose between jail or training a non-professional basketball team.

This team is really special because their players are people with some intellectual
disabilities. At first, he is irritated because he is not keen on carrying out his community
service, however in the end he gets involved and creates strong bonds with the players.

The plot is gripping from beginning to end. It is full of touching moments regarding the
relationship with both his wife and the players. It is a story full of tenderness and
humour.

I strongly recommend this film. The cast acting is outstanding adn the film reminds us
to include on hundred percent of people because everybody has something to offer us.
by Ana Belén Delgado Simón

A 'FOR & AGAINST' ESSAY

(a discussion essay / a 'taking sides' essay)
TITLE

INTRODUCTION - MENTION THE TOPIC NOT YOUR OPINION!!!!!! –

It is a well-known fact that… Let us consider the pros and cons of such an issue.

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS

AN ESSAY FOR
AN ESSAY AGAINST
The main positive aspect
The main negative aspect
An additional benefit / upside /
An additional drawback / handicap /
bonus
downside

(A minor advantage) Opponents to

(A minor disadvantage) Opponents
this view may argue that… but I
to this view may argue that… but I
believe that the disadvantages
believe that the advantages outweigh
outweigh the advantages.
the disadvantages.

CONCLUSION
OPINION: All things considered, it may be concluded that…

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Write a 'for and against essay' about the pros
and cons of taking risks in life.
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking Risks
It is a well-known fact that those who don't take risks, don't win. Let us consider the
pros and cons of taking risks.
Firstly, the main positive aspect of taking risks is the amazing feeling and self-
satisfaction that produces to get something when you have worked hard, and when you
know that there are 50 per cent of possibilities to achieve it and 50 per cent of not doing
so. For instance, climbing a mountain; you know it is hard, risky but with good training,
you may reach the top or at least you may arrive half way.

Secondly, an additional benefit is the satisfaction of trying. Besides, working on

something you believe in can give you or can educate you to have a strong personality,
and to be a self-confident person.

However, opponents to this view may argue that when you take a risk, you can also lose
or fail but, even so, this is a good way of learning in life too.

All things considered, taking risks is the best way of learning how t deal with life.
by Julia Fraile Bonilla

AN E-MAIL OF COMPLAINT
SALUTATION TAG (To Whom It May Concern,)

OPENING PARAGRAPH
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
(what happened? Where? When?)

PARAGRAPH 2
What was the main problem? Give details.
Who did you complain to?
Why aren’t you happy with the result?

PARAGRAPH 3
As if that was not bad enough, … (an additional problem)

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
The purpose of your letter (What you want to happen now).
I believe that I am entitled to a replacement / a refund / compensation / an apology.
I hope that this matter can be solved quickly and I am not forced to take further
action.

CLOSURE TAG (Yours Faithfully,)

NAME+ SURNAME

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Write an email of complaint to a shop about a

faulty product you bought. Include:
- Reasons why you are disatisfied with the product
- Problems you have had to return the problem so far
- What you would like the shop to do (e.g. give you a refund, some compensation...)
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the purchase of a laptop at "Electronic

Devices" last Monday.

First of all, the model that you advertise on TV was not available, so the shop assistant
recommended me another one with similar characteristics and I agreed to buy it.
However, when I arrived home, I realized that it did not have the battery inside the box.

Furthermore, the guarantee only lasts six months, instead of two years like the shop
assistant told me.

To make matters worse, he charged me the price of the laptop twice on my credit card
and he did not do anything to solve the problem, he only told me that I had to speak to
the sales department to get my money back.

As you can imagine, I am extremely upset. I believe that I am entitled to a refund, in

addition to some compensation for the time I had to spend to solve the incident.

I hope that we can reach an agreement on this matter, otherwise I shall be forced to take
further action.

Yours faithfully,
David Silgado
by David Silgado Herranz

AN OPINION ESSAY
TITLE

INTRODUCTION
TOPIC + YOUR OPINION
e.g.: Nowadays...(topic). As far as I am concerned, …(your opinion)

PARAGRAPH 2
STRONG REASON 1 + EXPLANATION + EXAMPLE
e.g.: First of all, …. For instance, ...

PARAGRAPH 3
STRONG REASON 2 + EXPLANATION + EXAMPLE
e.g.: Furthermore, …. For instance, ...

PARAGRAPH 4
THE OPPOSITE POINT OF VIEW (WEAK)
e.g.: On the other hand, it could be argued that..(opposite point of view)..
I see this point, however, I firmly believe that...(repeat your opinion)

CONCLUSION
Repeat your opinion again using different words.
e.g.: To sum up, personally speaking I believe that ...
HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Obesity is becoming a serious problem among
children. Write an opinion essay to raise awareness on this problem. Include:
- The link between children’s bad eating habits and obesity
- The connection between children’s sedentary lives and obesity
- Reasons why nothing is being done to tackle the problem
Please, don’t use the dictionary.
Childhood Obesity Nowadays
Nowadays we can see that there are more and more children with obesity in our country.
As far as I am concerned, I believe our sedentary lifestyle and junk food are the main
problems.

First of all, children do less exercise and they go less to the park because they prefer
going home to play videogames. For instance, I can see when the day ends at school,
pupils do not go to the nearest park, they go home to be in front of their computer or
mobile screen.

Furthermore, the diet they follow is getting worse; they barely eat fruit and vegetables
because they prefer eating hamburgers and pizza. For instance, in shopping centres I can
see that children are always in junk food restaurants and never in a restaurant with
salads or this kind of food.

On the other hand, it could be argued that our country is not the worst. I see this point,
however, I firmly believe that if we do not put a solution to this problem, we can be the
first on the list in a near future.

To sum up, personally speaking I believe that we have to change our eating habits at
home and school to teach children that we have to follow a balanced diet.
by Rocío Calero Redondo

AN ESSAY PROVIDING SOLUTIONS TO

PROBLEMS
TITLE (How to…)

INTRODUCTION

ONE RHETORIC QUESTION + ANSWER:

(e.g.: Are our cities a safe place to live?) Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like it.
PROBLEM: It is a well-known fact that (problem) is a growing matter of concern nowadays. We
need to do something fast before it is too late.

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS

Suggestion nº1 + result

Firstly, measures should be taken in order to tackle the problem. (…)This would mean that...

Suggestion nº2 + result

Another useful suggestion would be… (…). As a result,…

Suggestion nº 3 + result
Besides, a further solution would be… (…). This would lead to…

CONCLUSION
All in all, there are many ways to make our world a better place. We all need to do whatever we can. As
Malcolm Bradbury said ‘If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.’

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Write an essay entitled ‘How can we make our
planet a safer place for endangered species?’. Please, don’t use the dictionary.
How to Protect Endangered Species
It is a well-known fact that extinction of endangered species is a growing matter of
concern nowadays. We need to do something fast before it is too late.

Firstly, measures should be taken in order to tackle the problem. Animals are used to
living in a specific habitat and pollution can provoke the destruction of their living
space. However, people can take care of the enviroment and avoid contamination, if
they do not throw waste away outdoors and recycle.

Another useful suggestion would be to supervise poaching not only because there is an
excessive number of illegal catches, but also because it is carried out in periods when it
is very harmful to do so. In this respect, stricter laws should punish trafficking with wild
animals. In addition, governments should commit to prevent the sale of goods made of
protected animals.

Besides, a further solution would be to promote plans for captive breeding. This could
lead to raising enough population of specific species so it could be possible to
reintroduce such species in those areas where they used to live in freedom.

Last but not least, we can all get involved in protection of endangered species just by
taking small steps, for instance, educating your family in ecosystems or reducing your
footprint. You should remember it is in our hands to reverse this problem.
by Ana Belén Delgado Simón

AN ARTICLE GIVING ADVICE

HOW TO...

INTRODUCTION (TOPIC)
It goes without saying that …(topic)… is not easy. That is the reason why many people often wonder
how… (+ indirect question). As a matter of fact, there are many possible answers. Here are just a few
tips that may help.

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS (ADVICE)

Tip nº1 + example + result To start with, the best advice I can give you is (…). For instance, … . This
would mean that...

Tip nº2 + example + result In addition to this, what you should do is… (…). For example, … . As a
result,…

Tip nº 3 + example + result Last but not least, if I were in your position, I would… (…). For instance,
… . If you do this, you will…
CONCLUSION (OPINION)
In a nutshell, if you want to… (topic), you should…(general piece of advice). If you do this, you will
see that little by little, you will achieve the results you wished for.

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Write an article on making the most of living in
a big city like Madrid. Please, don’t use the dictionary.
How to Make the Most of Living in Madrid
It goes without saying that living in a big city like Madrid is not easy. That is the reason
why many people often wonder how they can make the most of living here. There are
many possible answers. Here are just a few.

To start with, the best advice I can give you is to explore the city. Madrid is huge, and
there is always a new place to know and new people to meet. For instance, you can visit
neighbourhoods in the city centre which have plenty of stores, cafés and bars.

In addition to this, what you should do is to visit different museums, theatres and
monuments. For instance, the Royal Palace or Debod Temple are wonderful.

Last but not least, if I were in your position, I would use public transport. Madrid
has good public transport and this is the best way to make the most of living in a big
city. Traffic and parking problems can change a wonderful city into a nightmare.

In a nutshell, if you want to make the most of living in a big city like Madrid, you
should enjoy all the possibilities that in a small city you will not find.
by Estela García

A REPORT
REPORT ON...

AIM
PURPOSE: The main objective of this report is to evaluate the present state of…in order to identify
potential areas of improvement and make recommendations for new budget investment.

OBSERVATIONS

Current strengths (+)

Existing deficiencies & potential risks (-) Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that…

RECOMMENDATIONS
In the light of the results, the following course of action is suggested.

HOMEWORK: (180 words – 50 mins) Write a report about a local festivity in your
city. Please, don’t use the dictionary.
REPORT ON THE FESTIVITY OF SAN ISIDRO (MADRID)
AIM

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the festival of San Isidro in Madrid, to describe
its events, to comment on the main characteristics of each one and to make
recommendations which permit English tourists to choose this holiday destination.
OBSERVATIONS

The festivity is more than two hundred years old and it was described by Goya and by
the novelist Pérez Galdós. It is usually celebrated during the second or third week in
May.

There are activites. For instance, we can attend a street parade with giant figures, and
there are also concerts, steel bands and fireworks. We can visit the pottery fair and taste
the delicious local food, such as the traditional 'cocido madrileño', which is a chick pea
stew.

The festival is a change to discover some of the most authentic customs of Madrid, like
seeing the inhabitants dress up in the typical 'goyesco' costumes, dance the 'chotis' and
taste the 'rosquillas'. Besides, in the afternoon there is bullfighting featured by the
world's best matadors.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To wrap up, the festival is highly advisable. It is the clear evidence that this city remains
faithful to its traditional roots. The best of all is that most of these activities are
completely free.

I can confirm that this festival is an unforgettable experience.

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