I.

Comparison and contrast

Begin with an opening linking phrase:
Well obviously... Well undoubtedly...
Well clearly... Well unmistakably...
Sure, without a doubt... Unquestionably...
Now say that there are some differences:
There are a number of underlying differences here.
There are a variety of possible differences here.
There are a range of potential distinctions here.
Now introduce the first difference:
However, I guess that the most significant would be that...
Though I suppose that the most obvious would be that...
But I would say the most fundamental would be that...

“Do men and women like the same hobbies?”

“Well obviously, there are a number of clear differences. However, I guess that the most significant
would be that men tend to prefer sporting activities such as football or basketball. Whereas, in
contrast women prefer things like shopping for clothes. In addition to this, another possible
distinction might be that men usually like watching films; while on the other hand, women are more
likely to prefer watching soap operas on TV.”

Begin with a linking word:

In addition... On top of this...
Additionally... Moreover...
As well as this... After that...
Say there is another important difference.
...a second key distinction would be that...
...a subsequent contrast could be that...
...a further distinction might be that...
Now use your second comparative linking structure.
While on the other hand...
Conversely...
Alternatively...
Then again, in opposition...
Then give a sentence to describe the second part of the second difference. You only need to describe
two

II. Predicting
Look at the following question: “What will houses be like in the future?”
“Certainly, I’m sure that most people would agree that there will be a number of major changes
related to this. Initially, I guess that we might begin to see houses are much bigger. At the same time,
I suppose it’s quite probable that we may have houses under the sea. And who knows, it could even
be possible that we’ll see the arrival of houses on the moon.”
The answer lists 3 different predictions and each prediction is presented with a future structure:
...I guess that we might begin to see...
...I suppose it’s quite probable that we may have...
... who knows, it could even be possible that we’ll see...
Now you will build your own “predicting answer structure”. Begin with phrase:
- Certainly, I’m sure that most people would agree that there will be a number of changes related to
……...
- I’m sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to ………
- I reckon that in the not so distant future there are going to be a few imminent changes with regard
to...
- I imagine that in the near future, we will witness some major changes with regard to …………..
Introduce your first prediction.
Initially, I guess that we might begin to see...
To begin with, I’d predict that we will most likely have...
Primarily, it looks quite probable that we are going to have...
First of all, I would envisage that we are going to have...
Now introduce your second prediction.
- At the same time, I suppose it’s quite probable that we may have...
- As well as this, some people claim that we will probably start to see...
- On top of this, I imagine it’s quite likely that we will soon have...
- Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to see...
Now introduce your second prediction.
- At the same time, I suppose it’s quite probable that we may have...
- As well as this, some people claim that we will probably start to see...
- On top of this, I imagine it’s quite likely that we will soon have...
- Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to see...

Why do so many people want to be famous?”

“In my opinion I guess I would have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved.
Primarily, one key motivation would be because they think they would be able to make more money.
As well as this a subsequent incentive might be because they want to live in a big house and drive an
expensive car.”
Now build your own “why” structure. Begin with a linking phrase:
- Well in my opinion I guess I would have to say that...
- Well in my view, I suppose I would say that...
- Well in my estimation, I guess that...
- Well generally it’s my belief that...
Now use a structure to say that “there are many reasons”.
-There are probably a number of factors involved.
-There are obviously a number of motives surrounding this idea.
-There are unquestionably a number of explanations for this.
-There are undoubtedly a variety of justifications behind this.
Now introduce the first reason:
The chief cause might be that...
The main basis is probably because...
The key explanation is possibly because...
Introduce the second reason:
 As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because...
At the same time, a secondary motive could be that...
Additionally, a further rationale might be due to the fact that...

III. Advantages: What are the advantages of travelling by train?”

“Well I suppose that there are quite a few clear benefits, but I would probably say that for the most
part, the one thing that really stands out is that trains are really cheap, especially for long distance
travel – you can travel from one Province of Vietnam to the other for a less than 100 VND.
I guess that another obvious plus point is that it is much faster than traveling by road – so you can
save time by traveling on trains. Along with this, a further merit is that you can sleep quite
comfortably on long train journeys.”
Now create your own “advantages” structure.
(You will build a structure that develops each advantage.)
Begin with an opening linking phrase that explains that “there are many advantages”.
- Well I suppose that there are quite a few clear benefits.
- Clearly there are a number of obvious merits.
- Sure there are a few favourable aspects.
- Obviously there are a number of positive features.
Now highlight the most obvious:
- But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands out is that...
- But it goes without saying that the most apparent would be that...
- Although I guess that the most visible would be that...
- However, I guess that the most evident would be that...
Add reasons which describe the
advantage: “...trains are really cheap...”
Now develop this advantage with one of the following structures:
- This is obviously favourable because...
- This is undoubtedly positive for the simple reason that...
- This is without doubt beneficial because...
Add reasons which describe the
advantage: “...trains are really cheap...”
Now develop this advantage with one of the following structures:
- This is obviously favourable because...
- This is undoubtedly positive for the simple reason that...
- This is without doubt beneficial because...

IV. Disadvantages: Introduce something in general:

- I think it’s fair to say that there are a few negative aspects.
- I’m sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
- Of cause there are a couple of shortcomings.
Now introduce your main disadvantage:
- I guess the most impractical characteristic would be that...
- I suppose the most unfavourable quality might be that...
- Unquestionably, the most adverse feature would be that...
Introduce something in general:
- I think it’s fair to say that there are a few negative aspects.
 - I’m sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
- Of cause there are a couple of shortcomings.
Now introduce your main disadvantage:
- I guess the most impractical characteristic would be that...
- I suppose the most unfavourable quality might be that...
- Unquestionably, the most adverse feature would be that...
Now describe your second disadvantage.
- Correspondingly, an additional weak point may be that...
- Supplementary to this, a further handicap may be that...
- At the same time, another stumbling block might be that...
Add a reason and develop it with one of the following structures:
- And the trouble with this is that...
- And this can be a hassle because...
- This is usually an aggravation because...
“What are the disadvantages of train travel?”
“I think it’s fair to say that there are a few negative aspects. I suppose the most unfavourable quality
might be that trains are often overcrowded at certain times of year. This is a clear limitation because
on a long journey you might not be able to find a seat which means you have to stand up for hours.
At the same time, another stumbling block might be that train tickets are sometimes difficult to buy,
especially around Spring Festival,
and this can be a hassle because it means you can’t always travel on the actual say that you want to.”

IV. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Begin with an opening linking phrase to explain that there are problems:
- Obviously we can say there are quite a lot of dangers with regard to this issue.
- It’s universally accepted that there are a few hazards involved with...
- This issue is weighed down with a few problems.
Now highlight your main problem:
- At the outset, the most crucial predicament is that...
- First and foremost, one major worry is probably that...
- Essentially, one fundamental concern is probably that...
Add a simple statement and develop it with one of the following structures:
- This is clearly alarming because...
- This fact is unmistakably perturbing because...
- This needs to be seen as a sensitive matter because...
Now introduce your second problem with one of the following linking phrases:
- Additionally, another major cause for concern has to be the fact that...
- Equally worrying is the suggestion that...
- Another matter which causes unease is the point that...
- Add a simple statement and develop it with one of following:
- And the short-term and / or long-term implications of this are that...
- And the underlying repercussions of this are that...
- And the principal upshot of this is probably that...
What problems are caused by the increase in use of private cars?”
It’s universally accepted that there a few hazards involved with the increase in the use of private
cars. Essentially, one fundamental concern is probably that it leads to an increase in pollution. This
fact is unmistakably perturbing because we are facing huge global pollution problems at the
moment. Additionally, another major cause for concern has to be the fact that cars consume huge
amounts of our energy resources. And the underlying repercussions of this are that we will soon be
confronted with a global energy crisis.”

DISCUSSION
Expressing your opinions:
- In my point of view - Personally, I think …………..
- Well, from my point of view - My impression is that ………………
- To my mind, - I suppose ……………………………..
- It seems to me that ………….

Expressing your opinions:

- In my point of view
- Well, from my point of view
- To my mind,
- It seems to me that ………….
- Personally, I think …………..
- My impression is that …………………………
- I suppose ……………………………..