Writing task

 

Task

Your class has recently taken part in a debate on ways individual citizens can reduce their carbon footprints in order to combat climate change. Below are three of the methods discussed and some quotes from people who took part in the debate.

• Changing our diets and eating habits 
• Changing travel habits
• Changing our shopping habits

Comments:

“Going vegetarian or vegan would be so hard for me, I couldn’t live without meat or cheese!”

“Airplanes and cars pollute so much, I cycle to work and try not to fly too often.”

“Fast fashion is terrible for the planet, people buy cheap clothes and sometimes don’t even wear them!”

Write an essay discussing and including at least two of the ideas in your notes. You should explain which method you think is most realistic for most people and give reasons to support your argument. You may make use of the opinions expressed in the debate but you should use your own words. Write your essay in 150 words considering the organisation of contents and the use of linking words.

Writing- Environmental issues

LINKERS/CONNECTORS PRACTICE: 

https://www.liveworksheets.com/worksheet/en/english-second-language-esl/445415

PARAGRAPH 1

·         Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement.

PARAGRAPH 2

·         Give a reason to support your opinion.

PARAGRAPH 3

·         Give a second reason to support your opinion.

PARAGRAPH 4

·         Summarize your ideas and repeat your opinion using different words.

BASIC DOS IN WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY

Introduce each paragraph with a topic sentence, outlining the main ideas.

Do not write about advantages or disadvantages or points for or against.

Write in formal style.

BASIC DON’TS IN WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY

Don’t use colloquial expressions.

Don’t use short forms.

Don’t use emotive vocabulary.

Don’t give personal examples.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

In my opinion, ….  

Personally, I think/ I believe (that)…

I strongly believe that….

It is clear (to me) that…

I feel very strongly that…

I (completely) agree/disagree with …

It seems to me that…

As I see it, …

To my mind….

In my view,…

From my point of view, ….

As far I am concerned, …

I am sure/ convinced that …

I (dis)agree with the statement, because …

GIVING REASONS

My main reason is….

Another reason is…

One reason for… is ….

Many people say/ believe that…

Because…

Since…

Because of/ due to…

EXPRESSING FACTS

It is widely known that…

It is a well-known fact that …

Research has shown that…

There are definitely…

It is a fact that…

It is clear/ true that…

For example/ for instance,...

 

ADDING IDEAS

What is more,…

Moreover/ furthermore/ in addition (to)

Apart from (that)…

Firstly,…

First of all,…

Secondly,..

Thirdly,…

Lastly,…

Finally,…

EXPRESSING CONTRAST (LINKERS OF CONTRAST)

ALTHOUGH 

Although I was feeling depressed, I went to the party.

DESPITE

Despite the rain, I went to the party.

Despite feeling depressed, I went to the party.

IN SPITE OF 

In spite of the rain, I went to the party.

In spite of feeling depressed, I went to the party.

EVEN IF 

I will go to the party, even if I feel depressed.

WHEREAS 

Adults can make their own decisions, whereas teenagers have to do what other people tell them.

HOWEVER 

Mike is a very good singer. However, he can’t play any instruments.

IN CONTRAST

BUT 

Their music is very good. But, their lyrics are not very interesting.

ON THE ONE HAND….. ON THE OTHER HAND 

On the one hand, they are extremely rich. But on the other hand, they have lots of debts.

EXPRESSING PURPOSE (LINKERS OF PURPOSE)

We use linkers of purpose to introduce reasons:

SO (THAT) 

I have brought a microphone so that the audience will be able to hear us.

IN ORDER TO

We need to register with the council in order to vote.

TO 

I am phoning to ask information about the event.

SO AS TO

We all need to vote so as to express our opinions.

 

CONCLUDING THE ESSAY

TO SUM UP,…

TO CONCLUDE...

IN CONCLUSION,…

IT IS CLEAR THAT…

IN SHORT

ON THE WHOLE

ALL IN ALL,…

 

ThingLink of an example of writing

 Writing topics:

1. Should electric scooters and bikes be allowed on the pavement?
2. Humans are responsible for global climate change. Do you agree?
3. Should animals be used for scientific testing and trials

Global warming

Gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun

This causes global temperatures to rise

This process is known as the greenhouse effect

Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse gases

Factories and vehicles produce emissions and exhaust fumes

Many developing countries are becoming industrialized

The number of cars on our streets is growing

Cheap air travel is allowing more people to fly

Effects of Global Warming

Global warming will have a significant impact on our planet

Rising temperature will cause melting of the polar ice caps

Sea levels will rise

We can expect more extreme weather conditions

Flooding and droughts may become more common

Impacts of humans on the environment

The increasing world population is putting pressure on natural resources

Fossil fuels like oil and gas are running out

We are destroying wildlife habitats

We have cut down enormous areas of rainforest

This has led to the extinction of many species of animals and plants

Solutions to environment problems

Governments could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories

They should invest in renewable energy from solar, wind or water power

They could impose “green taxes” on drivers and airlines companies

Government campaigns should promote recycling

Natural areas and wild animals should be protected

Individuals should also try to be greener

We should take fewer flights abroad for holidays

We should take public transport rather than driving

We should choose products with less packaging

We should recycle as much as possible

Waste/rubbish

The amount of waster we produce has increased

This problem is a result of our consumer culture

Products are not made to last

If something breaks, we throw it way and buy a new one

Advertisers encourage is to buy the newest fashions

Packaging is an important part of selling

Most foods are sold in non-biodegradable plastics packaging

The amount of household waste is growing

This waste ends up in landfill sites

Litter

People do not think about the consequences of dropping rubbish

They assume that somebody is pad to clean the streest

Plastic packaging does not break down easily

Most of the litter seen on streets is fast food packaging

Recycling and other solutions

Companies should make goods that last longer

They should not use so much packaging

Governments should be stricter, about waster produced by companies

They should put legal limits on packaging

Consumers should avoid buying over-packaged products

We should recycle and reuse useful materials.

There are collection banks for glass, paper and plastic bottles

Households can use several rubbish bins to separate waste

Recycling saves energy and raw materials.

https://www.examenesdepau.com/files/criterios/bGipMc/

TED talks. Oral and written mediation

TED TALKS. PREPARED FOR YOUR OWN STORY-TELLING

TED, in case you haven’t heard, is an organization designed to spread ideas. The ideas take the format of short minute talks which are given during conferences held around the world. All the conferences have a focus, one guiding idea that ties all the talks together. The TED format of presenting is different from any other style of presenting in that the focus is on making a connection with your audience. A strong TED style speech bring the audience in and helps them to relate to the speaker and topic in a way unlike any other. Here you can find some examples before creating yours:

Visit www.ted.com (or search TED Talks on Youtube).

Decide on the topic and fill the template to help you organise the speech to be delivered in front of the class. This should be no longer than 3 minutes and visual aid will be limited as it is NOT meant to be a presentation with slides but a specch on the selected topic. Try to use all the hints provided, such as humour, inspiration, shocking facts, etc.

https://ed.ted.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskU_g7t6b5ecsA1CTS3y9Q

 

  TED LESSONS; 3:30-minute video.

How getting more sleep could boost your salary

        Sleep has become a big deal in working life. Sleeping is no longer seen as a sign of weakness among competitive colleagues. Apple introduced a Night Shift feature on its devices earlier this year, as consumers recognised that stimuli such as your screen’s backlight can affect your sleep quality.

          Research shows that more sleep can lead to us earning more money. A US study has found that in areas where the sun sets earlier, people sleep for longer – and this translates into higher earnings. In the long term, just one extra hour of sleep a week increases wages by 4.9%. So if you live in an area that gets darker earlier, you should be richer. But don’t move house just yet – the higher wages correspond almost exactly with inflated house prices. As Jeffrey Shrader, one of the authors of the study, puts it: “If you want to sleep more, there are better ways to do it than moving house – just buy better curtains.”

         This goes against conventional economics. Each extra hour of sleep should be taken away from working time. So how can sleeping earn you money? The answer is productivity. “The biggest effects come through employees who work on commission,” says Shrader. “If you go to work well rested, you are livelier and happier, and can sell more to increase your earnings.”

       Even small amounts of sleep deprivation can have large effects. Another study found that sleeping six hours a night for two weeks produced the same results in cognitive tests as being totally sleep-deprived for up to two days straight. But a mid-afternoon nap can help. “Naps are great,” says sleep psychologist Dr Hans Van Dongen. If you struggle to get eight hours of sleep a night, a siesta can have a “reset” effect, and your productivity improves afterwards. “Roughly speaking, an hour’s nap can make up for an hour in lost sleep at night.”

       So, the introduction of nap pods at Google’s headquarters does have some science behind it. Although once you start sleeping at work, what is the point in going home at all? Even short naps of up to half an hour can partially offset the productivity lost from chronic sleep deprivation. You snooze, you win.

          But the most important workplace revolution would be much more flexible hours. Most of us fall into two broad “chronotype” categories: morning and evening types. Rigidly early start times at work are fine for larks, but a third of us are night owls, who are likely to earn up to 5% less as a result of being tired at work.

     Lack of sleep has already been shown to be worse for productivity than being overweight or underweight. So, why are you still reading this? You should go back to bed.

Question 1: [2,5 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a)     The best way to get more sleep is to move to a new home.

b)     Sleeping more makes employees produce more.

c)     The less you sleep at night, the longer you need to sleep during the day to get the same effect.

d)     Google is about to introduce places in their offices for the workers to have a nap.

e)     You may earn less if you are a nocturnal person.

Question 2: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words   and definitions given.

a)     characteristic (par.1)

b)     salary (par.2)

c)     to remove (par.3)

d)     to make better (par.4)

e)     to recompense (par.5)

Question 3: [2 POINTS] Choose the most suitable answer (a, b or c) according to the text

1.     You sleeping quality…

a)     affects your colleagues at work.

b)     is said to be related to being overweighted..

c)     is affected by how you use technology at night.

2.     Productivity is linked to….

a)     mainly to your weight.

b)     only to sleeping

c)     both your sleep and your weight. 

3.     In places where it gets dark earlier….

a)     people sleep more hours.

b)     houses are cheaper.

c)     you’d better use curtains. 

4.     Working shifts….

a)     Are more tiring for workers.

b)     are the change needed.

c)     are only for nocturnal people.

VOCABULARY-U11-SIGHT

 

English vocabulary - WAYS OF LOOKING 

▪ look: give attention to what one is seeing; turn the eyes and see in a certain direction. Look at that cute baby!  

▪ see: use the power of sight. See! Here she comes! 

▪ watch: look at some activity or event; keep one's eyes fixed on something. The boys watched television all the afternoon. 

▪ gaze: look at something for a long time, in surprise or admiration. She gazed at him in disbelief when he told her the news.

▪ stare: look at something for a long time with the eyes wide open. She was staring into space. 

▪ gawk = gawp: stare impolitely. Many people gathered to gawp at the crashed car. 

▪ gape: look at something with one's mouth open. She gaped at him in surprise. 

▪ glance: have a quick look at something. She glanced at her watch. 

▪ scan: look quickly at something without careful reading. He scanned the newspaper over breakfast. 

▪ glare: stare angrily or fiercely. She didn't answer, but just glared silently at me. 

▪ glower: look very angry, annoyed or threatening. You don't need to glower at me like that; you know the rules! 

▪ peer: look very carefully, as if not able to see well. He peered at me over his spectacles. 

▪ peep: look quickly and cautiously. He was caught peeping through the keyhole. 

▪ observe: watch carefully. The police observed the man entering the bank. 

▪ glimpse: have a passing view of something or someone. Usually used in the expression to catch a glimpse of. He could catch a glimpse of the president among the crowd. 

▪ spot: recognize someone suddenly among many others. He was spotted by the police boarding a plane for Berlin. 

▪ behold: old use of the verb to see. Behold the king! 

▪ view: (technical) look thouroughly; regard, consider. That film hasn't been viewed by the censor yet. 

▪ sight: see for the first time. The men in the ship finally sighted land. 

▪ leer: look in an unpleasant way, suggesting ill will or lust. The man leered at the young girl. 

▪ blink: shut and open the eyes quickly. How long can you stare without blinking? 

▪ wink: close one eye briefly, as a signal to somebody. He winked at me to show that he was just joking. 

▪ frown: look in a worried or angry way, moving down the eyebrows together. He read the telegram, frowning at its contents. 

▪ scowl: frown angrily. She was very angry and scowled at him while she talked. 

▪ squint: look with eyes half shut or turned sideways, or through a narrow opening. She squinted through the letter-box and saw an envelope. 

▪ peek: look quickly and secretively. She found her brother peeking at her diary. 

▪ ogle: look or stare (at a woman) suggesting sexual interest. Most women hate being ogled at. 

▪ goggle: look with the eyes wide open in surprise or shock. (old-fashioned) People were goggling at her as if she were from another planet. 

▪ eyeball: look directly or closely. Francis eyeballed a beautiful woman at the party. 

▪ take a gander at something: (informal) look at something.

▪ cast an eye on/over something: look at something, examine something. 

▪ browse: look through the pages of a book or magazine; look at the goods in a shop without really wanting to buy anything. Sheila spent all the afternoon browsing the boutiques. 

▪ scrutinize: examine thoroughly and carefully. John scrutinized the painting at the museum. 

https://ielts-up.com/listening/ielts-listening-sample-8.3.html

Listening: SECTION 3. QUESTIONS 21-30. You will hear a discussion about shopping habits.

Questions 21-24

Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

21. The woman being interviewed is now working in the bank. Her occupation is  .

22. The woman usually spends about  when she goes shopping.

23. The woman often goes to  because she finds them convenient.

24. According to the woman,  is/are her most difficult thing(s) to buy.

Fill in the blanks with ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

50% of the people being interviewed spend
25.  a month.

15% of the people being interviewed spend
26.  a month.

35% of the people being interviewed spend
27.  a mo

 

Questions 28-30

Mark THREE letter that represent the correct answer.

Most of the people being interviewed think that _________ is/are most difficult to buy.

 A Books

 В Study materials

 С Foods

 D Trousers

 E Shoes

 F Sportswear

St. Patrick´s Day-2026

Basically, MEDIATION has to do with solving and dealing with problems we come up with in communication in our daily life. Generally speaking, when we are asked to mediate, we have to:

• Summarise
• Simplify
• Adapt
• Paraphrase
• Translate
• Clarify

- Adapting the register and the language level to the receiver.
- Structuring the text/speech so that the information is conveyed in an organised way.
- Making good use of appropriate non-verbal communication skills (in spoken mediation tasks) such as gestures and eye contact.
- In 5 minutes, you will have to select the information relevant to the task, structure and adapt it to give it to the receiver in up to 2 minutes.

WRITTEN MEDIATION
In 20 minutes they will have to select, structure and adapt the information relevant to the task and write it down in between 80-100 words.
- Selecting the information to be conveyed because not all the information might be relevant.
- Deciding whether extra-cultural information is necessary for better understanding.
- They might have to explain some idioms or cultural references from the text.

SPOKEN MEDIATION
In 5 minutes they will have to select the information relevant to the task, structure and adapt it to give it to the receiver in up to 2 minutes.

VIDEO-MEDIATION

youtube.com/watch?is=ACDATLJpbw5y5yvV&v=x5Bxms40ZQ8&feature=youtu.be

Saint Patrick's Day

https://www.linguahouse.com/es/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/saint-patrick/audioplayer/saint_patrick_bemp3

Ireland

1. Which of these statements is true?
a) Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
b) Ireland is part of Scotland.
c) Ireland is an independent country.

2. Which colour is associated with Ireland?
a) green
b) red
c) blue

3. What is the approximate population of Ireland?
a) 5.3 million
b) 21.5 million
c) 43 million

4. Which two sports are both very popular in Ireland?
a) football and American football
b) football and Gaelic football
c) golf and baseball

5. What is ‘Guinness’?
a) a kind of beer
b) the capital of Ireland
c) a kind of Irish music

6. Which of these has not increased in Ireland since the 2000s?
a) the number of immigrants
b) foreign investment
c) the number of people leaving the country to live abroad

7. Which of these statements is true?
a) Irish people have a reputation for being talkative.
b) Ireland’s national day is called Saint Rafael’s Day.
c) It doesn’t rain very often in Ireland.

8. What is ‘Gaelic’?
a) a language
b) a kind of food
c) the capital of Ireland

9. The Titanic was built in which Irish city?
a  Galway
b. Belfast
c. Waterford
d. Dublin

10. What is the national symbol of Ireland?
a. Crown Jewels of Ireland
b.The Celtic Cross
c. The Celtic Harp
d. The Irish Wolfhound

The Shadows of the Past

The conflict known as "The Troubles" was an ethno-political struggle in Northern Ireland that lasted for about thirty years, from the late 1960s until the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Although it happened in a small corner of the United Kingdom, its impact was felt globally. The heart of the conflict lay in the deep-seated divisions between two communities: the Unionists, who were mostly Protestant and wanted to remain part of the UK, and the Nationalists, who were predominantly Catholic and sought a united Ireland.

Throughout these three decades, violence became a daily reality for many. Paramilitary groups on both sides, such as the IRA and the UVF, engaged in bombings and shootings, while the British Army was deployed to maintain order. One of the most tragic events occurred in 1972, known as "Bloody Sunday," when British soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians during a protest march in Derry. This event escalated the violence significantly, leading to years of social unrest and the construction of "peace walls"—high barriers designed to separate clashing neighborhoods.

Peace finally arrived in 1998 with a historic compromise. While tensions still simmer occasionally and the physical walls remain in parts of Belfast, Northern Ireland has transformed into a major cultural hub, attracting visitors with its history, its landscapes, and its resilient spirit.

---

Reading Comprehension

1. Answer the following questions using your own words as far as possible.

• a) What were the primary goals of the two opposing groups mentioned in the text?

• b) How did the events of 1972 change the course of the conflict?

2. Are the following statements True (T) or False (F)? Copy the evidence from the text.

• a) The conflict was confined strictly to the borders of the UK and had no international influence.

• b) The "peace walls" were built to celebrate the end of the conflict in 1998.

3. Find words or phrases in the text that mean:

• a) Conflict or fight (Paragraph 1)

• b) Mainly or mostly (Paragraph 1)

• c) Placed or sent for a specific purpose (Paragraph 2)

• d) Strong and able to recover (Paragraph 3)

4. Grammar Exercises:

• a) Not until 1972.....................................

• b) Were it not for paramilitary groups on both sides......................................

• c) If the government hadn't signed the treaty, the violence.....................................

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tovP3D1cAAs