Speaking- Oral skills last session

 Spaking-advance

PAU 26. Writing typology

Written production. Choose ONE of the two options below and write a short composition (120-150 words). Compositions up to 200 words won’t be penalized. Remember that compositions MUST NOT be signed. 

1. OPINION ESSAY: Write an opinion essay on the following topic: Do you think social media is more helpful or harmful for teenagers? Give reasons to justify your opinion. (JUL25)
2. DISCOURSIVE ESSAY (FOR/AGAINST-AD/DISADVANTAGES); Write a for and against essay on the following topic: What are the advantages and disadvantages of allowing students to use mobile phones in schools? (JUN25)
3. NARRATIVE: Write a story about something that happened to you in the past. Your story must begin with this sentence: It all started with a phone call late at night. (JUL25)

         CORRESPONDENCE LETTER (FORMAL/INFORMAL)

1. COMPLAINT LETTER: You recently took a self-catering holiday in a luxury apartment, but the standard of the accommodation was very poor. The holiday company that you booked with have offered you some vouchers as compensation, but you have decided you would prefer a cash refund instead. Write a letter to the company outlining the problems you experienced with the accommodation and the action you want them to take.
2. APPLICATION LETTER: A tourist company which organises coach tours of your home town has placed the following advertisement in your local newspaper: TOUR GUIDES REQUIRED: Are you an outgoing and sociable person, who has a good command of English and some knowledge of local history? Take-a-Tour is setting up a branch in your area and we are looking for tour guides to accompany up to fifty passengers a time on our coach tours. Your duties will include welcoming passengers aboard the coach, giving a commentary about the local sights, and taking small groups around the town on foot.

Essay writing. PAU Practice

 

STRUCTURE:

INTRO

It is generally believed that_________________________________________.I really feel it is ___________________________________________ although some think ________________________________________. It seems clear that _________________________.

BODY

There are several reasons why I think________________________________ is better. First of all, you ____________________________________. Most of people think ______________________________.

Secondly, ____________________________ gives you the opportunity to ________________________.

I´m absolutely convinced that __________________________________. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ____________________ makes you learn__________________________ which is another positive/negative aspect.

CONCLUSION

It seems to me that ________________________ is far better. There are lots of reasons to

__________________. To sum up, from my point of view, _______________________________. Maybe in the future,____________________________

 ADVANTAGES-DISADVANTAGES

1-INTRO:

1.1 For the great majority of people ______________________________________________________. 

A problem that is often debated nowadays ________________________________________________. 

Who cares about ____________________________________________________________________? 

1.2 It is a well-known fact that _______________________________________________________. 

Besides, recent studies show there are ______________________________________________. 

1.3There are reasons to believe that ______________________________________________. 

Therefore, ___________________________________________________________________.

2-DEVELOPMENT:

2.1 A lot of people claim that __________________________________________________   

2.2 What is more, ____________________________________________________________

For example, ________________________________________________________________. 

2.3-While/Although______________________________ it cannot be denied that_____________

Another point worth considering has to do with ____________________________________

3-REFUTING:

3.1 In contrast to this idea, ____________________________________________________________, so it is not easy to ___________________________________________. Whereas, in comparison, ___________________________________________. 

3.2However, we should also consider___________________________________. On the other hand, __________________

2.3 Therefore, it is reasonable to think that _______________________________________.

4-CONCLUSION:

4.1 This bring us the question whether ___________________________________________________, it is highly probable __________________________________________________. 

4.2 In my opinion, _________________________________________________________ From my point of view, ______________________________________. Maybe in the future _____________________

How to write an opinion essay

ractice makes perfect. Try these activities and then write your own composition. Rememeber the structure, linking words, vocabulary, etc...

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/28871847/opinion-essay-connectors

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/52733708/opinion-essay-vocabulary

Structure of the Opinion Essay:

• Introduction – introduces the topic and state your opinion clearly
• Body - consists of three or more paragraphs each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples
• Conclusion – summarizes/restates your opinion using different words

Useful Language

То express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, I see it, It seems to me (that), As far as I am concerned, I am (not) convinced that..., In my opinion/view …My opinion is that …, I (firmly) believe …, I (definitely) feel/think that, I am inclined to believe that ……

То list points: In the first place, first of all, to start with, Firstly, to begin with

То add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that

То introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue that, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe,

As opposed to the above ideas

To introduce examples: for example, for instance, such as, in particular, especially

To conclude: To sum up, All in all, All things considered, Taking everything into account.

Paragraph outline: Examples:

Physical Education should be taught in schools. 

Do you agree or disagree? Support your opinion with arguments and examples.

It´s widely known that Physical Education has been a part of the school curriculum for years. It is clear the benefits of the sports practice for teenagers is undeniable. There are many reasons that support the fact that it should remain so for a variety of reasons.

In the first place, offering Physical Education is vital for children who have neither the time, nor the opportunity to do sport elsewhere. Also, Physical Education is especially beneficial for children living in crowded cities who do not have space to play. Doing sport at school gives them the opportunity to exercise and get rid of their excess energy. In addition, team sports develop children’s social skills encouraging them to work as part of a team and to cooperate with others.

On the other hand, some parents feel that Physical Education should not be a compulsory subject as not all children enjoy or are good at sport. These parents forget, however, that all children can benefit from physical activities and doing sport will give them the chance to improve their skills and their health.

In conclusion, I believe that Physical Education is an important part of every school curriculum since physical activity helps children to keep fit and stay energetic and alert.

https://en.ppt-online.org/284818

Useful expressions and linking words/phrases

• To list points:
Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally
• To list advantages:
One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of… is … The main/greatest/first advantage of… is …
• To list disadvantages:
One/Another/ A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of. The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage /drawback of… Another negative aspect of…
• To introduce points/arguments for or against:
One (very convincing) point/argument in favour of… / against, 

A further common criticism of… / It could be argued that…..
often claimed/suggested
It is widely argued maintained that…..
generally felt/believed/held

Some/many/most people/experts/scientist/skeptics/critics
claim/suggest/argue/feel that…
maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold that…
advocate (+ing/noun)/support the view that…
oppose the view that…
are in favour of/against…
are of the opinion that/convinced that…
are opposed to…

• To add more points to the same topic:
in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well, both … and, There is another side to the issue/question/argument of…

• To make contrasting points:
on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless, nevertheless, even so,
it may be said/argued/claimed that,…
others/many people oppose this viewpoint/strongly disagree…, claim/feel/believe this argument is incorrect/misguided
although, though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that), regardless of the fact that
Opponents of … argue/believe/claim that…
The fact that… contradicts the belief/idea that…
While it is true to say that…, in fact…
While/Although …, it cannot be denied that…

Useful expressions and linking words/phrases

• To introduce examples:
for example, for instance, such as, like, in particular, particularly, especially, This is (clearly) illustrated/shown by the fact that… One/A clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… The fact that…. shows/illustrates that…
• To emphasise a point:
clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed
• To express reality:
In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements:
as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases
• To make partially correct statements:
to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point
• To explain/clarify a point:
in other words, that is to say, this/which means that
• To express cause: 

owing to, due to (the fact that), on account of, on the grounds that, given that, because, as, since
• To express effect: 

therefore, thus, as a result/consequence, consequently, so, for this reason, if… were to happen, … the effect/result would be…
• To express intention: 

to, so as to, in order to, so that, with the intention of (+ing)

One/A clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… The fact that…. shows/illustrates that…
• To emphasise a point:
clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed
• To express reality:
In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements:
as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases
• To make partially correct statements:
to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point
• To explain/clarify a point:
in other words, that is to say, this/which means that
• To express cause: 

owing to, due to (the fact that), on account of, on the grounds that, given that, because, as, since
• To express effect: 

therefore, thus, as a result/consequence, consequently, so, for this reason, if… were to happen, … the effect/result would be…
• To express intention: 

to, so as to, in order to, so that, with the intention of (+ing)

Conclusion expressing balanced considerations/opinion indirectly

In conclusion,
On balance,
All things considered,
Taking everything into account/consideration,
To conclude,
To sum up,
All in all,
Finally/Lastly,

- it can be said/claimed that …
- it seems/appears that…
- it would seem that…
-it is likely/unlikely/possible/foreseeable that …
- it is clear/obvious that…
-. there is no/little doubt that …
- it is true to say that …
- although it must be said that …
- it may be concluded/said that …

https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-letter-of-application-fce-cae-cpe/

https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-letter-of-complaint-fce-cae-cpe/

Letter of Application: Writing Tips

• Read the task fully: Carefully check the entire question, the job/course advertisement or description, all the given notes or bullet points, and identify exactly what you need to cover (e.g., your qualifications, experience, reasons for applying).
• Plan your letter before writing: Take 5-10 minutes to outline the full formal layout and content.  This keeps the letter professional, logical, and within the required word limit from the start.
• Comment on all the points: Discuss every bullet point or requirement in the task in detail. Support each with specific reasons, examples from your studies/work experience, or personal qualities. If you don’t have real-life details, invent plausible and relevant ones.
• Divide into paragraphs: Dedicate one clear paragraph to each main point (e.g., Paragraph 2: education and qualifications; Paragraph 3: relevant experience and skills; Paragraph 4: why this opportunity appeals to you). Use formal linking expressions such as “furthermore”, “in addition to this”, “however”, “therefore” or “as a result” to create smooth, coherent flow and demonstrate organisational skills.
• Use advanced vocabulary and formal language: Employ a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary, collocations, and structures appropriate to the level – B2 (FCE) needs solid formal phrases, while C1 (CAE) and C2 (CPE) demand more precise, idiomatic, and nuanced language. Maintain a consistently formal register: no contractions, no slang, polite indirect questions, and complex sentences. T
• Express your suitability and enthusiasm: Clearly explain why you are the ideal candidate and show genuine interest in the final body paragraph or conclusion. After presenting your key strengths, summarise briefly and finish with a confident, polite statement of what you hope will happen next (e.g., an interview).
• Revise your letter: After finishing, spend the last few minutes checking grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary accuracy, and overall coherence.
• Follow the correct letter format and conventions: Always include the full formal layout, choose the right salutation (“Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear Mr/Ms Smith”), and end with an appropriate closing (“Yours sincerely” if you know the name, “Yours faithfully” if you don’t). These elements are assessed separately in most exams and signal professional awareness – small mistakes here can undermine an otherwise strong letter.
• Practice useful phrases: Learn and incorporate ready-to-use formal expressions such as “I am writing to apply for the position of…”, “I would like to express my strong interest in…”,  and “I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience”. These phrases improve organisation, raise the register instantly, and help you sound natural and confident at any level (FCE/CAE/CPE).

Letter of Application: Useful Phrases & Language

Reasons

I’m writing to apply for the post/position of…..as advertised in……..
I’m writing with reference
I’m writing in response to your advertisement which I saw….
I’m writing in connection with your advertisement

Qualifications /Experience

I gained some experience while …
I am currently working as …
I have been working for … for the last four years.
I worked part-time for three years as …
At the moment| am employed by …
My qualifications include …
I have a diploma in …
I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in … 
Please find attached my CV
As you can see from the attached CV …

Personal Qualities

I see myself systematic, meticulous in my approach to work…..
I have a clear insight of………
I value time and not squander……
I tackle a problem…..

Closing remarks

I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience
Please contact me with any queries you may have,
I would be glad to attend an interview at any time convenient
I look forward to hearing from you in due course….

PAU: practice makes perfect!

 Modelos de examen de convocatorias anteriores

 Examen_Inglés_PAU_2025_Julio

 Examen_convocatoria_Ordinaria_Junio2025_

 Examen de la convocatoria de Julio 2024 - Inglés

 Examen de la convocatoria de Junio 2024 - Inglés

 Examen de la convocatoria de Junio de 2023 - Inglés

 Examen de la convocatoria de Julio de 2023 - Inglés

criteria ord.24

An American friend of yours, Tom, has just moved to Spain. He has asked you about using some Spanish online platforms like Wallapop since he has never used them before. He likes buying and exchanging products online but he prefers paying by check or bank transfer since he was. He has asked you to explain this information he found, especially about the precautions he should take.  Write a short text (70 -100 words) based on the information provided:

Comprar y vender online

Las plataformas de compra y venta de artículos, como Wallapop o Vibbo, han vivido un extraordinario impulso en los últimos años. Estas webs colaborativas ofrecen un espacio para intercambiar o comerciar con artículos de segunda mano pero, como en cualquier espacio online, es necesario seguir ciertas precauciones de seguridad para evitar ser víctima de estafas y fraudes.  Desde las propias plataformas son conscientes del riesgo derivado de la actuación de ciberdelincuentes y, a modo de advertencia, ponen a disposición de los usuarios una serie de medidas de seguridad. En el caso de Wallapop, además, la propia empresa colabora estrechamente con organismos policiales, concretamente la Guardia Civil, para mejorar sus niveles de seguridad.

Nuestros consejos de seguridad

Si quieres prevenir este tipo de situaciones, puedes observar algunos principios de seguridad adicionales que te ayudarán a mantenerte más seguro:

1. Evita los pagos por adelantado, salvo que los puedas realizar a través de métodos seguros como la plataforma Paypal o contra reembolso. Adelantar dinero sin garantías te deja expuesto a estafas e impagos que, además, luego serán difíciles de demostrar.

 2. Las webs recomiendan las transacciones en persona siempre que sean posibles. Probar los objetos in situ es una de las mejores garantías.

3. Cuida la seguridad de tus dispositivos y de tus contraseñas. La utilización de soluciones de seguridad profesionales con un gestor de claves y antivirus, aumenta tus defensas y reduce los riesgos de sufrir robos de identidad.

4. Todas las comunicaciones deben realizarse a través de la mensajería interna de las plataformas. De esta forma, en caso de problemas siempre habrá un rastro electrónico.

5. Participa activamente en la aplicación denunciando casos sospechosos y valorando usuarios y productos. En este sentido, es la propia comunidad la que puede ayudar a mejorar los niveles de protección.

6. Desconfía de las gangas y las ofertas de ensueño. Especialmente en las marcas de gama alta. Pide fotos tomadas por el vendedor, no imágenes de catálogo.

7. Pregunta al comprador si conserva resguardo de compra o libro de instrucciones. Es una forma de asegurar que el producto es original e indica su antigüedad, así como si todavía está en garantía.

Ser víctima de estafa

En caso de ser víctima de estafa en una de estas plataformas, es importante notificarlo rápidamente a la plataforma de venta y a la Guardia Civil y, en su caso, poner una denuncia. Guardar la mayor cantidad posible de información sobre la transacción y el estafador puede ser muy útil para la posterior investigación. Ponte en contacto también con los servicios de atención al cliente de las plataformas.  Adaptado de ©www.pandasecurity.com/spain/mediacenter/consejos/comprar-wallapop-vibbo/

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

Passive practice:

• https://wordwall.net/es/resource/87301093/the-passive-with-reporting-verbs-it-is-said-that 
• https://wordwall.net/es/resource/5725525/passive-voice
• https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/passive-voiceppt-1483010/1483010

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/