SAMPLE WRITINGS

¡Hola, chicos!
Espero que estéis descasando y pasándolo muy bien. De cara a prepararos el writing del examen de septiembre, para cada tipo de redacción tenéis dos modelos: el que os proporciona el libro en la página que os indico y éste otro que os incluyo aquí.

-An opinion essay (pg 16)

-A story (pg 28)

-An email applying for a job (pg 42)

-A book review (pg 54)/ A film review

-An essay providing solutions (pg 68)

-An email for advice (pg 80)

-A-for-and-against essay (pg 94)

-An informal letter (pg 106)

1-An opinion essay: It is good to be part of an extended family

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some people think a nuclear family is the best option but I strongly believe that an extended family has a lot more to offer.

To start with, in an extended family you rarely feel lonely. For example, you can spend your free time together instead of by yourself. Therefore, you can share interests and exchange experiences. Secondly, family members can provide support to each other. For instance, you can help each other with your problems.

On the other hand, in a big family you may need to share a room. As a result, you may lack privacy.

All in all, I believe that although you may want time to yourself sometimes, being part of a large family has many benefits. You will always have someone to support you and you will never feel alone.

2- A story

As Jack and Tom put up their tent, they didn´t notive the big sign. It was dark and they had been hiking all day. They were so tiered, they climbed into their sleeping bags and went to sleep.

In the night they were woken by strange noises outside their tent. Jack grabbed his torch and bravely stuck his head out of the tent. He could hear an animal, but he couldn´t see anything. He decided to make a fire.

Next, they heard a loud roar. They froze in fear. A huge bear was staring at them. They hid in their tent. They didn´t know what to do. Then Tom remembered his mobile phone and called the forest rangers. Very soon a ranger came and rescued them.   Ranger (guardabosques)

 “You were very lucky. The bears like this area. That´s why we have the `No Camping´sign,”the ranger said. They had never felt so relieved in their lives.

3- An email applying for a job

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing with regard to the advertisement for catering staff which appeared on your website. I would like to apply for this position.

I am 18 years old and have recently finished my A levels in Maths, ICT and Business Studies. I expect to get high grades and I will be starting at university in September.

Previously, I have worked as a waiter at a local hotel serving dinner to guests. I found it very enjoyable.

I consider myself to be hardworking, reliable and cheerful. I also work well in a team and I am the captain of the local football team.

I have attached a reference from my previous employer. I am available for an interview any weekday evening. I look forward to hearing from you .

Yours faithfully,

George Middleton

4-A book review or a film review

“Ender´s Game” by Orson Scott Card is an exciting science-fiction novel. Set in the future, after a series of attacks by hostile aliens, it tells the story of a young boy Andrew `Ender´ Wiggin who enters a military training programme for child geniuses to train to become soldiers. Ender soon becomes a leader in Battle School.

The book´s plot is very exciting and not at all predictable. The character of Ender is interesting because  he is not just a hero, but he is a sensitive young boy. It describes the exciting war games in zero gravity and also explores how it is for Ender growing up in a community of young soldiers and how he copes with loneliness and pressure to do well.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the fantastic surprise ending. Definitely a must-read!

It's a drama. Julia Roberts is in it. It takes place in a town in California where many people got sick.  She plays a secretary who works for a law firm. The movie is about a company that tries to hide its chemical pollution that killed many people. In the end, the company loses the law case and has to pay millions of dollars. 

The critics say that the story is well told, that the film has a solid direction and that it takes the truth and makes it extremely entertaining. In my opinion the film is great and Julia Roberts´s performance is superb.

5- An essay providing solutions

Heavy traffic is a problem in many city centres around the world. What can we do to solve the problem?

One solution is to improve public transport. For example, they could have more buses and trams. This way, more people may use public transport and leave their cars at home. As a result, there would be less traffic on the roads.

Another solution is for people to carpool. For example, many people could share one car. In this way there would be less traffic on the roads.

All in all, there are a number of things we can do. If we encourage people to carpool and improve the public transport system, then we can reduce traffic in city centres.

Car-pool (car-sharing arrangement: compartir coche)

6-An email for advice.

Hi Angie,

I´m sorry to hear that your are afraid of meeting new people. It must be awful for you, but I think I can help.

If I were you, I´d imagine myself at the barbecue feeling relaxed and confident. This way, you´ll enjoy the barbecues you´re already expecting to. Why don´t you ask a friend to go with you? If you do this, you won´t have to face your fear alone. Also, it would be a good idea to focus on other people instead of your feelings. If you follow this advice, you will hopefully forget your anxiety and start enjoying yourself.

I hope I´ve been of some help. Write and tell me how you get on.

Best wishes,

Jane

7- A for-and –against essay

More people nowadays are joining an exercise class. Obviously, exercising is good for you, but is an exercise class the right choice?

There are a number of advantages to exercising in a group. Firstly, it motivates people to attend. This way, there is less excurse to stay home. Secondly, you can meet new people. For example, you can chat and dance with others in the class.

ON the other hand, there are some disadvantages to group exercise classes. To start with, you get less individual attention. As a result, the instructor might miss some mistakes you make. In addition to this, there are people at different fitness levels. Consequently, not everyone may be able to follow the class pace.

All in all, there are both pros and cons to exercising in groups. I think exercise classes are fun and a great way to meet new people, but everyone should decide for themselves.

8-An informal letter

Dear Mario,

How are you? I´d be glad to help. There are lots of special places in Spain but I will tell you about one that is special to me.

If I had to recommend one place, it would be the town of Pollenca on the island of Majorca. It´s well-known but rarely crowded. It is quite an ancient place and has a Roman bridge. The town is attractive, with clean, cobbled streets and stone houses. The central square has a historic church and many cafés selling delicious ensaimada pastries, as well as shops selling ceramics and handcrafted goods.

The place is special to me because my grandmother used to live there and our whole family would visit her on holiday. I have many happy memories of this place and the people are very friendly.

It´s easy to get to Pollenca. You can fly to Palma, and then hire a car. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Some people even cycle there from Palma.

I have to go now. I hope this helps with your project. I can send you some photos if you like. Let me know how it goes!

Best wishes,

Luis