Các dạng bài tập nâng cao kỹ năng viết luận tiếng Anh dành cho học sinh giỏi quốc gia

Nội dung tài liệu: Các dạng bài tập nâng cao kỹ năng viết luận tiếng Anh dành cho học sinh giỏi quốc gia

1. Mẫu 5 CỘNG HÒA XÃ HỘI CHỦ NGHĨA VIỆT NAM Độc lập - Tự do - Hạnh phúc THUYẾT MINH MÔ TẢ GIẢI PHÁP VÀ KẾT QUẢ THỰC HIỆN SÁNG KIẾN Tên sáng kiến: Các dạng bài tập nâng cao kỹ năng viết luận tiếng Anh dành cho học sinh giỏi quốc gia. 1. Ngày sáng kiến được áp dụng lần đầu hoặc áp dụng thử: 10.2022 2. Các thông tin cần bảo mật (nếu có): Không 3. Mô tả các giải pháp cũ thường làm: giáo viên cho học sinh chủ đề viết, học sinh và giáo viên cùng lập dàn ý viết bài, học sinh viết bài, học sinh tự chữa bài chéo, giáo viên thu lại bài, chấm bài, nhận xét và trả bài cho học sinh. Hạn chế của giải pháp này: Học sinh sẽ viết tốt nếu đó là bài học sinh đã viết rồi, học sinh không linh hoạt khi gặp bài viết hoàn toàn mới mẻ. Học sinh gặp nhiều khó khăn trong việc dùng từ, cấu trúc câu đa dạng mang tính học thuật. 4.Sự cần thiết phải áp dụng giải pháp sáng kiến: Khi bắt đầu học tiếng Anh, học sinh được tiếp xúc với bốn kỹ năng cơ bản của ngôn ngữ là nghe, nói, đọc, và viết. Đây là những kỹ năng quan trọng của người học ngôn ngữ nước ngoài. Trong bốn kĩ năng đó, viết là một kỹ năng khó đối với người học, đòi hỏi người dạy phải nắm được các kiến thức nhất định và thực hiện tốt nguyên tắc “Học đi đôi với hành” Dạy ngoại ngữ nói chung, dạy tiếng Anh nói riêng việc đổi mới phương pháp dạy học là rất quan trọng. Ngoài việc nắm vững kiến thức ngôn ngữ, thực hiện tốt kĩ năng nghe, nói, đọc thì kỹ năng viết cũng đóng một vai trò quan trọng không kém. Dạy viết là một trong những nội dung cơ bản và thực sự là sự kết hợp tinh tế của việc giảng các kỹ năng ngôn ngữ khác. 1
2. Từ những luận điểm trên, việc áp dụng các phương pháp dạy viết giúp học sinh thực hiện một bài viết Tiếng Anh tốt, đảm bảo chính xác về yêu cầu bài viết trong việc sử dụng từ vựng, ngữ pháp, tính logic, liên kết, tính sáng tạo trong bài viết là rất quan trọng. Trong quá trình dạy và học chúng tôi nhận thấy: Kĩ năng viết là một trong những kỹ năng khó nhất trong các kĩ năng, đòi hỏi học sinh phải có vốn từ vựng, hiểu các cấu trúc ngữ pháp, các ý tưởng để lập dàn ý khi viết. Đặc biệt các em phải nắm được từng kiểu bài luận cần viết như thế nào. Kĩ năng viết giúp cho học sinh tái hiện lại những gì đã được học, giúp các em thực hành sử dụng ngôn ngữ một cách hiệu quả. Kĩ năng viết phát huy khả năng sáng tạo của học sinh, nó phản ánh kết quả của quá trình nghe, nói, đọc, ngữ pháp, từ vựng của học sinh, thể hiện được mặt mạnh, mặt yếu, đồng thời nó cũng giúp cho giáo viên dễ dàng nhận thấy lỗi sai của học sinh hơn là khi nói. Hoạt động viết là một khâu rất quan trọng trong quá trình dạy và học Tiếng Anh. Viết luận là một phần không thể thiếu đối với học sinh chuyên Anh nói chung và học sinh đội tuyển học sinh giỏi quốc gia nói riêng vì trong các đề thi IELTS, hồ sơ đăng ký du học và đặc biệt là đề thi học sinh giỏi Quốc gia, viết luận là phần bắt buộc và được đánh giá cao. Tuy nhiên, trong quá trình học các em còn lúng túng, lẫn lộn, không biết mình phải viết kiểu gì, trình bày bài luận ra sao, dùng những cấu trúc câu nào cho hợp lí, sắp xếp ý định viết thế nào, phản biện các ý kiến ở đầu bài ra sao. 5. Mục đích của giải pháp sáng kiến: - Giúp học sinh biết cách vận dụng từ cấu trúc câu linh hoạt, mang tính học thuật cao. - Giúp học sinh biết cách sử dụng các cấu trúc ở từng phần trong bài luận - Rèn luyện cho học sinh có tính tư duy độc lập. - Giúp học sinh nuôi dưỡng lòng yêu thích môn học, khắc phục tâm lí sợ bài luận khi tham gia các kỳ thi học sinh giỏi các cấp. 6. Nội dung: a. Thuyết minh giải pháp mới hoặc cải tiến 2
3. 7.1.1 Giải pháp 1: - Tên giải pháp: bài tập so sánh bài luận mẫu - Nội dung: đưa cho học sinh chủ đề, học sinh động não viết ra các ý chính, các từ vựng cần thiết cho bài viết. Sau đó giáo viên phát cho học sinh 2 bài luận, một bài luận trình độ cơ bản và một bài luận trình độ nâng cao. Học sinh cần phải đọc để so sánh 2 bài mẫu và quyết định xem bài viết nào tốt hơn, đưa ra các lý do cho lựa chọn của mình. Giáo viên cung cấp nhiều bài mẫu theo các chủ đề khác nhau. Các bước tiến hành thực hiện giải pháp: Giáo viên cung cấp các tiêu chí đánh giá bài viết, học sinh dựa vào đó để đánh giá các bài viết mẫu Thông thường, học sinh không nắm được các tiêu chí cụ thể trong một bài viết học thuật, đặc biệt là những bài viết được các tổ chức đánh giá năng lực tiếng Anh có uy tín trên thế giới như chuẩn IELTS hoặc TOEFL. Do đó, việc cung cấp bản tham chiếu chuẩn về yêu cầu của một bài viết luận học thuật là rất cần thiết. Từ đó, học sinh sẽ xác định được trình độ, kĩ năng viết của mình đang ở đâu, mục tiêu cho bản thân, những gì cần phải đạt được trong bài viết của mình. Nhận biết được tình trạng này, trước khi bắt tay vào hướng dẫn kĩ năng viết cho học sinh, chúng tôi tiến hành giới thiệu, phân tích cho các em những tiêu chí nêu trong bảng/khung, đưa ra các ví dụ cụ thể là các bài viết thực của học sinh đạt các mức điểm khác nhau, từ thấp lên cao, để các em hình dung dễ nhất. Dưới đây là bảng minh họa khung điểm và tiêu chí cần đạt cho mỗi bài viết học thuật luận essay tiếng Anh, sau đó là các bài viết mẫu (được trình bày dạng file ảnh (đây là những bài viết của học sinh mà chúng tôi sưu tập được ở các trình độ, qua các năm, làm tư liệu nghiên cứu và giảng dạy) 3
4. Mức điểm có thể đạt được về sử dụng từ vựng và cấu trúc ngữ pháp trong bài viết luận (khung IELTS) 9.0 Use a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features, rare minor errors occur only as “slips” 8.0 - Use a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings - Skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation Produce rare errors in spelling and/or word formation 7.0 - Use a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision - Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation - may produce occasional errors with word choice spelling and/ or word formation 6.0 - Use an adequate range of vocabulary for the task - Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy Make some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede communication 5.0 - Use a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task - May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader 4.0 - Uses only basic vocabulary which may be used repetively or which may be inappropriate for the task - Has limited control of word formation and/or spelling, errors may cause strain for readers 3.0 - Uses only a very limited range of words and expressions with very limited control of vocabulary formation and/or spelling Errors may severely distort the message 2.0 - Uses an extremely limited range of vocabulary, essentially no 4
5. control of word formation and/or spelling 1.0 - Can only use a few isolated words 0.0 - Does not attend - Does not attempt the task in any way Write a totally memorized response Sau khi học sinh đã nắm được các tiêu chí của bài viết theo yêu cầu (với học sinh giỏi quốc gia, bài viết mà các em cần đạt tới thường là ở mức 7+, theo chuẩn IELTS), chúng tôi tiến hành kiểm tra sơ bộ nhận thức của học sinh về vấn đề này bằng một loạt bài so sánh các bài luận mẫu viết về cùng một chủ đề. Các em học sinh sẽ đọc và tiến hành xác định bài nào là bài viết tốt hơn, và mỗi bài có thể đạt được mức điểm nào. Dạng bài 1: Opinion essays Bài tập 1: Write about the following topic: The Internet has dramatically altered our lives over the past few decades. Although some of the changes have been negative, the overall effect of this technology has been positive. What are your opinions on this? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your own knowledge of experience. Model answer A: There are various different opinions on the subject of the Internet. While some people might suggest that it has negatively affected our lives and society, I personally believe that it has actually made the world a much better place. In my opinion, there are two main benefits to this technology. Firstly, I am sure most people would agree that the Internet has improved the way we communicate. Although spending too much time using the Internet instead of talking to real people can cause social isolation, most of us have benefited greatly from e-mail and Internet chat programs like MSN Messenger. Thse useful and 5
6. powerful communication tools have made it much faster, eaiser and cheaper to keep in touch with family and friends in other countries and also to do international business) In addition to this, the Internet provides us with all of the information in the world at work, school and home. In the past, research involved spending many hours in the library. Now, however, the same information is available online. Of course, not all of the material on the Internet is offensive and some of it is dangerous - there is everything from pornography to instructions on how to make bombs. Nevertheless, I feel that this free movement and sharing of information has generally been beneficial. To conclude, I once again restate my view that the Internet has had a positive influence on modern life because its effects on both communication and the flow of information. Model Answer B The Internet has brought significant changes to our lives in recent years. Yet, there remains some disagreement as to whether the overall effect of this technology has been positive and negative. While there are certainly valid arguments to the contrary. I personally believe that the benefits of the Internet far overweigh its drawbacks. These benefits are twofold. First of all, it is indisputable fact that the Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate. Despite the risk of social isolation - a problem occasionally seen in people who spend too much time at their computer terminal rather than relating to people in the real world most of us have benefited greatly from e-mail and internet chat programs like MSN Messenger. These incredibly useful and powerful tools of communication facilitate both contact with loved ones in faraway places and global trade. Equally importantly, though, the Internet has placed the entire world (and all of the information) at our fingertips. In earlier times, conducting research entailed long hours searching library shelves. Now, however, the same information can be accessed at the click of a button. Admittedly, not all of the information available 6
7. on the Internet is reliable or helpful – there is a vast amount of material online that some would consider offensive or dangerous ranging from pornography to instructions on how to make bombs. Nonetheless, I would contend that this free flow of information has generally been a very positive development. By way of conclusion, I once again reaffirm my position that the Internet has had a positive impact on modern life because of its influence on communication and the flow of information. Bài tập 2: Write about the following topic: Fast food is now university in most countries and is becoming increasingly popular. Some feel that this is a positive trend, while others do not. What are your opinions on this? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience. Model answer A: It is sometimes argued that fast food consumption is on the increase almost all over the globe and it becomes extremely popular among people especially youngsters. While a group of people assert that this is a positive aspect in food industry, I believe that there are some negative impacts. There are various reasons why I would argue that consuming fast food as a staple food is harmful for the body. Firstly, fast foods are not nutritious and healthy, they are full of fat and their nice flavor is just because of the spices that are used in making them. Secondly, eating junk foods have some detrimental effects on the body's organism functionality and consequently the consumers would suffer diseases such as stroke, heart attack and blood pressure and obesity in children which are debilitating in the future for the sufferer. Finally, some traditional foods will be superseded by fast foods which will result in diminishing the culture and customs of societies. To prove my claim, I can refer to an article having been published in times magazine, indicates that in developed countries people are more interested in consuming fast foods instead of eating traditional cuisines. 7
8. On the other hand, there have been a number of positive aspects in expansion of fast foods in different nations. Nowadays, people are always on the go and they do not have enough time for a proper sit down meal, as a result fast foods are one of the best choices for those who are always in hurry. Furthermore, fast food industry opens doors to more job opportunities and it motivates governments and wealthy people to invest in this field which had an impressive impact on food chain in recent years. Moreover, Fast foods are usually cheaper than other kinds of foods such as steaks, pastas, fish and the like, so that could be a better choice for tourists, collage students and business men. In conclusion, although there are some benefits of consuming fast foods in countries, the negative impact outweighs the positive ones. I believe the fast food consumption should be restricted and it is the only way to protect the next generation from debilitating diseases. Model answer B: Nowadays, fast foods are increasingly consumed throughout the world. This is creating heated debates among the people supporting and opposing this trend. To my way of thinking, wide-spreading of fast foods is a negative trend as it harms our health and traditional foods. On one hand, eating too much fast food might provoke many health problems. For example, obesity and stomach- related illnesses are very common where junk food is over consumed. Because fast food contains rich fat and other harmful ingredients that destroy our healthy eating. Furthermore, because of their easy preparation and delicious taste more and more people prefer eating out rather than cooking home- made meals. This is causing disappearance of culinary skills and making people lazy. That’s why it is considered by me as a negative aspect. On the other hand, it risks losing traditional culinary secrets which are passing on from generation to generation. In the cities for instance, where fast foods are already popular, it is really hard to find traditional food. This example makes it clear how easily-prepared food is causing extinction of our valuable traditional. Therefore, for me, it is not good development. In conclusion, even though fast foods are widely consuming around the world, it 8
9. seems to me it is threatening our health and valuable traditional foods. If this tendency spreads at high pace, someday in the future it will bring about unprecedented causes. Xét theo tiêu chí chấm điểm, về độ dài, cả hai bài đạt mức yêu cầu cơ bản như nhau. Nhưng xét chung các yêu cầu khác, bài A chỉ đạt điểm 5+, bài B đạt 7+ Bài tập 3: Write about the following topic: International tourism is now more common than ever before. Some feel that this is a positive trend, while others do not. What are your opinions on this? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience. Model answer A: International tourism has grown dramatically in recent years. Although this trend has brought many unresolved problems to host countries, I would argue that its influence has been positive. Two benefits associated with this trend are as follows. First of all, global tourism gives people, especially the ones in developing countries, chances to travel without much trouble compared to the past. Travelling has always played a significant role in exchanging information and culture around the world. It also help people widen their personal view and enrich their life experiences. Admittedly, international tourism does worsen the local problems such as prostitution or drug abuse. However, with a stern international law, people can prevent illegal activities or at least keep it in line. And people with an innocent intention can be allowed to depart their own voyage. And equally importance, international tourism can bring the host countries a good fortune. Evidently, many countries have been given tremendous income from the travel industry which bring the nations millions of dollars. On the other hand, it also links with several industries, especially the entertainment business and they share their mutual benefits together. If a nation puts a stop to international tourism, it not only lose the tourism valuable profit, but also do lower the development of other 9
10. industries, and harm its own image to other countries in the world. In conclusion, the challenges presented by the booming of international tourist industry are numerous and complex. However, its advantages are hard to be ignored and we can take our step to solve the many problems one by one. Model answer B: International tourism has had enormous growth and become widespread than ever before. It is argued that this trend is positive while others condemn it negative. I appreciate its benefits as well as recognize its malicious consequences, about which this paper will discuss. Firstly, it is an undeniable truth that tourism helps economy thrive. Every country has its own beautiful sites as well as historical monuments which attract abundance of tourists. Hence, it creates many jobs for local inhabitants such as vendors, retailers and service providers. Therefore, various subsequent commodities and services are developed as an evidence of prosperity. Colossal profit is generated annually owing to tourism, this profit is especially vital to developing countries. Secondly, tourism brings opportunities for a country to integrate and introduce its pride in culture and history. Corresponding with the world integration, this benefit proves essential. But there is also the other side of the coin. Along with the tourists, there comes a variety of bad phenomenon. As an example, terrorism, which has been increasingly posing a global danger, sees it as a chance to threaten safety and security of people in travel hosting countries. Moreover, numerous smugglers and dishonest traders also use tours as a camouflage to perform illegal deeds more easily. In addition, playful activities of tourists like alcohol abuse may lead to conflict and violence. But overall these evil results could be prevented and regulated by laws and rules. To conclude my opinion, I affirm that the tourism’s positive sides exceed 10
11. its negative ones. I believe if tourism is competently controlled by governments, its advantages will have much greater beneficial effects on the world. Xét theo tiêu chí chấm điểm, về độ dài, và hình thức, cả hai bài đạt mức yêu cầu cơ bản như nhau. Nhưng xét chung các yêu cầu khác, bài A chỉ đạt điểm 5+, bài B đạt 7+. Học sinh có thể lưu ý được những điểm còn hạn chế ở bài viết A như: lỗi ngữ pháp, từ vựng; và đặc biệt là từ ngữ, cấu trúc được sử dụng ở mức cơ bản (basic). Trong khi đó, cách sử dụng từ vưng, cấu trúc, và cả cách diễn đạt ý trong bài B đã đạt trình độ cao hơn rất nhiều ( điểm 7+) khi bài viết đã dùng được cấu trúc linh hoat, từ vựng đạt mức advance. Bài viết gọn gàng, khúc chiết. Dạng bài 2: Agumentative essays Bài tập 1: Write about the following topic: Nowadays, more people are migrating to other countries than ever before. In order to become intergrated into society in their adopted countries, immigrants should abandon their old ways and adapt to local customs and codes of behaviors. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience. Model answer A: Migration is a not a new phenomenon, but in the era of globalization there have been increasing number of people migrate to developed countries for many reasons. One of the hot topics is that whether people need to adapt and integrate themselves into their host societies. Although there are valid arguments on the contrary, but in my essay I will argue that it is the responsibility and beneficiary of immigrants to adapt to the rules and cultures in the host country with following reasons. To begin with, it is very essential for newcomers to observe the law for the sake of the social order in the adopted country regardless of the difference to the law in their 11
12. home down. For instance, the traffic rules, we can imagine how much chaos would be if people refuse to drive on the same side of the road. Some further instance of practices which may be permitted in some countries but prohibited in others are gambling and the procession of firearms. Secondly and equally important, In order to soon to merge into a new community it is very crucial that new comers need to learn and respect the societal custom and culture of their adopted country. For instance, Learning native language is one of the key factors that enables people to communicate and interact with local inhabitants, and this will certainly accelerate the transition to the new country. People should positively think that it is not about giving up your old culture, but making the effort to learn something new and adapt yourselves into a new environment. In conclusion, I restate my view is that new immigrants need to adapt and integrate into their new country. As it is my belief that a strong society is a harmonious society with shared values and goals, which eventually benefits both individuals and the country. Model answer B: These days, migration has become the major concern for many people world wide. More and more people tend to leave their home country migrating to a foreign one due to political, economical or religious reasons, and many of them suffer to adapt to the new environment, but should they change their ways and methods in order to fit in this new society? In my opinion, I disagree up to a point because of the following reasons: First, moving to another country should not erase your identity because you do not belong to there. You should always be proud of wherever you are and pick the things that fit your culture and beliefs from new environment. In other words, for example, respecting the law, being friendly and cooperative. In addition, people who change their identity because of migrating to another country will not be respected by the people of their home. it is very important to show the people of the where you migrated the differences between your and their culture and that you will not replace your opinions because 12
13. of changing the place where you live because will make you feel like you are a There is a possibility that people will accept the difference and will help you to adapt the new atmosphere. So if you changed your ways, it would be like you left them for no reason. In my opinion, it is better to strive a little to save your culture. Summing up, many people face the choice of migration those days and tend to take it, but I believe if they did, should not make them erase their identity or change their ways. you should only be brave enough to show the difference and people may accept it easily. saving your ideas and being proud of your country will make you more respected and provide you with confidence and inner peace you should accept some changes, but only those changes which you are sure they are right Bài tập 2: Write about the following topic: Men and women are different in terms of their characteristics and abilities. For this reason, some jobs are better done by men and others by women. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience. Model answer A: It has been widely acknowledged that the number of working women increased significantly over the last century, and they got involved in the different types of works. This topic is in particular importance because the equality between women and men has become one of the most debated issues. This essay will discuss whether both sexes suitable for whatever job or not. On the one hand, the main reason why women and men can occupy the same type of work is related to mental ability and intelligence. There is no relation between individual ability and gender. For example, the most important part when someone applying for a job in most companies is the grade and the certificate rather than the gender. Moreover, there are women who have become a policeman, which is quite dangerous, and they are successful in their careers. On the other hand, there are some types of works which is not suitable for all. Jobs 13
14. that require physical activity, for instance, are more likely to be filled by men such as builder and army. In contrast, women are quite emotional and they have which is called (caring nature), for this reason, they are more suitable to be employed in nursing and caring. In these instances, obviously, women and men have different natural abilities. In conclusion, this essay has looked at whether women and men should have the same jobs or not. It would seem that women and men are capable of having the same type of careers, and individual ability is far important than the gender identity. Perhaps, with the development in the world, females can occupy more sensitive positions. Model answer B: People have different opinions about whether women and men could fit the same type of work or not. Some people argue that both genders have the same capabilities, while others oppose this point of view. This essay will discuss both arguments. On the one hand, people who claim that both men and women could occupy the same types works, based their idea on the fact that the world has changed, these days more and more women go outside to work, and this development has approved that women are able to perform jobs successfully. For instance, many sensitive positions are occupied by women such as politics, teachers and doctors. According to this, it is clear that there is no any difference regarding the gender and the most significant factor is the individual abilities. On the other hand, there are people who said that women and men cannot suit the same type of employment. Due to physical and natural differences, women are not able to choose a career in the army, for example, because these types of jobs are quite difficult, and need a stronger body. In contrast, some jobs are more suitable for women such as nursing and caring, because they have what it is called caring nature. In conclusion, this essay has looked at both views regarding the abilities to suits in different types of works and gender. It would seem that women and men are capable of having the same type of careers and individual ability is far essential than gender 14
15. choice. Bài tập 3: Write about the following topic: Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of the public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience. Model answer A: Millions of people around the world have enjoyed smoking as an avenue for seeking relaxation and pleasure. However, smoking often triggers a wide array of illnesses or even death. It has been argued that in order to promote public health, government should totally disallow cigarettes and other tobacco products. I completely agree with this view. Firstly, smoking is detrimental to physical and mental health. Apart from inducing short-term relaxation benefits, smoking causes many negative consequences. Smokers tend to get sick more easily than non-smokers. Based on this conjecture, governments would incur a large amount of expenses for subsidizing the failing health of smokers. With a ban in place, the general population will get healthier and more productive at work. Secondly, although I can understand why some people oppose the total ban of cigarettes, I do not find those reasons satisfying. For instance, some may argue that the decision to smoke is a form of human right. People should have the free-will to choose whether they want to smoke or not. I find this view very selfish since the health of many non- smokers are affected when they breath in the fumes of nicotine unintentionally. Furthermore, from the monetary viewpoint, some would argue that government could lose tax revenue from the sales of smoking related products. Again, this is myopic since government could actually saves money in the long-term due to lesser expenditure for healthcare subsidies. 15
16. In my opinion, the benefits of banning smoking outweigh the costs. For this reason, government should consider the necessary laws to bring this into effects. Model answer B: Since early in the present century, the detrimental effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products on health has received considerable attention. There is a widely held view that governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products for the sake of protecting public health. While there still remain some valid arguments to the contrary, it is my personal view that cigarettes and tobacco should be made illegal. First of all, it is an indisputable fact that not only does smoking affect negatively on the person smoking but it also has adverse impact on people surrounding. On individual scale, cigarettes and other tobacco products are high in nicotin and harmful chemical substances that are responsible for countless ailments and even death. Moreover, although I certainly agree that smoking can stimulate good mood and excitement, its cost and negative effects on health in the long run are significant. In other words, while smoking is beneficial in the long term, its long term effect are generally negative. Therefore, laws prohibiting smoking would be entirely justified. Further and even more importantly, people spend a great deal of money on cigarettes and other tobacco products per anum, which is really harmful to the host economy. It is estimated that it costs about 2 dollars to buy a pack of cigarettes and each adult consume approximately 2 packs every day. What is more is that it is prohibitively expensive to cure smoking- related ailments. It costs national budget millions of dollar yearly. It either costs smokers time and money to heal their illness or interrupt manufacturing because of the lack of healthy labor. By way of conclusion, I once again affirm my position that government should take the responsibility of controlling the trade and consume of cigarettes and other tobacco products for the sake of the shared benefit of society. In years to come, I believe that public education in terms of danger potential of smoking and laws banning consuming cigarettes and tobacco goods should be warranted. Bài tập 4: Write about the following topic: 16
17. Trying to save endangered animal species from extinction is a waste of valuable resources. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience. Model answer A: Over the past few decades, endangered animals protection has never failed to draw public attention in many countries around the world. Some people believe that these species are worst to protecting because of wasting resources; I completely disagree with this point of view. Firstly, it is indispensable that animals play an important role on maintaining balance of nature. Ecosystems are delicate arrangements where plants and animals all depend on each other for survival. The disappearance or introduction of any species have brought with it such problems and negative impacts upon others like breaking food chain and alternating natural habitat where they live in. These changes would disrupt the balance of nature, which frequently return to haunt us in unexpected way. For example, the rabbits introduced in Australia soon after the European settlement now compete with native species for food and destroy a vast amount of farmer’s crops, or the extinction of predator could lead to serious plagues by incredibly growth in population of their prey. Besides, it is absurd to argue that preserving endangered animals is waste of valuable resources. In fact, protecting animal’s natural habitats ensures their survival, and almost scientists agree that these habitats are also crucial for human life. Rainforests, for example, produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and stabilize Earth’s climate. If we destroyed these areas, the costs of managing the resulting changes would far outweigh the costs of conservation. Therefore, by saving animals habitats can human maintain the natural balance of all life on Earth. In conclusion, apart from aforementioned reasons above, I reaffirm that protecting endangered species is necessary and we should try our best to do this. 17
18. Model answer B: The issue of whether or not we should strive to protect wild species on the verge of extinction is definitely controversial. In spite of many arguments of some people that people will squander various resources for no useful purpose when saving wildlife, it is my personal belief that we should take initiatives to preserve them for the sake of ourselves. First of all, it is undeniable that animal species have played a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. A natural environment is a place where numerous plants and animals depend on each other for existence. The disappearance of any species might have a negative impact on the whole flora and fauna. It may result in breaking the food chain and altering the habitat where people also dwell in. For example, many wild animals kill rats and protect farmers’ crops from being destroyed by those harmful preys. The extinction of predator animals might allow rats to reproduce uncontrollably and even lead to outbreaks of plague. Another justification is that all the plants and living creatures have incalculable intrinsic value. Even if endangered species do not have any practical use, they should be preserved nevertheless. The reason is that the destruction of forest caused by humans has recently posed a threat to natural inhabitants. Our severe damage to the environment has resulted in a reduction in the number of rare species all over the world. Thus, we should make every possible effort to compensate for the risks suffered by animals on the brink of disappearance. In conclusion, I firmly hold the view that it would be human responsibilities to protect natural animals from dying out due to their benefits to the global environment. Dạng bài 3: Dạng bài: Discussive essays (Cause and effects/and solutions) Bài tập 1: Write about the following topic: These days, it seems that an increasing number of people are leaving rural areas to live in the city. Discuss some of the effects of rural depopulation (migration from the country 18
19. to the city), and suggest some ways on which this trend could be reserved. Model answer A: The world has never witnessed such a great influx of population in cities from rural areas that it did in the last decade. Cities are already over-populated, polluted and cramped with an overwhelming number of people. Only decentralisation and mandatory relocation can reverse the scenario. To begin with, only 20 percent of the world population lived in cities at the beginning of the 20th century while this has already escalated to over 80%. This over-population in cities increases the crime rate, contribute to environmental pollution, decline the life- standard, increase competition and make healthy living a dream. The traffic congestion is a direct result of rural depopulation and housing problem in cities are getting worse day by day. According to a recent study, the lifestyle of cities is declining faster with the dramatic increase of its population. To stop people from moving to metropolitan areas the government has to adopt decentralisation policy. If enough facilities and employment opportunities are created in the rural areas, people would not move to cities, at least this could be hoped. The underlying reason people move to a big city is to have a better job and better facilities. To reverse the trend the government has to start big projects to empower the rural people and forcibly move many factories and facilities to nearby countrysides. Education, treatment and entertainment facilities in cities attract many rural people and the only way to stop this influx of people is to add those facilities to countrysides. In conclusion, cities become less suitable for living with the inflow of rural people who come to have a better life but eventually face more problems. Decentralisation could be a very effective solution to shift this concerning trend. Model answer B: Ever increasing migration from rural areas to cities has grabbed attentions of the authorities and this is a serious concern in some countries. This essay will connote the over-population of metropolises as one of the profound impacts of this phenomenon and will submit the facilitating, specifically entertainment and 19
20. employment, as a solution to reverse it. Undoubtedly, an escalating number of city-dwellers, particularly in mega cities is going to become a major challenge for the municipalities and state authorities, which could considerably stem from depopulation of rural areas. As a case in point, a vast number of the country residents have immigrated to Tehran in recent years. Because of this, Tehran has become well-pronounced as one of the most populous capitals in the globe, with which it has confronted a diversity of stumbling blocks concerning urban management. It seems that urban living attractions can be the root reason behind this issue. It is obvious that straightening out the problem of rural depopulation would not be practically simple. Yet, governments' investing in facilitating rural areas by recreation facilities and creating more job opportunities could be somehow an effective action in terms of persuading rustic people to stay in their places rather than experiencing an unclear future in big cities. To illustrate, some way-out cities in Europe have implemented loads of projects concerning installing some recreation centres near the countries, which have notably appealed the rural people. By this way, it has been possible to control the migration to cities. Besides, many rural people migrate to cities for better jobs, treatments or education. Establishing quality schools, healthcare centres and creating more employment facilities could effectively reduce the number of people migrate to cities from rural areas each year. By way of conclusion, it can be mentioned that a prudent but not the only solution to overcome the issue of increasing migration to cities is the providing attention- grabbing resorts for them in near places, establishing more hospitals and schools and creating more job scopes, which will lead rural people to remain in countrysides. Bài tập 2: Write about the following topic: With divorce rates and family breakdowns increasing globally, it is generally accepted that families today are not as close as they used to be. Discuss the causes of this problem and offer some possible solutions to it. Model Answer A: 20