WRITING 3

- Logical divisions of ideas (advantages, disadvantages, …)

1. An exciting experience in your life

- Classification
1. Ways of saving money
2. Styles of eating in the cafeteria
3. Methods of studying for a final examination

- Cause/Effect
1. Causes of childhood obesity in western society.
2. Causes of stress in modern society
3. Effects of watching too much TV on young children
4. Effects of social media
5. Effects of alcohol abuse

- Problem/Solutions
1.Solutions for childhood obesity

3. FORMAT OF EXAM PAPER

PART 1: Make a detailed outline from the following paragraph. (2 marks)

(This part requires you to make an outline from a paragraph taken from
your coursebook.)

1. The Student Center

Eating in the Student Center is a pleasant experience. First the food is

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 excellent. It is well prepared, it tastes delicious, and there are many different
kinds of food like hamburger, tacos, pizza, and chicken. Moreover, each
person serves his or herself, selecting just what he or she wants. Second, the
environment in the Student Center is positive. Many happy young people are
talking and laughing. However, the atmosphere is still calm; it’s possible to
study and do homework. Finally, there are many friendly people in the
Student Center. Even the strangers say, “Hi!” and offer to share their tables. When
that happens, practice in speaking English and friendship often
follow. For these reasons, it is nice to go to the Student Center cafeteria once
in a while to enjoy the eating, studying, and talking with new people

Topic sentence: Eating in the Student Center is a pleasant experience.

       A. The food is excellent
         1. The food is well prepared and delicious.
         2. There are different kinds of food like hamburgers, tacos, pizza, and chicken. 
         3. Each person serves himself or herself, selecting just what he or she want. 
     B. The environment in the Student Center is positive.
        1. Many happy young people are talking and laughing.
        2. The atmosphere is still calm, possible to study and do homework.
  C. Many people are friendly in the Student Center.
       1. People can share tables with friendly strangers.
+ People can practice speaking English and friendship follow.

Concluding sentence : For these reasons, it is nice to go to the Student Center cafeteria
once in a while to enjoy eating, studying, and talking with new people.

2. My Job in an Apple Plant

Working in an apple plant was the worst job I ever had. First of all, the work
was physically hard. For ten hours a night, I took cartons that rolled down a
metal track and stacked them onto wooden stands in a tractor-trailer. Each
carton contained twenty-five pounds of bottled apple juice, and they came
down the track fast. The second bad feature of the job was the pay. I was
getting the minimum wage at that time, $3.25 an hour. I had to work over sixty
hours a week to get a decent minute breaks and an unpaid half hour for lunch.
Most of my time was spent outside loading dock in the freezing cold. I was very
lonely on the job because I had no interests in common with the other workers.
I felt this isolation especially when the production line shut down for the night,

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 and I spent two hours by myself cleaning the apple vats. The vats were an ugly
place to be on a cold morning, and the job was a bitter one to have

Topic sentence: Working in an apple plant was the worst job I ever had
A. The work was physically hard. 
1. The worker took cartons that rolled down a metal track and stacked them onto
wooden stands in a tractor-trailer.

B. Bad feature of the job was the pay. 

1. The worker was getting the minimum wage at that time, $3.25 an hour. 
2. The worker had to work over 60 hours a week decent minute breaks and an
unpaid half hour for lunch.

C. He work was not interesting felling. 

1. Most of my time was spent outside the loading dock in the freezing cold.
2. The worker had no interests in common with the other workers.
3. The worker felt this isolation especially when the production line shut down
for the night and have to spend two hours by himself cleaning the apple vats.

Concluding sentence: The vats were an ugly place to be on a cold morning, and the job
was bitter
3.Changes in the Family
Changes in our society in recent years have weakened family life. First of all,
today’s mothers spend much less time with their children. A generation ago,
most houses got by on Dad’s paycheck, and Mom stayed home. Now many
mothers work, and their children attend an after school program, stay with a
neighbor, or go home to an empty house. Another change is that families no
longer eat together. In the past, Mom would be home and fix a full dinnersalad, pot
roast, potatoes, and vegetables, with homemade cake or pie to top it
off. Dinner today is more likely to be takeout food or TV dinners eaten at home,
or fast food eaten out, with different members of the family eating at different
times. Finally, television has taken the together, family members would have a
chance to eat together, talk with each other, and share event of the day in a
leisurely manner. But now families are more likely to be looking at the TV set
than talking to none another. Many homes even have several TV sets, which
people watch in separate rooms. Clearly, modern life is a challenge to family
life.

Topic sentence: Changes in our society in recent years have weakened family life.

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 A. Today’s mothers spend much less time with their children. 
1. Many mothers work, and their children attend an after-school program, stay
with a neighbor, or go home to an empty house.

B Families no longer eat together. 

1. Dinner today is more likely to be takeout food, TV dinners eaten at home, or fast
food is eaten out
2. Different members of the family eat at different times. 

C. Families are more likely to be looking at the TV set than talking to none another. 
1. Many homes even have several TV sets, which people watch in separate rooms
Concluding sentence: Clearly, modern life is a challenge to family life. 
4.First Dates
A first date can end up being categorized as successful, a clingy, a boastful
or awkward. Successful first dates include both parties expressing information
about what they like, who they are, and so forth. Usually, these dates will end in
tentative plans for a second one. Clingy dates end up with one of the parties
practically begging for information about the other. However, the non-clinger is
not interested. On boastful dates, one member of the duo talks about all of his or
her skills, talents, and abilities. The listening end of the pair is never asked about
his or her life. Awkward first dates generally involve lots of silence or one or both
of the partners not knowing how to act appropriately. While many dates occur
every day, they can generally fall into one of these categories.

Topic sentence: A first date can end up being categorized as successful, a clingy, a boastful
or awkward.

A. Successful first date

1. Both parties express information about what they like, who they are, and so forth
2. These dates will end in tentative plans for a second one
B. Clingy date
1. One of the parties practically begging for information about the other
2. The non-clinger is not interested.
C. Awkward date
1. It generally involves lots of silence
2.One or both of the partners not knowing how to act appropriately
Concluding sentence: While many dates occur every day, they can generally fall into one of
these categories.

5.Page 2

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Choosing a college or university can be difficult. The most difficult part is finding
a university that prepares one well for his/her future career. In order to get a good
job, the curriculum that is taught must be thorough and up-to-date. In addition, the
professors must be highly qualified and respected in their fields. Another difficulty in
choosing a university or college is affordability. One needs to be able to pay the
tuition fees and living expenses. Some institutions might be able to offer one
scholarships if he/she cannot afford the fees. A good location is also very important
when choosing a school. The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate
studying. Moreover, there should be possibilities near the school for part-time or
summer jobs in one’s major, so he/she can get some practical work experience. One
should consider all of these points carefully so he/she can choose the most appropriate
college or university for him/he

Topic sentence: Choosing a college or university can be difficult.

A. Finding a university that prepares one well for his/her future career
1. the curriculum that is taught must be thorough and up-to-date
2. the professors must be highly qualified and respected in their fields

B. Affordability is another difficulty

1. Be able to pay the tuition fees and living expenses
2. Be able to offer one scholarship if he/she cannot afford the fees

C. A good location is also very important when choosing a school

1. The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate studying
2. Be possibilities near the school for part-time or summer jobs in one’s major

Concluding sentence: One should consider all of these points carefully so he/she can choose
the most appropriate college or university for him/he
6. Page 2
If you are not too sure how to go about studying a subject on your own, here are
some general tips. First, you should evaluate any courses and learning material
that you may wish to use. See whether the focus of the lessons matches your
interest, whether the explanations are easy to understand, whether the exercises
are useful, whether the general method used is one that allows you to learn
quickly. The next step is to set up a study plan that will break your final goal (e. g.
speaking German fluently) into little steps that are easier to achieve and easier to
control (e. g. study and review one lesson till Wednesday). Even if you're studying
"for fun", without any deadline, you will find that a reasonable deadline you set for
yourself is very helpful to ensure you're making progress. Once you have a study

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 plan, just follow it. Try to learn a little bit every day, even if it is just for 5 minutes,
rather than having long study sessions once a week. Thus, it can be said that
studying without the help from teachers or tutors is not really hard to do.

Topic sentence: If you are not too sure how to go about studying a subject on your own,
here are some general tips.

A. You should evaluate any courses and learning material that you may wish to use
1. See the focus of the lessons, the explanations, the exercises, and the general
method.
2. Set up a study plan that will break your final goal into little steps that are easier
to achieve and easier to control.
B. Follow your study plan
1. Try to learn a little bit every day, even if it is just for 5 minutes.

Concluding sentence: If you are not too sure how to go about studying a subject on your
own, here are some general tips.

PART 2: Make a detailed outline of a ……….. for the following topic.  (3

marks)
(A topic is given and you are asked to make a detailed outline for it.)

PART 3:   Based on the outline you have made in PART 2, write a a complete
academic paragraph on the given topic. (5 marks)
(You are asked to write a complete academic paragraph of the a specified type
from the outline you’ve made in Part 2).

1. An exciting experience in your life

Topic sentence: I had a special experience at Math Open Day at my university yesterday.

A. The progam started with the bustle of a large number of students

1. Students would participate in games related to intelligence
2. Students could discuss with each other math-related issues at school
B. The program ended with the seminar.
1. The MOD seminar discusses creative math learning methods for students
2. The MOD seminar discusses the employment issues of the Mathematics
Department

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Concluding sentence: All in all, it was a productive day for science and math enthusiasts.

I had a special experience at Math Open Day at my university yesterday. My first

impression when entering the venue in the hall was the bustle of a large number of
students who were passionate about science and mathematics. During the school math
day, students would participate in games related to intelligence as well as mathematical
logic. At the same time, students could discuss with each other math-related issues at
school, creating orientations for future career development. An hour later the program
ended with useful activities to enter the seminar. Professors with lectures on creative math
learning methods created excitement for all students in the hall. After that, there was a
question and answer session about career opportunities for math students. Lastly, after
the end of the Math Open Day, I left with a memorable admiration. All in all, it was a
productive day for science and math enthusiasts.
2.Ways of saving money
Topic sentence: Saving money can be divided into three ways: shopping smart, prioritizing
spending, and saving creatively.

A.Shopping smart to save money:

1. Try to find out which store provides the biggest offers on bulk purchasing.
2. Going to the grocery store is the ultimate way to save money.

B. Prioritize Expenses to Save Money:

1. Spend on things that are indispensable for a life – like child education or fixed
household expenses.
2. Cut expense on unnecessary things like leisure activities .

C. Save Money by Being Inventive:

1. Try to cook food at home
2. Try to save water, gas, and electricity

Concluding sentence: In short, there are many ways to save money, it simply helps us
enjoy life more healthier and less expensive way.

Saving money can be divided into three ways: shopping smart, prioritizing spending, and
saving creatively. Smart shopping is a type of saving money. Try to find out which store
provides the biggest offers on bulk purchasing, you can get a lot of stuff here. Another
option is to go to the grocery store, which is the ultimate way to save money. Prioritizing
expenses is also a part of saving money. The income is not going to increase as fast as the
expenses, so you should spend on things that are indispensable for life-like child education

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or fixed household expenses, and cut expenses on unnecessary things like leisure activities.
Save money by being inventive, which becomes more popular in life. So, what you can do?
Try to cook food at home. Once you develop the habit of cooking at home, it will seem
more interesting. Besides, saving water, gas, as well as electricity, will reduce a part of
your bill. In short, there are many ways to save money, it simply helps us enjoy life
healthier and less expensive way.
3.Methods of studying for a final examination
Topic sentence: Methods of studying for the final examination can be divided into three
types: making a timetable, using mind maps, and organizing a study group.

A. Making a timetable for the final examination

1. It helps you organize your time for each subject
2. It creates discipline when studying

B. Using mind maps

1. Mind maps help summarize the main ideas to remember
2. Mind maps give learners a long memory

C. Organizing a study group

1. Study group is a great idea for people who have trouble motivating themselves to
study. 
2. Your group can work through difficult problems together
3. You can ask questions that you would be afraid to ask a teacher.

Concluding sentence: In short, if only you want, you can find out any methods to get a high
result for your final examination.

Methods of studying for the final examination can be divided into three types: making a
timetable, using mind maps, and organizing a study group. Making a timetable helps you
organize your time for each subject, so your study process will be more scientific. In many
cases, students are easily distracted. A timetable can be a useful option to create discipline
when studying. Using mind maps is also a kind of method of learning for a final
examination. While students may feel overwhelmed because there is so much to learn,
mind maps can help summarize the main ideas to remember as well as give learners a long
memory. Last but not least, organizing a study group is never an outdated method. A study
group is a great idea for people who have trouble motivating themselves to study.  On the
other hand, it can be more productive than we think. A study group can work through
difficult problems together and anyone in this group can ask questions that they would be
afraid to ask their teachers. In short, if only you want, you can find out any methods to get
a high result for your final examination.

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4.Causes of childhood obesity in western society
Topic sentence: Causes of childhood obesity in Western society can be divided into three
types: consuming a lot of fast food, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle, and psychological
factors.

A.Consuming a lot of fast food

1. The number of fast-food restaurants appears more and more
2. A lot of food consumed is processed food

B. Maintaining a sedentary lifestyle

1. Children are lack physical activities
2. Children affected by technology

C. Psychological factors.
1. Children eat more to release emotions

Concluding sentence: To sum up, there are a lot of causes of childhood obesity and
obviously, all of them are not beneficial.

Causes of childhood obesity in Western society can be divided into three types: consuming
a lot of fast food, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle, and psychological factors. Fast food
has been proven to be very unhealthy. In recent years, the percentage of overweight
children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years. Over the last
decade, there has been a prolific increase in the number of fast-food restaurants. For
example, on nearly every high street there is a MacDonald’s. This is targeted at children.
However, it is not only due to eating out but also the type of diet many children have at
home. A lot of food consumed is processed food, which is a quick and easy option for
parents who are working hard. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle is also a big reason
for obesity in western children, who don't exercise much are more likely to gain weight
because they don't burn as many calories. Nowadays, almost of western children give
preference to playing computer games or chatting on the internet with their friends rather
than playing outdoor sports. In addition, the causes of childhood obesity in western society
are also related to psychological factors. Some children overeat to cope with problems or
to deal with emotions, such as stress, or to fight boredom. To sum up, there are a lot of
causes of childhood obesity and obviously, all of them are not beneficial.

5.Causes of stress in modern society

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Topic sentence: Causes of stress in modern society can be divided into two types: stress of
the money and stress of the job

A.Stress of the money

1. Elders find that low retirement income causes their stress because it will affect
the quality of health care
2. Parents are stressed when they have to pay a lot of money for their child's
education
3. Newlyweds feel stressed when faced with payments in their life

B.Stress of the job

1. People have to work long hours with strict deadlines
2. People get bored of having to maintain a job

Concluding sentence: In conclusion, it’s no wonder modern life brings us more reasons of
stress

Causes of stress in modern society can be divided into two types: the stress of the money
and the stress of the job. According to the studies, money is the top cause of stress in
modern life. The more modern life is, the more important money is. Elders find that low
retirement income is the main cause of their stress because they have to face many health
cares. Besides, parents are stressed when they have to pay a lot of money for their child's
education as well as expenses for bills. In addition, newlyweds feel stressed when faced
with rent and many other expenses while their jobs are not stable and salaries are low. On
the other hand, most researchers agreed that jobs are an important factor for stress in
modern life. Many causes can contribute to job stress, including too much work, the
working long hours with strict deadlines. Most young people nowadays tend to be bored
with their current jobs, so stress may arise in their decision to change careers. In
conclusion, it’s no wonder modern life brings us more reasons for stress.

6. Effects of watching too much TV on young children

Topic sentence: The effects of watching too much TV on young children can be divided
into two types: exposure to vices and curbs physical activity

A.Exposure to vices
1. Early exposure to inappropriate content that has sex, alcohol, and drugs, could
bring up questions in children
2. Kids watching TV shows based on superheroes may start believing that violence
is not bad.

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B. Limit physical activity
1. Lack of physical activity and too much screen time can lead to vision problems.
2. There is a direct connection between TV time and obesity in kids.
Concluding sentence: In short, watching too much TV will lead to negative consequences
for children's development, so parents need to know how to help children balance time.
The effects of watching too much TV on young children can be divided into two types:
exposure to vices, and limit physical activity. You may also not always be able to control
what your kid watches on the TV. The first effect is exposure to vices. Early exposure to
inappropriate content that has sex, alcohol, and drugs, could bring up questions in
children. The worst part is that early exposure can even give them a distorted view of these
elements. In addition, children watching TV shows based on superheroes may start
believing that violence is not bad because it gives them an idea that it is a “positive” light
in superhero movies. On the other hand, limiting physical activity is also a negative
influence on children. Lack of physical activity and too much screen time can lead to vision
problems . Research has also presented that there is a direct connection between TV time
and obesity in kids. In short, watching too much TV will lead to negative consequences for
children's development, so parents need to know how to help children balance time.
7. Effects of social media
Topic sentence: The effects of social media can be divided into two types: the advantages
and the disadvantages.
A. The advantages
1. Social media makes people easier to make friends
2. Social media allows look up information quickly
3. It opens up the world of entertainment
B. The disadvantages
1. Social media can be addictive
2.  It can lead to poor sleep
3. Cyberbullying can happen
Concluding sentence: In short, social media can bring both positives and negatives, and we
must be aware of them.
The effects of social media can be divided into two types: the advantages and the
disadvantages. Initially, we must have to talk about the advantages of using social
networks. The main benefit is that social media makes people easier to make friends. It
brings people closer together and creates new relationships. Besides, people can contact

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remotely with each other faster without having to care about distance. Social media, was
born around the 20th century, and quickly became an unlimited source of information, so
people can quickly find information. It even opens up the world of entertainment on the
Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc. From another point of view, social media also contains
many disadvantages. Uncontrolled social media usage among teens can lead to internet
addiction. Numerous studies have shown that increased use of social media harms your
sleep quality. People spend too much of their time on social media the modern life. In the
major effects of social media, cyberbullying is an evil that has become such a typical today.
Victims of prolonged cyber-bullying often end up with psychosocial problems like
depression, isolation, stress, anxiety, etc. In short, social media can bring both positives
and negatives, and we must be aware of them.
8. Effects of alcohol abuse
Topic sentence: The effects of alcohol abuse can be divided into two types: influences on
human health and influences on society.
A.Influences on human
1. Alcohol consumption is linked with higher risks of cancer.
2. Alcohol impact on sleep quality
3. Alcohol will damage the brain
B.Influences on social
1. Alcohol causes social evils
2. Alcohol causes of traffic accidents
Concluding sentence: In short, alcohol addiction will cause many bad effects not only for
alcoholics but also for society, so it is necessary to be aware of that.
The effects of alcohol abuse can be divided into two types: influences on human health
and influences on society. Initially, we must talk about influences on humans. Alcohol
consumption is linked with risks of cancer, even higher than smoking heavily. Besides, the
overuse of alcohol might lead to more disrupted sleep in half of the night, you might not
even feel relaxed after sleeping. It even will damage the brain. If you consume high levels
of it, then your brain health would be negatively affected. The negative effects of alcohol
abuse are also reflected in society. It causes social evils. Most people believe that alcohol
abuse is often the cause of fights, and alcoholics tend to be more violent. In recent years,
alcohol addiction is the main cause of traffic accidents, especially during Tet, this rate is
often higher. In short, alcohol addiction will cause many bad effects not only for alcoholics
but also for society, so it is necessary to be aware of that.
9. Solutions for childhood obesity

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Topic sentence: The solutions for childhood obesity can be divided into three types: giving
children healthy food, encouraging children to play sports and restricting the time children
spend on social media
A.Giving children to eat healthy food
1. Limit foods high in sugar and fast food
2. Encourage eating more vegetables
B.Encouraging children to play sports
1. Encourage daily exercise
2. Participate in sports activities such as volleyball, badminton, running, and so on
C. Restricting the time children spend on social media
1. Help children balance time using social networks
Concluding sentence: In conclusion, it is true that obesity among children with its negative
impacts, is growing at an alarming rate but it seems to me that there are many solutions to
tackle this problem.
The solutions for childhood obesity can be divided into three types: giving children healthy
food, encouraging children to play sports, and restricting the time children spend on social
media. Giving children to eat healthy food is one solution. Parents can limit foods high in
sugar and fast food in their children’s diet and encourage them to eat more vegetables.
Besides, parents have to encourage their children to play sports to burn off excess calories.
There are many ways to do this, children should exercise regularly and participate in
necessary sports activities such as volleyball, badminton, running, and so on. This also
helps children avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Almost people support the view that parents
should restrict the time children spend on social media. It can even bring good results
when helping children balance time using social networks. In conclusion, it is clear that
there is a various reason for childhood obesity topic, and step needs to be taken to tackle
this problem.

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