FCE writing about public transportation

writing

Part 1

Essay

1  Read the following Writing Part 1 instructions. How would you answer the essay question and what could you say for each of the three 'Things to write about' in the Notes?

In your English class you have been talking about travel and tourism. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Essay question

is it better to spend a summer holiday in the countryside or on the coast?

Notes

write about:

1 leisure options 

2 climate

3 ...........................(your own idea)

2  Read the answer below to the question in exercise 1.

What is the writer's 'own idea' for number 3 of the Notes section in the question? How similar is the essay to the one you would have written if you had answered the question?

A summer holiday by the sea

without  doubt, the best place to spend the summer is on the coast, which generally has far more advantages for the holidaymaker than the countryside.

For one thing, in the countryside there is ont much to do apart from walking and visiting villages, whereas the coast offers a wider range of possibilities for the tourist. you can stroll around seaside villages, but you can also spend the day on the beach, take part in watersports such as sailing and surfing, eat in a variety of restaurants and go to clubs and bars in the evening.

secondly, in July and August it is usually cooler on the coast than in the countryside, and therefore much more pleasant. it is not surprising that most people head for the beach during the hot summer months. Another positive point is that, because so many people choose the coast as their holiday destination, there are more opportunities to make new friends than in the countryside.

in my opinion, then, the coast offers the chance of a far more varied and enjoyable summer holiday than the countryside.

3  a What linking devices does the writer use to introduce each of the three points from the Notes section in the question.

e.g. For one thing

b What other linking devices does the writer use?

4  a Read the following Writing Part 1 instructions.

In your English class you have been talking about travel and transport. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Write your essay in 140-190 words.

b Decide on your third point. This will depend on the situation in your area and the answer you give, but here are some possible options:

• comfort
• frequency
• noise and pollution
• parking facilities

c Make a brief plan before writing your essay.

Write down ideas for each of the three points in the Notes section. Select those you wish to include and decide how you will organize them into paragraphs.

Now you are ready to write your essay.

Essay question

is it better to use the car or public transport in your town or area?

Notes 

write about :

1  journey times 

2  cost

3 ...............(your own idea)

Don't forget!

Include a brief introduction and conclusion in your essay.

Write in a consistently formal or neutral style.

Include a range of language and avoid repetition.

Use appropriate linking devices (see exercise 3 above and page 39 of Unit 3).

Check your work when you have finished.