Sleeping in my car (Roxette)

Writing (4) - Guide to write an essay

Tips to write an essay

An informal letter describing a house for rent
Writing a story
A semi-formal trasanctional letter
An essay providing solutions to problems
A for and against essay
An opinion essay
An article describing a visit to a place
An assessment report
A letter to the editor
A formal transactional letter
A letter to apply for a job
A letter of complaint
News reports
Reviews


Writing is a post of this blog with some pieces of advice to learn and practice this skill.

Raindrops keep falling on my head (BJ Thomas)

Reviews

A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine, newspaper, etc giving a brief description and evaluation of a film, book, play, TV/radio programme, etc. It may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its intended readership, and is usually written using present tenses.

A successful review should consist of:

a) an introduction (paragraph 1) which mentions the title, the type of book/play/film/etc, the setting (when/where), the theme, the main characters, etc.

b) a main body of two more paragraphs containing the mian points of the plot (without revealing the ending), and evaluating such features as the acting, writing style, direction, characters, etc.

c) a conclusion (final paragraph) which includes an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation, usually with justification.

You may also be asked to give reasons why someone should see the film/play or read the book, how it has influenced you, etc. Note that the number and lenght of paragraphs varies depending on the topic.

Useful Language

To begin reviews

This well-written/informative/fascinating/thought-provoking book is...

The film/book/play/etc is set in.../is place is.../tells the story of.../is based on...

The film/play stars.../is directed by.../is the sequel to...

To end reviews

You should definitely see/read...

Don't miss it/You might enjoy...

All in all, it is well worth seeing/reading, since...

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend it, in view of the fact that...

It is a classic of its kind/It is sure to be a hit/best-seller...

To explain the plot

The plot revolves around.../involves.../focuses on.../has an unexpected twist.

The story begins with.../unfolds/reaches a dramatic climax with...

Evaluating various features

The play/film/series has a strong/star-studded/mediocre cast.

The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak/disappointing/unconvincing.

               |gripping/dramatic/fascinating/suspense-filled/fast-moving.

The cast is|

               |far-fetched/predictable/confusing/dull/unimaginative.

The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane.

It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively/written/directed.

Example: Write a film review.

Night at the museum

Night at the museum, a comedy directed by Shawn Levy, is set in New York and tells the story of Larry (Ben Stiller) who is divorced and has a son.

The film begins with Larry looking for a job. Very soon he begins to work in the Natural History Museum as a night guard. Everything at the museum (miniatures, stuffed animal and statues) gains life when night comes.

Although the plot is oversimplified, and predictable for some critics, it makes you forget your problems and have a good time. This film, which has been a box-office hit, has a star-studded cast: you can see famous actors such as Robin Williams and Owen Wilson among others as supporting actors. As regards Ben Stiller,he is not a magnificent actor and does not deserve an Oscar but he makes you laugh your head off.

Special effects are impressive because they seem so real when all the items of the museum gain life and behave as living creatures.

On the whole, I would recommend it for those who enjoy watching comedy films, in view of the fact that this film is enjoyable and amusing: you will not know what getting bored means.

Idiom of the day (49)

When it rains, it pours.

Siempre llueve sobre mojado.

Interview with Tom Cruise

A good way to practice the listening skill...

10 libros gratis en PDF para aprender inglés

Si quieres 10 libros gratis en PDF para aprender inglés, sólo tienes que pinchar aquí.

Cortesía de http://www.oyejuanjo.com/, blog educativo.

Waterloo (Abba)

Ejercicios de pronunciación

Ejercicios de pronunciación - Inglés básico

Ejercicios inglés - pronunciar inglés

Pronunciación en inglés - Ejercicios inglés online

Vídeos de youtube:

News reports

A news reports is a brief piece of writing for publication in a newspaper, giving factual information concerning an important current event. It is formal and impersonal in style, presenting facts objectively and unemotionally.

A successful report should consist of:

a) a headline which is short and eye-catching, giving the reader an idea of the subject of the report.

b) an introductory paragraph (paragraph 1) which summarises the event, including information about the people involved, the place, the time, etc (what/who/where/when/how/why).

c) a main body (paragraphs 2-3-4) in which the relevant information is developed in detail, including an explanation of the cause(s) and/or result(s) of the event.

d) a conclusion (final paragraph) which mentions the significance of the event, future action to be taken, reactions/comments of a witness/spokesperson, etc.

Points to consider

Comments made by witnesses, victims, the police, etc may be given in direct or reported speech:

     "We won't give in." commented a workers' spokesman.

     The two boys later admitted that what they had done was wrong.

Passive voice and appropiate reporting verbs (e.g. confessed, protested, etc) are widely used in news reports, together with a range of linking words and time expressions.

Example: You can find hundreds of examples of news reports in all the newspapers which are in the "Prensa digital en ingles" section of this blog.

Idiom of the day (48)

The best things in life are free.

Lo que no cuesta dinero, siempre es bueno.

Spain's millenary olive oil: New taste for ancient flavor

http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/24/foodanddrink/millenary-olive-trees-spain/

Breathless (The Corrs)

Idiom of the day (47)

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

No se puede tener todo.

A letter of complaint

Introduction

First paragraph = state your complaint, including details of what has happened and where/when the incident took place.

      Mild

     I am writing in connection with.../to complain about...the terrible 

     behaviour/attitude/rudeness of...

     I am writing to draw your attention to...which...

      Strong

     I wish to bring to your attention a problem which arose due to your

     staff/inefficiency...

     I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction/unhappines at...

     I wish to express my dissatisfaction/unhappines with the 

     product/treatment I received from (your staff) on (September 22nd)

Main body

Second, third and fourth paragraph = present each of the specific points you are complaining about. You start a new paragraph for each point and justify theses points by giving examples and reasons.

Closing remarks

Last paragraph = explain what you expect to happen (to be given a refund/replacement/apology/etc)

      Mild

     I hope you will replace... 

     I feel/believe that I am entitled to a replacement/refund...

     I hope that this matter can be resolved/dealt with promptly.

      Strong

     I insist on/I demand a full refund/an immediate replacement or I shall be

     forced to take legal action/the matter further.

     I hope that I will not be forced to take further action. 

Example: You recently hired a car for a part of your holidays. However, there were several problems with the arrangements. Write a letter of complaint to the manager/manageress explaining the problems and requesting compensation.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the service I received when I rented one of your cars on 20th July.

Firstly, I had specially requested a four-door model. However, I was given a smaller two-door version which, apart from being too small for my needs, was clearly in need of extensive repair. Despite my objections, your employees informed me that it was the only car available and assured me that it was in perfect order. Having no other alternative, so I accepted the vehicle.

Contrary to what I had been told, there were, in fact, several things wrong with the car. Despite the fact that I had driven it for only one hour, I was forced to stop when the engine showed signs of overheating. Having added two litres of water to the radiator, I was able to continue, although during the course of my journey a knocking sound from the engine became increasingly persistent and the windscreen wipers stopped working.

My subsequent journey was most uncomfortable. Not only did I have the worry of driving a car which was not roadworthy, but I also had to stop on three occasions to refill the radiator. Finally, I had no choice but to leave the car at your Oxford branch and continue my journey using public transport.

I feel that your employees acted irresponsibly in issuing a car which was not safe to drive, and I believe I am entitled to compensation for the interruption to my holiday. I therefore request that you send me the sum of 200€ to cover the cost of my train ticket and compensate me after the distress I was forced to suffer as a result of your neglicence.

I insist that you give this matter your urgent attention, otherwise I will be forced to take legal action.

Yours faithfully,

Mr S. Mallison

Idiom of the day (46)

You could've heard a pin drop.

No se oía ni una mosca.

Let it be (The Beatles)

Idiom of the day (45)

There's always a catch.

No hay miel sin hiel.

A letter to apply for a job

A letter to apply for a job is also known as letters of application or cover letters. You can write to apply for a job or a course.

Introduction

First paragraph = opening remarks

     - Reason for writing

     - The name of the job/course, where and when you saw it advertised

Main body

Second, third and/or four paragraphs = you give details

     - Age, present job and/or studies

     - Qualifications

     - Experience

     - Skills and personal qualities that are suitable for the job/course

Conclusion

Last paragraph = closing remarks

     - When you are available for interview

     - Where and when you can be contracted

     - A remark that you hope that you application will be considered

Example of a letter to apply for a job:

                                                                                         18 Kings Road

                                                                               Birminghan, M24 6HD

                                                                                         June 16, 2003

Mr P Bradley

Trans Europe Tours,

17 Bridge Street,

Cambridge, SW12

Dear Mr. Bradley,

I am writing to apply apply for the position of travel courier, which I saw advertised in the February edition of Sunshine Holidays.

As outlined in my curriculum vitae, which I have enclosed, I have got a degree in Modern Languages from Bristol University. I have been working as a travel courier for the las two years.

I believed that I would be an ideal candidate for the position because I speak French, German and Spanish fluently and I have got a working knowledge of Greek. This makes me capable of dealing with people from different countries. Besides, I am outgoing, talkative and friendly, which are the perfect qualities for a travel courier. Apart from this, my time spent traveling around Europe gives me a valuable knowledge of several countries. Therefore, I would be good at showing people all those places.

I thank you for considering my application and am willing to attend an interview at any time.

Yours sincerely,

J. Henderson

Idiom of the day (44)

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Nadie está contento con lo que tiene.