WRITING PARAGRAPH

I/ FORM
1. Agree or Disagree – Arguments/Opinion
2. Advantages and Disadvantages.
3. Problem and Solution.
4. Discussion (Both views)
II/ HOW TO WRITE
1. Arguments.
1.1. Characters to realise.
- To what extend do you agree or disagree?
- What is your opinion on ….?
- Do you agree or disagree?
1.2. Ways to write.
 Structure
A- Introduction: Câu dẫn  Thesis (chủ đề)  Agree/disagree
+ Agree: Personally, I agree that…….
+ Disagree: Many people argue that …… However, I believe that ….
+ Neutral: To a certain extent I agree that ……However, I also belive that ….
 Languages:
- Câu dẫn:
Some peo believe/think/argue that …..
Many people choose/support … that…
No one can deny the fact that…..
There is no denying that …..
It is true that…….
It is no doubt true that…..
- Câu đưa ra ý kiến.
I would argue that ……
I agree/ disagree with/ that……
Personally, I completely/ strongly agree/disagree with/that….
In my opinion/view, ……
Personally, I belive that…… ;therefore, I disagree/ agree that……

Everyone agrees that

Everyone knows that

Everyone will agree on the fact that…

It is a well-known fact that…

VP-ing …is one of the most … / E.g. Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly ways to move
around a town / Cycling is one of the healthiest exercises that we can do today.

B- Body:
 Listing idea 01: supporting - example
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  Listing idea 02: supporting - example
 Listing idea 03: supporting - example
- Useful Languages:
To list arguments in the main body: In the first place, First of all, To start with, To
begin with, Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally, In addition (to this), Furthermore,
Moreover, Besides, last but not least

Presenting arguments for: The main/first/most important advantage of ..., One major
advantage of ..., A further advantage ..., One/Another/An additional advantage of ..., One
point of view in favour of ..., It is often suggested/believed/argued that ..., Some/Many
people suggest/feel/argue that ..., Some/Many people are in favour of/are convinced that ...,
Presenting arguments against: One major disadvantage of ..., The main/most important
disadvantage/drawback of ..., One/Another/An additional disadvantage of ..., One
point/argument against ..., Some/Many people are against ...,
Presenting examples, causes and results: for example/instance, such as, like, in
particular,therefore, for this reason, because, as, since, as a result,
To add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition to,
besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that, etc.
To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, despite/in spite of (the fact),
while, nevertheless, even though, although, it can be argued that, one can argue that, etc.
To conclude: to conclude/sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the
whole, taking everything into account, taking all this into account/consideration, above all,
as was previously stated, etc.
Useful Phrases for Writing Opinion Essays
To list points: In the first place, first of all, to start with, in the first place, etc.
To add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in
addition to, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that, etc.
To introduce conflicting viewpoints: It is argued that, people argue that, opponents of this
view say, there are people who oppose, etc.
To express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, etc.
Transition Words useful for Argument Writing
To show… Words/Expressions to Use

Similarity also, in the same way, just as, likewise, similarly

But, however, in spite of, on the one hand, on the other hand,
nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the
Exception/Contrast contrary, still yet

Sequence/Order First, second, third…, next, then, finally

After, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier,

immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously,
Time subsequently, then

Example For example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate

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 Emphasis Even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly, without question, clearly,

Place/Position Above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there

Cause and Effect Accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus

Additional Support Additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important,
or Evidence further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then

Finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the

final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum,
Conclusion/Summary to sum up, in summary

PRACTICE

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 Is television a positive or a negative influence on our lives?

Exercise 1: Put these sentences in the suitable arragements to make a meaningful

paragraph.

A- It is worth remembering that despite being criticised for being a passive and lazy
activity, watching television can be relaxing and help you to unwind after a long hard day
at work.

B- In spite of this, TV can have a huge influence on the way we think, the things we buy
and who we vote for. If we are not careful it could brainwash us.

C- In addition to this, even though young children could be affected by the violence and
sex on TV, there is also a wide selection of educational programmes such as documentaries
and nature programmes.

D- It is true that watching television is cheaper than going to the cinema or the theatre.

E- However, it can be addictive and it may stop people from leaving their houses and
socialising. F- Another point is that television often stops people talking to each
other whereas if you live alone it can provide company.

G- To sum up, with a television you can travel the world in your living room, and also see
world sporting events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup.

Exercise 2.
Some people think that reading books is better than watching Tv. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
WRITING FOR THESE ………..
It’s reasonable to say that …………………………… . First of all, ……………., viewers
will be …………………. by the sounds and images. But/ However, …………….., they
will completely …………………… what they are reading. What’s more, reading books
helps ………………………. because with words only in the mind, in order to understand
them, it ís necessary to draw something in the head . This ís the process of creation. The
truth is that when watching pictures and hearing available sounds, people are
…………………………….. , so the brain may become inactive.
…………………………, reading provides a great source of information, which is the
input for writing, then help improve other productive skills and vocabulary , together with
…………………………….. contexts. …………………….Weighing the two activities,
reading is more advisable than watching due to its enormous benefits for the development
of civilization.

Exercise 3. WRITE THE TOPIC SENTENCES OF PARAGRAPHS.

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Task1: Nowadays, computers are an important part of most people’s lives. This change
has improved the way they live. Do you agree or disagree?

You:

Your friend:

Task 2: Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to
pay taxes that support the state education system. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with statement?

You:

Your friend

Task 3: There have been major advances in technology over recent decades and this has
led to significant improments in people’s lives. Do you agree with that?

You:

Your friend

Samples of writing (THAM KHẢO).

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 1. Write a paragraph OF 140 words to talk about benefits of reading books.

Among various kinds of media, books are considered as a traditional one, also bring a lot
of benefits. As far as I am concerned, there are many types of books that play specifically
different roles such as: literature books, comic books, political books, text books, ect.
Firstly, books provide a means of getting information. For instance, when we want to know
about a famous politician, we read books of politics. Pupils who are looking for an answer
to a math problem may find a formula in math references, ect. Secondly, books help us
relax. For example, when we get bored, reading a funny story is a good way to release the
stress, or if the children are in tense of studying, they can read a comic book to loosen
their mind. Thirdly, books are regarded as a kind of entertainment at weekends or when we
are free, reading a book is an enjoyable hobby. In general, reading book has enormous
advantages that are good for everyone.
2. Write a paragraph ( 140 words) about the advantages and disadvantages of playing games

Video games are one of the main reasons why children are attracted to the computer. Not
only do they have a bad impact on gamers but they also give some advantages to some
extent. Firstly, in terms of positive effects, playing these games is associated with the
improvements in brain function such as hand- eye coordination and faster reaction time,
thus helping children enhance some basic skills. Secondly, simple games can improve the
players’ moods and promote relaxation. However, with regard to negative effects, video
games can cause some health problems like short- sightedness and headache due to long
hours of playing. Moreover, when spending much time playing games, and less time on
social activities, gamers become shy and introvert. Lastly, many games today are violent ,
causing gamers to lose control, and become more aggressive. In total, it is clear that the
disadvantages far outweigh the advantages so the amount of time for video games should
be controlled.
3. Write a paragraph ( 140 words) about the benefits of studying in a gifted school.
A gifted school is really a good environment to study and cultivate the mind. We can see that
studying in a gifted school brings us many benefits. Firstly, if you are a student in a gifted school, you will
have good conditions to develop your abilities in your favorite subjects, you will build dream and orient
your future career. Secondly, most of the teachers in the gifted school are good, well- qualified and e
enthusiastic. They always create comfortable studying atmosphere for the students to receive knowledge
easily. Besides, there are many valuable scholarships for good students, especially for those who are in
difficulties. Finally, the gifted school always has modern facilities such as labs, libraries, sport grounds ,
which enables students to study effectively and relax comfortably as well. In total, the gifted school is
obviously beneficial. Therefore, we need to make the best use of it to have the best results.

4. Write a paragraph ( 140 words) about the benefits of computer.

Computers are considered one of the best inventions in the world because of the enormous benefits
they offer. First of all, computers serve as a major source of information. With the aid of the internet,
searching for information has never been more instant and convenient. We can also update ourselves
with the latest occurrences in the world with just some simple mouse clicks. In addition, computers are
advantageous in terms of education. There are a number of websites for teaching and learning which
greatly assist students in their self- study. Another plus point of using a computer is that it provides a
means of entertainment. We can watch films, play games or read comics in our free time. Besides, it
gives us obvious advantages with regard to communication. Distance is no longer a matter of concern
when we can send emails, chat, make video call freely. In short, computers have become an
indispensible device in the life of human beings.

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5. Some people think that reading books is better than watching Tv. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

It’s reasonable to say that reading has more benefits than watching TV . First of all,
watching TV, viewers will be distracted by the sounds and images. But regarding reading,
they will completely concentrate on what they are reading. What’s more, reading books
helps improve one’s imagination because with words only in the mind, in order to
understand them, it ís necessary to draw something in the head . This ís the process of
creation. The truth is that when watching pictures and hearing available sounds, people are
just thinking of nothing farther , so the brain may become inactive. Last but not least,
reading provides a great source of information, which is the input for writing, then help
improve other productive skills and vocabulary , together with how to use them in proper
contexts. Weighing the two activities, reading is more advisable than watching due to its
enormous benefits for the development of civilization
6. Is television a positive or a negative influence on our lives?

It is true that watching television is cheaper than going to the cinema or the
theatre. However, it can be addictive and it may stop people from leaving their houses and
socialising. Another point is that television often stops people talking to each
other whereas if you live alone it can provide company. It is worth remembering
that despite being criticised for being a passive and lazy activity, watching television can
be relaxing and help you to unwind after a long hard day at work. In addition to this, even
though young children could be affected by the violence and sex on TV, there is also a
wide selection of educational programmes such as documentaries and nature programmes.
To sum up, with a television you can travel the world in your living room, and also see
world sporting events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup. In spite of this,
TV can have a huge influence on the way we think, the things we buy and who we vote for.
If we are not careful it could brainwash us.