Writing

1. SPEAKING Ask and answer the questions about internet forums.

(Hỏi và trả lời các câu hỏi về diễn đàn internet)

1. What is an internet forum?

2. Have you ever contributed to one? If so, what type of forum was it? Why did you contribute?

Answer:

Student 1: Hey, have you ever heard of internet forums?

Student 2: Yeah, I have. But what exactly are they?

Student 1: Well, an internet forum is a platform for people to discuss different topics and share information with each other. It's like an online discussion board where people can post messages, and others can respond to them.

Student 2: Oh, I see. Have you ever contributed to one?

Student 1: Yes, I have. I used to be a part of a gaming forum where people would discuss different video games and share their strategies. It was pretty cool because I got to learn a lot of new things about the games I was playing.

Student 2: That's interesting. I've never contributed to a forum before. What made you want to contribute?

Student 1: Well, I was looking for some tips on how to beat a certain level in a game, and I stumbled upon the forum. I saw that people were discussing the same level, so I decided to ask for some help. I got some really good tips and ended up beating the level. After that, I started to contribute more to the forum because I wanted to help others out too.

Student 2: That's cool. I might have to check out some forums myself. Is there a specific topic that you think would be interesting to discuss?

Student 1: Yeah, you should definitely check them out. There are forums for just about anything you can think of. If you're interested in music, there are forums for that. If you're interested in cooking, there are forums for that too. It all depends on what you're interested in.

Writing Strategy

Each point in the task will ask you to doa different thing, such as describe, recommend, relate, express an opinion, suggest, etc. Read the task carefully and make sure that you understand exactly what you are being askedtodo.

2. Read the Writing Strategy and the task below. Identify the verbs in each point that tell you what you should do.

(Đọc Chiến lược viết và nhiệm vụ bên dưới. Xác định các động từ trong mỗi điểm cho bạn biết bạn nên làm gì)

You recently bought a new computer. Write a forum post in which you

* describe your experience of using the computer.

* compare it with another computer you have used.

* present the opinions of people who think teenagers rely too much on computers.

* ask other contributors to react to your post.

Answer:

• Describe your experience of using the computer.

• Compare it with another computer you have used.

• Present the opinions of people who think teenagers rely too much on computers.

• Ask other contributors to react to your post.

The verbs in each point are:

• Describe

• Compare

• Present

• Ask

3. Read the forum posts. Did both writers cover all four points in the way described in the task? Explain your answers.

(Đọc các bài viết diễn đàn. Cả hai người viết có trình bày tất cả bốn điểm theo cách được mô tả trong nhiệm vụ không? Giải thích câu trả lời của bạn)

SAM 245

Last month I bought a new laptop. I use it every day for schoolwork and for accessing social media. It’s also great for messaging my friends.

I used to have a desktop computer. Although it was powerful, it was very slow and it didn’t have much storage. Despite its small size, the laptop is lightning-quick and has a massive 1TB hard drive.

Unfortunately my parents are always telling me to get off the computer. They think that teenagers should spend less time interacting with people via a screen and more time talking face-to-face.

I’d be interested to hear what you think about this. Should we spend less time at our computers?

HOLY XX

I love my new PC! It’s an all-in-one desktop with a widescreen display. It’s a really up-to-date model, despite the fact that I got it second-hand on eBay. It’s bright green with a black keyboard and a wireless mouse.

Until now, I’ve always used my mum's old laptop. The screen was much smaller and the operating system was old so it was often impossible to download new software.

I agree that teenagers rely a lot on computers, although I don't really think it’s a serious problem.

What do you think? Do you agree with me? Have you bought a new PC recently? What's it like?

Answer:

Both SAM 245 and HOLY XX covered the first two points of the task, which were to describe their experience of using the computer and to compare it with another computer they have used.

• SAM 245 described their experience of using a new laptop for schoolwork and social media, and compared it with their old desktop computer, which was slow and had little storage.

• HOLY XX described their experience of using a new all-in-one desktop with a widescreen display, which they got second-hand on eBay, and compared it with their mum's old laptop, which had a small screen and an outdated operating system.

However, only SAM 245 covered the third point of the task, which was to present the opinions of people who think teenagers rely too much on computers. They mentioned that their parents often tell them to get off the computer and spend more time talking face-to-face with people. HOLY XX did not cover this point.

Both SAM 245 and HOLY XX covered the fourth point of the task, which was to ask other contributors to react to their post.

• SAM 245 asked for opinions on whether teenagers should spend less time on computers.

• HOLY XX asked for opinions on whether teenagers rely too much on computers and whether others have bought a new PC recently.

LEARN THIS! Concession clauses

a. Using concession clauses can make your arguments more balanced.

b. We can use although or even though to introduce a concession clause. The clause can come before or after the main clause.

The computer is quite powerful even though its quite small.

Although it's quite small, the computer is quite powerful.

c. In spite of and despite also express concession, but are followed by a noun or -ing form, not a clause.

In spite of / Despite its size, it's still quite powerful.

4. Read the Learn this! box. Underline four examples of concession clauses in the forum posts.

(Đọc Learn this. Gạch dưới bốn ví dụ về mệnh đề nhượng bộ trong các bài đăng trên diễn đàn)

Answer:

1. Although it was powerful, it was very slow and it didn’t have much storage.

2. Despite its small size, the laptop is lightning-quick and has a massive 1TB hard drive.

3. I agree that teenagers rely a lot on computers, although I don't really think it’s a serious problem.

4. It’s an all-in-one desktop with a widescreen display. It’s a really up-to-date model, despite the fact that I got it second-hand on eBay.

5. Read the task below. Identify the key words in the four points that tell you what you should do.

(Đọc nhiệm vụ dưới đây. Xác định các từ khóa trong bốn điểm cho bạn biết bạn nên làm gì)

You recently bought a new tablet. Write a forum post in which you

* describe the tablet and some of its features.

* give other forum contributors brief instructions on how to use it or one of its features (e.g. taking a photo).

* give your overall opinion of the tablet.

* explain how it helps you with your schoolwork.

Answer:

The key words in each point are:

1. Describe the tablet and some of its features.

• Describe

• Tablet

• Features

2. Give other forum contributors brief instructions on how to use it or one of its features (e.g. taking a photo).

• Give instructions

• Use

• Features

• Taking a photo (example)

3. Give your overall opinion of the tablet.

• Overall opinion

• Tablet

4. Explain how it helps you with your schoolwork.

• Explain

• Helps

• Schoolwork

6. Brainstorm ideas for each of the four points in the task in exercise 5.

(Động não các ý tưởng cho từng điểm trong số bốn điểm trong nhiệm vụ ở bài tập 5)

Answer:

1. Describe the tablet and some of its features:

• The tablet is a 10-inch model with an HD display and a 64-bit processor.

• The tablet features a long-lasting battery, which provides up to 12 hours of use on a single charge.

• The tablet has a front-facing camera for video calls and a rear-facing camera for taking photos and videos.

• The tablet comes with built-in speakers and a headphone jack for audio output.

• The tablet is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy access to the internet and other devices.

• The tablet has 32 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card.

2. Give other forum contributors brief instructions on how to use it or one of its features (e.g. taking a photo):

• To take a photo, open the camera app by tapping on the camera icon on the home screen or app drawer.

• To adjust the focus of the camera, tap on the part of the screen where you want to focus.

• To switch between the front and rear cameras, tap on the camera icon in the top-right corner of the screen.

• To take a panoramic photo, swipe left or right on the screen to switch to panorama mode.

• To adjust the exposure, tap and hold on the part of the screen where you want to set the exposure.

• To access the camera settings, tap on the gear icon in the camera app.

3. Give your overall opinion of the tablet:

• I absolutely love my new tablet - it has exceeded my expectations in every way!

• This tablet is a great value for the price, and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new device.

• While there are a few minor drawbacks to this tablet, overall it is a fantastic device that I use every day.

• I was initially hesitant about purchasing this tablet, but I am so glad that I did - it has become an indispensable tool in my daily routine.

• This tablet is perfect for anyone who wants a high-quality device without breaking the bank.

• If you're looking for a tablet that offers excellent performance and features at a reasonable price, this one is definitely worth considering.

4. Explain how it helps you with your schoolwork:

• The tablet allows me to take notes in class and keep them organized in one place.

• With the tablet, I can easily access textbooks, articles, and other resources without having to carry around heavy books.

• The tablet's long battery life means I don't have to worry about running out of power during long study sessions.

• I can use the tablet to collaborate with classmates on group projects and assignments.

• The tablet's built-in camera is great for taking photos of notes on the board or other important information.

• I can use the tablet to access educational apps and online tools that help me with my coursework.

7. Write your forum post (100-120 words).

(Viết bài diễn đàn của bạn (100-120 từ)

Answer:

Hey everyone!

I wanted to share my thoughts on the new tablet I recently purchased. The tablet is sleek and lightweight, with a high-resolution screen that's perfect for browsing the web, watching videos, and reading e-books. Its powerful processor and long battery life have also helped me stay productive with my schoolwork. I recommend checking out some of its standout features, such as the camera, Wi-Fi connectivity, and virtual assistant. Taking photos is easy with the camera app, and connecting to Wi-Fi is a breeze. With the virtual assistant, you can set reminders and control your smart home devices without leaving the couch. Overall, I highly recommend this tablet to anyone who wants a powerful and versatile device to stay on top of their schoolwork and stay connected.