Writing

1. SPEAKING Work in pairs. What was the last book you read? What was it about? Did you enjoy it? Why? / Why not?

(Làm việc theo cặp. cuốn sách cuối cùng bạn đọc là gì? Cái đó nói về gì thế? Bạn co thich no không? Tại sao? / Tại sao không?)

Answer:

A: Hi, what was the last book you read?

B: Hi, I just finished reading "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides.

A: What was it about?

B: It's a psychological thriller about a woman who shot her husband and hasn't spoken a word since. The story is told from the perspective of a therapist who is trying to uncover the truth behind the woman's silence.

A: Did you enjoy it?

B: Yes, I really did. The plot was full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing until the very end.

A: That sounds interesting. What did you like the most about the book?

B: I really enjoyed the writing style. The author did a great job of building suspense and creating a dark and eerie atmosphere.

A: Would you recommend it to others?

B: Definitely, if you like psychological thrillers, then "The Silent Patient" is a must-read.

Your teacher has asked you to write an entry for the school magazine. Describe the book and say why you liked it.

2. Read the task above and the entry. Did the writer enjoy the book? Did he / she have any reservations?

(Đọc nhiệm vụ trên và mục nhập. Nhà văn có thích cuốn sách không? Anh ấy / cô ấy có bất kỳ đặt phòng nào không?)

[ A ] Have you ever read a book that you just couldn't put down? The Hunger Games was like that for me. It’s that good! Written by Suzanne Collins in 2006, it’s sold millions of copies around the world and has been made into a film.

[ B ] It’s set in the future in a place called Panem and it tells the story of Katniss, a sixteen-year-old girl who competes in the Hunger Games with eleven other children. Only one child can survive the games, and Katniss is not optimistic about her chances. There are lots of twists and turns along the way.

[ C ] What I love about the book is the character of Katniss. She's really strong and sensitive. She is practical-minded and loves freedom. She is also quick at getting the information and memorising things. I really identify with her. The story is very gripping. It is hard to put the book down once you start reading it.

[ D ] All in all, this book is a real page-turner. I absolutely love it and I'd definitely recommend it. So if you haven't read it yet, buy it or borrow it. You won't be disappointed.

Answer:

Yes, the writer clearly enjoyed the book and has no reservations about recommending it. The use of phrases such as "it's that good!" and "I absolutely love it" clearly convey the writer's enthusiasm for the book. Additionally, the writer expresses admiration for the main character and describes the story as "gripping."

Writing Strategy 1

1. In the first paragraph, attract the reader’s attention. You can do this by addressing him / her directly, especially with questions.

2. Use an appropriate style for the target audience.

3. Choose a good title for your entry.

3. Read Writing Strategy 1 and the sample and check.

(Đọc Chiến lược viết 1 và mẫu và kiểm tra)

- Does the writer address the readers directly?

- Is the style formal or informal?

- Which title is better?

1. My favourite book: The Hunger Games

2. This is probably one of the best books that I have ever read

Answer:

1. Yes, the writer addresses the readers directly in the first paragraph with a question.

2. The style is informal, using conversational language and contractions like "it's" and "I'd".

3. "My favourite book: The Hunger Games" is a more appropriate and specific title for the entry.

Writing Strategy 2

1. Give your entry a logical structure. Divide it into paragraphs, each with its own focus.

2. The conclusion should restate the main idea given in the introduction, but using different words. It should also include a recommendation.

4. Read Writing Strategy 2. In which paragraph (A—D) does the writer

(Đọc Chiến lược Viết 2. Trong đoạn nào (A—D) người viết)

1. describe the plot and characters?

2. mention something he / she liked?

3. give some background information about the book?

4. reccomend the book?

Answer:

1. Paragraph B describes the plot and characters.

2. Paragraph C mentions something the writer liked.

3. Paragraph A gives some background information about the book.

4. Paragraph D recommends the book.

5. Which tense does the writer use to describe the plot and characters?

(Nhà văn sử dụng thì nào để miêu tả cốt truyện và các nhân vật?)

Answer:

The writer uses the present simple tense to describe the plot and characters.

6. KEY PHRASES Complete the useful phrases with the words below. Underline them in the sample.

(Hoàn thành các cụm từ hữu ích với các từ dưới đây. Gạch dưới chúng trong mẫu)

page recommend set tells twists

Describing stories

It's (1) ______________ in (place and / or time).

It (2) ______________ the story of (character).

There are lots of (3) ______________ and turns.

It’s a real (4) ______________-turner.

I would definitely (5) ______________ it.

Answer:

Describing stories

It's (1) set in (place and / or time).

It (2) tells the story of (character).

There are lots of (3) twists and turns.

It’s a real (4) page-turner.

I would definitely (5) recommend it.

7. Do the task in exercise 1. Follow the advice in the strategies, use the structure of the sample (see exercise 4) and use phrases from exercise 6.

(Thực hiện nhiệm vụ trong bài tập 1. Làm theo lời khuyên trong các chiến lược, sử dụng cấu trúc mẫu (xem bài tập 4) và sử dụng các cụm từ trong bài tập 6)

Answer:

What was the last book you read? What was it about? Did you enjoy it? Why? / Why not?

Set in modern-day London, the book I read was a thriller titled "The Guest List". It tells the story of a glamorous wedding party taking place on a remote island, where the guests soon realize that someone is intent on murder. As the plot unfolds, we learn about the different characters and their relationships with one another, all while the tension and suspense continue to rise with each chapter. There are many unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on edge, eager to find out what happens next. I particularly enjoyed the writing style and how each chapter was narrated from the perspective of a different character, giving us unique insights into their thoughts and motivations. Overall, "The Guest List" is a gripping page-turner that I would definitely recommend to fans of the thriller genre.