Christmas writing

Christmas Writing

Here's some advice to help you with your Christmas writing task.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying English abroad?

Point 1. Advantages.
Point 2. Disadvantages.
Point 3. Your final choice. 


First of all, a link to the flo-joe page we used in class today, 17.12.14, where you can practice correcting some typical writing mistakes.

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/writing/makeover/makeover9.htm


Secondly, one of the aspects of your writing that examiners look for is how well you connect your ideas, so I've included another flo-joe link that we used today with examples and activities that I hope will be useful.

(Cut and paste) http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/writing/linking/index.htm

Finally, I've copied some advice from the Cambridge page, with a list of do's and dont's.

DO

• Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.
• Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
• Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and information.
• Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.
• Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
• Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
• Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
• Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
• Choose a question you feel confident you can write about in Part 2.
• Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.

DON'T

• Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper.
• Don't use the exact words from the question paper too much.
• Don't mix formal and informal language.
• Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter.
• Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter as they are not required.
• Don't answer Question 5 if you haven’t read either of the books.
• Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit.

Have a great Christmas.

Tom.

The all-important linkers.

Here are some easy and useful linkers to practice now, then use in your writing.

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/writing/linking/index.htm

Use Facebook to help you pass your FCE

Hello, everyone. 
I've recently signed up for writing tips on the website Flo-Joe, which you've already seen in class, and on this blog. If you'd like their help, and you have a Facebook page, check out the mail below.


Dear Tom

We all know studying a little each day pays off and will help you
get that top grade you're after. However, we all lead such busy
lives and simply REMEMBERING to do this can be a challenge, never
mind actually sitting down and doing the work.

Well, we'd like to give you a helping hand. If you use Facebook you
can now get daily updates from us featuring a short, bite-sized
exercise to help you prepare efficiently and effectively for your
FCE exam. Simply become a fan of our Facebook page and we'll do the
rest!

Remember to click 'Become a Fan' to get our updates directly to
your Facebook homepage and if you have friends preparing for FCE
please feel free to share our updates with them!
Here's the link:

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/facebook.htm

For class Saturday 20th

You don't need to do anything with this. We'll look at it in class.


http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/writing/makeover/makeover15.htm


Advice from Cambridge:

DO

• Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.
• Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
• Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and information.
• Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.
• Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
• Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
• Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
• Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
• Choose a question you feel confident you can write about in Part 2.
• Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.

DON'T

• Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper.
• Don't use the exact words from the question paper too much.
• Don't mix formal and informal language.
• Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter.
• Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter as they are not required.
• Don't answer Question 5 if you haven’t read either of the books.
• Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit.

Class 13.12.14

In this class we studied pages 40 & 41

Listening:
From student's CD-Rom Units 1 & 2

Speaking:
Celebrity culture.
Practice phrasal verbs with 'Keep'

Grammar:
Word formation. Celebrity culture p.41 Ex.8

Reading: 
Celebrity culture p.41 Ex.8

Vocbulary:
Phrasal verbs with 'Keep'

Exam tasks:
Gapped text. p.40 Ex.3
Word formation. Celebrity culture p.41 Ex.8 + Online Flo-Jo 
http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/strategy/p3pt5a.htm

Review:
Activities from student's CD-Rom, units 1 & 2.

Homework:
Workbook p.14 Ex.2 + p.15 Ex.4 & 5

Word formation practice.

This is a great page for practising FCE exam activities.

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/strategy/p3pt5a.htm