Mastering Communication: Writing and Speaking Skills
Essay Writing: Structure and Tips
Introduction (No Opinion)
Start your essay with a strong opening. Consider these phrases:
- “Nowadays, most people…”
- “Many people feel that…”
- “In recent years, the issue of [topic] has gained increasing attention.”
Body Paragraph 1: Advantages
Introduce points using transition words:
- Firstly, secondly, what is more…
- Furthermore (además)
- Moreover
Providing Examples
Support your points with examples:
- For instance (por ejemplo)
- As a case in point (como un ejemplo de ello)
Expressing Contrast
Introduce contrasting ideas:
- On the other hand,
- However (sin embargo)
- In contrast
Conclusion
Summarize your points and offer a final thought:
- In light of the above,
- As far as I’m concerned,
Essay Structure Summary
A typical essay structure includes:
- Introduction: No opinion stated yet.
- Paragraph 1: 2-3 advantages.
- Paragraph 2: 1-2 disadvantages.
- Conclusion: Your opinion on the topic.
Formal Email Writing Essentials
- Opening: Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]
- Introduction Sentence:
- I hope you are well.
- I am writing to tell you…
- Main Body:
- I am pleased to tell you that…
- I was so happy to receive your news.
- Closing:
- Hope to hear from you soon.
- Thank you in advance.
- Signing Off: Kind regards,
Informal Email Writing Tips
- Opening: Hi [First Name],
- Introduction Sentence:
- Thanks so much for your last email.
- Sorry I haven’t been in touch for such a long time.
- Main Body (Topic): I’d really recommend + -ing [verb].
- Final Paragraph: Have a good one, and let’s catch up soon.
- Closing:
- Lots of love,
- See you soon!
Email Example: College Anniversary Response
Prompt: College Anniversary Celebration
Dear Student…
Next month, the college will have been open for 25 years. We are planning a celebration and would like your input.
Do you have any suggestions?
Would you like to help?
Sample Response Email
Dear Mr. Gilbert,
That is great news! I am so happy to be part of this history and, of course, ready to help as much as possible.
My dad has been working in events all his life, so I have picked up some of his skills. I believe a ceremony with videos of the last 25 years and speeches from some relevant ex-alumni would be a sober celebration. You should be the host of this. I also think we could close the event by hiring a DJ and offering cocktail nibbles.
As I see you need help, I want you to know that you can count on me; I have just finished all my tests, so I have free time to help.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Ricardo Romero
Crafting Engaging Articles
Article Title Strategies
Use questions related to the problem or invent a captivating title.
Introduction: Hooking Your Reader
Ask rhetorical questions to involve the reader, or start the article in an interesting way.
Body Paragraph 1: Engaging Content
Involve the reader in some way, using personal examples, anecdotes, and humor.
Subsequent Body Paragraphs
Build on the interest mentioned in paragraph 1, developing your points further.
Conclusion: Memorable Endings
Finish the article in an interesting way. This could be humorous, or a recommendation. For example: “Overall…”
Article Example: My Tenerife Adventure
Tenerife is a place to visit!
It all started two weeks ago when I bought tickets to fly from Italy to Tenerife. I had heard of the island through some friends; they bragged about their holiday and the number of activities you can do there.
I booked a nice place to stay: I used a popular website to find a home of my own, as I’m not particularly eager to stay at hotels. When I got there, I immediately went to the car hire stand, got my car, put my luggage in the boot, and took off.
My adventures started at Mount Teide, an incredible volcano. Locals say it is not active and that everything is okay, but the reality is that it stank of rotten eggs!
After exploring the mountains and the forest, I went down to the beaches. They are very wild and beautiful. I went scuba diving and kayaking.
And the food, oh dear! The food is super tasty! I believe I put on some pounds!
Overall, Tenerife is a great place to go on a holiday. I have already made plans to go there again next year.
Writing Effective Reviews
Review Title Ideas
Consider titles like: “Are you a fan of…?”
Introduction: Setting the Scene
Start with: “… is a classic, with many twists and turns. It was written by [Author] in [Year].”
Plot Summary & Key Moments
Describe the plot and surprising moments. For example: “I couldn’t believe it when…” or “In fact…”
Recommendation
Conclude with a strong recommendation:
- I strongly recommend…
- Everyone should read this immediately!
Effective Speaking Practice & Responses
Common Speaking Questions & Responses
Here are some typical questions and sample answers for speaking practice:
- Question: Tell me about yourself.
Response: My name is [Your Name]. I am 20 years old. I am Spanish, and I am happy to be here to test my knowledge. - Question: Which country do you come from?
Response: I come from Spain. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with some of the best food. It’s a paradise! - Question: Can you describe an English lesson that you really enjoyed?
Response: I remember my first class, five years ago, which consisted of a memory game about vocabulary and grammar. I really enjoyed it, and from then on, I started to like English more. It was the best! - Question: Tell me what you do to practice English outside the classroom.
Response: Well, I love playing video games online, so I practice English a lot there since it is the common language all over the world, regardless of where you are from. I also watch a lot of movies and series in English. - Question: What other languages, apart from English, would you like to learn and why?
Response: I would like to learn Italian. I think it is a language very similar to Spanish, so it would be easy. Apart from that, Italian culture is very attractive. - Question: What do you like doing with your friends?
Response: I love going places together in the car, and doing sports, especially the gym or paddle tennis. That’s how we have a good time. - Question: Tell me how you met your best friend.
Response: I met my best friend at school. Since I was very little, we started getting along in class, and it has continued that way for all these years. - Question: When do you prefer to be with friends and when do you prefer to be with your family?
Response: I don’t have an exact moment for each one, although I think that in the most intimate or personal moments, being with family will be very good for you.