Daily Practice

YouDescribe an animal you saw, which you find very interesting. You should say: – Where you saw it, – How you felt about it, – Why you think it was interesting.

9:08 AM

You Why do people want fame? – How can a person become famous? – What kind of people get inspiration from celebrities? – What sort of people were famous in the past, 50 years ago?

9:29 AM

YouTalk about some happy news you received about a person you know well. Please say – Who is he/she? – What was the news? – Why did you feel happy?

9:30 AM

YouDescribe a piece of equipment that has been in your home for years and you still use it. Please say – What is it? – How often do you use it? – Do your family members use this equipment too?

Common errors in writing an essay

Design Errors

1.      Prompt Plan Produce Proofread

2.      Types of prompts

a.      Agree or disagree

b.      Agree and disagree and then your view

c.      General discussion

3.      Understand the question well and be direct

4.      Give examples – personal, impersonal, hypothetical

5.      How an IELTS essay different PTE essay

6.      Writing to impress not to express

7.      Long sentences and erroneous grammar

Execution Errors

1.      IMPACTS

a.      Illogical Meaning

b.      Modifiers

c.      Agreement

d.      Conjunctions

e.      Tense

f.      Sentence Structure

Tips to Improve Writing

1.      Learn Phrases

2.      Do grammar exercises from SAT tests

3.      Learn from sample answers – good artists copy, great artists steal.

4.      Write essays and get them checked

Modern communications mean that it’s no longer necessary to write letters.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Sample essay

Unprecedented developments in the field of information technology, have led to a revolution in the field of communication. However, letter writing is still popular in some areas for a few valid reasons. A deep dive into the subject will help us to understand it holistically.

Undeniably, there is a sharp decline in the trend writing letters in last few years. Thanks to email and online chatting applications, it is easier and faster to use technology as a medium to communicate. The process of writing a letter and then using services of a post office to physically deliver it to the destination is slow and tedious. Further, there is an issue of physical damage to the letters as well. In unfavorable weathers such as rains, the letters may get damaged. Thus, barring the elderly, who cannot use technology, nobody writes letters these days.

The advent of video chatting applications such as Skype and Hangout has further added fuel to fire. Such audio-visual means of communication are better alternatives than writing letters. Even toddlers can use such technology to talk to their friends and relatives. To quote an immaculate example, I communicate with my parents every-day using what’s-app video calling. My mother feels good to see me and my children.

However, the art of letter writing is not totally out of practice. There are still some people, who love writing letters in their own handwriting. The aesthetic value of hand-written content is supposed to be higher than a typed email. Further, as stated earlier, there are those areas where technology has not yet spread its wings. The only option for dwellers of such areas is to write handwritten letters.

To conclude, I fully agree to the view that it is no more necessary to write letters where technology provides better choices to us.

Modern communications become so popular these days that people are forgetting the essence of writing letters. However,1. these are still popular in some rural areas where technology did not reach in a great level. But I still agree that 2, modern communications are still better in many ways.

1.      What do you mean by these are still popular. If you are talking about communication, it is singular, why are you saying these?

2.      What do you mean by modern communications… say modern means of communication…

New Technologies or various mode of communications have made the life easier for a common man to stay connected with their loved ones. We can stay connected 24 hours with our family or friends through skype or Whatsapp or Video calling. Mobile phones are the best way to reach your own people on immediate basis. In many rural areas, where people are still facing electricity problems; they are not skilled enough to use internet; they prefer to write letters. Well this is a time taking process also for getting or sending information to our family.

1.      Do proper paragraphing. Don’t talk about the contradictory things in the same paragraph. When you talk about other areas change the para.

In today’s time, where every second person of the family has to move out to another area or city for an employment purpose.  It is very important for them to be in touch with their family to know about the well being of their children or older parents. In many places, where children can not go out for taking classes, they are able to take online classes through internet or skype. People can talk and see each other while speaking through video calling and share their emotions face to face.

1.      How is this para related to letter writing? I mean, writing letters etc?

To conclude, Modern communications are better as it is quick and fast and keep the people connected with each other.

1.      This does not answer the question asked there. The question is ‘Is it necessary to write letters these days?’ Be direct in answering this question.

TOPIC

Children usually want to play the same games and watch the same TV programs as their friends. Should parents allow it or not? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

ANSWER

Should parents allow their children to play the same games and watch same TV programs as their friends? In my opinion, yes parents should allow them to do so as this will help them in many ways.  A deep dive into the subject will help us to understand it holistically.

I tend to believe that parents should allow their kids to play the similar games and watch similar TV programs as their friends.  Well, this will help them in many ways. We make friends when our wavelengths match and we find similar interests. In the same way, kids also like to play the similar games and watch TV programs which their friends like to play and watch. This also helps them in enhance their knowledge and also serves as an exercise for their brains. You learn about new things which sometimes you are not aware of.  They learn to discuss things at length.  Their retention power increases as they see the things visually. Playing together is also useful for their physical health and keeps them busy.

However, as a parent, we should keep an eye on their day to day activities like what kind of program they watch or the games they play. Are they getting any knowledge out of it.  Is it really useful for them? If yes, then why not? If they are using their mind to solve a puzzle, game or getting something really good message from TV program, then it will make them happy and intelligent.

To sum up, yes parents should allow their children to watch the similar TV program and play identical games which help them to enhance their knowledge and improve their mental and physical health.

Essay with comments

Some people say that girls and boys should be taught in separate schools .

To what extent do you agree or disagree.

Analysis of the question:

1. This is an agree disagree question, So, it is advisable to take one side from the beginning.

Introduction: 

In this era of globalization, education has become a part of every individual’s identity. But we are still debating on whether same gender children should be taught together or separately. I completely disagree that boys and girls should be taught separately in schools. A deep dive into the subject, will help us analyse the situation and come to a prudent conclusion.

Comments on Introduction

In this era of globalization, education has become a part of every individual’s identity. [what is the connection between identity of a person and the debate of single gender or mixed schools... make it clear] But we are still debating on whether same gender children should be taught together or separately. I completely disagree that boys and girls should be taught separately in schools. A deep dive into the subject, will help us analyse the situation and come to a prudent conclusion.

Suggestions/ Model Introduction

It is an undeniable fact that schooling plays a vital role in providing a strong foundation to a student. As far as the question of singe gender or mixed school is concerned, I think a mixed school is a better option. A deep dive into the subject will help us to understand the subject reach to a prudent answer.

In my opinion, 1. the benefits of co-education is far more [grammar: are far more] than teaching them [dangling pronoun] separately, some [Incorrect capitalization] people argue that the practice of imparting education singly[what is singly?] is far better while others refute it. Single gender institutions tend [s] to be more disciplined and focused as students tend to concentrate better than being distracted in their teenage years. It is also believed that with same sex students, the cases of eve teasing, molestation and rape are insignificant [inappropriate word choice]. The engagement of students amongst [with] each other is also the best?? . They are much more confident to be growing around children having the same temperament.

1. Make sure the sentences are clear and concise. Subject verb agreement errors

2. Make sure pronouns have a clear antecedent.

3. Take care of basics such as capital letter after full-stop.

4. Be direct in your approach.

5. Start with a topic sentence, give an example followed by an explanation. 

SO DON'T EVEN TALK ABOUT WHAT OTHERS SAY... SIMPLE TALK ABOUT WHAT IS YOUR POINT OF VIEW AND SUBSTANTIATE IT WITH EXAMPLES AND EXPLANATIONS

However, on the other hand , I feel co-education schools gives students a better platform in terms of overall growth. Girls and boys together tend to learn better , harnessing their positives and negatives. Being together they learn and develop some important life development skills like team building, people management etc. which further helps him in their marital journey of life. At workplace, men and women work together bridging the gaps & creating cordial environment. Last but not the least , the main advantage of co-ed schools is that they are less costly as compared to the same gender schools.

(This is fine.. but this para should come first.)

Incorrect comparison 

To conclude , I feel the benefits of students studying in co-education schools outweigh the advantages of single gender schools for a better today and tomorrow .

Correct:

To conclude, the benefits of studying in a mixed school outweigh the advantages of studying in a single gender school.
===============================================================


Sample Essay

The debate over advantages of single gender schools over mixed schools is not yet settled. There are strong arguments given by the supporters of both the formats. I support a mixed school as it provides some unique benefits over a single gender school. A deep dive into the subject will help us to understand the topic holistically.

There are many reasons to support mixed format. Firstly, it provides a more realistic view of the world. Secondly, boys and girls would be able to understand each other's unique behaviors and would be able to learn how to cooperate with each other. Last but not the least, a mixed school helps students to dispel many biases and prejudices about each other. To quote an example,I studied in a mixed school and I was very comfortable talking to my friends of opposite gender. But, my cousin sisters who studied in a girl's school had an inherent inhibition to talk to or to make friends with boys. I tend to believe that their school-environment was primarily responsible for behavior hindrance to a great extent.

Most importantly, the purpose of a school is to provide a conducive environment learn about life. To accomplish this worthy goal, the environment there should be similar to the world outside. A single gender school according to me fails drastically on this account because boys and girls studying there are nurtured in a very cocooned environment. A mixed school is the only answer to address this aspect.

To conclude, I see some obvious advantages of going with a mixed gender school. Thus, this is the format I would strongly advocate.


Essay and Letter Topic: 9th March

– Describe how you feel being back home.
– Express your thoughts about the visit.
– Invite your new friend to your country.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Children usually want to play the same games and watch the same TV programs as their friends. Should parents allow it or not? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

Large shopping malls are replacing small shops. What’s your opinion? Good or bad?


********

A three sentences introduction:

1. State the obvious
2. State your Opinion
3. Deep dive

Undeniably the advent of big malls has revolutionized the trend of shopping. I tend to believe that these malls have actually given a new dimension to retail business which has helped local businesses as well. A deep dive into the subject will help us to understand the topic holistically.


Start your first para with a question and answer it.
Use enumeration... firstly, secondly...
Follow.. PEE: Point Example, Explanation.

So how do malls help small business owners? Well, they have helped them in many ways. First of all, many small business owners have become suppliers to the malls. I know about one of the vegetable vendors in our area, who had a small farm-land and a small shop in our vicinity. Instead of selling the food items in the colonies, he has started supplying them to the malls. Similarly, many other small business owners supply their goods to the malls. This has actually helped them expand their business. Secondly, malls have forced local business-men to reinvent themselves and their value-proposition. Many local-businesses have started giving discounts and this has resulted in a substantial increase in their businesses. Most importantly, I see no competition between malls and local business owners. The reason is their business-models and offerings are very different. To quote an example, street markets such as Sarojini Nagar market or Karol Bag market of Delhi, the city where I live, are not at all affected by malls. Their customer base has actually expanded after introduction of malls. Reason is price- difference offered by such small markets, which can not be offered by the expensive malls.

Write a small and crisp conclusion.

To conclude, every modern development does not necessary harm or eliminate the old business. I don't think malls are any threat to the small marketeers.

the advent of big malls has revolutionized:

The advent of metro has revolutionized local-commuting.
The advent of computer has revolutionized the business world.
The advent of mobile phone has revolutionized the world of communication.


 the advent of big malls has revolutionized
I tend to believe that a common school is a better choice than single gender school.

given a new dimension to
Advent of smart classrooms has given a new dimension to learning.
The advent of online advertising has given a new dimension to the world of business-promotions.

So how do malls help small business owners?
Start the second para with a question. This is a good technique to draft your thoughts in a creative way.

value proposition
Malls provide a unique value proposition.
A news paper's value proposition is very different from the TV-News. Thus, newspaper business is thriving, even in the world of electronic news.