Speak

out Pre-intermediate

Writing Reference © Pearson Educación, S.A., 2012

1

Speakout Pre-intermediate

W

RITING

R

EFERENCE

U

NIT

7

Writing

about a change; paragraphs

When you write a paragraph, it should present information clearly. A common structure is:
1 Present the main idea.
2 Give information to support the main idea.
3 Write a conclusion.

1 Read the two paragraphs and put the sentences in the correct order (1-8).

Finally, I decided that the only way to learn English quickly was to go abroad. _____
Because I didn’t know any foreign languages, it was hard to find a job. _____
I used to look everywhere for jobs, for example online, but they always asked for English. ___
One of the best decisions I ever made was to learn English abroad. _____

Now, I have a great job and I speak English everyday. _____
After three months my English was much better. _____
I went to a language school in the morning, and I worked in a hotel in the afternoon. _____
I wanted to go to a big city, so I decided to go to Dublin in Ireland. _____

2 In each paragraph find sentences which ...

a … presents the main idea.
b … gives information to support the main idea.
c … provides a conclusion.

Write a, b or c next to the sentences.

Practice

3 Write two paragraphs about a change in your life. Use the paragraph plan for ideas.

Before you write

Think about:

•

What life change are you going to write about?

•

What is the main idea in each paragraph?

•

What other information can you give to support your main idea?

•

What is your conclusion for each paragraph?

Writing plan

•

Start the first paragraph:

One of the best decisions I ever made was …

•

Explain your ideas in each paragraph using some of the language:

I wanted to ..., so I …

Before that, I used to ...
For example, I …
Because I didn’t …

•

Finish or conclude each paragraph:

So I went ...
Now, I …

Speak

out Pre-intermediate

Writing Reference © Pearson Educación, S.A., 2012

2

Check your writing

Have you used some of the language in the writing plan?

Do you have a main idea in each paragraph?

Do you have information to support your main ideas?

Have you finished or concluded each paragraph?

Have you checked the text for possible grammar, vocabulary and spelling mistakes?