DESCRIBING SOMEBODY Hi __________ Thanks very much for your last e-mail.

I'm glad you had a nice time on holiday. I'm really looking forward to my visit. I can't believe I'll be there in two weeks' time! I cant wait to meet your family. It would be nice to hear a little bit about one of them. Could you describe someone in your family to me? What do they do, what are they like, what do they like doing? Are they similar to you? Look forward to hearing from you soon. Lucy Now write your reply. Include a description of a member of your family. Write 140180 words. Write three or four paragraphs. Include the following: name, age, work / study personality hobbies and interests Are they similar to you? Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you. Writing Sample answer Hi Lucy Thanks for your e-mail. Its great to hear from you. I think Ill tell you about my dad. Youre really going to love him. His names John, hes 51, and hes an accountant. He works long hours during the week, but he doesnt work at the weekend so youll see him then. People often think he looks quite serious because hes a bit shy. But when you get to know him, he has a brilliant sense of humour. He loves telling jokes and when we were kids he was always playing games and having a laugh with us. In his free time he likes gardening. Hes really patient and a good teacher hes even got me helping him in the garden now! The only negative thing about my dad is that he is a bit unsociable. I mean, he loves the family and has a few close friends but he doesnt like going out much. Im much more outgoing but my brother is more like my dad. Anyway, I cant wait to see you! Bye for now 179 words

DESCRIBING A BAD DAY Story time The Department of English is running its annual story competition. We're giving away five prizes for the best stories from students in the department. This year, the title of your story must be My Nightmare Day. To enter, write about a nightmare day youve really had, or invent one. Send us your stories by the end of term. The winners will be announced after the holidays, and the best stories will be published on the website.

Now write your story. Write 140180 words. Write three or four paragraphs. Include the following: A beginning The main events What happened in the end Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you.

Writing Sample answer My Nightmare Day A nightmare day I remember was a couple of months ago when I was going to have lunch with my friend Caterina.

We had arranged to meet outside a department store in town, but when I arrived she wasnt there. I couldnt call her because Id left my mobile at work. I waited and waited, but she never came. After 40 minutes I had to go back to work. It was pouring with rain, and I was so worried about Caterina that I wasnt looking where I was walking and stepped in an enormous puddle! Then a big lorry drove past and soaked me even more!

When I got back to my office, I was dripping wet and starving. My boss called and asked me to talk to a group of new clients in the board room. I had to do a one-hour presentation in front of 50 people, with no preparation, no lunch, and with water dripping onto the floor from my hair and clothes. What a nightmare! Oh, and Caterina was fine I just had the wrong day! 180 words REPLYING TO AN INVITATION

Hi __________ , Thanks so much for letting me and Sam stay with you last weekend. We had a fantastic time! The weather was great, and we really enjoyed learning how to sail. We would like to invite you to stay with us some time. When would be a good time for you? Is there anything you would like to do? I hope this good weather keeps up! Best wishes, Chris

Now write an informal e-mail in reply. Write 140180 words. Write three or four paragraphs. Include the following: thank them for coming accept the invite and say when you would like to go suggest what you would like to do give some news about yourself Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you.

Writing Hi Chris Thanks so much for your e-mail, and thanks so much for coming last weekend. I had a really good time too, and Im impressed that you can sail so well after only two days! Id love to come and stay with you and Sam. Im a bit busy at work at the moment but next month would be good for me. Let me know when you are free. One thing Id like to do is go horseriding. Ive tried it before but Ive never been able to do it very well and I remember Sam said shes a really good rider. Maybe she could have a go at teaching me? Ive been doing a lot of overtime at work recently and I have to work all weekend for the next three weeks, which is tiring and boring. But at least I work outside so I can enjoy the lovely sunshine. And it means Ill have more money to spend when I come and stay! Im really excited about visiting. Hope to hear from you again soon. Love DESCRIBING A HOUSE

My first home Where did you grow up? What was it like? This month, Home Design magazine would like to hear about your first home. Tell us about the first flat or house you lived in, and we will publish the most interesting next month. The best entry will win a prize of a home makeover!

Now write your description. Write 140180 words. Write three or four paragraphs. Include the following: where it was what kind of house / flat it was how many rooms it had, and what they were like describe the local area Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you.

Writing Sample answer My first home I grew up in a spacious 19th-century farmhouse in the countryside with no other houses nearby. My father and oldest brother managed the farm around the house. I shared a bedroom with my younger sister. It was a huge room with two large windows looking out onto the garden. There were our two beds and also two wardrobes, bookshelves, and an old wooden toy box. I remember the whole house was full of beautiful antique furniture and paintings. In total, there were six bedrooms I have seven brothers and sisters, so we needed them and three bathrooms. Downstairs, we had a sitting room with a fireplace. There was also a kitchen and a hall, a study where my father went to be quiet, and a playroom where we all went to be noisy! Outside, there was an amazing garden with a rope swing and a big pond. There was a small village within walking distance with one shop, but the house was twenty minutes from the nearest town. The views from our hill were breathtaking but it was very isolated.

GIVING STUDY ADVICE Hi ________ How are things? I have some news. Ive decided to take an exam in English next year. I think its really important for my work and it will help me to get a better job. But Im really nervous about it already. Youre always such a good student and you never have any problems with exams. Do you think you could give me some advice? I have nine months until the exam. What are the most important things to study? How much time should I spend studying each week? Is there anything I should buy that will help me improve my English quickly? Any other advice would be great. Thanks very much for your help and see you soon. Alex
Now write an e-mail giving Alex advice and answering her questions. Write 140180 words. Write four paragraphs. Include the following: Respond to her news and help her to relax. Tell her what she should do in class and at home. Answer her questions. Give her any more advice you can think of. Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you.

Writing, Hi Alex When my teacher asked me if I wanted to take an exam, I was nervous, like you. I hadnt done an English exam before but actually it was easy. I know youll be fine too and I think its a really good idea! In my opinion, you should study two or three evenings a week. Its easy to practise your grammar and vocabulary because there are some great Internet sites which you can use for free. Your speaking and listening skills are excellent so you should concentrate on your reading and writing. You could try reading an English newspaper every day. Why not tell your teacher that you are going to take an exam and ask him to give you extra writing homework or a spelling test? Another suggestion is to buy a good practice book, which will also give useful information about the exam. Best of luck! APPLYING FOR A JOB

Capital TV is a television production company specializing in current-affairs programmes. We are looking for enthusiastic, ambitious, and creative people who want to make a career in TV production. There are opportunities in the following areas: Camera assistant Script assistant Research assistant Make-up assistant Set-design assistant Appropriate qualifications are useful, but a positive attitude is more important. A good level of English is essential. Send your CV and a letter of application to: Human Resources Manager, Capital TV, London, PO Box 7893 Now decide which job you want to apply for and write a letter of application (NOT your CV). Write 140180 words. Remember to include an address and the date. Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you.

Writing 16 Station Terrace Croydon Surrey 4th March 2011 Human Resources Manager Capital TV London PO Box 7893 Dear Sir / Madam I am writing in response to your advertisement for career opportunities in TV production. I would like to apply for the position of camera assistant. I have always been interested in photography and am a member of my local photography and film club. I also have experience of making my own video films using some basic equipment. I would like the opportunity to learn how to use professional cameras and be part of a film crew. Recently I have been working as a receptionist in a local hotel. This has given me experience of working with people, dealing with difficult situations, and being part of a team of hotel staff. I am hard-working and enthusiastic. I have been studying English at evening classes for three years, and am confident that I can work successfully in an English-speaking environment. I enclose my CV as requested. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully

WRITTING FILM REVIEWS School magazine Next month we are handing our film review section over to you! We want our students to write the reviews. So what was the last film you saw at the cinema? Write a review of the film good or bad and well publish the best in next months magazine. Now get writing!
Now write a review of the last film you saw at the cinema. Write 140180 words. Write four paragraphs. Include the following: the name of the film, the stars, the director where and when it was set the plot and characters why you recommend (or dont recommend) the film Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you.

Writing 'An Education' was directed by Lone Scherfig and stars Carey Mulligan as Jenny, Alfred Molina as her father, and Peter Sarsgaard as David, her lover. The film was nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actress for Carey Mulligan. The story is set in the London suburb of Twickenham in the early 1960s. It is about a 17-year-old schoolgirl, Jenny, who is both pretty and intelligent. Her parents want her to go to Oxford University and so she has to study hard every evening. Like most teenagers, she finds studying boring and her dream is to go to Paris and have an exciting life. Then she meets David, who is almost twice her age, and her life changes very quickly. But her romantic adventure ends when she realizes what David and his friends do for a living. I definitely recommend 'An Education'. It is a charming look at suburban lives in London in the 60s. Carey Mulligan is an amazing young actress, and in fact the acting from the whole cast is very strong. Dont miss it! 180 words

WRITTING AN ARTICLE The good, the bad, and the Web Most of us use the Internet every day in fact, we probably think we couldnt live without it. But is the web all good, or does it have a downside as well? How do you use the Internet? How does it help you in your daily life? Does it have any drawbacks? Write an article and we will publish the most interesting next month! Now write an article about the Internet. Write 140180 words. Write three or four paragraphs. Include the following: an introduction some advantages some disadvantages your conclusion Use the Useful language and Sample answer below to help you. Writing The Internet is one of the most important technological developments of the last hundred years. Most of us use it every day, but I believe there are both advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, the Internet makes it easy to keep in contact with friends and family and it is also an essential tool for business communication. E-mail is much faster than posting a letter and it is possible to receive a response within seconds. Secondly, we can use the Internet to find almost any information we need. This can help children with homework projects and adults in all kinds of situations. On the other hand, we cant always be sure that this information is correct and there are also harmful websites as well as helpful ones. Another disadvantage is that the Internet can make life less personal. For instance, people dont visit their friends because it is easier to send an e -mail or use social networking sites, like Facebook. In conclusion, I feel that despite the disadvantages, the Internet makes life easier and is a good invention if we use it wisely. 180 words