Writing Tricks for College Essays and beyond

What is the most optimum way to write the internal part of a review, as well as its conclusion? In this episode, we will have a look at how to solve this problem looking at different angles.

From a semantic point of view, we will look at what to include and how to distribute it in different paragraphs. In order to acomplish this, we will use the TiPToP strategy: Ti(=Time), P(=Point), To(=Topic), P(=Place). From a synctactic perspective, we will review different strategies to make your sentences interesting and fun to read. From a grammatical standpoint, we will refresh the specific verb patterns associated with giving suggestions and recommendations. We will also introduce modals in passive constructions. You will be able to contrast what expressions to use in a formal, neutral or informal review.

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

What is the first thing you need to know about writing a proper review? Discover how to establish your authority. Experiment and surprise your audience by including a revelation that you had thanks to the very same thing that you are reviewing. Invite your reader to come with you on that journey of discovery. 

As you move through this episode, you will learn how to include adverbial starts, inversions and verb patterns. You will see: punctuation, meaning and syntax will come together to take your writing and your reviews to the next level. Whether you are writing a product review on Amazon, a place review on Google Maps, or simply sitting for an exam, this is the place to start. 

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

Is there a strategy that can help you producing the perfect review? What are the main communicative functions that we need to portray when we are writing an excellent one? How can we optimize them so that in a few sentences we can produce a memorable review?

Whether you are trying to write about a product on Amazon, or a hotel on booking.com, an experience in a travelling website, or just writing for an exam, there is a way to make sure that all your semantic, grammar and vocabulary needs are met. find out more in today's episode.

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

What is the secret to writing a successful job application letter? Find out in today's episode.

SAMPLE TASK

Wanted

Friendly, English-speaking people to work as restaurant and bar staff on our Mediterranean cruise ships.

Tell us about

Email your little of application to info@cool blue.com, post reference PM44.

Cool Blue Cruises, Southampton

***

SAMPLE LETTER OF APPLICATION

Dear Sir or Madam,

I have just seen your advertisement for jobs on board your cruise ships (reference PM44) and I would like to apply. I am a 20-year-old Sweed with determination and commitment. I have often thought of spending time at sea and your job seems the perfect opportunity.

Although I have no on-board experience, I have been working as a waitress in a local restaurant for the last 18 months, and I have also had some experience of bar work. My knowledge of English it quite good, as I have been attending classes for the last six years. I would like to add that I have visited many parts of the Mediterranean myself and could talk to guess confidently during the voyage.

As for other personal qualities which might be useful on board a ship, I am an organised and easy-going person, so sharing a cabin with other crew members would not be a problem.

I am sure I would make a success of this job and I hope you will consider my application.

Yours faithfully, 

Pernilla Axelsson

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

Do you know how to begin and end a formal letter (or email) correctly? Find out in today's episode

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

What are the key ingredients of an informal email or letter? How can you approach this task? From planning to finished product, find everything you need in this episode.

INFORMAL EMAILS: SAMPLE TASKS

You have just received this email from Jo, a friend in Canada.

From: Jo

Subject: Help me!

I really want to be selected for the college ice hockey team, but I know I'm not fit enough. There are only four weeks until the trials take place. What should I do between now and then? Please, give me some advice!

Write your email.

SAMPLE EMAIL

Hi Jo,

Wow, you're faced with a difficult challenge — but I know you'll make it! If I were you, I'd draw up a fitness program without delay and stick to it 100%. Between you and me, it's high time I started eating more healthily again, like I used to when I lived at home, so why don't we do this together?

Anyway, the first thing you should do is alter your diet radically, which means cutting out junk food and sweet stuff. Just think, if you hadn't eaten all those burgers over the last year, you'd be in great shape now! So that's what needs to happen from today, my friend. I'll be checking out some website links on high-protein diets for you too.

Giving up unhealthy snacks is one thing, but you'll also have to work out more regularly — unless you are only going for the third team. I know you won't be happy with that because you've always aimed incredibly high, so get moving! In fact, you ought to be out running NOW rather than reading this! 

The best of luck, and let's keep in touch!

Love,

María

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

Can you write an impressive email? Do you know how to include good content, score high in communicative achievement, show good organization and structure, and display appropriate language control? Find out in today's episode.

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

How do Cambridge examiners mark papers? Find out about "Content", "Communicative achievement", "Organisation and structure" and "Language control". Discover what each one of them entails. Understand how grammar, syntax, punctuation, format, tone and ideas are assessed.

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.

What are the key ingredients of a discursive essay? How can you approach this task? From planning to finished product, find everything you need in this episode.

SAMPLE ESSAY TASK

In your English class, you have been talking about the benefits of regular exercise. Now, your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

"Should people who are studying or working hard take regular exercise."

Notes

Write about:

1. lifestyle

2. health benefits

3. ... (your own idea)

SAMPLE ESSAY

"FITNESS WHEN WORKING HARD"

Physical exercise is generally believed to be good for the mind as well as the body, and I strongly believe that everybody should exercise regularly. This essay considers its place in a busy lifestyle, looking at the advantages to health but also considering possible drawbacks.

People in stressful jobs with a heavy workload can profit enormously from taking regular exercise. Similarly, students who work late at night to meet deadlines will function better if they leave their desks for a run or play tennis for an hour.

Aside from the obvious improvements to health and fitness, such as being in better shape and keeping weight under control, people who take exercise sleep more soundly. This is because they are physically exhausted.

At the same time, there are some drawbacks in commiting to regular exercise, not least the expense. Joining a gym usually requires a monthly fee. As well as the costs, taking time out of a busy schedule is not always easy. Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

In conclusion, setting aside time each day for exercise brings rewards. For those who spend most of their waking hours at a computer, whether working or studying, physical activity seems especially important.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE

Thank you for listening to this episode. I hope that it helped you discovering something about writing that you did not know,  or that it helped you looking at things from a different perspective. If you enjoyed it, you might consider leaving a positive review wherever you are listening. It might seem simple, but it really helps.  

If you know someone who is struggling with writing in English,  you could also think about sharing this episode (or the whole podcast) with them. It might help them in their journey of becoming a better writer. Likewise, if you – or any of your friends  – are taking official external exams, you will find valuable info and tricks for the writing part of your exams. You will find this especially relevant if you are taking the Cambridge Exams.