2.2 Sample essays

Sample task:	You lost a sports bag while you were staying at a hotel. You think you may have left it at the gym. Write a letter to the manager, describing the bag.

(Suggested answer)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to inquire about a bag that I think I left at your hotel on the evening of Saturday, 10^th November.

It is a large multicoloured sports bag with several zips and side pockets. It is lightweight, rectangular in shape and made of nylon. It has a black shoulder strap as well as black handles. The bag contained a pair of grey trousers and a blue tracksuit.

I would be grateful if you could inform me at your earliest convenience whether the bag has been found. I can be contacted in the mornings only on 0632 686592.

Yours faithfully,

AJ Day

(Successful Writing. Intermediate. St’s book. p.55)

Sample task:

Describe something of yours that you particularly value.

(Suggested answer)

My Most Treasured Possession …

Everyone has a certain possession that they would not part with for anything. It may be an object that is worth a lot of money, or it may have sentimental value only. My own most treasured possession is my personal stereo.

This wonderful piece of technology is made of shiny black plastic and is small enough to fit in my coat pocket. It seems equipped with little headphones which are light and comfortable to wear.

One reason I like my personal stereo so much is because it enables me to sit in my room and listen to music while I am doing my homework for college, or when I’m simply relaxing. The sound doesn’t disturb my family – in fact, they don’t even know when I’ve got it on!

Another advantage that my personal stereo has is that I can take it everywhere with me. It is my constant companion: on the bus, when out for walks or shopping, and even on the way to or from college. As long as I have music to listen to, I never feel bored or lonely.

My personal stereo is the perfect possession, it provides entertainment, relaxation and companionship, and I would certainly feel lost without it.

(Successful Writing. Intermediate. St’s book. p.138)

Writing topics bank p.77

2C DESCRIBING PLACES AND BUILDINGS

Descriptions of places or buildings can be found in tourist magazines, travel brochures, stories, letters, etc. The style you use depends on the situation and the intended reader. For example, a description of a place you visited in a letter to a friend of yours would be informal, whereas a description of a place issued by the Tourist Authority in order to promote the place would be written in a formal style.

2.0 Planning and organizing

A descriptive composition about a place/ building should consist of:

1. an introduction giving brief information about the name and location of the place/ building and stating the reason for choosing to write about it;

2. a main body giving both general and specific details about the place/ building usually moving from the general features to specific ones. i) when you describe a place you should give the overall impression by referring to landscape, buildings, landmarks, etc, and particular details (sights to see, places to go, things to do) ii) when you describe a building you should write about its surroundings, then give a detailed description of its exterior and interior, as well as give historical facts about it;

3. a conclusion which includes your comments/feelings and/or a recommendation.

Introduction Paragraph 1 name/ location and/or reason for choosing it Main Body Paragraphs 2 - 3* general features and particular details (place: surroundings, sights, facilities, free-time activities building: surroundings, detailed description of exterior/ interior) Paragraphs 4 - 5* explanation and example/ justification Conclusion Final Paragraph comments/feelings and/or recommendation

NOTE: The number of main body paragraphs may vary depending on the rubric.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.18)

(Successful Writing. Upper-Intermediate. St’s book. p.11)