Writing Ideas

Write an email to a colleague arranging a meeting to discuss your project. Use the following questions to create the body of the email. (It can be real or imagined.)

Include the Subject line—make sure it states clearly what the email is about.

1. What about the project do you want to discuss?
2. Where do you want to meet?
3. When do you want to meet?

Add an appropriate closing.

Directions: 

1. Read the email.
2. Respond as if you are a businessperson interested in subscribing to the Journal of Business News. In your e-mail, ask THREE questions.

Email: 

From: Journal of Business News
To: Business professionals
Subject: Subscribe
Sent: December 2, 20--

Dear Business Professional:

The Journal of Business News brings you all the latest news about important developments in the international business world. It is read by thousands of businesspeople like you in over 40 countries around the world. Subscribe today and receive a 30% discount off the regular price.

Questions: How can your past work experiences help you succeed in this job?

This is a typical job interview question. Write your answer as though you are in an actual interview.

What is your ambition? Do you have any secret wishes? What are they?

Do many people rely on older technologies in your country? If so, why do you think that is?

Topic: Today, young people do not show enough respect to elderly people. Do you agree with this opinion?

Points

• Communication
• Lifestyles
• Parents

Task instructions

• Choose TWO of the above points to support your idea.
• Write approximately 120–150 words.
• Use a clear structure (intro, main body, conclusion).
• Spend about 20 minutes on this task.

If you could pass any law you wanted, what would it be? Would it be for your city? Your country? The whole world? Give your reasons for making this law.

Now explain how you would enforce it.

Topic

Agree or disagree: Current education lacks adequate resources and support.

Task instructions

• Write an essay on the given topic.
• Give THREE reasons to support your answer.
• Structure: Introduction, main body, and conclusion.
• Suggested length: 200–240 words.

Try to use the words "allot" and "lament" in your answer.

Directions: Read the email. Respond as if you have recently moved to a new city. In your email to the committee, make at least TWO requests for information.

—

From:  Dale City Welcome Committee
To:  New Dale City Resident
Subject:  Welcome to your new home!
Sent:  July 23

Welcome! We would like to be the first to welcome you to Dale City. We know that there are many things to do when you move, from finding your way around town to setting up your utilities. Please contact us if you need any help at all.

Question: Would you rather be liked or respected?

This is a typical job interview question. Write your answer as though you are in an actual interview.

Question: What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement so far?

This is a typical job interview question. Write your answer as though you are in an actual interview.

QUESTION: Do you think there should be more sports programs on TV?

Task instructions

• Write your answer to the question.
• Give TWO reasons for your opinion.
• Write approximately 50–60 words.

Why do fewer companies hire full-time employees these days?

QUESTION: Do you think high school students should have a part-time job?

Task instructions

• Write your answer to the question.
• Give TWO reasons for your opinion.
• Write approximately 50–60 words.

DIRECTIONS: Describe the picture in as much detail as you can.

QUESTION: Which do you think is better for people: borrowing books from libraries, or buying books at stores?

Task instructions

• Write your answer to the question.
• Give TWO reasons for your opinion.
• Write approximately 50–60 words.

Topic: Some people say that too much water is wasted in Japan. Do you agree with this opinion?

Points

• Daily habits
• Technology
• The environment

Task instructions

• Choose TWO of the above points to support your idea.
• Write approximately 120–150 words.
• Use a clear structure (intro, main body, conclusion).
• Spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Write one sentence about this picture, using the words "bread" and "toppings".