Extension Worksheet Topic 6 s5

Cambridge English B for the IB Diploma

Worksheet 3.5: How to improve your writing

This worksheet supports Activities 3.2 and 3.3 on page 109 of the IB English B coursebook.

Writing tips

Different types of texts often require different styles of writing. However, there are some general rules that it is helpful to follow when writing any type of text.

Below is a list of tips to help you improve your writing. You can find examples for each of these on pages 109–110 of the coursebook.

a Avoid starting every sentence with a subject. / A series of sentences that all start with the subject of the sentence can begin to sound very monotonous and boring.
b Avoid ‘it’ and ‘there’ as the subjects of sentences. / Sentences that start with ‘It’, ‘There is ...’ or ‘There are ...’ can sound weak.
c Use the right verb tense. / This may be easier for native speakers of English, but many people make mistakes in the verb tense they use. Be sure to know when to use each tense, such as the present simple, the present perfect, etc.
d Use (relative) clauses. / Using clauses in general is a good idea, as we saw in Tip a. Using relative clauses, which expand on ideas (like this one!), are also a good idea. Relative clauses make use of words such as ‘which’, ‘who’ and ‘where’.
e Watch out for wordy sentences. / Make sure that you read and re-read your own work. Long and wordy sentences should be tidied up with punctuation and parallel constructions.
f Never start a sentence with ‘But’. / Although you may see sentences that start with ‘But’ in other works, you should avoid starting sentences with it for academic purposes.
g Use parallelisms. / Parallelisms are sentences or phrases that contain repeated structures. These are usually lists of noun phrases or clauses with similar structures.
h Use active verbs. / In persuasive or academic writing and speaking, active verbs sound much stronger than passive verbs. Passive verb phrases use the verb ‘to be’ and the past participle of another verb.

Letter writing (Text 3.8)

Here is a copy of Text 3.8, on page 111 of the coursebook. This is an ‘improved’ version of the original letter, Text 3.7 on page 108, thinking of the tips listed above.

Read through Text 3.8, and highlight where and how these tips have been applied in this revised and improved letter. Then complete the following table, from Activity 3.3 on page 109, with examples for each of the tips. Your teacher may give you a copy of Text 3.8 with the changes highlighted.

Dear Ms. X,

Each morning for the past six years, I have been happy

to see my students walk through the classroom door.

Being a primary school teacher comes naturally to

me. Nevertheless for the past few months I have been

contemplating a new personal challenge in the field

of primary education. As I am very much intrigued by

different cultures and languages, I have decided to

look for a position at an international school.

Your school caught my attention because it is a

relatively young, international school, where I could

be a member of a pioneering and ambitious team. I

also like the fact it is a Dutch subsidised school

with competitive fees and open doors to a variety of

students. Furthermore, I can appreciate how your school

brings the multicultural atmosphere of Amsterdam into

the school.

Initially I am interested in teaching groups 3–8.

To me, children of these ages are still very

spontaneous, eager to learn and able to communicate

and discuss well. In view of my university education,

teaching in the secondary school might be a future

possibility as well.

As a colleague you will find that I have an open mind,

good social skills and an ability to handle pressure

easily. Group management, organising and planning

come naturally to me. I graduated at an outstanding

technical university and worked for several years as

a consulting engineer and group leader in the field

of logistics and general management. Through this

I developed my rational, analytical and management

skills. Then I decided to really follow my heart and

passion and become a primary school teacher.

I believe I would add value to your organisation with

my skills and enthusiasm. I would very much appreciate

the opportunity to discuss the possibility of working

together soon.

Yours sincerely,

Candidate Y

Tip / Example of poor writing in Text 3.7 / How has this been improved in Text 3.8?
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h

Text 3.8 with revisions

Here is a copy of Text 3.8 with the improvements and revisions highlighted, for your reference.

How have the ‘writing tips’, found on the first page of this worksheet and on pages 109–10 of the coursebook, been applied?