Unit 1: Task 2 Understanding The Question

Unit 1
Task 2 Understanding the question
1 Look at the pictures. What kinds of issues do they show in relation to

education today?
2 Answer the questions, giving reasons in each case.

Technique
a What do you think about technology in education? What are the pros and cons? In Task 2 of the exam
b Some people believe more women should be encouraged to study subjects you will answer an
such as engineering. Do you agree or disagree? Why? essay question. There
c Why do you think some children dislike school and leave as early as are usually four types of
possible? How could this problem be reduced? question. Understanding
U What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to university? the type can help you
Do you think it is a good idea overall? plan and answer the
question more effectively.
3 Match each type of essay 1-4 with a definition and sample question a-d.
1 Theory-based essay a discuss different views and reach your own conclusion
Students are relying more and more upon technology and the internet to
study. Some people see this as a benefit; others believe students are losing
' their ability to think for themselves.
Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
2 Contrasting b suggest solutions or evaluate solutions to a problem
viewpoints essay
Some young people find school difficult and leave early without any
qualifications. What causes this problem and what measures could help
reduce it?
3 Evaluation and c evaluate a statement and justify your own opinion on the topic (you
opinion essay may or may not include opposing viewpoints)
University education should only be offered to the most academic students,
not a large majority. To what extent do you agree?
4 Problem-solving d present your own ideas about an issue, discussing possible causes
essay and effects
Many more men than women choose to study maths and engineering. Why
is this? Gives reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples
from your own knowledge or experience.
1
Technique
Look carefully at the essay question for key words. Examples of these are
underlined in the table in 3. Ensure that you analyse the question fully before you
begin to plan. Use the key words to help you in two ways: to identify the question
type and to help you include all the necessary sections in your answer.
10
Education
4 The box below contains key words from 3. Complete the table by putting nouns from the
box in the correct category. The words may be synonyms, antonyms or related words.
advantage • attitude • channels • difficulty • disagreement • drawback • effect • hindrance
methods • opposition • point of view • procedures • reasons • roots sources • steps
Measures Opinion• Benefit Causes
steps attitude advaAvtage effect

procedures disagreement difficulty reason
methods oppositon drawback roots
channels point of view hindrance sources
5 Match the word categories in 4 to the essay types in 3. There may be more than
one possible answer. Technique
For a theory-based essay I will probably see the language of causes. All the nouns in 4 are
commonly found in Task 2
6 Complete the introductions for essays a—d in 3. Use the correct form of words questions. Knowing these
will help you identify what
from the table in 4. There may be more than one possible answer.
is being asked.
a Whilst it is unarguable that technology has provided many
to students, helping them with their studies, it is also possible that there are
which impact negatively on their ability to use their own initiative
and mental facilities.
b There are many why some children leave full-time education too
early to benefit them; it is therefore important to take to prevent this
damaging behaviour.
c There is no doubt that people have differing about who should have
access to university education. According to many, it is important that the most able
students go.
Men tend to outnumber women in maths and engineering courses for a number of
These vary from social expectations to personal preference but the
is the same: fewer females choose particular subjects to study.
7 Read the task below and answer the questions.
a How many words do you need to write?
b How long do you have to do this?
c Why is it not a good idea to extend the time or number of words?
Which essay type is this: theory, contrasting viewpoints, evaluation and opinion or
problem-solving? Which phrase tells you?
Underline the statement in the first part of the question. What are the two key
elements you need to agree or disagree about?
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that university education should only be offered
to those who can pay for their own courses and the government should
not be expected to fund higher education. To what extent do you agree?
Write at least 250 words.
11
Unit 1
8 Read the model answer below. Label the sections of the essay a—e with phrases from
the box.
introducing topic • justifying opinion (x2) • stating opinion • summarizing point of view
In a number of countries, those at university have their degre,e courses funded

by the government but many people nowadays assert that students should pay
a
themselves. Whilst there are many reasons to justify such a viewpoint I don't
entirely agree, with it
, the benefits of having a_well -educated population are

felt by all those in society. This is because the general populationgains when
there IS a ready supply of good doctors, engjneers, teachers and businesspeople
who can contribute to the welfare of all. Therefore it seems fair that all members
of society should contribute through a tax system in order to pay for such
education.
2 , it is important that those who train to undertake such

roles are the most able and competent in the country. Should education be too
expe,nsive, it is likely that some of the most capable and talented young people
may be discouraged from studying, especially if they happen to come from a
_poorer background. Indeed, if the tax system is organized so that those earning
more pay a higher level of tax, then probably most graduates will pay back a
good deal into society over many years of work. Their education will help them
Let better employment so they will probably contribute more more over a
lifetime
It K 3 important to remember that an educated and

cultured society is a civilized one and, in principle, I believe that education should
be available to all young people and that their financial background should not
hold them back.
4 , while some people argue that government money

should not be spent on the university education of individuals, I disagree entirely
I feel that society as a whole benefits from supporting students in higher
education so the government should fund these costs.
9 Complete the model answer with organizing

phrases from the box. Technique
Keep your introduction brief and don't copy out the rubric
also • firstly • furthermore • in conclusion , (question). Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic and there
is a final conclusion. If you are writing an opinion or 'contrasting
viewpoints' essay, make sure your position is clearly presented.
12

Unit 1: Task 2 Understanding The Question

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit 1: Task 2 Understanding The Question

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit 1: Task 2 Understanding The Question

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit 1

Task 2 Understanding the question

1 Look at the pictures. What kinds of issues do they show in relation to

2 Answer the questions, giving reasons in each case.

Measures Opinion• Benefit Causes

steps attitude advaAvtage effect

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In a number of countries, those at university have their degre,e courses funded

, the benefits of having a_well -educated population are

2 , it is important that those who train to undertake such

It K 3 important to remember that an educated and

4 , while some people argue that government money

9 Complete the model answer with organizing

You might also like