Writing Argument Essay
1. Structures
Structures
Introduction:
- Introducing the topic.
- Giving background information and Narrowing the topic.
- Giving your point of view and mentioning the main areas covered in the essay.
Body:
- Reason 1 (with 2 supporting ideas).
- Reason 2 (with 2 supporting ideas).
- Reason 3 (with 2 supporting ideas).
Conclusion:
- Restate your point of view.
- Summary is required.
2. Useful expressions for giving your point of view
Những cụm từ gợi ý để khẳng định ý kiến bản thân ở vấn đề nêu ra ở đề bài. Những cụm từ này thường sẽ được
sử dụng ở phần mở bài hoặc kết bài.
- In my opinion/ In my view/ From my point of view.
- I (strongly) believe/think (that)
- My opinion is…
- To my mind,…
- The way I see it,…
- As far as I am concerned,…
- It seems/appears to me that…
- I (do not) agree with …
- I strongly/absolutely/totally/certainly/partially | agree with/approve of/support/disagree with.
- I am totally against…
- It strikes me that…
- I am (not) convinced that…
- It is my firm belief that…
Task: Nowadays, computers are an important part of most people’s everyday lives. This change has

“Based on my experiences and observations, I think that, on the balance, computers have harm most people’s
lives; however, the drawbacks should be seen in light of a few substantial benefit”
Chú ý: Bạn có thể thấy cách viết ở đây rất linh hoạt, sử dụng hiệu quả vốn từ ngữ, cấu trúc câu. Ví dụ:
- Linking words: on the balance, however.
- Expressions for giving your point of view: Based on my experiences and observations, I think that.
- Cautious language: should be seen.
- Synonyms: problems and drawbacks.
- Antonyms: improve and harm.
- Phrases like “in light of”
Như vậy, bạn đã có một mở bài hoàn chỉnh:
Without a doubt, computers have changed the way people live. Evaluating the quality of those changes is less
clear and is subject to individual opinions and attitudes. Based on my experiences and observations, I think that,
on the balance, computers have improved most people’s lives; however, the benefits should be seen in light of a
few substantial problems.
Body
Ở phần mở bài, chúng ta đã chọn quan điểm: Tác động của máy tình lên đời sống chủ yếu là tích cực, tuy
nhiên cũng có một số tác động tiêu cực. Vì thế, ở thân bài, người viết sẽ tập trung phân tích những khía cạnh
tích cực mà máy tính tác động lên cuộc sống con người nhưng không quên phân tích cả những khía cạnh tiêu
cực. Như thế, ta có thể chia thân bài ra làm ba đoạn: 2 đoạn cho những tác động tích cực và 1 đoạn cho những
tác động tiêu cực. Phần tác động tiêu cực nên viết gọn vì đây không phải trọng tâm của bài.
Trước khi đi vào bài viết cụ thể, chúng ta đã phải vạch ý (brainstorm) cho những gì viết trong thân bài. Có thể
giải quyết với một số gợi ý:
Positive changes:
- Increased access to information. (Sự tiếp cận rộng rãi hơn với thông tin).
- Better communication. (Sự giao tiếp tốt hơn).
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- Business, transactions and goverment conferencing (Sự hỗ trợ trong kinh doanh, giao dịch và những hội nghị
chính phủ).
- (Your opinion).
Negative changes:

Increases in depression and violence are two visible effects of this problem.
Conclusion
(Summary) It is far from clear where the changes computers have brought to our lives will eventually take us.
Like all new technology, computers bring mixed blessings to peole’s everyday lives. (Opinion) At present, I
believe the benefits outweigh the negative consequences.
Đoạn văn có những từ khó hiểu, có thể tạm dịch: Chúng ta khó có thể biết những thay đổi mà máy tính đem đến
cuộc sống sẽ đưa ta tới đâu. Giống như tất cả những công nghệ mới, những tác động của máy tính rất phức tạp,
cả tích cực lẫn tiêu cực. Nhưng ở thời điểm này, tôi tin rằng những lợi ích vượt xa những hạn chế mà máy tính
đã đem lại.
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Đoạn kết theo đúng những yêu cầu của một kết bài, vừa tóm tắt phần nội dung ở thân bài vừa khẳng định
lại quan điểm đã nêu ở mở bài, đồng thời tạo cảm giác hoàn chỉnh cho một bài viết.
Một đề bài tham khảo: “In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners
heavily and use the money to improve public transportation. What are the advantages and disadvantages
of such a solution?”
Essay Plan (Structure)
1. Introduction:
- Introducing the topic.
- Giving background information and Narrowing the topic.
- Giving your point of view and mentioning the main areas covered in the essay.
Để hiểu rõ hơn cấu trúc của mở bài, bạn có thể xem tại bài viết này của mình
2. Body
- Paragraph 1: Advantages.
- Paragraph 2: Disadvantages.
Các bạn hãy dành cho Advantages một đoạn riêng và Disadvantages cũng vậy. Với mỗi đoạn bạn nên đưa ra 3
supporting ideas, nghĩa là sẽ có 3 mặt mạnh và 3 mặt yếu. Tuy nhiên, 2 supporting ideas cho mỗi đoạn cũng
là đủ nếu bạn viết đủ dài và sâu.
Lưu ý: Các bạn nên viết 2 đoạn với dung lượng tương đối bằng nhau, không nên thiên lệch (bias) đối với
advantages và disadvantages. Giám khảo sẽ không đánh giá cao nếu bạn chỉ dành 50 từ cho advantages và
đến 150 từ cho disadvantages.

In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to
improve public transportation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?
(Topic) Traffic problems in many cities around the world are becoming more and more serious. (Background
Information) One possible solution to this problem is to impose heavy taxes on car drivers and use this money
to make public transport better. (Mentioning the areas covered in the body) Such a measure has its own
advantages and disadvantages.
(Topic sentence 1) It is clear that imposing heavy taxes on car drivers has some noteworthy positive
effects. (Supporting idea 1) One of the first benefits of such a measure is that the heavy taxes would
discourage car owners from using their cars because it would become very expensive to drive. This would
mean that they would begin to make use of public transport instead, thus reducing traffic problems and pollution
as well. (Supporting idea 2) Another benefit would be that much more use would be made of public transport
if it were improved. It is often the case that public transport in cities is very poor. For example, we often see old
buses and trains that people would rather not use. High taxes could generate enough money to make the
necessary changes.
(Topic sentence 2) Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to such a solution. (Supporting idea 1) First and
foremost, this might be a heavy burden on the car drivers. At present, taxes are already high for a lot of people,
and so further taxes would only mean less money at the end of the month for most people who may have no
choice but to drive every day. (Supporting idea 2) In addition, this type of tax would likely to be set at a fixed
amount. This would mean that it would hit those with less money harder, whilst the rich could likely afford it. It
is therefore not a fair tax.
To conclude, this solution is worth considering to improve the current situation, but there are advantages and
disadvantages of introducing such a policy.
Các dạng đề và cách làm bài cho writing task 2
I. Nhận diện dạng đề:
Loại 1 : Argument
Thường là dạng câu hỏi sau cho 2 ý kiến trái chiều và “To what extend do you agree or disagree” hoặc “what
are you opinion on this “ Dạng này yêu cầu người viết phải đứng về 1 quan điểm và bảo vệ quan điểm đó – Có
nói lên ý kiến của mình Vd : có người nói rằng nghiên cứu vũ trụ là không cần thiết nhưng có người lại nói rằng
nó hữu ích, bạn có đồng ý hay ko => chọn 1 trong 2 quan điểm ở trên và bảo vệ nó, Có nói lên quan điểm của

xác định hay không.
Đề 1: internet đã phát triển trên khắp thế giới và trở nên phổ biến với mọi người. vậy liệu the internet sẽ làm
mọi người suy nghĩ và hành động như nhau, quan điểm của bạn như thế nào?The internet has developed around
the world and become popular with all people. So, could it cause people to think and act the same? What is your
opinion?

The past 50 years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the availability of the Internet. It is indisputable (tranh
luận) that it has brought significant benefits to our lives in many spheres such as economy and science. Yet, this
raises a certain problem as to whether the Internet will cause its users throughout the world to think and act in
the same way or not. While there are valid arguments to the contrary, it is my position that the Internet is not
capable of inducing (thuyết phục) people to think and act the same. There are two reasons for my perspective on
this
Đề 2: có người nói hút thuốc không tốt và nên bị cấm hoàn tòan, bạn có đồng ý không. Some people argue that
smoking should be banned because of its adverse effects on health. Do you agree or disagree with this
proposition?
The past 50 years have witnessed an increase in number of people who have died from smoking-related
diseases. This raises a certain problem as to whether tobacco should be banned or not. While there are valid
arguments to the contrary, it is my position that tobacco and its products should indeed be made illegal. There
are two reasons for my perspective on this.
Đề 3 : có người nói không nên cứu những con động vật đang trên bờ vực tuyệt chủng vì chúng không có ích đến
với cuộc sống con người, bạn có đồng ý không Some people argue that we should not rescue the animals that
are nearing extinction because they are not useful for human life.
The past 50 years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of animals that have become extinct out.
This raises a certain problem as to whether humans should attempt to save endangered species or not.While
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there are valid arguments to the contrary, it is my position that they should in fact be preserved. There are two
reasons for my perspective about this.
B. Thân bài :
Thân bài của dạng argument phải gồm 2 ý support cho quan điểm ( đồng ý/ không đồng ý ) nên người chấm
thường nhìn vào 2 câu đầu tiêu của 2 paragraph xem có đúng sườn hay không. Sườn hay và chuẩn thường như

1) Dear Sir or Madam,
If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try to find out a
name.
2) Dear Mr Jenkins,
If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a
woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married and single women.
IV. Ending a letter:
1) Yours faithfully
If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
2) Yours sincerely
If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
3) Your signature
Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature. If you think the person you are writing to might not
know whether you are male of female, put you title in brackets after your name.
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V. Content of a Formal Letter
1. First paragraph
The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an inquiry, complain, request
something, etc.
The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter should contain the relevant information behind the
writing of the letter. Most letters in English are not very long, so keep the information to the essentials and
concentrate on organizing it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding too much.
2. Last Paragraph
The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to take- to refund, send
you information, etc.
*****ESSAY
Có 3 loại essay trong Writing Task 2 là: Argumentative essay, discussion essay và account essay( advantages-
disadvantages-problem-cause- effect-solution).
Mỗi loại có phần mở-thân-kết bài với cấu trúc khác nhau. Nhưng cơ bản essay của mình vẫn phải đủ 3 phần
chính : Intro- Body- Conclusion

- Arguments for: The reasons “parts” of your thesis statement will be in your body paragraphs.
- Give clear arguments for your claim with support (examples, statistics, explanations, etc.)
- Use transition words as you move from paragraph to paragraph (Firstly, secondly, furthermore, in
addition, moreover, finally).
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- You can also use any of the transitions from the other essay types as long as they are appropriate for your
argument. (You may want to compare/contrast things, give reasons/results, descriptions, definitions etc.)
Conclusion:
- Restatement of thesis and supporting ideas. Make a prediction, a recommendation, or a summary
ESSAY Type 3: [Discussion essay] lấy từ web, dạng này em chưa học nên chưa biết rành lắm. Tuy nhiên, cũng
search thử và ra được cái format như thế này, anh và Hiếu tham khảo nhé
The topic of …. has aroused public concern. Some people say that … whilst others claim that… . It is quite
natural that people from different backgrounds have their own opinions on the issue.
To begin with, those who believe that …. have cogent reasons for it. Idea 1, idea 2 , etc.
Likewise, the statement above is not generally consisted as an accurate one to everybody since there also some
people who do not advocate it. As regards their justification, a reason usually claimed by many of them to
convince us is that….
In short, I firmly commit to the notion that …
• Các bạn cùng xem một đề bài ví dụ: In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by
international fast food. Many people think that it is good to eat traditional foods while others believe that
fast food is a good choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Ở bài này, mình sẽ đưa ra dàn ý (Essay Plan) và những từ, cụm từ (Phrases) cần thiết cho một bài Discussion
Essay.
Essay Plan (Structure)
1. Introduction:
- Introducing the topic.
- Giving background information and Narrowing the topic.
- Giving your point of view and mentioning the main areas covered in the essay.
Để hiểu rõ hơn cấu trúc của mở bài, bạn có thể xem tại Part 3 của mình
2. Body

Ex: Opponents of fast food believe that it is not good for health at all.
Phrases to list advantages:
Sau đây mình sẽ đưa ra một số cụm từ để liệt kê những điểm đúng, điểm mạnh của một trong hai ý kiến. Những
cụm từ này cũng sẽ hữu dụng trong dạng bài Advantages and Disadvantages
- The first/main/most important advantage of …. is ….
Ex: The main advantage of fast food is its convenience.
- One/ another/an additional advantage of …. is ….
- What makes … stand out/important/… is …
- One/Another point in favor of …. is ….
Ex: Another point in favor of fast food is its convenience.
Sample
Các bạn đọc bài luận mẫu và chú ý những phần được tô đậm/gạch chân nhé!
Task
Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others
believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university. While some people are of the
opinion that the only purpose of a university education is to improve job prospects, others think
that society and the individual benefit in much broader ways.(Very clear thesis)
It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job. The majority of people
want to improve their future career prospects and attending university is one of the best ways to do this as it
increases a person’s marketable skills and attractiveness to potential employers./ In addition, further education
is very expensive for many people, so most would not consider it if it would not provide them with a more
secure future and a higher standard of living. Thus, job prospects are very important.
However, there are other benefits for individuals and society. Firstly, the independence of living away from
home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills and improve as a person. A case in
point is that many students will have to leave their families, live in halls of residence and meet new friends. As
a result, their maturity and confidence will grow enabling them to live more fulfilling lives./ Secondly, society
will gain from the contribution that the graduates can make to the economy. We are living in a very
competitive world, so countries need educated people in order to compete and prosper.

belongs to
is a part of
fits into
is grouped with
is related to
is associated with
VÍ DỤ
Coal is a kind of non-renewable resource.
Energy resources can be divided into two types.
Coal is a type of non-renewable resource.
Coal falls under the category of non-renewable resources.
Coal belongs to the category of non-renewable resources.
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Coal is a part of the category of non-renewable resources.
Coal fits into the category of non-renewable resources.
Coal is grouped with non-renewable resources.
Coal is related to other non-renewable resources.
Coal is associated with other non-renewable resources.
3. ĐOẠN VĂN MIÊU TẢ
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn miêu tả là đoạn văn được dùng để tả người, địa điểm hoặc sự vật, giúp bạn mường tượng trong đầu
một số hình ảnh về những gì đang diễn ra.
Thông thường những đoạn văn miêu tả có xu hướng tập trung vào hành động (được thể hiện bằng động từ) hơn
là cảm giác (được biểu đạt bằng trạng từ và tính từ). Ngoài ra đoạn văn miêu tả nên được viết một cách rõ ràng,
chi tiết và được đưa ra theo trình tự thời gian.
Ví dụ: Đoạn văn viết để miêu tả gấu Bắc cực hay một đoạn văn viết để tiêu tả vị trí địa lý của Canada.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn miêu tả tốt:
Đặc
tính
Kích thước

Many companies are located near Toronto.
Ontario is west of Quebec.
4. ĐOẠN VĂN SO SÁNH
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn so sánh là đoạn văn được dùng để đưa ra những điểm tương đồng và khác biệt giữa người, địa điểm,
sự vật và ý kiến.
Ví dụ: Đoạn văn viết để so sánh thời tiết ở Vancouver và Halifax.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn so sánh tốt:
Những từ hữu ích để chỉ
Điểm tương đồng Điểm khác biệt
Những liên từ ngắn Những liên từ ngắn
is similar to however
Similarly, , but
Likewise, , yet
the same in contrast
the same as By contrast,
both
also
too
as well
Cách biểu đạt dài hơn Những liên từ phụ thuộc
In the same way, On the other hand,
X is similar to Y in that even though
X and Y are similar in that (they) although
Like X, Y differs from
In like manner, unlike
One way in which X is similar to while
Another way in which X is similar to Y is
(that)
whereas

Những từ hữu dụng
Theo thứ tự Theo thời gian
first, second, third,
etc.
recently
in the beginning previously
before afterwards
then when
after after
finally
at last
subsequently
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VÍ DỤ
Theo thứ
tự
First, you need to become a leader of a political
party. Second, you need to win a seat in the House of
Commons. Third, your party must have a majority of seats.
In the beginning, you need to become a leader of a political
party.
Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the
leader of a political party.
Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.
After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make
sure you have a majority of seats.
Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the prime
minister.
At last, you can call yourself the prime minister.
Subsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of seats

I believe
it seems to me
I prefer
VÍ DỤ
Quan điểm
In my opinion, hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
My belief is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
My idea is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
My understanding is that hockey is more fun than lacrosse.
I think that I would prefer to play hockey and not lacrosse.
I consider hockey to be more exciting than lacrosse.
I believe hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
It seems to me that hockey is more exciting than lacrosse.
I prefer hockey over lacrosse.
Ý kiến cá nhân
I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.
I hope that I can play hockey in the future.
I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.
7. ĐOẠN VĂN GIẢI THÍCH
Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn giải thích là đoạn văn mà trong đó bạn cần phải giải thích hoặc đưa ra lý do xảy ra sự việc nào đó.
Thông thường trong các chuyên ngành nghiên cứu về xã hội bạn sẽ cầu phải tìm hiểu nguyên nhân và kết quả
của một sự kiện nào đó.
Ví dụ: Một đoạn văn viết để giải thích tại sao có rất nhiều người Châu Âu di cư đến Canada trong khoảng thế
kỷ 19.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn giải thích tốt:
Những từ hữu dụng
Nguyên nhân Kết quả
because therefore
since thus

Định nghĩa
Đoạn văn đánh giá là đoạn văn mà trong đó bạn sẽ đưa ra lời nhận xét, đánh giá của bạn về người, ý kiến hoặc
những hành động có thể xảy ra. Bạn cần phải đánh giá dựa trên những tiêu chuẩn nhất định. Khi viết dạng đoạn
văn này bạn có thể đưa ra lời đánh giá và gợi ý trước rồi củng cố những ý kiến đó bằng cách đưa ra hệ tiêu
chuẩn của bạn.
Ví dụ: Một đoạn văn viết để đánh giá xem có nên sử dụng thuốc trừ sâu vào việc trồng trọt hay không.
Những từ sau có thể giúp bạn viết một đoạn văn giải thích tốt:
Những từ hữu dụng
Tiêu chuẩn để đánh giá Sự gợi ý
good / bad suggest
correct / incorrect recommend
moral / immral advise
right / wrong argue
important / trivial
VÍ DỤ
The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment.
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The belief that pesticides must be used is incorrect.
The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it
harms the environment.
It is wrong to use pesticides because they harm the environment.
The issue of pesticides is an important one because it affects the
environment.
Sự gợi ý
I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests.
I recommend that pesticides should not be used because they are
harmful to the environment.
I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible.
I would argue that pesticides should not be used because they
harm the environment.

4. Paragraphs are like conversations. Each conversation is a series of
statements, questions, or explanations that pass along information. Each
paragraph is also a series of sentences that pass along information. A
paragraph is different from a conversation because a paragraph can be
edited and changed after you write it down, and a conversation can't be
taken back once you have spoken the words.

5. In order to write a paragraph, first you think about what you want to
say. Pretend that you are explaining things to your friends, or to a
younger person. Try to explain in simple terms that are easy to follow.
Once you have thought about it, start writing down what you would say
out loud. That's all you need to do to write a paragraph.

6. A definition tells you what a word or term means. This paragraph tells
you what a defining paragraph is, so this paragraph is a defining
paragraph about defining paragraphs! When you define something, you
want to use simple words so that your reader will understand what you
are saying.

7.
My most valuable possession is an old, slightly warped blond guitar the
first instrument I taught myself how to play. It's nothing fancy, just a
Madeira folk guitar, all scuffed and scratched and finger-printed. At the
top is a bramble of copper-wound strings, each one hooked through the
eye of a silver tuning key. The strings are stretched down a long, slim
neck, its frets tarnished, the wood worn by years of fingers pressing
chords and picking notes. The body of the Madeira is shaped like an
enormous yellow pear, one that was slightly damaged in shipping. The
blond wood has been chipped and gouged to gray, particularly where
the pick guard fell off years ago. No, it's not a beautiful instrument, but it


10. A definition tells you what a word or term means. This paragraph tells
you what a defining paragraph is, so this paragraph is a defining
paragraph about defining paragraphs! When you define something, you
want to use simple words so that your reader will understand what you
are saying.
ĐÁP ÁN
1. Đoạn văn miêu tả

2. Đoạn văn tường thuật

3. Đoạn văn phân loại

4. Đoạn văn so sánh

5. Đoạn văn giải thích

6. Đoạn văn định nghĩa

7. Đoạn văn miêu tả
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8. Đoạn văn phân loại

9. Đoạn văn so sánh

10. Đoạn văn so sánh
(How to write an Opinion Essay - FCE Writing)
Bài viết này hướng dẫn các bạn viết một bài Opinion Essay hoàn chỉnh.
• Here is what you need to keep in mind in order to write a good opinion essay:
+ Decide your opinion as for the topic discussed.

+ You could also argue that
+ Nevertheless / However
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+ One advantage / Another disadvantage is that
• Part 3: Conclusion
In this part you should summarize the main points of the essay and restate your opinion in other words.
You may think of using some of these
+ On balance ,
+ I feel /I believe that
+ Summarizing ,
+ To sum up /in conclusion /
+ All in all, I believe that
+ Given this, it can be concluded that
Cách viết Introductory paragraph
Một Introductory paragraph có ba phần: Hook, Background information, Thesis statement.
1. Hook là câu đầu tiên ( câu đề, thường để dẫn người đọc vào topic của bài ):
Làm thế nào để viết Hook? Thường có ba cách thông thường:
- Make a question (Yes/No question hoặc Wh_question)
- Give a statistic ( Theo số liệu thống kê cụ thể về một vấn đề nào đó hoặc đưa ra dẫn chứng của một tổ chức
quốc tế nào đó)
- Make a statement.
Ex: Tôi có một topic như sau :" If you have a holiday, where would you like to go?"
Sau đây là những câu hook của mỗi cách trên:
Theo Make a question: There are many famous places in the world, so which do you prefer going?
Theo Give a statistic: Ha Long Bay not only is famous for its beautiful scene but also has been recognized as a
World Heritage by the UNESCO.
Theo Make a statement: There are a lot of ideal destinations in Viet Nam, but in my opinion, Ha Long Bay is
the best one.
2. Background information: phần này có thể chiếm khoảng 2 câu, nhằm đưa thông tin chi tiết hơn 1 chút về
những gì đã được đề cập trong câu hook.

university.
Hãy thử tập làm một đoạn introductory paragraph của những topic sau đây:
1, Why do you think people attend college or university?
2, Do you agree or disagree: parents are the best teacher?
3, If you could change one important thing about you hometown, what would you change?
Basic Paragraph Structure
The Topic Sentence.
For example, suppose that you want to write a paragraph about the natural landmarks of your hometown.
The first part of your paragraph might look like this:
My hometown is famous for several amazing natural
features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very
wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is
Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep.
(Notice how the first sentence begins with "My hometown " a few spaces to the right of the paragraph
edge. This is an indentation. All paragraphs in English MUST begin with an indentation.)
Note how the first sentence, My hometown, Wheaton, is famous for several amazing geographical
features,is the most general statement. This sentence is different from the two sentences that follow it,
since the second and third sentences mention specific details about the town's geography, and are not
general statements.
Here are some examples of sentences that cannot be used as topic sentences. Can you figure out why they
are inappropriate?

1. My hometown is famous because it is located by
Wheaton River, which is very wide, and because it is
built near an unusually steep hill called Wheaton Hill.
2. There are two reasons why some people like to buy cars
with automatic transmission and two reasons why others
like cars with manual transmission.
3. Clouds are white.
The problem with sentence #1 is that it contains too many details. Topic sentences are general, and details

paragraph, First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful,indeed gives an
answer to this question. That is, the second sentence gives some explanation for the fact that Wheaton is a
famous town. Similarly, we can see that the third sentence also gives some explanation for the fact that
Wheaton is famous by giving another example of an "amazing natural feature," in this case, Wheaton Hill.
The second and third sentences are called supporting sentences. They are called "supporting" because
they "support," or explain, the idea expressed in the topic sentence. Of course, paragraphs in English
often have more than two supporting ideas. The paragraph above is actually a very short paragraph. At
minimum, you should have at leastfive to seven sentences in your paragraph. Here we can see our
paragraph about Wheaton with a few more supporting sentences in bold font:
My hometown is famous for several amazing natural
features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very
wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is
Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. The
third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands
two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred
years old.
The Concluding Sentence
In formal paragraphs you will sometimes see a sentence at the end of the paragraph which summarizes the
information that has been presented. This is the concluding sentence. You can think of a concluding
sentence as a sort of topic sentence in reverse.
You can understand concluding sentences with this example. Consider a hamburger that you can buy at a
fast-food restaurant.* A hamburger has a top bun (a kind of bread), meat, cheese, lettuce, and other
elements in the middle of the hamburger, and a bottom bun. Note how the top bun and the bottom bun are
very similar. The top bun, in a way, is like a topic sentence, and the bottom bun is like the concluding
sentence. Both buns "hold" the meat, onions, and so on. Similarly, the topic sentence and concluding
sentence "hold" the supporting sentences in the paragraph. Let's see how a concluding sentence
(in bold font) might look in our sample paragraph about Wheaton:

My hometown is famous for several amazing natural
features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very

against the sky and can be seen from many miles away. The
third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two
hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old.
These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my
hometown a famous place.
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