屠鸭之路——simon写作（大作文）

说在前面

simon的写作课，在雅思备考上是有一定地位的。但仅从我个人感觉而言，simon的课可能不会帮助我们快速提高雅思的分数，他相反是从一个客观的角度去分析雅思作文，而且强调的也是提高我们自身的硬实力。尽管他会在这里教我们一些技巧，以及一些看上去很好的“应试方法”，但其实更多的是需要我们自身的练习。就像他在视频中反复强调的那样“You need lots of practice"。

写作本身就没有说什么哪个老师的好，哪个老师的坏的这种说法，只是看适合谁罢了。我在这里记录simon的写作课笔记，也并不是宣传他的课有多么多么好。相反，只是因为他在介绍雅思的这个角度上，更加简单粗暴。也有可能是心理作用：毕竟人家是前考官，他写的，在某些程度上应该是考官普遍喜欢的文章类型。当然，个人看法，看看就好，别当真。

此外，只是单纯觉得，simon的课能帮我真的提高硬实力吧，毕竟在这种时候去“应试”没有什么意义了，提高自己的实力才是王道。所以就在这里，把他的11节写作课，视频里的大致内容都记录下来，一个算是方便以后自己查阅，另一个也算方便同样屠鸭的朋友们。

⭐️ 注意：由于simon是全英文授课，所以在记录笔记的时候，有一些没有展现在PPT里的片段，我觉得重要的，我都有听写出来，并用引言的方式标注。但毕竟我听力能力一般般，难免会有一些失误，若发现有误，还请在评论区指出。

An IELTS training course

1. Understand the task

2. Break the task into parts

3. methods, techniques

   • methods for different parts of the task

4. Lots of practice

5. Feedback, measure progress

   • you probably need someone to check your work, give you feedback, on what you doing right, on what you doing wrong

1️⃣Understand the task

Write an essay

• Minimum 250 words, no maximum

  • otherwise you may lose your score

• 40 minutes

About?

• Universal topics

  • e.g. Family, health, education, work

• 3 or 4 main types of question

Four scoring criteria

1. Task Response

   • Have you answer the question?
   • If you didn't answer the question, you may get a lower score.

2. Coherence and cohesion

3. Vocabulary

4. Grammar

I tell my students to focus on the first three, to forget really about the grammar. You can improve your grammar very slowly in my experiences. Gradually reducing the mistakes you make. But I think you can improve much faster on the other three.

Break the task into parts

• 250 words
• 4 paragraphs
• about 13 sentences

Introduction

• 2 sentences

  • Not too long in this paragraphs

Two main paragraphs

• 5 sentences each

  • if you want a higher score, you really need to focus all of your best words, your best vocabulary, most of your attention on your main paragraphs.

Conclusion

• 1 sentence

Timing

total 40 minutes

• Introduction: 5 minutes
• Main body: 20 minutes
• Conclusion: 5 minutes

2️⃣Introduction

How to write a short, but effective introduction for writing task 2. To become better writing introductions, you need a method, and you need to practice the same method every time you write the essay. By practicing the same method, you become faster, and you become more confident writing in that way.

Method:

2 sentences

• introduce the topic
• give a general answer to the question

Only two sentences that about 30 to 40 words. Why don't we write a long introduction?

• That would be a waste of time.
• You can't get a high score just from your introduction. If you want get a higher score, you really need focus on the main body paragraphs.

Four types of question:

1. Discussion
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solutions
4. Two-part question

Discussion

Opinion

Problem and solutions

Two-part question

3️⃣Main Body Paragraph

How to write a good main body paragraph for writing task 2.

4 paragraph essay

• 2 main body paragraphs
• 5 sentences in each
• 90 to 100 words each

How to write a main paragraph

2 types

1. Firstly, Secondly, Finally

   more than one idea and we need to give more than one idea

   • advantages
   • disadvantages
   • problems
   • solutions

2. Idea, Explain, Example

   If we only have one idea, we have to explain more detail.

   • one idea
   • a reason
   • an opinion

1. Firstly, Secondly, Finally

⭐️ Remember: Linking words do not help your "vocabulary" score.

• Linking just need be clear, do the job making your ideas easy to follow.\
• Examiners want to see 'topic vocabulary'

2. Idea, Explain, Example

Another Paragraph

​ ​ ​ ​

Main body paragraph are the most important part of your essay, you need plan them well before you start writing.

Good ideas, good vocabulary and they will be well structured if you follow the two easy methods

4️⃣Conclusions

2 easy 'rules'

• never write anything new.

  • The conclusion should simply repeat or summarize what you already said.

• one sentence:

  • repeat, summarize

   

Conclusion technique

Paraphrase the answer that you gave in your introduction. (in different words)

1. Discussion（+ opinion）
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solution
4. Two-part question

1. Discussion( + opinion )

Question

In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.

Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks

Introduction

It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that there are more benefits than drawbacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of using video security systems in public places do outweigh the disadvantages

• I would argue <=> I believe
• video security systems <=> video surveillance
• advantages outweigh the disadvantages <=> more benefits than drawbacks

2. pinion

Question

Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement？

Introduction

Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view .

Conclusion

In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who choose private education.

• I do not believe <=> I completely disagree
• financial concessions <=> should not need to contribute through taxes
• people who choose private education <=> parents of children who attend private schools

3. Problem and solution

Question

In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.

What problems will this cause for individuals and society Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

Introduction

It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.

• various measures can be taken to tackle <=> societies can take steps to mitigate
• problems that are certain to arise <=> there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences
• populations of countries grow older <=> people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer

4. 2-part question

Question

There are many different types of music in the world today.

Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

Introduction

It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern international music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence. and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

• a necessary part of human existence <=> a vital part of all human cultures
• I believe <=> I would argue
• should be given more importance <=> is more important

Conclusion sentences

• One sentence
• No new information
• Paraphrasing to show variety

5️⃣Planning

Spend 10 minutes planning your essay

3 step essay plan（10 minutes）

Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight /underline key parts

2. Plan your essay structure（4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: topic + answer

   • topic: study in groups or alone
   • answer: sometimes better alone, usually better in a group

2. Benefits of studying alone

3. Benefits of group study（my view）

4. Conclusion: repeat answer

   • repeat answer（say that in different way）
   • both have benefits, but I prefer group

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs（6 minutes）

• brainstorm, note down any ideas you have

• don't think your idea may be a bad one, just node down anything you can think of those relavant.

• develop ideas in detail

• keep asking yourself why？

  • a reason for something and an explanation for your opinion.

• think of examples to support your ideas

• finally, try to group related ideas（number them）

  

Try to doing this yourself for this essay question, and remember don't expect to be good this straight way. It does take practice. It might see easy to plan in the way that I have done, but you don't become good this with only one and two attempts. You need to practice a lot. If you do lots of essays and planning them in this way, you will get bettter, so practice much as possible before your test.

6️⃣Opinion essay

your opinion, not other

You can use "I" or "my"

The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals。 To what extent do you agree or disagree？

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight /underline key parts

2. Plan your essay structure （4 paragraphs）

1. Introduction: government spending

   • agree- public services instead of space projects

2. Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs （6 minutes）

2. explain why 'space' spending should be stopped.

3. explain why public service spending is better.

   

4. Full essay

The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals. To what extent do you agree or disagree？

Plan: Topic -government spending Answer -agree, public services instead of space projects

Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes. I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

There are several reasons why space programmes should be abandoned. Firstly, it is extremely expensive to train scientists and other staff involved with space missions, and facilities and equipment also come at a huge cost to the government. Secondly, these programmes do not benefit normal people in our daily lives； they are simply vanity projects for politicians. Finally, many missions to space fail completely, and the smallest technological error can cost astronauts their lives the challenger space shuttle disaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, and in my opinion it is not worth the risk. (97 words)

I believe that the money from space programmes should go to vital public services instead. It is much cheaper to train doctors, teachers, police and other public service workers than it is to train astronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on space exploration projects Furthermore, public servants do jobs that have a positive impact on every member of society. For example, we all use schools, hospitals and roads, and we all need the security that the police provide. If governments reallocated the money spent on space travel and research, many thousands of people could be lifted out of poverty or given a better quality of life.(108 words).

In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that benefit all members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects that do not improve our everyday lives.(Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all. )

5. Band 7-9 vocabulary

The band 7-9 vocabulary makes this essay a really good one.

• space programmes, exploration, missions, projects, travel, research
• funds should be allocated
• should be abandoned
• facilities and equipment come at a huge cost
• vanity projects for politicians
• can cost astronauts their lives
• space shuttle disaster
• public servants
• a positive impact on every member of society
• if governments reallocated
• could be lifted out of poverty
• given a better quality of life

7️⃣Discussion Essay

In this lesson, similar to the last one, we are going to go through a full essay. We look the question, we make sure we understand it, see what the task asking to do. Then we go to the planning stage, noting ideas, and then we use those ideas to write an introduction, main body, and conclusion, and the end, we'll check everything, and I'll highlight a few things that I did, made it a good essay.

Question

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight/underline key parts

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

• Introduction: competition or co-operation? benefits of both, co-operation more important.
• Why encourage competition
• Why teach co-operation(my view)
• Conclusion: accept both views, co-operation better.

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

This is very important part of your planning and the whole test really, because you don't have good ideas and good vocabulary, you don't have an answer. You have nothing. So it is very important to spend some time brainstorming and getting good ideas.

4. Full essay

5. Band 7-9 vocabulary

8️⃣Problem and solution essay

Question

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

1. Read and understand the question

• highlight/underline key parts

  

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: student behaviour in schools variety of reasons, steps can be taken to tackle
2. Causes of bad student behaviour
3. My suggested solutions
4. Conclusion: summarise the problem and steps

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

4. Full essay

5. Band 7-9 vocabulary

9️⃣2-part question

Question

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if more good news was reported?

1. Read and understand the question

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: decisions about news stories variety of factors, yes too much bad news
2. Factors that influence news editors
3. Too much bad news, should report more good
4. Conclusion: difficult news choices, more positive

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

4. Full essay

5. Band 7-9 vocabulary

1️⃣ 0️⃣ Agree and Disagree

The difficult thing about this type of question is you have to decide what your opinion is before you start writing. You have to start write Agree, Disagree or Partly agree. You need to think about what you going to write in your main body paragraphs.

question 1

The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes.I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

2. explain why' space' spending should be stopped
3. explain why public service spending is better
4. Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all

question 2

Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge. Personally,I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.

2. explain why easy hobbies can be enjoyable
3. explain why difficult hobbies can be fun
4. Conclusion: disagree that difficult hobbies are better

qusetion 3

Many people say that we now live in ' consumer societies' where money and possessions are given too much importance. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (partly agree) It is true that many people criticise modern society because it seems to be too materialistic. I agree with this to some extent, but I do not think it is the case that everyone is a victim of consumer culture.

2. I believe many people do focus too much on money
3. However, many others are not money oriented
4. Conclusion: partly agree

question 4

In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was "a giant leap for mankind". However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree? It is often argued that the act of sending a man to the moon has been of no benefit to normal people. While I agree that this is true in practical terms,I believe that the psychological impact of this great achievement should not be underestimated.

2. no benefit in practical terms(standard of living, health)
3. but it was an inspiring achievement
4. Conclusion: partly agree

Summary