3.6. How to write an essay

🎯 Mini Debate: “Travelling Near Home or Abroad?”

 

Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

 

⏱️Time: 10 minutes total

 

Group Division:

Two large groups:

• 🏡 Team A – Taking holidays near home is better.
• 🌍 Team B – Travelling abroad is better.

 

Objective

Students will use persuasive language and interactional strategies to express, defend, and challenge opinions on the advantages of local vs. international travel.

 

Stages:

🧩 1. Preparation (3 minutes)

Each team works together to:

1. Brainstorm 2–3 strong arguments supporting their side.
2. Prepare 1 counter-argument against the opposing side.
3. Choose 2–3 speakers to represent them (others support with ideas).

💬 Useful expressions:

• In my opinion… / I strongly believe that…
• It could be argued that…
• That’s not entirely true because…
• One clear example is…
• To sum up, we think that…

💡 Encourage use of vocabulary like broaden your horizons, sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, local economy, comfort zone.

 

🗣️ 2. Debate Round (5 minutes)

Format:

• 1 minute – Opening statement by Team A
• 1 minute – Opening statement by Team B
• 1 minute – Rebuttal by Team A
• 1 minute – Rebuttal by Team B
• 2 minutes – Open discussion (students respond spontaneously, add examples, or challenge points)

 

Teacher’s role: moderate time, encourage equal participation, and ensure respectful interaction.

 

💬 3. Quick Reflection (2 minutes)

Ask the class:

• Which team gave the most convincing arguments?
• Did anyone change their opinion? Why?
• Which expressions sounded natural or persuasive?

Collaborative Reading of the Essay Sample on Page 30

 

Exercises 3 and 4 on page 30

 

Exercise 1 on page 30 on Wordwall

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/61977387

Individual Exam Task on Page 30