Gaming Archives - PolygloTopia https://polyglotopia.com/category/topics/gaming/ English Learning EFL ESL Sat, 07 Sep 2024 22:17:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.3 Review B2 Cambridge(FIRST) https://polyglotopia.com/review-b2-cambridgefirst/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:22:05 +0000 https://polyglotopia.com/?p=988401 Are you preparing for your B2 exam? Or simply interested in learning more about how to write a review? In this article we are going to introduce the review format, provide you with useful vocabulary, present two sample tasks and...

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Are you preparing for your B2 exam? Or simply interested in learning more about how to write a review? In this article we are going to introduce the review format, provide you with useful vocabulary, present two sample tasks and one model answer and review the B2 writing assessment criteria.

Cambridge B2 First Writing Paper

The Cambridge B2 First Writing Paper consists of two parts. The first one is an essay and the second part can be one of the following: email/letter, review, article, or report. In Part 1 there is only one compulsory while in Part two you can choose one out of three different options. You have to write between 140-190 words.

Is the word limit important?

If you write less than 140 words, you have probably forgotten to include some of the information required whereas if you write more than 190, you have probably included unnecessary information. These can affect your score, but in general, you don’t have to worry about 2 or 3 more words.

What is a review in Cambidge exam ?

A review:

  1. Is written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website.
  2. Describes and expresses a personal opinion about something which the writer has experienced.
  3. Gives the reader a clear impression of what the item discussed is like.
  4. Description and explanation are key functions for this task, and a review will normally include a recommendation to the reader.

Sample Task

You read this in an advertisement in a reputable online gaming magazine:

Looking for gems in the mud or mud among gems

Have you ever played a game and thought: I really like this! Why isn't it more popular? Or the exact opposite?

Now you have a chance to make your favourite underrated game known to the public. Or to throw shade to a famous game that you hated.

Tell us what we missed and whether you recommend the game or not.

All the reviews will be published in our magazine and the best review will be featured in our front page for a month.

Guess the structure

Place the correct letter
A) Identify what you are reviewing and why. Catch reader´s attention (you can use a personalised question).
B) Give your opinion and comment on the questions you have been asked.
C) Summarize your review with a recommendation.
D) Use the name of the film, book or restaurant.
E) Describe the game, book, restaurant. 

Tltle:
Introduction:
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
Conclusion:
Check the correct answers>

Sample review exercise

Add the correct title to each paragraph

1) Title 2) Introduction 3) Description (P1) 4) Discussion (P2 ) 5) Conclusion | Recommendation

A) Stumble Guys is a multiplayer game in which you race against 31 other players you race to get a victory. In order to finish first, you have to run between obstacles or to beat other players in elimination mini-games. The player's main abilities are running, jumping, and dashing. In addition, you can use emoticons and choose among different appearances that you acquire by spending in-game currency or money.

B) I would say that the game is quite enjoyable and it seems to me that having in-game purchases that don't change the gameplay is beneficial for both the player and the company. However, in my opinion, an important drawback of the game is that the purchasable emoticons give the user a competitive advantage. Combined with how difficult it is to obtain the in-game currency, it creates an imbalance between paying and non-paying users.

C) Is paying the new word for playing? A Stumble Guys review.

D)Have you ever felt that you can't improve in a game no matter how hard you try, even though you have spent hours on playing? Countless mobile games seek ways of giving paid users an in-game advantage without ruining the experience, but few of them achieve. Stumble Guys's unique solution to keep their game fun and profitable is a combination of rather traditional methods.

F) To summarize, I believe that the game is one of the many overrated games that are popular because of advertisement tricks. I wouldn't recommend the game to players that like the competitive side of gaming because they would be stuck into buying every new emoticon which gives an advantage that out-powers the previous ones. On the other hand, it's a great casual game to play on your phone.

Answers

Guess the stucture

Tltle: D) Use the name of the film, book or restaurant.

Introduction: A) Identify what you are reviewing and why. Catch reader´s attention (you can use a personalised question).

Paragraph 1: E) Describe the game, book, restaurant. 

Paragraph 2: B) Give your opinion and comment on the questions you have been asked.

Conclusion: C) Summarize your review with a recommendation.

Sample review exercise

1) Title
C) Is paying the new word for playing? A Stumble Guys review.

2) Introduction
D)Have you ever felt that you can't improve in a game no matter how hard you try, even though you have spent hours on playing? Countless mobile games seek ways of giving paid users an in-game advantage without ruining the experience, but few of them achieve. Stumble Guys's unique solution to keep their game fun and profitable is a combination of rather traditional methods.

3) Description (P1)
A) Stumble Guys is a multiplayer game in which you race against 31 other players you race to get a victory. In order to finish first, you have to run between obstacles or to beat other players in elimination mini-games. The player's main abilities are running, jumping, and dashing. In addition, you can use emoticons and choose among different appearances that you acquire by spending in-game currency or money.


4)
Discussion (P2 )
B) I would say that the game is quite enjoyable and it seems to me that having in-game purchases that don't change the gameplay is beneficial for both the player and the company. However, in my opinion, an important drawback of the game is that the purchasable emoticons give the user a competitive advantage. Combined with how difficult it is to obtain the in-game currency, it creates an imbalance between paying and non-paying users.


5)
Conclusion | Recommendation
F) To summarize, I believe that the game is one of the many overrated games that are popular because of advertisement tricks. I wouldn't recommend the game to players that like the competitive side of gaming because they would be stuck into buying every new emoticon which gives an advantage that out-powers the previous ones. On the other hand, it's a great casual game to play on your phone.

Tips for each part

Title

Write the title or the name of what you are reviewing followed by the author or creator.

Example 1: The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien

Example 2: Berners Taver: A Review

Introduction

Engage the reader! You can use a personalised question for that.

At least 2 sentences long.

Don't give a lot of information, give a reason to the reader to keep reading.

Description

Give all the necessary information about what you are reviewing and details based on the question.

Don't state your opinion yet.

Discussion

Here is where you can share your opinion.

Useful phrases:

  • For me,…
  • The way I see it,…
  • I believe that…
  • In my opinion,
  • From my point of view,…
  • As far as I’m concerned,…
  • It seems to me that …

Conclusion

In this part, you have to summarise and (based on what you previously stated) recommend or not the reviewed subject.

Useful phrases:

  • You might want to...
  • I recommend...
  • You should...

Download the B2 game review presentation

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Writing an opinion essay (Cambridge B2) https://polyglotopia.com/writing-an-opinion-essay-cambridge-b2/ Wed, 22 Feb 2023 01:41:59 +0000 https://polyglotopia.com/?p=987895 Are you preparing for your B2 Cambridge exam? Or simply interested in learning more about how to write an essay? In this article we are going to introduce the essay format, provide you with useful vocabulary for introducing advantages and...

The post Writing an opinion essay (Cambridge B2) appeared first on PolygloTopia.

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Are you preparing for your B2 Cambridge exam? Or simply interested in learning more about how to write an essay? In this article we are going to introduce the essay format, provide you with useful vocabulary for introducing advantages and disadvantages, present two sample tasks and one model answer and review the B2 writing assessment criteria.

Cambridge B2 First Writing Paper

The Cambridge B2 First Writing Paper consists of two parts. The first one is an essay and the second part can be one of the following: email/letter, review, article, or report. In Part 1 there is only one compulsory while in Part two you can choose one out of three different options. You have to write between 140-190 words.

Is the word limit important?

If you write less than 140 words, you have probably forgotten to include some of the information required whereas if you write more than 190, you have probably included unnecessary information. These can affect your score, but in general, you don’t have to worry about 2 or 3 more words.

What is an opinion essay?

In an opinion essay, you are asked to give your opinion on a statement. You have to support your opinion with arguments and organize your ideas in paragraphs.

Sample Task

Many teachers let their students use their phones in class. Does it promote learning?

Notes: write about:

  1. Motivation
  2. Screen Time
  3. Your own idea

Sample Structure

A table that has : The paragraph Number and the content for b2 cambridge exam. 1: introduction , 2 discuss point no. 1 , 3: duscuss your own idea , 5: conclusion : summarize and give your opinion

Opinion essay example (Model essay)

Nowadays, a great number of educators believe that mobile phone use in class can be beneficial, while others are sceptical about it.

One argument in favour is that mobile phone use can boost students’ motivation. It enables playing interactive games, revising activities in a funnier way, and therefore is welcomed by the students. For instance, teachers might project quizzes and the learners can participate using a code.

However, students, especially the younger ones, spent a lot of time in front of the screen. This can be really distracting for them so maybe using screens in class as well could be adding up to this, rather than promoting alternative ways to learn. Therefore, limiting screen time needs to be addressed.

Finally, phones can promote learning by allowing the student to be autonomous. They are able to look up words in the dictionary, practise without the teacher’s help, find out new information on the internet. All these are important positive aspects of mobile phone use in class.

In conclusion, despite the drawbacks, I firmly believe that mobile phones can aid the process of learning by increasing both motivation and learner autonomy.

Bad example essay

The use of mobile phones in the classroom is a good thing. I think it is great because it is funny.

*very simple vocabulary

Mobile phones can help motivation because it is funny to use the phones and we like it. Students will be happy and this is good for the teacher.

*very simple vocabulary, not explaining the ideas

A bad thing about mobile phones is the screen time it can be really distracting for them so maybe using screens in class as well could be adding up to this, rather than promoting alternative ways to learn and therefore, limiting screen time needs to be addressed.

*very long sentence

Finally, phones can promote learning by allowing the student to be motivated. They enable playing interactive games, revising activities in a funnier way, and therefore are welcomed by the students. For instance, teachers might project quizzes and the learners can participate using a code.

*repeating point 1 twice

In conclusion, mobile phones can promote motivation and learner autonomy but increase screen time.

*opinion is not clearly stated here

Useful vocabulary to talk about advantages and disadvantages

Now you!

Find some information online in English and then plan and write an essay on the following topic.

Some people argue that playing video games is not advisable for young people.

Notes: Write about:

  1. Time
  2. Creativity
  3. Your own idea

Useful Collocations

  • Become addicted to video games
  • Develop skills
  • Promote learning
  • Educational video games
  • Reaction time
  • Social isolation
  • Physical problems
  • Adjectives: Distracting, harmful, beneficial, entertaining

Assessment criteria

  • Content: Have you included points one and two and also added your own idea?
  • Communicative achievement: Is the style appropriate to the task?
  • Organisation: Have you divided your essay in paragraphs? Are they logically connected?
  • Language: Have you used a good range of vocabulary and grammar?

Download the B2 opinion essay presentation

Dowload the B2 opinion essay worksheet

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