Teacher’s notes — Unit 3: Descriptive writing (Transport / place)
Text type. Descriptive paragraph about a place or system — balanced, covering positives and problems.
Key teaching points
- This unit introduces There is / There are as a structural device. Insist students include at least two examples.
- Adjective upgrading (Part C) is unique to this unit and is tied directly to the vocabulary bank. Spend time on it.
- A balanced paragraph describes both positives and negatives. Students who write only about problems should be redirected.
- Section D asks students to complete an analysis table — good preparation for the C ANALYSE model in the integrated units 5–8.
- Every Part A item now tests exactly what the linkers table teaches: items 1 and 5 add a further feature of the city, item 2 gives a specific instance, item 3 contrasts. No item asks an addition linker to carry a cause-and-effect meaning — that is Unit 4’s work.
Common student error. Writing only about problems, or relying on good and bad instead of the specific adjectives from the vocabulary bank.
Understand
About this text typeWhat is descriptive writing about a place or system?
A descriptive paragraph about a place or system describes what exists there, what it looks and feels like, and what your overall impression is. You help the reader understand what the place or system is really like.
Purpose. to help the reader understand and visualise a place, system or environment.
Key features
- Use There is / There are to introduce what exists in the place.
- Use prepositions of place (along, next to, opposite, between) to show where things are.
- Describe both the positive aspects and the problems — this makes your text balanced.
- End with your overall personal impression.
Remember — your paragraph has three parts
- Topic sentence. Introduce the place or system and give your general impression of it.
- Body sentences. Describe what exists. Use There is / There are / Also, / However, / For example
- Concluding sentence. Give your overall impression or opinion. Use Overall, / To sum up, / In conclusion
Study
Grammar & vocabularyVocabulary bank
| Word / phrase | Meaning | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| modern | recently built or updated — new in design or technology | The city has a very modern metro that opened just three years ago. |
| spacious | large and having plenty of room inside | The new terminal is bright, airy, and very spacious. |
| run-down | in poor condition; needing repair or renovation | Some of the old bus stations are run-down and uncomfortable. |
| well-maintained | kept in good condition through regular care — the opposite of run-down | The central station is large, clean, and well-maintained. |
| well-connected | linked to many places by different transport options | Living near the station is convenient — the area is very well-connected. |
| lively | full of energy, colour, noise and activity | The market square is a lively and vibrant place at weekends. |
| efficient | working well without wasting time or energy | The metro is fast, clean, and remarkably efficient. |
| vibrant | full of life, colour and excitement | The old harbour is a vibrant and popular area for both locals and tourists. |
Grammar Describing with adjectives — key structures
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| subject + be + adjective(s) | The metro is modern, fast, and very efficient. / The buses are old and unreliable. |
| subject + have / has + (adj) + noun | The city has an excellent metro network. / The station has a large, spacious waiting area. |
| There is + (adj) + noun | There is a busy central station near the university. |
| There are + (adj) + plural noun | There are several well-maintained parks along the riverside. |
| Adjective collocations — learn these together | a reliable service · a crowded platform · a well-connected district · a run-down building |
Useful linking words Notice the example sentences — they show you exactly how to use each word.
| Linking word | When to use it | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| There is / There are… | To say what exists in the place | There is a metro line in the city centre. |
| Also, / In addition, | To add another detail | There are also many bus routes along the main roads. |
| However, | To describe a problem or contrast | However, the buses become very crowded at rush hour. |
| For example, | To open a sentence with a specific example | For example, a metro journey costs far less than a taxi. |
| such as | To give examples inside a sentence. Not followed by a comma. | My city has several options such as buses, trams, and a metro. |
Extra practice · Part A Choose the best linking word or phrase for each sentence.
Part B Complete these sentences about your own city or town using your own ideas.
Part C · Make it vivid Each sentence below is too basic. Rewrite it, adding at least TWO adjectives or descriptive phrases from the vocabulary bank.
Analyse
Sample paragraphRead the paragraph, then use the panel beside it to see how it is built. Click any row to light up that sentence.
Transport in My City
The transport system in my city is quite good overall, but it also has some significant problems. There is a modern metro network that connects many parts of the city from north to south, and there are also dozens of bus routes and two tram lines that run throughout the day. Most people choose to use public transport because it is much cheaper and faster than driving during busy periods. For example, a single metro journey costs very little and takes only fifteen minutes, whereas driving the same distance at rush hour can take over an hour. However, during rush hour in the mornings and evenings, the buses and trams become extremely crowded and often arrive late — this can be very frustrating for daily commuters. There are also no dedicated bike lanes on most roads, which makes cycling unsafe. Overall, the transport system in my city is improving slowly, but the city still needs to spend more money to make it more comfortable, safe, and reliable.
Discussion Talk to your partner.
- How does the writer’s city compare with your own city’s transport? What is similar? What is different?
- Which linking words does the writer use? Could you replace any of them with different ones?
- If you were rewriting this paragraph, what would you change?
- Comparing. Answers will vary. Push students towards specifics — named lines, real journey times, actual fares — rather than “the same” or “worse”. This is rehearsal for their own paragraph in Part E.
- Linking words. There is / there are also / because / For example / whereas / However / There are also / Overall. Workable swaps: In addition for also, To sum up for Overall. However cannot be swapped for an addition linker without changing the meaning.
- Rewriting. Common suggestions: add prepositions of place, name the actual lines or districts, or move Problem 2 next to Problem 1. A good answer notices that Problem 2 has no example, unlike the positive detail.
Practise
Controlled exercisesExercise 1 Read the paragraph, then complete the table by noting which part of the text does each job.
A Busy City Centre
My city centre is a lively and convenient place, but it also has a few problems. There are many cafés, restaurants, and shops in the main streets, and there is also a large shopping mall near the central square. Many people enjoy spending time there because it is easy to walk around and there are many things to do. For example, families often visit the parks and outdoor cafés at weekends to relax and spend time together. However, the city centre becomes very crowded in the evenings and at weekends, so it can sometimes be noisy and stressful. There is also a serious parking problem because there are not enough parking spaces for visitors. Overall, the city centre is an enjoyable place to visit, but the city needs to make some improvements to make it more comfortable for everyone.
Write
Your own paragraphWhat is the transport system like in your city? Write a paragraph of at least 130 words.
One paragraph · three parts · minimum 130 words.
My plan Notes first — then write.
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My paragraph
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Sample answer For modelling and for calibrating your marking.
Task. What is the transport system like in your city? Write a paragraph of at least 130 words.
148 words · band: strong pass
The transport system in my city is generally convenient and affordable, but it still has some significant areas that need improvement. Balanced topic sentence — both sides signalled There is a well-developed metro line that connects many parts of the city, and there are also numerous bus routes that run from early morning until midnight. Most people use public transport because it is fast and inexpensive — for example, a single metro journey costs only a few liras and takes just fifteen minutes, compared to over an hour by car during rush hour. There is / There are + For example However, during peak hours in the morning and evening, the buses become extremely crowded and often arrive late, which is very frustrating for commuters. In addition, there are very few dedicated cycling lanes on most roads, which makes cycling feel unsafe. Overall, the transport system is improving slowly, but more investment is urgently needed to make it more comfortable and reliable for everyone. Balanced conclusion
Optional activity
Transport map description
- Students draw a simple map of their city’s transport network — metro lines, bus routes, ferry, tram. Label the key stops.
- One partner describes their map without showing it. The listener tries to sketch what they hear.
- Compare the sketches. Identify what language was missing — prepositions, There is / There are, specific names.
Extension. Students rewrite their spoken description as a written paragraph using the unit’s linking words and at least three adjectives from the vocabulary bank.
Answer key at a glance
Prints with the page| B · Part A | |
| 1 bike lanes / wide pavements | Also |
| 2 cheap transport / price of a ticket | For example |
| 3 tram is useful / sometimes late | However |
| 4 becoming better every year | In conclusion |
| 5 metro station / bus terminal | In addition |
| B · Part B (models — answers will vary) | |
| There is also… | a dedicated bus lane along the main road, which makes journeys much faster. |
| However,… | the buses become extremely crowded during rush hour and often arrive late. |
| B · Part C (models — answers will vary) | |
| There is a station in the city centre. | There is a busy, well-maintained central station near the university. |
| The city has a bus service. | The city has a modern, efficient bus service that runs throughout the day. |
| There are streets near the market. | There are several lively, vibrant streets near the market. |
| D · Exercise 1 — A Busy City Centre | |
| Topic sentence | My city centre is a lively and convenient place, but it also has a few problems. |
| What exists | Many cafés, restaurants and shops in the main streets; a large shopping mall near the central square. |
| Positive detail + example | Easy to walk around; families visit parks and outdoor cafés at weekends to relax. |
| Problem 1 | Becomes very crowded in the evenings and at weekends — noisy and stressful. |
| Problem 2 | Serious parking problem — not enough spaces for visitors. |
| Concluding sentence | The city centre is an enjoyable place, but needs improvements to become more comfortable for everyone. |