1 Discuss the good and bad points of using the Internet. G2 2 Listen to the cassette and match the viewpoints with the reasons. ‘Who speaks in favour of using the Internet and who speaks against it? ‘A. great way of communicating with people 1. saves time going to libraries; is fast and from all ovr the world cheap to send messages B_ people should be more careful about how 2. have conversations with people from they use it different places great way of getting information quickly | 3. some of the information you can access is not sual, expel freien Ser om Introduction Paragraph 7 state the topic and your Opinion essays are formal in style. They require your opinion on a topic which must be clearly stated and supported by reasons. It is necessary to include the ‘opposing viewpoint in another paragraph. A successful opinion essay should have: | a) an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and your opinion; ‘pinion clearly 'b) amain body which consists of two or more paragraphs. Each paragraph should | Present a separate viewpoint supported by your reasons, Another paragraph | ayy Body } giving the opposing viewpoint and reasons may be included; and | coeveveree | ¢) a conclusion in which you restate your opinion using different words. j | | Paragraph 2 Points to consider viewpoint 1 and reason | @ First decide whether you agree or disagree with the subject of the topic and make 3° alist of your points and reasons. © Write well developed paragraphs consisting of more than one sentenee. viewpoint 2 and reason © Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about. Paresreph | © Linking words should be used throughout your composition. ‘ | © Use the techniques shown on p. 66 0 begin and end your essay. five the opposing viewpoint and reasons Useful Language Conclusion To express opinion: | believe, In my opinion, | think, In my view, | strongly believe, The os way | see it, It seems to me (that) parestophl | To list points: inthe fist place, first of all to start with, Firstly, to begin with ae To add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in restate your opinion, using | addition to this/that, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that different words To introduce contrasting viewpoints: Itis argued that, People argue that, Opponents of this view say, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe, rorimytncea tone ‘As opposed to the above ideas iepensn nad itaive To introduce examples: for example, for instance, such as, in particular, especialy more paragriphe in the To conclude: To sum up, Allin all, llthings considered, Taking everything into account ey ieh NlUnit 11 Opinion Essays 3 Read the model composition and write down the topic of each paragraph, Underline any linking words or phrases and replace them with other similar ones. How else could you start this essay? “Are you in favour of or against exams being abolished?” fate ~~ ,.)_ Is too much emphasis placed on examination results today? In my ‘and. Jour opion)_/ ew their ole needs to be re-examined if they ae to continue o play ‘part in the educational system. Inthe firs place, exams do not actually test a person’s knowledge ofa subject but rather how much they can remember on the day ofthe exam. In addition, facts such as students feeling unwell or suffering from a case of nerves on the day of the exams are not taken into consideration, Furthermore, the exam system is unfair to people who have studied hard but have a poor memory for facts and figures. Als, itis often the case that people who have not studied can copy from someone else who has. Its argued that exams are the most efficient way of comparing the abilities of a group of people and that an exam will often encourage people to compete to get better grades. Making grades and exam results the main point of learning though, gives students the wrong idea of what education is all about. In conclusion, it seems to me unfair to give a person only one chance to show what they are capable of. I think that the whole educational system needs to be changed so that exams are not the only way of assessing a student's knowledge. 4 “Cars are the greatest danger to human life today.” Give your opinion with reasons. Then read what these people think about cars and ‘match their viewpoints with their reasons. Suggest various ways to 7b my opinion, ca begin and end this opinion essay as shown on p. 66. Finally, write a (are responsible for composition on this topic. thousands of deaths : ae every year. a in my view, > SNe ‘AS | see it, cities would be less polluted if Y> cars were banned, Fears are by no mean’ 4s life-threatening as wars or violent acts of crime T think that cars 3 give us more Itis people themselves A personal freedom, ‘who cause the greatest harm i mae tose rotten) o eee SRST oP cian nen ad not at all dangerous if they re about fatal car accidents, cone of the major causes [jl] When we want to travel ‘driven with care and attention. Increasingly often people of air pollution and as a without having to rely are killed or seriously result, our health is at (on anyone else. injured on the roads. risk as wel asthe environment. nOpinion Essays 5 First give your opinions and reasons concerning the topic below, then read the model and give the topic of each paragraph. Next, replace the highlighted linking words with similar ones. Finally, underline the reason given for each viewpoint. Which quotation is included in this essay? Which techniques have been used to begin and end the essay? People spend too much time and money on fashion. Do you agree or disagree? Every season, the great fashion houses of Europe and America present their new collections in the hope of persuading people to renew their wardrobes by purchasing the latest designs. n my opinion, one does not have to be a slave to fashion in order to look smart. To stat with, following the latest trends in fashion can be extremely expensive. This is especialy true for those who buy costly designer Clothing. There is aso the sk of geting into debt in order to Keep up with the latest fashions ‘n addition {o this, folowers of fashion often give up their individuality forthe sake of fashion. They choose clothes which suit neither their figures nor the ‘personalities. his is unfortunate, as the way we dress should relect who we realy ae. On the other and, some people argue that itis necessary to dress fashionably in ‘order to create the correct image for their careers. This is particularly true of those who work withthe public, as they reflect the image of their company. This does not mean that the lates fashions are the most appropriate, however. Simple but wellmade clothes are almost always the best choice for business wear. To conclude, I strongly believe that itis advisable to dress with style by choosing good ‘quality clothes which suit you as an indvidval and have lasting elegance. As the famous ‘designer Coco Chanel putt, “Fashion is made to become unfashionable.” So instead of ‘changing your wardrobe constant, isnt beter to buildup a collection of clothes which ‘you can always wear? G Read the essay on the topic: Will life be better in the future? and answer these questions: Which paragraph(s) a) state the wrter’s opinion? b) give the other side of the argument? What tenses are used and why? Which are the topic sentences? ‘Can you imagine doing your shopping without having to leave the house, or working at home rather than going to the office? In my opinion, life in the future will be much ‘more pleasant than itis today. {In he frst place, there will be many improvements in the field of medicine. Scientists are confident that cures for diseases such as cancer and AIDS will have been found. Therefore, the lives of thousands of people will be saved. ‘Also, new technological breakthroughs will make our lives easier. Computers will be able to perform more time-saving functions, transport willbe faster and more efficient and new inventions will continue to help us carry out daly tasks with ease and comfort. On the other hand, there are those who believe that life in the the future will not be so trouble-free. We will have used up the world’s natural resources, therefore our planet will be on the verge of destruction. What is more, some fear that pollution will thave increased due to problems such as deforestation, and that acid rain will nly have been made worse. They do not consider, however, that modern technology can solve ‘environmental problems as well as less pressing ones. Allin all, | feel that life in the future will definitely be better. We are all searching for ways to improve our lives and we can only look ahead in order to do this. ents A