Successful Writing Upper-Intermediate • Unit 11: Opinion Essays
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Useful Language and similar words/phrases
In my view - In my opinion
In the first place - To begin with
In addition - What is more
Furthermore - Apart from this
Also - Besides
It is argued that - As opposed to the above ideas
In conclusion - To sum up
(T is advised to ask Ss to memorise the Useful
Language section as shown on p. 71 in the Stu-
dent's Book. T checks in the next lesson.)
(Suggested ways of beginning the essay)
(T is advised to remind Ss of techniques used to start
an argumentative essay as shown on p. 66 in the
Student's book. T should also point out that the
beginnings should include the writer's opinion.)
The British poet, W.H. Auden, once said that "the
aim of education is to induce the largest amount of
neurosis that the individual can bear without crack-
ing." It is highly possible that the poet had exams in
mind when he uttered these words as many stu-
dents suffer extreme anxiety when faced with the
prospect of exams. In my opinion, far too much
emphasis is placed on examinations today.
Sleepless nights, cold sweats and headaches; these
are just three of the symptoms experienced every
year by thousands of students suffering from 'exam
pressure'. In my opinion, far too much emphasis is
placed on examinations by educational authorities
today:
5 •
4 (T is advised to ask Ss to give their opinions on cars
and provide reasons as well. Then, Ss do the exercise.)
, • (Suggested answer)
I don't think cars are the greatest danger to human life.
In my opinion, nuclear weapons, guns and wars pose
a much greater threat to mankind.
.1. c 2. a 3. d 4. b
Suggested Beginnings
When asked about the safety of cars, most people
think about traffic accidents. But have you ever
thought about the dangers cars pose to the en-
vironment?
Every day, hundreds of people are killed in traffic
accidents. The automobile can be a very danger-
ous machine. Yet, there are certain steps people
can take to reduce the risk of car travel.
Suggested Endings
Cars therefore, are not one of the most serious
threats to human life - the drivers are.
Cars may be a serious threat to human life. How-
ever, how many drivers would be willing to abandon
this convenience, which is now no longer a luxury
but a necessity for most?
Suggested composition
"Cars are the greatest danger to human life today"
In my view the invention of the motor car has caused
nothing but problems; from pollution to accidents and
deaths. There are various facts and figures that support
this opinion.
In the first place, cars contribute greatly to air
pollution. The poisonous gases emitted by car ex-
hausts are dangerous to our health and can make cities
very unpleasant places to live in.
In addition to this, cars nowadays can travel at high
speeds and as a result people are tempted to drive
faster. This causes more traffic accidents and thou-
sands of people die each year from reckless driving
and speeding vehicles.
On the other hand, it is argued that the car is
something that we cannot live without. Its comfort and
convenience are hard to beat and these days most
families own at least one car.
All things considered, I believe that the motor car
does endanger our lives in many ways. Only if action is
taken to reduce the risks, will it become a safer and
healthier form of transport.
(Suggested answer)
I agree that people spend too much time and mar ley
on fashion. The way someone dresses shouldn't be
the most important thing in life. It's also a waste of
money as fashion changes so quickly.
Paragraph plan
Paragraph 1: Introduction [state the topic and give j
i
opinion (not necessary to be a slave to fashion to 'i
look smart) li
Paragraph 2: Viewpoint 1 and reason (it is expen- i
sive to follow fashion - people ge~ into debt trying to ,~
keep up)'l
Paragraph 3: Viewpoint 2 and reason (fashion '1
followers give up their individuality for the sake of i
1
fashion - this gives wrong impression) 1
Paragraph 4: Opposing viewpoint and reason
(dressing fashionably gives the correct image for
jobs - people who work with the public)
Conclusion: Re-state opinion (it is better to wear
clothes which reflect one's personality rather than
become a fashion slave)