Task 1 Brainstorming

(mobile phones)

(Background/importance of phones/mobiles:) Everyone uses – all over the world – most common form of communication

(your opinion:) partly agree (or) I agree, but I can see the other side (or)I disagree, but there are 2 sides)

benefits dangers

Non stop communication Emergency Connect to internet Good for business

Bad relationships Waste time Always alone Distracting for drivers Noisy in public Cheating in schools

Page 5-8

Topic #1: Today, many students live in university accommodation (hotels). What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a university hostel? (Background/importance of phones/mobiles:) (your opinion:)

benefits dangers Self reliance Study groups Life skills

Miss families Distracting Influence of bad girls

Topic #2: There are both benefits and dangers of working in groups in school (Background/importance:) (your opinion:)

benefits dangers Learn from others Skills for life

Not equal work Teacher is not organized

Topic #3: There are both advantages and disadvantages of homework (Background/importance:) (your opinion:)

benefits dangers Independent learning Good for helping different levels of students Student understands self better

Poor design Take away free time

Topic #4: There are both positive and negative aspects of early marriage

(Background/importance:) (your opinion:)

benefits dangers

1

Topic #5: There are both advantages and disadvantages of watching TV for children

(Background/importance:) (your opinion:)

benefits dangers Topic #6: There are both advantages and disadvantages of Social Media programs like Facebook Instagram, etc.

(Background/importance:) (your opinion:)

benefits dangers

MODEL ESSAY – pages 10-14Intro

Our world has changed much since the days of our parents, and one of the biggest developments is the

way in which we communicate with mobile phones. Many people agree that mobile phones are important in

our life. However, some people believe that mobile phones are not always used in a good way. In my opinion,

mobile phones have both pros and cons to their use. In this essay, I will look at both sides of the argument

and give several examples.

Body 1

On one hand, there are many benefits to using mobile phones. The most important one is that they

help to bring people together more. For instance, people can talk to each other wherever they are in the

world. An example is that people who work abroad can still talk to their families back home any time they like.

As a result, mobile phones have made the world a smaller place. Another benefit is that mobile phones can

help people in dangerous situations. For example, if tourists have car problems in the desert, they can use

their mobile phones to call for assistance, so mobile phones are very useful.

Body 2

On the other hand, mobile phones can cause problems. The main problem is that they are very noisy in

public places, such as in restaurants or movie theatres. As a result, many people have been disturbed by a loud

mobile phone. For instance, a pop tune can be annoying when it is very loud and coming from someone’s

mobile phone next to you. Because of this, movie theatres ask their customers to turn off their phones.

2

Another problem with mobile phones is that some people do not show respect when they are in a private

building, such as a hospital or mosque. Consequently, mobile phones cause more stress in society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I agree to a certain extent that while mobile phones play a positive role in today’s

society, they also have their negative effects. This is because although mobile phones help to bring people

together more and are useful in emergency situations, they can be a problem because they disturb other

people and make society more stressful. In my opinion, we cannot avoid the changes that technology brings,

but we must learn to use such technology in a sensible way and respect the wishes of others.

Put the pieces of each paragraph in the correct order.

Introduction

5- a) In this essay, I will look at both sides of the argument and give several examples.

1- b) Our world has changed much since the days of our parents, and one of the biggest developments is the

way in which we communicate with mobile phones.

3 - c) However, some people believe that mobile phones are not always used in a good way.

4- d) In my opinion, mobile phones have both pros and cons to their use.

2- e) Many people agree that mobile phones are important in our life.

Body paragraph 1

6 f) Another benefit is that mobile phones can help people in dangerous situations.

2 g) The most important one is that they help to bring people together more.

1- h) On one hand, there are many benefits to using mobile phones.

5 - i) As a result, mobile phones have made the world a smaller place.

3 j) For instance, people can talk to each other wherever they are in the world.

7 k) For example, if tourists have car problems in the desert, they can use their mobile phones to call for

assistance, so mobile phones are very useful.

4 l) An example is that people who work abroad can still talk to their families back home any time they like.

Body paragraph 2

3 m) For instance, a pop tune can be annoying when it is very loud and coming from someone’s mobile phone

next to you.

5 n) Because of this, movie theatres ask their customers to turn off their phones.

3

4 o) As a result, many people have been disturbed by a loud mobile phone.

2 p) The main problem is that they are very noisy in public places, such as in restaurants or movie theatres.

6 q) Another problem with mobile phones is that some people do not show respect when they are in a private

building, such as a hospital or mosque.

7 r) Consequently, mobile phones cause more stress in society.

1 s) On the other hand, mobile phones can cause problems.

Conclusion

3 t) In my opinion, we cannot avoid the changes that technology brings, but we must learn to

use such technology in a sensible way and respect the wishes of others.

1 u) In conclusion, I agree to a certain extent that while mobile phones play a positive role in

today’s society, they also have their negative effects.

2 v) This is because although mobile phones help to bring people together more and are useful in emergency

situations, they can be a problem because they disturb other people and make society more stressful.

MODEL ESSAY ANALYSIS

1. What is the TOPIC of the essay? Benefits of mobile phonesProblems with mobilesProblem and solutionPros and cons

1. How many PARAGRAPHS are there? 4 How many words? 387

2. Does the writer give an opinion about the topic? What is it?

Yes, there are both pros and cons

3. What is the topic of each paragraph?

Body 1: benefits

Body 2: problems

4. What are the TWO MAIN ADVANTAGES TO MOBILE PHONES?

a) Bring people together

4

Look at the model essay and answer the following questions.

b) Help in danger

5. What are the TWO MAIN REASONS that the writer uses to support the opinion that mobile phones are NOT a good

thing?

a. Public places

b. Private places

6. After each reason, the writer adds more SUPPORT. What are the different kinds of support the writer uses?

Examples, results, explanations

WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

Pages 28-39

Exam topic #1: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Social media and Teenagers

Social Media is extremely popular among teens, and most of them have several different accounts.

Some people believe that Social media applications are not useful in teenage life, but others disagree with

this idea. Like most teens, I enjoy social media, but there are some negative aspects to consider. In this

essay, I will discuss the pros and cons of social media, and give several examples.

Exam topic #2: 75% of the workers in UAE are foreigners. Some people believe that more Emirati nationals should be in the workforce. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this issue and give your opinion.

In the past, life in UAE was simpler, and most of the workers here were Emiratis. These days, three

quarters of the workers in UAE are from other countries While some foreigners are needed to help with the

work of the country, there are some dangers to this. I partly agree that more jobs should go to Emirati

citizens. In this essay, I will examine both sides of this issue and give examples.

Exam Topic #3: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of iPads in the classroom.

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Technology is everywhere these days. At UAE all students use iPads in their classrooms. While it is clear that technology brings us many benefits, there are some disadvantages as well. I agree that we should use iPads in the classroom, but I can see both sides. In this essay, I will examine both sides of this issue and give my own opinion.

Topic: Expensive Weddings

(Ideas for Introduction) Why important? What is your opinion?? Weddings important but many are too expensive

Body 1 ideas (ads) Body 2 ideas (disads) Start new life together Debt – borrow from future Investment in future Puts Wrong values in the culture

Step 2 - Write the Introduction – double space

Many young people around the world dream of a big wedding to celebrate their new lives together, but these days in the

UAE, many families have expensive weddings that they can not afford. Some people believe that UAE families should avoid

expensive weddings, while others believe people should have them if they want. I do not want an expensive wedding for myself, but

I can see both sides. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of this interesting topic, and give my opinion.

Topic: Separate campuses for men and women

(Ideas for Introduction) Why important? What is your opinion?? Education important for all Also, culture is important

Body 1 ideas (ads) Body 2 ideas (disads) More modern – good to develop the

culture and teach M and F at university Some students will stay at home

More practical – workplaces include both M and F

Against the culture

Step 2 - Write the Introduction – double space

Education is important for all young people. At the same time, in UAE the culture is one of the most important influences.

At UAE university they have separate campuses for the men and women. Some people believe that this is too expensive and not

necessary. Others disagree. As for me, I can see both sides of this issue. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of this interesting

topic, and give my opinion.

pages 31-36

Step 3: Organizing the body Cities – Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction6

___3__ I believe that it can be beneficial but it may also cause problems.

___4__ The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of living in cities.

___2__ Because of this, many people have moved from small towns and villages to live in major urban areas.

_1____ Nowadays, the world’s population is increasing rapidly and people want a higher standard of living.

Advantages paragraph __4___ so people who want to get a high-level job in a big company need to live in a city.

___5__ The other main advantage of living in cities is that cities have more facilities for people to use,

__3___ For example, all major companies are based in big cities,

__1___ On one hand, living in a city has some important benefits.

___8__ because they need good healthcare and education for their children.

___2__ Firstly, the opportunities for work and promotion are much better than in the countryside.

__7___ As a result, many families live in major cities

__6___ such as good hospitals and schools.

Disadvantages paragraph __9___ Consequently, cities can be dangerous places for the people who live there.

__6___ Because of this, cities can be unhealthy places to live.

___1__ On the other hand, city life may also have some negative effects.

__7___ In addition, crime is a serious problem in most major cities.

__5___ there is usually more pollution in big cities than in small towns.

__3___ For instance, many big cities have problems with noise and air pollution from traffic.

__2___ The main one is that the environment is often not clean.

__4___ Because so many people live so close together,

__8___ This is because criminals have many more places to hide in large cities than in small towns.

Conclusion___5__ careful to keep their families healthy and safe.

__3___ but they are often polluted and dangerous.

_1____ In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in a city.

__4___ Therefore, I believe that people who want to live in cities should be

__2___ Cities give people the chance to find a good career and have the facilities that most families

Nowadays, the world’s population is increasing rapidly and people want a higher standard of living.

Because of this, many people have moved from small towns and villages to live in major urban areas. I

believe that it can be beneficial but it may also cause problems. The following essay will discuss the pros

and cons of living in cities.

7

On one hand, living in a city has some important benefits. Firstly, the opportunities for work and

promotion are much better than in the countryside. For example, all major companies are based in big cities,

so people who want to get a high-level job in a big company need to live in a city. The other main advantage

of living in cities is that cities have more facilities for people to use, such as good hospitals and schools. As

a result, many families live in major cities because they need good healthcare and education for their

children.

On the other hand, city life may also have some negative effects. The main one is that the

environment is often not clean. Because so many people live so close together, there is usually more

pollution in big cities than in small towns. For instance, many big cities have problems with noise and air

pollution from traffic. Because of this, cities can be unhealthy places to live. In addition, crime is a serious

problem in most major cities. This is because criminals have many more places to hide in large cities than in

small towns. Consequently, cities can be dangerous places for the people who live there.

In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in a city. Cities give people the

chance to find a good career and have the facilities that most families need but they are often polluted and

dangerous. Therefore, I believe that people who want to live in cities should be careful to keep their families

healthy and safe.

Linking Words Practice: key

Watching television is a very popular activity all over the world because it provides information and entertainment to billions of people. Some people think that children can watch television for as long as they want to. I partly agree that parents should let children choose how much television they watch. In the following essay I will examine both sides of the argument and give several examples.

So because of this for example as a result on one hand therefore1) On one hand , watching too much television can be bad for children. The most important reason is that television can have a negative effect on children’s health. This is because nowadays most kids watch TV for at least an hour a day and many spend several hours just sitting in front of the television. 2) Because of this, they have less time for doing sports or just playing outside with their friends. 3) As a result, more children are overweight and this can lead to more serious health problems as they grow up. Another reason is that television shows children an unreal picture of society. 4) For example, television programs may be violent or show behaviour that is not acceptable in real life. This is a problem because children now spend less time communicating with their families. 5) Therefore, they learn more about society from television programs, 6) so if they watch the wrong programs, they may copy bad behaviour.

for example so in addition on the other hand if for instance consequently however

8

7) On the other hand, watching television may be beneficial. The main benefit is that children can learn a lot about the world by watching educational television programs. 8) For example, the American television program Sesame Street teaches children how to spell and do simple maths. 9) Consequently, children who watch Sesame Street for a few hours each day may do better at school. 10) In addition, children who are watching television are usually quiet and well behaved. 11) For instance, many small boys can be noisy and very active. 12) However, when they watch television, they sit quietly in one place. This is good because parents now have less time to spend looking after their children, 13) so allowing children to watch television is a useful way for parents to manage the stress of family life. 14) If the parents are less stressed, that is good for the children.

therefore although and because

In conclusion, I agree to some extent that children should not watch television any time they like. This is 15) because 16) although spending time watching television can harm children’s health and they may learn bad behaviour, it can also be educational for children 17) and help their parents to be less stressed. 18) Therefore, I believe that parents should control the amount of television and the programs that children watch to avoid the negative effects and enjoy the benefits of television.

Complete this example idea map for the essay about mobile phones

Body 1: There are some positive aspects

Body 2 : NEGATIVE aspects

Advantage #1 IDEA: Disad #1 IDEA: Bring people together Annoying in public

Advantage #1 SUPPORT (explain, example) Reason #1 SUPPORT (explain, example) Family and friends in other countries Cinemas, resaurants

play music next to youResult (connect to main reason) makes the world small

Result (connect to main reason) Annoying

Advantage #2 IDEA: Disad #2 IDEA: Help in dangerous situations Annoying in private

Advantage #2 SUPPORT (explain, example) Reason #2 SUPPORT (explain, example) Tourists in desert Mosques

Result (connect to main reason) Mobiles are useful

Result (connect to main reason) very annoying

Practice – IDEA MAP- Make an idea map for the essay about CITIES

Body 1: There are some positive aspects

Body 2 : NEGATIVE aspects

Advantage #1 IDEA: Disad #1 IDEA:

work Dirty environment

9

SUPPORT (explain, example) Reason #1 SUPPORT (explain, example)

Major companies Noise and air pollution from traffic

promotion people live close together

Result (connect to main reason) So / if you want to get job/promoted

Result (connect to main reason) unhealthy

Advantage #2 IDEA: Disad #2 IDEA:

facilities crime

Advantage #2 SUPPORT (explain, example) Reason #2 SUPPORT (explain, example)

Healthcare & education Criminals can hide (people live close together)

hospitals ……………………………………………..

Result (connect to main reason) Families move to cities………………...

Result (connect to main reason) dangerous

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Page 30 - Two-sided Opinion Essay Structure Introduction1) Watching television is a very popular activity all over the world because it provides information and entertainment to billions of people. 2) Some people think that children can watch television for as long as they want to. 3) I partly agree that parents should let children choose how much television they watch. In the following essay I will examine both sides of the argument and give several examples.

1. BG

2. ET

3. THESIS (a - op+b org)

Body Paragraph 14) On one hand, watching too much television can be bad for children. 5) The most important reason is that television can have a negative effect on children’s health. 6) This is because nowadays most kids watch TV for at least an hour a day and many spend several hours just sitting in front of the television. 7) Because of this, they have less time for doing sports or just playing outside with their friends. 8) As a result, more children are overweight and this can lead to more serious health problems as they grow up. 9) Another reason is that television shows children an unreal picture of society. 10) For example, television programs may be violent or show behaviour that is not acceptable in real life. 11) This is a problem because children now spend less time communicating with their families. 12) Therefore, they learn more about society from television programs, so if they watch the wrong programs, they may copy bad behavior. As we can see, there are some problems with Children and TV.

4. TS5. R2 (reason 1)

6. explanation

7. Explanation/result8. result

9. R2 (reason 2)

10. example

11. explanation

12. result

Body Paragraph 213) On the other hand, watching television may be beneficial. 14) The main benefit is that children can learn a lot about the world by watching educational television programs. 15) For example, the American television program Sesame Street teaches children how to spell and do simple maths. 16) Consequently, children who watch Sesame Street for a few hours each day may do better at school. 17) In addition, children who are watching television are usually quiet and well behaved. 18) For instance, many small boys can be noisy and very active. However, when they watch television, they sit quietly in one place. 19) This is good because parents now have less time to spend looking after their children, so allowing children to watch television is a useful way for parents to manage the stress of family life. 20) If the parents are less stressed, that is good for the children.

13. TS14. R1

15. (SS1) example

16. result17. R2

18. example

19. Explanation

20. result

Conclusion

11

Support

Support

Support

Support

21) In conclusion, I agree to some extent that children should not watch television any time they like. 22) This is because although spending time watching television can harm children’s health and they may learn bad behaviour, it can also be educational for children and help their parents to be less stressed. 23) Therefore, I believe that parents should control the amount of television and the programs that children watch to avoid the negative effects and enjoy the benefits of television.

21.

22.

23.

12

TV and Children – IDEA MAP

TV and Children

Body 1: There are some negative aspects

Body 2 : POSITIVE aspects

MAIN IDEA #1: MAIN IDEA #1:

Bad for health educational

SUPPORT (explain, example) SUPPORT (explain, example)

Many hours watching Many educational programs

Not exercising – meeting friends Sesame street

Result (connect to main reason) obesity

Result (connect to main reason) get better grades in school

MAIN IDEA #2: MAIN IDEA #2:

Bad for society Keeps kids quiet

SUPPORT (explain, example) SUPPORT (explain, example)

Programs are violent Children can be noisy

If they watch tv they become quiet

Result (connect to main reason) Result (connect to main reason)

Kids may follow what they see – bad behavior

This helps the parents stay calm

PAGES 39-41

Step 4. BODY PARAGRAPH SENTENCES (part 1)Topic Sentences – Reasons –

Example/Explanation Sentences – Result Sentences

Part A. Topic SentencesTASK: Study different styles for Body #1 topic sentences. Then, write sentences with different styles and vocabulary for Body 2 ().

Topic : Some people feel that women should not be in the military. Others disagree. To what extent do you agree?

Vocab Practice – sort the words in to the table. The first one is done for you.

13

advantages – benefits – concerns – dangers – on the other hand - disadvantages – issues - negative aspects - positive aspects – risks – on one hand

Body #1 Body #2

AdvantagesBenefitsPositive aspects

ConcernsDangersIssuesNegative aspectsOn the other hand

Body #1:

Topic Sentences – 3 styles: Style 1: On one hand, there are some advantages to women in the military Style 2: On one hand, I can see some positive aspects to this idea. Style 3: On one hand, some people believe that women should be in the military. Other: ________________________________________________________________

Body #2: Write Sentence for Body #2, using the styles above

1: On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to women in the military 2: On the other hand, I can see some negative aspects to this idea. 3: On the other hand, some people believe that women should not be in the military.

Part B. Reason sentences

For each BODY Paragraph, you should give two (or more) reasons/advantages/disadvantages

TOPIC: Some people believe that we should encourage women to join the workplace. Others disagree. To what extent do you agree?Task #1: Styles Underline the clauses in the topic sentence below. (a clause is a group of words with a subject + verb) Use the patterns to write similar sentences for Reason 2 Style 1 - example: (Reason 1 – develop themselves) Firstly, working women can develop themselves.

14

(Reason 2 – help their families) Secondly , women in the workplace can help their families.

Style 2: The first major reason is working women can develop themselves.(Reason 2 –support their families)The second major reason is working women can support their families

Style 3: The first reason for this view is working women can develop themselves.(Reason 2 – encourage more balance in society) The second reason for this view is working women can encourage more balance in society

Style 4: The first positive aspect of working women is they can develop themselves (Reason 2 – use their education) The second positive aspect of working women is they can use their education

Can you think of another style? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Grammar Tip on FORM (F) –GERUNDS (verb + ing) can be used as NOUNS (subject of sentences must be NOUNs. After preopositions, we use NOUNs).

Step #4: Practice 1. Body topic: There are advantages to using Social Media

Reason #1: can help in education Reason #2: fun

The first reason is that Social Media can help in education.

The Second reason is that Social Media is fun.

2. Body Topic: There are some disadvantages to letting children watch TV.

Reason #1: __bad for health___________ Reason #2: _affect their behavior

15

The first negative aspect is that letting children watch TV is bad for their health.

Secondly, it can affect their behavior.

ANSWERSVocab Practice Exercises

Part A 1. We can’t live without technology in the 21st century2. Technology has made our society m3. ore advanced4. The Internet has spread all over the world.5. Our life today is more dependent on the Internet than past generations6. Today, we can handle more information, more quickly because of the Internet.

handle generations century spread advanced

7. Using the internet to communicate is more efficient than talking on the phone.8. Social networks have enabled us to connect with people in other countries.9. Social networks are uncomplicated and easy to use.10. People regularly use Facebook to connect with people in other countries.11. unlike the phone, social networks are free.

efficient uncomplicated enabled unlike regularly

12. Online social networking is an excellent way to communicate with others.13. It is estimated that 75% of the students at UAEU use Facebook or Instagram.14. Facebook originated in the US but spread quickly to other countries.15. Many people are not aware of the problems caused by giving out personal information.16. You can use Facebook on any device that gets Internet.

excellent device aware originated estimated

16

Part BINTRO - Use the words in the box to improve the INTRODUCTION

discoveries – manage – achieve – goals – aspects – positive – risks – most popular tool The 21st century is advanced in many ways, and communication is spreading farther and faster. These new 1) discoveries enable us to 2) manage (achieve) more and more 3) goals. Social networking is the 4) most popular tool we use nowadays. It has many 5) positive 6) aspects positive features but it also has some 6) risks. In the following essay, I will mention the reasons that I agree and disagree that online social networking is a great way to communicate with people. BODY 1 - Improve Body 1. Suggestions in the box. You may change some grammar:

common – located – uncomplicated – enable - suitable – require – conveniently – available – common - convenient

The first reason I agree is that it enables you to connect with the world. It is common today for family

members to be all over around the world. Writing letters or talking on the phone can waste time and money.

Using online social network is an convenient way to communicate with family and friends who live in

other countries. It is available even for workers who don’t have much time or money. Imagine that you can

conveniently talk to your family or friends for free! You just need a computer and the Internet.

Body 2 - Improve Body 2 Vocab. Suggestions below but you can use others. You may have to change some grammar:

– negative – aspects – details – hackers – unaware – suffer – contains – negative – comments – unsuitable pretend

On the other hand, online social networking contains some negative aspects. Firstly, there are some

hackers on the internet, and they can use social media to steal money from you. For example, they might

pretend to be from your bank , so you give them your information. Secondly, there is no privacy. This is

because most people do not know that everyone can see the details that they share. As a result, someone may

show unsuitable pictures of you where everyone can see.

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