Unit 1 (Writing)

Writing: a discursive essay
You should follow these steps to write a good discursive essay.

• Step 1 :
  Introduce the situation in one or two sentences.
  ( Most people now use the internet on computers, smartphones and tablets to do a variety of tasks ) .
• Step 2 :
  Then write a thesis statement that outlines what you will write about.
  ( There are ( numerous ) and important advantages to shopping in this way ) .
• Step 3 :
  Explain in detail both sides of the discussion. Paragraph 2 must contain the advantages. Paragraph 3 should include one or two disadvantages.
• Step 4 :
  Conclusion: summarise briefly all aspects of the discussion.
• Step 5 :
  State your opinion ….
  In my opinion /view ……………
  I believe /think ………

Useful language :
However, there are many disadvantages …….. It is true that …….., but ……… In addition to this ………….. Moreover, ………..In my opinion, 

Unit ( 1 )
Writing ( 1 )  page ( 7 )
Writing a paragraph

When you write your paragraph, focus on these points :
1. Make sure that your paragraph has a topic sentence ( main idea ), body, and a concluding sentence.
2. Then edit your paragraph for spelling, missing words, punctuation, and correct grammar.
3. Make sure that you use vocabulary that is relevant to the topic.
4. Finally, clarity is important. Check that your paragraph is easy to understand and follow.

8  Write a paragraph about how you or your family use modern technology. You should focus on using any new vocabulary to describe this.

Sample paragraph

People can’t live without modern technology these days. We depend on smartphones and the internet for communication. In addition to that, we use smart T.V sets at home. Our cars are equipped with modern navigation systems. Doctors need modern technology to perform difficult operations. Students depend on information from the internet for research. In short modern technology is around us. If we know how to use it correctly, then it will be very useful for our life.

Unit ( 1 )
Writing ( 2 ) page 9
Writing sample paragraph
 Write two paragraphs discussing the role of technology in communication. How important do you think technology is when we communicate? Pay attention to the linking words.

suggested answer:

           Technology plays an important role in communication. It really makes communication faster and easier. Thanks to technology people can communicate with family and friends we don’t see every day Therefore technology has become an essential part of our daily life. 
        Despite the undeniable advantages of technology, it has had some negative effects on our society. For example, social media is time-wasting. The faster we communicate the more likely it is that there will be misunderstandings. Besides, fast and convenient communication makes it easier to offend or upset people since we don’t put as much thought into what we write due to the speed of the communication.

  Writing skills: Coherence

To make your essay ‘flow’ so that it is clear to your audience, you need to link your ideas:

Indicating consequence:

In this way, technology makes communication more convenient.

As a consequence, family members who are away from home can communicate well with their loved ones.

Therefore, people can communicate more quickly and conveniently.

 

indicating opposition:

However, social media is time-consuming.

Whereas the more quickly and conveniently we communicate, the more likely it is that there will be misunderstandings.

Despite the recent advances in technology, it is still unreliable and very inconvenient.

 

Unit ( 1)

Writing  page 11
9  Write a three-paragraph essay of 200 words discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet. Then share your work with the class.

The advantages and disadvantages of online shopping

Most people now use the Internet on computers, smartphones, and tablets to do a variety of tasks. For many people, these tasks include online shopping. From shopping for groceries to all kinds of clothes shopping, consumers are finding this the easiest way to get what they need, literally at the touch of a button. However, there are numerous and important disadvantages to shopping in this way.

 Although using the Internet to shop is usually fairly easy, and there is often greater variety available, it is always a risk because you cannot try on or see in detail the item you wish to buy. In fact, the immediate ‘convenience’ of shopping in this way can end up being an inconvenience if the item is faulty or does not fit, or is just not what the customer wanted. It is true that the prices are better when you shop online, but, while it might be cheaper, there is a distinct disadvantage because you have to wait for the delivery of the purchases. Some people might prefer not to have any personal contact while shopping online, but it can save time in the end since there are always assistants to help with queries you might have during the transaction. In addition to this, there is the issue of Internet payment security; however, recently this has improved a lot.

 The Internet has indeed given us a wider choice as consumers, as well as making some aspects of shopping more pleasant and convenient. However, it is nearly impossible, in my opinion, to forget the disadvantages we experience from time to time since these can and do influence the way in which we choose to shop.

 

 

Unit 1
Writing
Activity Book page 9

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the ‘Internet of 'Things’? Read the lists and add your own ideas.

Take care of these expressions:

Consequence, Result

In this way / Therefore / Consequently / As a result / As consequence  

Opposition:

However, Despite, Whereas, Although,  On the one hand, On the other hand
( Despite + noun phrase )
( Although + subject + verb  )
Despite the bad weather, we made our journey.
Although the weather was bad, we made our journey.