Writing an e - mail (Maтеріал до уроку з письма)

WRITING AN ESSAY DISCUSSING ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES .

( Матеріал до уроку, підручник « Full Blast 3», Module 5, A2)

Інтегровані змістові лінії та компетентності, що формуються:

Предметні – уміння розповідати та описувати переваги та недоліки користування сучасними ґаджетами; розуміти на слух повідомлення про плюси і мінуси телебачення.

Ключові – уміння ініціювати усну, писемну взаємодію іноземною мовою (ініціативність); уміння формулювати власну позицію (соціальна та громадянська компетентність); пропагувати здоровий спосіб життя (екологічна грамотність і здорове життя).

Хід роботи:

І. Speaking and Listening.

1)Ss read the statements a – e and discuss the ideas. Agree or disagree with the statements and explain why. Give reasons using the phrases in the box.

1. Television has got more advantages than disadvantages.     
2. Television is a cheap form of entertainment.
3. Some people are influenced by what they see.
4. Television keeps people informed.
5. Children become less active because of television.

In my opinion, television… because…

I agree. I disagree. I think that…

2) Listen to four people talking about television and match the names with one of the statements      a – e above. There is one extra statement which you don’t need to use.

Kathy 

Ben

John

Carla

Tapescript.

Kathy: I don’t understand why people always talk about the disadvantages of television and forget about advantages. We learn about events that are happening at the moment on the other side of the world. We see live broadcasting, live sports events and so on. OK there is also the Internet, but not everyone has access, so I don’t think we can say that television is useless nowadays.

Ben: Personally, I believe that parents shouldn’t allow their kids to watch any TV at all or at least let them watch very little. Most of the programmes are of low quality and there aren’t enough educational ones. Watching TV is a waste of time and it makes children lazy coach potatoes. They just sit around doing nothing when they should be outside playing a sport or something and communicating with other people their age.

John: My parents say that I watch too much and that I’m addicted but I disagree. I choose what I watch. Some of my friends turn on the TV and forget to turn it off. I’m not like that. Also, they like watching commercials, which is something I hate. They’re all lies and there are too many of them. But they do their job. You won’t believe how many products my friends buy because they see them on TV and feel they need them.

Carla: I’m a mother of four children and I encourage them to go out and play a lot. However, I find TV quite useful sometimes. For instance, it costs our family £36 to watch a film at the cinema. Now that’s too much for us. We just wait and get the DVD or watch something on TV instead. Not everything shown is suitable for all ages, but there are quite a few game shows or educational programmes like documentaries we watch.

II. Speaking and Reading

1) Speak about advantages and disadvantages of having a mobile phone (a discussion).

Begin your answers with the phrases:  To my mind, In my opinion, As for me, I think. 

2) Read the text and compare the ideas to your answers.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones

Nowadays a great number of people use mobile phones. Some cannot imagine living without them, while others believe that we should avoid using them.

Having a mobile phone has many advantages. Firstly, you carry it everywhere so communication is easy, even in emergency situations. What is more, you can use your mobile to take or exchange pictures, listen to music, play games, surf the Internet, download ringtones and so on.

On the other hand, there are also many disadvantages. To begin with, mobiles can be harmful to our health when used a lot. In addition, children, teenagers and even adults can get addicted to them. This can cause many problems. For example, lessons are interrupted at school or car accidents are caused.

To sum up, mobile phones have both advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I believe it is a very useful gadget. However, people should use it wisely.

3) Answer the questions:

Does the writer state his/her opinion in the first paragraph?

What is the purpose of the second and third paragraph?

Which words/ phrases does the writer use to list/add points?

In which paragraph does the writer state his/her general opinion?

Does the writer write in a formal or in an informal style?

III. Writing

1) Complete the blank with one word:

The Advantages and Disadvantage of Using the Internet

Nowadays a great number of people use the Internet. Some cannot imagine life without it, while others believe that we should avoid using it.

To (1) _____ with, using the Internet has many advantages. (2) _____ of all, you can communicate with people all around the world by e-mail and social networking. (3) _____, it is a great way to find information on any topic you need. In (4) ______, you can download music, TV shows and films, or even watch them online. It is also great for shopping!

On the other (5) _____, it can be dangerous as people can find your personal information and credit card numbers. What is (6) _____, receiving lots of junk e-mails can be very annoying.

(7) ______, it is not difficult for people to get addicted to the Internet and spend hours in front of a screen.

To (8) _____ up, using the Internet has both advantages and disadvantages. (9) _____, I believe it is an important part of our lives and we cannot live without it.

2) Read the plan of the essay:

When you are writing an essay discussing advantages and disadvantages, organize your ideas according to the plan. Write in a formal style. Do not use abbreviations or short forms.

Introduction

Introduce the subject of the essay and both sides of the topic.

Main Part (2 Paragraphs)

Present the advantages in one paragraph and the disadvantages in another paragraph. Cover both sides of the topic equally. Use linking words/ phrases:

To list points: firstly, first of all, to begin with, secondly, also, in addition, what is more, finally, lastly,etc.

To express contrast: however, on the one hand, on the other hand, etc.

Conclusion

Make a general statement. Use phrases like: In conclusion, To sum up…

State your opinion if you want to. Use phrases like: In my opinion…, Personally, I believe …, I think…, In my view…

3) Write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV. Use the ideas in activity 1 and follow the plan above.

Tip!  Before you start, choose a few advantages and disadvantages ( the ones you have the most to say about) and make some notes. Avoid discussing too many ideas  in your essay.