Is the north fields youth club going to close due to lack of funds?

In the present financial climate, many clubs and businesses are struggling to survive. Sports clubs, too, are facing difficulties due to lack of funds.

The main problem seems to be the rent that we pay for the club. It's over £500 a month and that's just too much really. What about moving to cheaper premises – has anyone thought of that?

The youth leader has asked the club members to write an article suggesting ways of raising money to keep the youth club open.

I know that the club's not perfect but we could buy some new equipment and maybe even decorate it to make it nicer for all of us.

I really like going to the club and I know that most of the others do as well, so come on – let's see if we can do something to save it!

MODEL B:

HELP SAVE OUR YOUTH CLUB

As most of you know, our club is facing a financial crisis. The question is: what are we going to do about it? The suggestions below may or may not work, but one thing is for sure – if we don't act now, we'll lose our club, and that is something that nobody wants.

First of all, I think it would be a good idea to approach the local council for help. If we could persuade the council to make a financial contribution, we would be able to keep going.

Secondly, we could apply to local companies for sponsorship. This would mean that we would offer them free advertising in return for a small donation. As a result, the club could stay open.

Finally, if all that fails, one obvious solution is to increase the fees that we pay for membership of the club. I suggest that each of us pays £5 per month. Then, for a very small amount of money, we would be able to continue enjoying all the activities that the club offers.

A meeting to discuss all the suggestions has been arranged on 4th March. Please try to be there – it might be our last chance!

b. Answer the following questions about model A.

1. Has the writer mentioned ways of raising money?

2. What irrelevant information has the writer included in the main body?

3. Only one paragraph in the model is suitable. Which is it and how could it be improved?

4. What do you think the target reader's reaction will be? Why?

c. Read model B and answer the questions.

1. What style has the writer used? Give examples.

2. How has the writer organised the points into paragraphs?

3. Suggest suitable alternative opening and closing paragraphs.

4. How does the writer introduce his suggestions? Replace the phrases with other appropriate ones.

5. How does the writer introduce the expected result for each suggestion he makes? What other phrases can he use?

► Discuss & Write

Ex 11.

Look at the rubrics below. Underline the key words and, for each one, answer the questions that follow. After that, write each task in 120 to 180 words.

A. This is part of a letter you have received from a pen friend.

My cousin and I are planning to visit your country at the end of July for a short holiday. I'd like your advice about the best way for us to make the most of our five or six days there – where to go, what to see and do, and so on. Please write and tell me what you suggest.

Write your letter to your pen friend.

B.

Your college has decided to replace its small snack bar with a larger self-service cafeteria. The college magazine has invited its readers to suggest which dishes they think should be included on the menu, as well as other changes which would make the place more inviting to students. Write an article for the magazine, making your suggestions and giving reasons for your choices.

C. You are going on a one-day trip to London as part of a group of young people. The person organising the trip, Mrs Jones, has sent you a list of interesting places your group may like to visit during your trip. Read the extract from the list and the notes you made and using the information, write a letter to Mrs Jones suggesting which places you think you should visit.

Historical Sights

• Tower of London

• B

  Notes

  • Thank Mrs Jones – good variety of places to visit

  • Tower of London • Madame Tussaud’s	}	definitely yes – fun/ interesting
  • Buckingham Palace • Westminster Abbey	}	no – not enough time

  • Shops: great idea, especially Harrods

  ig Ben

• Houses of Parliament

• Westminster Abbey

• Buckingham Palace

General Interest

• London Zoo

• Madame Tussaud's

• Tate Modern

Shopping

• Carnaby Street

• Oxford Street

• Harrods

D. Your class is going to take part in a student exchange programme next month. Your teacher has asked each student to write a composition suggesting activities which their foreign exchange student can do in their free time in your neighbourhood. Write your composition.

Questions:

1. Who is the target reader? What style is appropriate?

2. What information do you need to include?

3. What suggestions/ recommendations could you make?

4. What results would you expect from these suggestions?

5. What phrases could you use to introduce these suggestions and results?

6. How could you begin/ end your piece of writing?