International Communication Weekly.

The effects of mobile phones on our lives –

give us your views on both the good and bad sides.

We are looking for short articles on this subject and we will publish some of the best articles next month.

Write your article for the magazine.

B. You have had a class discussion on the following question:

What are the pros and cons of keeping fit?

Now your teacher has asked you to write a composition on this question, including your opinion.

C. Hilda, your friend from Canada, is thinking of coming to your country in order to study. She has asked you to tell her what life is like for university students in your city. Using your notes below, write a letter to Hilda, informing her of the pros and cons.

Good points • many facilities for students → wonderful student sports centre with special discounts/ Internet cafe • social life → opportunity to meet people from all over the world

Bad points • life is expensive → student rents high • lots of traffic → noisy, especially around university campus

Questions:

1. What do you have to write?

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

3. What would be a suitable way to begin/ end?

4. How many points will you include in the main body?

5. Which reasons/ examples will you give for each of these points?

6. Which linking words and phrases could you use?

Unit 6.

Writing: Opinion

Opinion articles or letters are written when we want to express our personal opinion on a particular topic. They can be articles for publication, compositions for a class assignment, letters to the press/ authorities, or letters to a friend. They should include relevant information to support our opinion, and use an appropriate style depending on who is going to read the piece of writing.

In the first paragraph we should introduce the topic and state our opinion clearly. If we write a letter giving our opinion, start the introduction by giving the reason for writing.

The main body consists of two or more paragraphs each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/ examples. We can also write a separate paragraph which states the opposing viewpoint.

The final paragraph summarises/ restates our opinion using different words.

► Understanding the Rubric 1

Ex 1.

Read the rubric, underline the key words and answer the questions.

Your town has recently been given a large youth development grant from the government to improve the recreational facilities for young people in your town. The money could be spent on either a new sports centre or a new entertainment complex. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, giving your opinion on how the money should be spent and why.

1. What do you have to write?

2. Who is the target reader?

3. What style should you use? Why?

4. What is your opinion on the topic?

5. Which of the following points are relevant to the question?

a [ ] Sports facilities in schools are limited.

b [ ] The town's cinema is old.

c [ ] Young people have few free-time activities.

d [ ] The grant is a large amount of money.

e [ ] There is no sports centre at present.

6. How would you support each of the points you chose from above?

7. What information should you include in your introduction?

8. How could you end your letter?

► Analysing an opinion letter

Ex 2.

a. Read the model and choose the correct topic sentences from the ones below.

A. On the other hand, a sports centre also has its disadvantages.

B. What is more, playing a sport can build character.

C. To start with, it will provide many new jobs.

D. Firstly, there are very few sports facilities in our town.

E. However, an entertainment complex would also be a good addition to our town.

F. Furthermore, I could suggest an excellent location.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing with regard to the youth development grant our town was recently awarded. I am of the opinion that the money should be spent on a new sports centre for a number of reasons.

1. [ ] If a sports centre were built, more young people would have the opportunity to play sports. Moreover, it would provide youngsters with a pleasant and positive pastime. As it is, they have very few options open to them. In addition, it would give them access to better facilities than are currently available in schools.

2. [ ] Positive qualities, such as team spirit, fair play and friendly competition are developed. This is something we should encourage in our young people.

3. [ ] In particular, a modern cinema is a facility, sorely lacking in our area. Nevertheless, I feel helping our youth stay healthy and fit is more important.

To sum up, I believe building a sports centre is the best use for the grant money, as it would be most beneficial for young people in our town. I hope that the town council agrees and starts work as soon possible.

Yours faithfully,

Clive Dunn

b. Has the writer mentioned all the points in the rubric?

c. Suggest an alternative conclusion for the model.

► Planning your paragraphs

Ex 3.

a. Complete the plan with the questions below.

a. What can you say in support of your opinion?

b. What do you hope the reader(s) will do?

c. What is the opposing viewpoint?

d. What is your opinion?

e. What is the reason/ justification for this?

Dear Sir/ Madam,