Grammar section
The Passive
You can use the passive (be + past participle) to introduce an argument or opinion. The impersonal subject it is often used. Study these examples.
It is often argued that communities are breaking down, (it + be + past participle + that.. )
Saint Petersburg is considered by many to be Russia’s most beautiful city, (subject + be + past participle + to infinitive)
We use the passive if the performer of the action is unimportant or unknown.
Other verbs typical in this type of construction are: believe, say, think, find, claim, reported, prove, and show. Example: It has been conclusively shown that children benefit from a stable home environment.
Decide if the following sentences can be rewritten in the passive. If so, rewrite them. (Note that none of the sentences below is incorrect and that the use of the passive is optional.)
a People say that my local Italian is the best restaurant in town.
b My mum thinks a country lifestyle is best.
с They have found that the new canal is a flood risk.
Similar passive constructions can be used to introduce others' views. Then you can say why you do not agree.
Although the city's National Gallery is often thought to be the most interesting gallery, I prefer the Modern Art Gallery.
It could be argued that cities are dangerous places, but I think that if you're streetwise that needn't be the case.
Complete the sentences below so they are true for you.
a Although_________ is usually considered to be the most beautiful region in my country, I___________.
b Home cooking/Restaurant food is often thought to be superior to restaurant food/home cooking, but, in my opinion,__________________.
с It could be argued that it is better to live in the city/country than in the country/city, but I______________________.
You can also form the passive with get + past participle. This is more informal than the passive with be. We can use get to express misfortune or something unexpected: I got made redundant last month.
or to express an achievement:
I got accepted into university.
In which sentences below are we likely to use a form of get?
a I was talking to the gas company but I was cut off.
b My dad was elected as leader of the local council.
с The town centre is being regenerated.
Writing section
Write an argumentative essay on the following idea:
These days everyone seems to have more and more possessions (e.g. computers, cars, mobile phones, etc.). Our strong desire to own these things is making us less aware of important personal qualities such as kindness and concern for others.
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Listening and speaking section
Look at the photo below and answer the questions.
a Do you think artists and scientists are born or are they made? Why?
Why not?
b Do you think it is possible for students to combine both the arts and sciences at school or university? Why? Why not?
c What made you choose the subject you are studying? If you could would you change your mind now?
Decide which adjective best matches the descriptions a-i below.
Example
a ostentatious
original talented rigorous curious accomplished ostentatious expressive impartial creative
a He’s very pretentious and likes to show everyone how rich he is.
b He plays the violin so well.
c His approach to experiments is very precise and methodical.
d She may be a budding artist but her work is very avant-garde and has never been seen before.
e She has been described as a very gifted and ingenious sculptor.
f His poems are very moving as they show his emotions clearly.
g He has to be neutral in his work and cannot allow his emotions to take over.
h His books are full of original ideas.
i Even as a young chemist she had a very inquiring mind and investigated everything thoroughly.
Write a noun form for each adjective in 2.
Example
ostentatious ostentation
The questions below are taken from a multiple-choice task. Read questions 1-5 carefully and answer the questions below.
a What general topic is being discussed?
b What group of people are probably being addressed?
Some of the question stems are phrased as statements. Rephrase each statement as a question.
Example
Teachers visiting a festival should arrive at…
When should teachers visiting the festival arrive?
_____________________________________________
Questions 1-5
Choose the correct letter A, B, or C.
What will the head of science probably do?
A arrange the visit to the festival
B confirm the school placements
C provide information about the festival
The student teachers should arrange visits that last
A one or two days.
B two or three days.
C all three days.
The most important purpose of the festival visits is to
A get better exam grades.
B create enthusiasm for science.
C enable students to have fun.
The central features of our scientific age are
A inventions and improvements.
B interesting and unusual events.
C interest and enthusiasm for science.
What kind of specialists are teaching maths?
A physicists
B biologists
C chemists
Listen to the recording and answer questions 1-5 above.
Some students expressed these opinions about science and arts. Read their statements and decide whether you agree or disagree. Change the opinions so that they express your view.
Science has the ability to make all our lives much easier.
Most of the arts are of no practical use and are a waste of time.
The arts teach us what it means to be human.
Science will certainly lead the world to disaster.
Listen to three speakers. Match each speaker with the correct question a-c.
Speaker 1: ……….
Speaker 2: ……….
Speaker 3: ……….
a To what extent should the arts be sponsored by government?
b Why do you think some people are distrustful of science?
c How can new technology help in our domestic lives?
Which of these arguments does each speaker agree with?
a Technology just creates more work.
b The arts contribute to society.
c Technology makes tasks easier.
d Scientists aren’t engaged with the world.
e The arts should be more commercial.
f Scientists understand the impact of their ideas.
Listen to the three speakers again. Complete the table below with the phrases each speaker uses to introduce other people’s opinions.
Speaker 1: …….
Speaker 2: …….
Speaker 3: …….
Listen a final time. Make a note of the phrases the speakers use to disagree with other people’s opinions.
Speaker 1: ……..
Speaker 2: ……..
Speaker 3: ……..
With a partner, ask and answer question sequences below. Use the phrases in 10 and 11 to introduce other views and your own.
Sequence 1
a Should governments subsidize scientific research? Why?
b Which is more important in our society today, the sciences or arts?
c What harm can science do to us?
Sequence 2
a How big a part do machines play in our lives today?
b What are some of the problems with being so dependent on machines?
c To what extent would it be better to lead a simple life, without advanced technology?