Writing an Essay

Ex.1. Study the following information about writing an essay.

An argumentative essay is a formal, impersonal piece of writing in which you are expected to consider a topic from opposing points of view and give a balanced consideration or your opinion.

Structure:

0. Introduction includes a statement of the problem. You are to give comments on the way it is to be treated.

1. Main body comprises arguments for (advantages) and arguments against (disadvantages). The main ideas should be supported with details or examples.

2. Conclusion is a summary of the main points including your own views and opinions.

Points to remember while writing an essay:

1. Make a list of points for and against before you start to write.

2. Never write an argument for or against without supporting it with justification.

3. Start each paragraph with a key sentence which summarizes what the paragraph is about.

4. Do not use the short forms (e.g. I’m, he’ll) or strong personal expressions. I think or I believe should only be used in the final paragraph where you can give your opinion.

5. Make use of suitable connectives:

To introduce points: Firstly / To begin with / in the first place; One point in favour of (against) …/ One advantage of …is / One disadvantage of …is, etc.

To add more points: Secondly / what is more / Further more / A further advantage of …is, etc.

To make contrasting points: However / on the other hand / Although / in spite of / Conversely, etc.

To conclude: To sum up / In conclusion / on balance / All things considered, etc.

6. Paragraphs are either indented from the left margin or a line of space is left at the end of a paragraph and the next paragraph is started on the left margin.

Ex. 2. Write an essay on any of the following subjects using 180-200 words.

1. Marrying young.

2. Marriage of convenience.

3. “Old-fashioned” marriages have a better chance of success.

Unit 4. Family life

Vocabulary Practice

Ex. 1. Give English equivalents of the following Russian words.

свекровь, свекор, теща, тесть, зять (муж сестры), невестка (жена брата), сноха (жена сына), зять (муж дочери), вдова, вдовец, старая дева, холостяк

Ex. 2. Fill in the blanks stating the relationship among the various members of the family.

1. My father’s sister is my mother’s ... .

2. My father’s mother is my mother’s ... .

3. My father’s father is my mother’s ... .

4. My mother is the ... of my father’s parents.

5. My father is the ... of my mother’s parents.

6. My mother is my father’s ... and my father is my mother’s ... .

7. Nina is married to Victor, so Victor’s parents are Nina’s ... .

8. We are good friends with my brother’s wife, my ... .

Ex. 3. Give words or phrases for the following definitions.

1. the man to whom a woman is married;

2. the mother of a person’s husband or wife;

3. the wife of someone’s son;

4. the wife of one’s brother or the sister of one’s husband or wife;

5. a person lacking one or usually both parents;

6. a man whose wife has died, and who has not married again;

7. to take (someone else’s child) into one’s family and to take on the full responsibilities in law of a parent;

8. an unmarried man;

9. an unmarried woman, esp. an older one;

10. a very distant relative.

Ex. 4. Explain the difference between pairs of words:

baby – toddler	mother – mother-in-law
sister – cousin	bride – fiancee
nick name – pet name	spouse – cohabitant
birthday – nameday	marriage – wedding
grandparents – great grandparents	to be engaged – to be married

Ex. 5. Each of the 14 people below is married to one of the others. From the information you are given, find out who is married to whom and draw their family tree.

• Alan is Caroline’s nephew and Larry’s cousin.

• Barbara is Larry’s mother and Maggie’s sister-in-law.

• Caroline is Edward’s daughter and Maggie’s sister-in-law.

• David is Gordon’s brother-in-law and Alan’s uncle.

• Edward is Ingrid’s grandfather and Maggie’s father-in-law.

• Fanny is Caroline’s mother and Alan’s grandmother.

• Gordon is Helen’s son-in-law and Nigel’s brother-in-law.

• Helen is Barbara’s mother-in-law and Larry’s grandmother.

• Ingrid is Gordon’s niece and David’s daughter-in-law.

• John is David’s father and Gordon’s father-in-law.

• Karen is Gordon’s daughter-in-law and Maggie’s daughter-in-law.

• Larry is John’s grandson and David’s son.

• Maggie is Larry’s aunt and Fanny’s daughter-in-law.

• Nigel is Ingrid’s father and Fanny’s son-in-law.

Ex. 6. Translate the following sentences into English.

1. Хотя её свекровь стара как мир, она всё ещё ревнует своего мужа.

2. Когда она достигла совершеннолетия, её мачеха решила выдать её замуж.

3. Когда моя мама выходила замуж за моего отца, она поменяла свою девичью фамилию.

4. Мы считаем тетю Аню близкой родственницей, хотя в действительности она нам «десятая вода на киселе».

5. Это мой двоюродный брат со стороны отца.

6. – Вы в родственных отношениях?

– Да, это мой дальний родственник.

7. Немногие молодые пары живут со свекровью или тещей, чтобы не испортить родственные отношения.

8. Смотреть на супругов, проживших вместе пятьдесят лет – это трогательное зрелище.

9. Газеты много пишут о старшей чете наследников королевы, которые отметили недавно десятую годовщину своей свадьбы.

10. Мой дядя – старый холостяк, он мечтает познакомиться с вдовой.