___ Writing Discursive essay 1. Read this Part 2 essay task and answer the questions, a How should an essay like this start and finish? b- What do you think is the best way of answering this kind of question ~ by agrecing, by disagreeing or by giving both sides of the argument? © What is an appropriate style for this essay? Your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinion on the following statement. Newspapers should be allowed to reveal secrets ab peovie. tthe privato lives of famous Write your essay in 120~180 words. 2 Read this discursive essay, ignoring the gaps. Then, answer these questions, a What is the purpose of each of the four paragraphs? b- What are the main points made in the second and third paragraphs? © Where are the writer's opinions expressed? d_ Is the style appropriate? Famous people often complain that newspapers print too much about their private lives, |____ newspapers say that they are simply responding to public curiosity. |willconsider these different points of view. , ft'Seems that famous people want as much media attention as possible at the beginning of their careers. Once they 5 are famous,3___, they tend to get upset f newspapers ‘reveal personal information that they would prefer to keep secret. 4__ they feel they have aright to a private lf, like ‘everyone else. 5__, newspapers say that the publichasarighttoknow 10 ‘about how celebrities spend their money and who they are inlove ‘with. They claim that itis particularly important forthe public to know when their heroes do something wrong. , believe that the public should be told how stars live theirlives,7____stars should have some privacy, especially to protect 15 members of their families. This means that we need clear rules about what the media should be allowed to publish, 3 Complete the essay using appropriate words and phrases from this list. More than one answer may be possible. although however infact —_on balance on the one hand on the other hand whereas 110 UNITS) MEDIAThink, plan, write 4 Match each phrase in the list below with its purpose a, b or c. to introduce additional information b to introduce information which contrasts with what has gone before © to summarise or conclude an argument apart from that as well as (that) besides (this) in conclusion by contrast furthermore in short. nevertheless. on the contrary onthe whole to conclude to summarise tosum up what is more 5. What do the phrases in italic in the discursive essay refer to? exaee their refers to famous people (ine 1) 6 You are going to write an essay. First, read the task. a What is your first reaction to the statement about advertising? Would you prefer to write only your own opinions on the subject or both sides of the argument? Your teacher has asked you to write an essay discussing the following statement ‘There should be a complete ban on the advertising of dangerous products like cigarettes and alcohol. Write your essay in 120-180 words 7 Before you write, think about the topic. Discuss some of these questions in pairs Do you agree that cigarettes and alcohol are ‘dangerous products’? Where are cigarettes and alcohol currently advertised? Who is influenced by these adverts? Why do some people want a ‘complete ban’? Would such a ban be effective? Would it discourage people from smoking or drinking? 8 Make st of two or three points on each side of the argument: In favour of a ban ‘Against a ban 9 Plan the content of each paragraph, using the sample answer opposite as a model. Use connecting words and expressions to link ideas between sentences and paragraphs, 10 When you write, don't forget to check that you have answered the question in full. Make sure the style is appropriate. 11. Finally, when you have finished, check your grammar, spelling and punctuation. 4 WRITING GUIDE PAGE 167 > MEDIA UNITS) 111