Unit 5

Essay writing = expressing your opinions

 Stage 1 :
Decide what your options are on this subject .
 Stage 2 :
Plan your essay in four paragraphs .
paragraph 1 : Background to the topic
( In this essay I intend to look at / consider / discuss ….. )
paragraph 2 : Arguments for ( The main point / argument for ……. )
paragraph 3 : Arguments against ( The main point / argument against …… )
paragraph 4 : Your opinion
In my opinion / view ……
I believe / I think ……..
 Stage 3 :
Check spelling , grammar and punctuation .

Unit 5
Writing 1 page 35

Write two paragraphs about an arts or cultural event that you have been to or
have read about. The fi rst paragraph should say what was good about it, and
the second should contain any criticisms that you may have.

Last year I visited India with some of my friends . The next day , we were
invited to a festival called “ Holi “ “ Holi “ is a spring festival of colours . Holi
celebrations start with a bonfire on the night before Holi where people gather ,
sing and dance . The next morning is a free-all carnival of colours , where all
participants play , chase and colour each other . That was great and we really
enjoyed the experience .

Unfortunately , the Holi festival was crowded with so many people . It was very
difficult to distinguish your friends from other people as everyone was covered
with colours . In addition to that restaurants only served India meals which were
hot and expensive .

Unit 5
Writing 2 page 37
Read the skeleton argumentative essay on page 75 of the Activity Book.
Answer the following questions:
• What does the writer do in each paragraph?

• Look at the second and third paragraphs. Which has the stronger
argument? Why do you think the author arranged it in this way?
• Read them again. Comment on the tone. How does this help the writer
to make his or her point?

Use the notes to complete the middle paragraphs.

‘Craftspeople are skilled workers and should be paid better salaries.’

It is universally understood that everyone deserves a salary in proportion with the
difficulty, danger and ultimate importance of the work that they do. For this
reason, it must be argued that craftspeople deserve larger salaries.
Body paragraph plan 1:
•Crafts are important to continue awareness of history and traditions (opposing
view – is this really important anymore?)

•Crafts are sold at vast expense; people who make these items should see most
of the profits (opposing view – it is no different from any other trade; those who
sell take the larger profit)
Body paragraph plan 2:
•Unskilled staff such as waiters are paid low wages because it is a job with a high
staff turnover and little skill involved; craftspeople dedicate their lives to this craft
and still receive little money for their work (opposing view – the world is
changing; there is no place for craftspeople any more)
•The dangerous work that goes into craftsmanship should be well rewarded; it is
not comparable to receiving the occasional burn as a waiter or waitress (opposing
view – it would drive up the costs of the crafts further)
For the reasons stated above, it can be clearly seen that craftspeople are owed a
livable salary that reflects the risk they put themselves in daily, as well as their
contribution to keeping Jordanian traditions alive.

‘Craftspeople are skilled workers and should be paid better salaries.’

The job done by craftspeople only helps the economy if the people who publicise
and sell their work are successful. Traditional crafts are usually not well publicised
and are sold in very small amounts. This means that it would be impossible to
provide a full and regular salary to a craftsperson.
These days, it is common for people to choose mass-produced goods for the
simple reason that they cost less and can be relied upon. What is more, it is
evident that the world is changing, and that the place that craftspeople hold in
society is becoming less affordable. For this reason they should not be paid an
increased wage.
It could be argued that craftspeople endure diffi cult and tiring days and receive
little money in recognition of this. However, they learn their trade as apprentices
and do not have to suspend their income or pay a large amount of money for four
years to get a university degree.
Thus it can be seen that craftspeople should not be paid increased salaries,
because of the restructured economic system and the consequent shift in the
importance of the crafts they produce.

Unit 5
Writing 3 page 39
‘Traditional crafts have no place in today’s society.’ Do you agree with this
statement? Justify your answer.

Many people believe that traditional crafts have no place in today’s society .
Personally I think traditional crafts are important and will remain of high value for
so many reasons .
First , traditional crafts are essential to educate young people about life in the
past . They know how their ancestors lived .Second , traditional crafts can provide
jobs for craftsmen . Basket makers , weavers and other craftsmen can make
money from such crafts . Third , traditional crafts are genuine and of high quality
compared to ready-made items .

It could be argued that traditional crafts are disappearing and they have no
value in our society . The people who claim this say that ready-made items are
cheaper and more durable . However , cheap things don’t last long .
In conclusion , I believe that traditional crafts are highly important and have a vital
place in our society for the reasons I mentioned above .

Unit 5
Act. Book page 27
You are going to write an argumentative essay about museums and modern
culture.
Some people think that museums and modern culture are a waste of time .
Others say that museums and modern culture are important because they aim at
educating people . This essay will discuss the two opinions .
Those who think that museums and modern culture are a waste of time claim
that it is better to build schools and health centres for poor people than all
museums in the world . On the other hand those who are in favour of museums
say that museums teach us about history , traditions , scientific inventions and
some animal or plant species .
The people who are against museums say that entrance fees are very
expensive . However people who are for museums insist that fees are paid to
supply the museums with equipment , electricity and other needs .
For the reasons mentioned above , museums and modern culture are necessary
to ek2ducate to entertain people .