A for and against essay

A FOR AND AGAINST ESSAYA DISCURSIVE ESSAY

75 min !!!

Write an essay of 200-250 words. Your essay must have an introduction, body and conclusion.Some people say that exams are a fair way of testing students.

Others say that other forms of testing and evaluation are much better.Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.

INTRODUCTION- GENERAL STATEMENT

o introductory, general sentence People have mixed feelings about....

- THESIS STATEMENTo Think about the title!o Think of synonyms or words with a similar meaning!

exams = written tests = written assignments = assessment = judging a student’s ability = evaluation = testing

people = students and education experts = experts = scientists say = claim = argue = think = believe = feel = point out = (dis)agree = emphasise Passive Voice: many people feel that... → it is (strongly) felt by many people that....;

it is said, it has been argued that...; .... is seen as...; ... is considered to be... fair = objective = just = reasonable

BODY- KEY SENTENCE

o advantages = benefits = positive sides = proso disadvantages = drawbacks = negative sides = cons

There are many advantages to.... On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages to...., as well. There are arguments for / against....

- ARGUMENT 1 + SUPPORT (explanation or example)- ARGUMENT 2 + SUPPORT (explanation or example)

o LINKING WORDS: ARGUMENTS: first of all, firstly, for one thing, to start with, secondly, then, next,

moreover, furthermore, in addition, also, too, and, finally SUPPORT: for example, for instance, such as, that is, this means that..., because,

because of / due to, so, therefore, as a result (of) Conditional sentence ARGUMENT 2 (to show contrast): on the other hand, but, however, even though,

although, nevertheless, despite / despite the fact that, in spite of / in spite of the fact that, while, whereas

CONCLUSION- SUMMARIZE both positive and negative sides

o LINKING WORDS: to sum up, all things considered, in conclusiono To sum up, there are many benefits of ...., such as ...., but there are also many drawbacks,

such as...- GIVE OPINION

o LINKING WORDS: in my opinion, I think that, I believe...

oWrite an essay of 200-250 words. Your essay must have an introduction, body and conclusion.

Some people say that exams are a fair way of testing students.Others say that other forms of testing and evaluation are much better.

Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.

Every year thousands of students take important exams which can decide their future. However, while many people claim that taking written tests is the only objective way of judging a student’s ability, others point out that written tests present serious problems for some students.

• General statement - najavite o čemu ćete pisati u glavnom dijelu eseja.

• Thesis statement - objasnite na koji ćete način raspravljati o temi: o hoćete li najprije pisati o

jednom stajalištu, a onda iznijeti drugo,

o ili ćete najprije iznijeti prednosti a zatim nedostake.

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There are many advantages to taking written exams. First of all, they are fair and practical. That is, all students get the same questions, and do the exams at the same time and under the same conditions. Secondly, they are also objective. This means that the exams are marked according to a strict scheme and usually by more than one examiner.

• Key (topic) sentence - u prvoj rečenici iznesite glavnu misao odlomka ili najavite o čemu ćete pisati u tom odlomku (npr. o prednostima).

• Argument 1 + support - iznesite prvi argument i obrazložite ga.

• Argument 2 + support - Iznesite drugi argument i obrazložite ga.

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On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages to exams, as well. Despite some students deserving to pass, they might feel ill or so nervous on the big day that they are either not able to come to school at all or they make a mess of the exam. Moreover, some students express themselves better in a spoken, rather than a written form. These students would definitely benefit from a system of continuous assessment of course work by teachers during the year.

• Key (topic) sentence - u prvoj rečenici iznesite glavnu misao odlomka ili najavite o čemu ćete pisati u tom odlomku (npr. o nedostatcima).



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To sum up, there are many benefits of written exams, such as their practicality and objectiveness, but there are also many drawbacks, such as students’ individual differences. In my opinion, exams are not the ideal way of testing students. I think that teachers should continuously assess students’ work in different forms, from course work participation and presentations, to oral examination and written tests.

• Summary sentence - sažmite glavne misli iz glavnoga dijela eseja vlastitim riječima.

• Your opinion - iznesite vlastito mišljenje. Pokušajte povezati zaključak s uvodom.

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251

Write an essay of 200-250 words. Your essay must have an introduction, body and conclusion.Some people say that all students should wear uniforms.

Others say wearing school uniforms promotes conformism.Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.

People have mixed feelings about wearing school uniforms. While some people point out how practical they are, others believe they restrict personal freedom and encourage conformism.

• General statement - najavite o čemu ćete pisati u glavnom dijelu eseja.

• Thesis statement - objasnite na koji ćete način raspravljati o temi: hoćete li najprije pisati o jednom stajalištu, a onda iznijeti drugo,

• ili ćete najprije iznijeti prednosti a zatim nedostake.

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The major advantage of school uniforms is their practicality. If you have a uniform, you don’t have to waste time in front of your wardrobe thinking about what you are going to wear for school that day. It is also cheaper for parents. You wear a uniform five days a week and they don’t need to spend so much money on your clothes. In addition, uniforms promote equality. They rule out a situation where some kids think they are better than others because they wear fashionable clothes.

• Key sentence - u prvoj rečenici iznesite glavnu misao odlomka ili najavite o čemu ćete pisati u tom odlomku (npr. o prednostima).



• Argument 3 + support - Iznesite treći argument i obrazložite ga.

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On the other hand, if you force pupils to wear the same clothes every day, you will limit their creativity and freedom of choice. Many pupils love dressing up for school every morning. Some pupils also express their attitudes and preferences by their choice of clothes. Also, by forcing all pupils to look the same, you will miss an opportunity to teach them how to deal with people who are different from them. They may even start to think it is recommendable to look and think like everyone else.

• Key sentence - u prvoj rečenici iznesite glavnu misao odlomka ili najavite o čemu ćete pisati u tom odlomku (npr. o prednostima).



• Argument 3 + support - Iznesite treći argument i obrazložite ga.

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To sum up, school uniforms definitely have their benefits. They save both time and money. However, they limit pupils’ freedom to express themselves and to practice tolerance. I don’t think we should be encouraged to look the same as everyone else. In my opinion, uniformity in dressing can lead to uniformity in thinking.

• Summary sentence - sažmite glavne misli iz glavnoga dijela eseja vlastitim riječima.

• Your opinion - iznesite vlastito mišljenje. Pokušajte povezati zaključak s uvodom.

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255

Write an essay of 200-250 words. Your essay must have an introduction, body and conclusion.

Some people say that all students should wear uniforms. Others say wearing school uniforms promotes conformism.


Write an essay of 200-250 words. Your essay must have an introduction, body and conclusion.

Some people say that there should be limits to what students can wear at school.Others say there should not.


Vezna sredstva

Vezna sredstva služe za povezivanje ideja i rečenica u smislenu cjelinu te tako omogućuju lakše praćenje teksta

Dodavanje informacijaSljedeća se vezna sredstva najčešće koriste u središnjem dijelu eseja (body), a njima se povezuju dva dijela rečenice ili se dodaje nova misao. Mogu se koristiti i u zaključku (conclusion).

Vezno sredstvo Primjer Napomenaand Living in a house is practical and comfortable.too Living in a house is practical. It is comfortable, too. Služi za jače isticanje nego and.

Može se zamijeniti s as well.also It is also more comfortable to live in a house. Obično ga stavljamo u sredinu

rečenice.in addition (to) In addition, living in a house is in general more

comfortable than living in a flat.Ako se nalazi na početku rečenice, iza njega dolazi zarez.

furthermore / moreover

Living in a house is financially more demanding than living in a flat. Futhermore / Moreover it is much more difficult to maintain the house than a flat.

Ova se vezna sredstva najviše koriste u službenoj pisanoj komunikaciji.

Navođenje primjeraOva se vezna sredstva najčešće koriste u središnjem dijelu eseja (body), a njima se uvode argumenti da bi se potkrijepila glavna ideja.

Vezno sredstvo Primjer Napomenafor example /for instance

Living in a house is more expensive than living in a flat. For example / For instance, if the roof is leaking, you need to cover the cost of repair all by yourself.

Ako se nalaze na početku rečenice, iza njih dolazi zarez.

Suprostavljanje idejaOva se vezna sredstva mogu koristiti u bilo kojem dijelu eseja da bi se uvelo suprotno mišljenje ili protuargument.

Vezno sredstvo Primjer Napomenabut Living in a house is comfortable, but this comfort

comes at a price.Obično se nalazi na početku rečenice. Ispred njega stavljamo zarez.

however Living in a house is comfortable. However, this comfort comes at a price.

Obično stoji na početku rečenice. Iza njega stavljamo zarez.

nevertheless Living in a house is comfortable. Nevertheless, this comfort comes at a price. / This comfort comes at a price, nevertheless.

Ovo se vezno sredstvo najviše koristi u službenoj pisanoj komunikaciji. Stoji na početku ili na kraju rečenice.

although Although living in a house has many advantages, some people prefer flats.

even though Even though living in a house has many advantages, some people prefer flats.

Služi za jače isticanje nego although.

despite / despite the fact thatin spite of / in spite of the fact that

Despite its many disadvantages, many people still choose to live in a house.In spite of having many disadvantages, living in a house is still the first choice for many people.Despite the fact that there are many disadvantages to living in a house, many people opt for it.In spite of the fact that there are many disadvantages to living in a house, it is still the first choice for many people.

Iza despite i in spite of treba stajati imenica ili gerund. Ako ih želite kombinirati s imenicom i glagolom, trebate koristiti despite the fact that ili in spite of the fact that.

while While it is more comfortable to live in a house, it is also much more expensive.

Obično se nalazi na početku ili u sredini rečenice.

on the other hand On the other hand, there are many good sides to living in a flat./Living in a flat, on the other hand, has many good sides.

Obično se nalazi na početku ili u sredini rečenice. Iza njega dolazi zarez.

Navođenje razloga

Ova se vezna sredstva najčešće koriste u središnjem dijelu eseja (body) kada navodimo argumente kojima želimo potkrijepiti glavnu misao.

Vezno sredstvo Primjer Napomenabecause Because it is quieter and neater, people with families

often move to suburbs.People with families often move to suburbs because it is quieter and neater.

Može stajati na početku ili u sredini rečenice.

because of / due to Some people choose flats because of lower costs.Due to lower costs of living, some people choose to live in flats.

Iza njih dolazi imenica.

Izricanje logičnih posljedica

Ova se vezna sredstva najčešće koriste u središnjem dijelu eseja (body) da bi se uspostavila veza između uzroka i posljedice. Također se mogu koristiti i za izricanje glavnih misli u zaključku.

Vezno sredstvo Primjer Napomenaso Many houses have gardens, so they are perfect for

elderly people with a lot of spare time.therefore Many houses have gardens, and are therefore perfect

for elderly people with a lot of spare time./ Many houses have gardens. They are, therefore, perfect for elderly people with a lot of spare time.

Ovo se vezno sredstvo najviše koristi u službenoj pisanoj komunikaciji.

as a result (of) Maintaining a house is expensive and time-consuming. As a result, most young couples choose to live in a flat.More houses are being sold as a result of a fall in prices.

Može stajati na početku ili u sredini rečenice. Kada se nalazi na početku, iza njega dolazi zarez.

Nizanje ideja

Ova se vezna sredstva najčešće koriste u središnjem dijelu eseja (body) da bismo uveli osnovne ideje. Mogu se koristiti i u zaključku za sažimanje osnovne misli.

Vezno sredstvo Primjer NapomenaFirst(ly)/first of all…, second(ly)/then/next…, finally…

There are many arguments in favour of living in the south. First, it is warmer than in the north. Next, the Mediterranean cuisine is very healthy. Finally, people are in general more relaxed.

Iza njih dolazi zarez. Firstly i secondly najviše se koriste u službenoj pisanoj komunikaciji.

For one thing/To start with… for another thing…

As for me, I would always rather live in the north. For one thing/To start with, people are more cultured. For another thing, I can’t stand high temperatures.

Iza njih dolazi zarez.

Sažimanje i zaključivanje

Ova se vezna sredstva koriste u zaključku, da bismo saželi rečeno ili napisano.

Vezno sredstvo Primjer NapomenaIn conclusion,…To sum up,…

In conclusion/To sum up, the best house is the one that we can afford.

Stoje na početku rečenice. Iza njih dolazi zarez.

HOMEWORKESSAY TOPICS

Write an essay of 200-250 words. Your essay must have an introduction, body and conclusion.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.

1. Some people say that there need to be compulsory subjects in schools. Others say that students should be allowed to choose the subjects they want to study.

2. Some people say that schools prepare young people for life in the real world. Others say that they teach them too much theory.

3. Some people say that there should be more discipline in schools. Others say that teachers should have a more friendly approach to students.

4. Some people say that the introduction of the state matura exam in Croatia is a good idea. Others say that it has too many drawbacks.

5. Some people say doing homework is an important part of learning. Others say there should be no homework.6. Some pople say that cheating on tests is out of control. Others say it happens for a reason. 7. Some people say that private high schools and universities are better than state run schools and universities.

Others disagree.8. Some people say there should be sex education in schools in Croatia. Others say disagree.9. Some people say that participation in sports is a very important part of education. Others say it leads to

students having poor academic results. 10. Some people say students should be allowed to grade their teachers. Others say this would have too many

drawbacks.11. Some people say that there should be limits to what students can wear at school. Others say there should not.12. Some people argue against single-sex schools. Others say there are many benefits to attending a single-sex

school.13. Some people say that you can learn a language only by travelling abroad. Others say you can do it in your

country as well.14. Some people say competition in schools is positive and should be encouraged. Others say it can be harmful.15. Some people say that test scores are a good indication of a school's competency. Others say that other factors

should be included as well.16. Some people say that education in Croatia is well-organised. Others say it is better to study abroad.17. Some people say that a person is worth more if they have a university degree. Others disagree.18. Some people say that some school subjects are more important than others. Others say all school subjects are

equally important.19. Some people say universities put too much stock in standardized test scores. Others say it is the most

objective way. 20. Some people say that higher education should be competely free. Others disagree.21. Some people say reading books is very important. Others say it is a thing of the past.22. Some people say nothing can compare to reading a book. Others say watching a film adaptation is just as

good.23. Some people say that electronic books should replace traditional books. Others disagree.24. Some people say the Internet is a necessary part of modern life. Others say we have become too dependent on

it.25. Mobile phones – a blessing or a curse?26. Some people say childhood is the best time of your life. Others disagree.27. Some people say teenagers should take their driving test as soon as they turn 18. Others say this leads to many

problems.

28. Some people say that the military should be allowed to recruit at high schools. Others disagree.29. Some teenagers like to be trendy and will buy/listen to/eat what is popular at the moment. Others like to be

different from other people, as well as being part of a group such as Goths and Freaks.30. Some people say that Turbo Folk has a bad influence on teenagers. Others say it is harmless fun.

READING – TASK 1

Task 1 – You are going to read an article in which young people talk about their experiences as exchange students. For questions 1-12, choose from the people A-F. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Exchange-Student Stories

A AlexThe opportunity to study in Japan was one of the highlights of my university years. I gained a variety of vastly different cultural experiences and also met some of the kindest and most generous people I have known. I experienced being a member of a minority for the first time in my life, which is a perspective I value having been exposed to. Over the year, I was lucky enough to travel to Japan’s five main islands with friends I met, and I saw some fantastic sights!

B BritneyMy best friend couldn’t stop talking about regrets she had about her student exchange, but I wanted to give it a try nevertheless. I’d been to many foreign countries before, and I’d always enjoyed the experience. Then I came across an ad for exchanging with Sheffield University, England. In the eight months in Sheffield, I became very independent and confident, and I made some of the best friends I will ever have. I also took some great subjects at university and had an opportunity to listen to some brilliant professors.

C ChrisMy original idea was to study in Mexico City for one semester, but I am still here. My exchange experience has been amazing. I came to Mexico to study Spanish, a language I’d always liked. After only one semester, my Spanish was still lacking. Since I loved the place, I decided to stay. And, as the summer break here is in between these two semesters, I was able to travel. I made it through Central America, Colombia and Peru, having the time of my life. Going on exchange was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I didn’t look back once.

D DianeThe greatest challenge about life in Norway was a day-to-day, practical sort of communication. While most young people speak English, there are a lot of older people who struggle, so you need to be careful when booking tickets, accommodation, transport etc. That’s where problems arise. As for the people in general, don’t be offended if they don’t seem friendly. They really are, but you have to approach them first. Once you earned their trust, you found yourself friends for life.

E EmilyUppsala is a great place for students. There are 13 student associations which you can choose from to join. In these associations you can participate in all sorts of activities, from choir to soccer. Only students are allowed to enter, which makes it even better, because you all have something in common. They are always open for lunch, brunch, dinner, parties, study, or Fika (meaning coffee time). I was thinking about visiting Uppsala again during my summer holidays, but my parents had already made plans for me. But there’s always next year.

F FrancesI was close to completing my French major, and I decided that doing an exchange would help me consolidate my language skills while simultaneously fulfilling my lifelong dream of travelling. Before that trip to France, I focused a lot on the future – what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go and how I wanted to get there. Living overseas made me realize how significant every moment of my life can be and how important it is to focus attention on the things that I find most interesting and fulfilling.

Which person…

0 could choose sport as an extra-curricular activity? E 1 had problems with the language? __D___2 travelled the whole country? __A___3 wanted to improve their knowledge of a foreign language? __F___4 boosted their self-esteem? __B___5 gives advice on communication with the natives? __D___6 says they didn’t regret the experience? __C___7 enjoyed being with people like themselves? __E___8 had a great academic experience? __B__9 loved the people they met there? __A___10 spent holidays in the country of their exchange? __C___11 wanted to make the wish to visit new countries come true? __F___12 is planning to visit the country of their exchange again? __E___

Task 1 – You are going to read an article in which young people talk about their experiences as exchange students. For questions 1-12, choose from the people A-F. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Exchange-Student Stories

A AlexThe opportunity to study in Japan was one of the highlights of my university years. I gained a variety of vastly different cultural experiences and also met some of the kindest and most generous people I have known. I experienced being a member of a minority for the first time in my life, which is a perspective I value having been exposed to. Over the year, I was lucky enough to travel to Japan’s five main islands with friends I met, and I saw some fantastic sights!

B BritneyMy best friend couldn’t stop talking about regrets she had about her student exchange, but I wanted to give it a try nevertheless. I’d been to many foreign countries before, and I’d always enjoyed the experience. Then I came across an ad for exchanging with Sheffield University, England. In the eight months in Sheffield, I became very independent and confident, and I made some of the best friends I will ever have. I also took some great subjects at university and had an opportunity to listen to some brilliant professors.

C ChrisMy original idea was to study in Mexico City for one semester, but I am still here. My exchange experience has been amazing. I came to Mexico to study Spanish, a language I’d always liked. After only one semester, my Spanish was still lacking. Since I loved the place, I decided to stay. And, as the summer break here is in between these two semesters, I was able to travel. I made it through Central America, Colombia and Peru, having the time of my life. Going on exchange was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I didn’t look back once.

D DianeThe greatest challenge about life in Norway was a day-to-day, practical sort of communication. While most young people speak English, there are a lot of older people who struggle, so you need to be careful when booking tickets, accommodation, transport etc. That’s where problems arise. As for the people in general, don’t be offended if they don’t seem friendly. They really are, but you have to approach them first. Once you earned their trust, you found yourself friends for life.

E EmilyUppsala is a great place for students. There are 13 student associations which you can choose from to join. In these associations you can participate in all sorts of activities, from choir to soccer. Only students are allowed to enter, which makes it even better, because you all have something in common. They are always open for lunch, brunch, dinner, parties, study, or Fika (meaning coffee time). I was thinking about visiting Uppsala again during my summer holidays, but my parents had already made plans for me. But there’s always next year.

F FrancesI was close to completing my French major, and I decided that doing an exchange would help me consolidate my language skills while simultaneously fulfilling my lifelong dream of travelling. Before that trip to France, I focused a lot on the future – what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go and how I wanted to get there. Living overseas made me realize how significant every moment of my life can be and how important it is to focus attention on the things that I find most interesting and fulfilling.

Which person…

0 could choose sport as an extra-curricular activity? E 1 had problems with the language? _____2 travelled the whole country? _____3 wanted to improve their knowledge of a foreign language? ____4 boosted their self-esteem? _____5 gives advice on communication with the natives? _____6 says they didn’t regret the experience? _____7 enjoyed being with people like themselves? _____8 had a great academic experience? ____

9 loved the people they met there? _____10 spent holidays in the country of their exchange? _____11 wanted to make the wish to visit new countries come true? _____12 is planning to visit the country of their exchange again? _____

Task 1 - You are going to read an article in which people talk about their hobbies. For questions (1-12), choose from the people (A-F). There is an example at the beginning (0).

HobbiesWe asked some people to tell us about their hobbies.

A AlexanderI’m a member of the Galactic Circle Astronomy Club. Our activities have included overnight stays at the local observatory, a telescope building workshop and most recently observations of stars. “Star parties”, which are often organised if something interesting comes up like a meteor shower, are my favourite. But you can imagine how worn out I feel when these gatherings occur for a few nights in a row, and this happens often. I may have to make some changes though, like reducing some of the activities because I need to start studying for my medical school exam.

D DeborahI’ve recently joined a ballroom dancing course. You may think I’m mad because for the past few years I’ve been playing handball, going to music school and have taken up creative writing, all in addition to regular school. But dancing seemed such a challenge that some of my friends talked me into it. And I’m glad because now they say I’m a natural, doing remarkably well although I had little previous experience in it. My days are all booked up but I still manage to get my beauty sleep.

B BenI joined my teen drama class last year. It’s a workshop designed for building up confidence and creativity. We analyse literary texts and put on plays. It’s so much fun, I’d really recommend it, unless it takes you long to learn a poem by heart! My main motive was to hang out with other young people doing something worthwhile, but I haven’t considered pursuing an acting career yet. We’ve done three productions this year and there’s even been some talk of a tour in the summer.

E EricaEver since I was a child I’ve adored animals.I badly wanted to have one, but it never happened. I finally decided to be a volunteer for an animal rescue group. And I’m so happy! I usually avoid human company but now even that side of life has improved, not to mention the things I can do for animals – like finding homes for homeless pets, collecting donations, providing training and healthcare. I’ve learned so much that although I recently started studying design, I’m now planning on becoming a vet!

C ClaudiaMy environmentalist group had some great projects this year dealing with climate change, water and waste issues, and wildlife preservation. I signed up in the first place because I couldn’t stand knowing about all these problems and doing nothing. My favourite project though was a study of native species in Kopački rit. We often had to walk for hours at a time to spot a rare bird, even though our feet were killing us. We should have worked out regularly in preparing for this trip. But at least my asthma condition has changed for the better.

F FrankI’d always wanted to play in a band but had no actual music training. I couldn’t even read notes. So, the five of us joined a teen rock band advertised locally and got an instructor who taught us to play the lead and bass guitar and drums. He really is a talented musician and good teacher. We started by playing easy popular songs but after two years could even do a little composing on our own. We sang and played in front of hundreds of kids this summer, moving from town to town. It was a truly memorable experience. But now I’m going abroad with my parents and I’ll have to find something else to do in my spare time.

Which person…0 plays a sport? D1 went on a tour? 2 gets little sleep? 3 felt frustrated? 4 wants to turn their hobby into a career? 5 will change their hobby? 6 had to be fit?

7 needs a good memory? 8 enjoys working with people? 9 discovered a new talent? 10 improved their health? 11 is a shy person? 12 has made an instrument? Task 1 - You are going to read an article in which people talk about their travel experiences. For questions 1-12, choose from the people A-F. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Travellers’ TalesWe asked some people to tell us about their travel experiences.

A AntoniaSo I arrived at this seaside place to spend a couple of weeks relaxing by the sea, but I found that instead of being part of the local culture I was in a resort for Westerners. There were no beach huts but only a hotel, and there was a disco blasting out Western disco music all night, so I was dead tired in the morning. The place was crowded, and they were not my kind of people. But I didn’t let it get me down – I just packed my bags and headed into the mountains.

D DerekWhile waiting to start my university course, I went to a remote area in Chile for three months on a project to build houses for the local people. I had to do all sorts of things, from helping general construction to pouring cement. I’d never done this before. And a great thing was that I got to know the families who will actually live in these houses. One day, I’ll take my children there and say “I helped build that.” I was worried about my university course but now with this experience I feel I’ll make a success of it.

B Barbara I‘ve just come back from Tanzania, where I was in a team teaching children how to read and write. It’s wonderful to see the kids learn a new skill and become more confident in themselves. The place was a bit risky because of malaria, but I had plenty of medicines around me. I was surrounded by people all day, but in the evening I always tried to get some time for myself and watch glorious sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

E EmmaI was bored watching TV all day so I decided to go somewhere totally different – Africa. I thought it was going to be a fabulous adventure – no advance planning. But when I arrived, I found myself in a really dirty place, with insects everywhere. As for the food, thank goodness there was a McDonald’s. And I couldn’t understand the language. I was so miserable that I just wanted to go home. So I did.

C Charles I spent a month monitoring endangered chamois goats and their interrelationship with wolves and bears. We spent the days high in the mountains, recording the presence of these animals through direct observation and their tracks, signs and calls. You could hear wolves howling at night, but I soon got used to it. I sometimes spent hours looking at the stars – you don’t see that in London. I even managed to do some serious mountaineering, the first time I’d done that. It was quite dangerous, and it really showed me how important it is to be able to rely on the people around you and coordinate everything you do.

F FredI spent three months in Ghana on a football programme, working with street children, orphans and children with disabilities. My job was to help organize training sessions and competitions and to give lessons on football tactics. I stayed with a local family, which was a true cultural experience. The food was very different from what I was used to. I also took part in football camps, but I missed one because I had to stay in bed for a couple of days. It must have been something I ate. But working with these children was great. It all gave me a new way of looking at the world.

Which person …0 had problems communicating with the local people? E1 learned a new sport?2 learned a new skill?3 learned how to work in a team?4 enjoyed being alone?

5 felt unhappy?6 has become more self-confident?7 enjoyed looking at the night sky?8 became ill?9 changed their travel plans?10 did not like the local food?11 had trouble sleeping?12 hopes to go to the same place again?

Task 1 - You are going to read an article in which people talk about their football memories. For questions 1-12, choose from the people A-F. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Football MomentsWe asked some people to tell us about their football memories.

A Anthony It was 0-0 with about fifteen minutes to go and the ball came into our penalty area and I went for it when suddenly an opposing forward rushed past me and fell to the ground like he was badly injured. ‘Penalty!’ said the referee, showing me a yellow card. I couldn’t believe it! I hadn’t touched him! I felt so angry. I felt like arguing with the referee, but I didn’t want a red card. They scored and we lost. I remember I was furious at the time, but I needn’t have been. After all, it’s only football.

C CharlieWe were playing for the local schools’ Indoor Football Cup that afternoon and the matchwas being shown live on local television. ‘Hurry up. We’re late!’ I shouted to my dad who was driving me to the sports hall, which was in another town. Round and round we drove. My dad had no idea where we were. It’s a good thing I had nerves of steel. When we did find the place, I rushed in, got changed and ran onto the court just in time. It was a nightmare getting there, but it was a dream come true, because we won.

B Brenda My team were in the Cup Final and with ten minutes to go there was still no score when we were awarded a penalty. I just couldn’t watch it. I had to go out into the kitchen and try to calm myself. Then I heard the roar. We’d scored! I jumped with delight and punched the air. But then the other team scored twice in the last minutes. So I went from ecstasy to deep depression. What a difference an hour makes!

D DeniseMy local team were playing Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup. I’d never seen so many people come to a game before, and there was such a huge queue to get in that I missed the start. The atmosphere was fantastic and the great thing was that we managed to hold them to a draw. After the match, we saw some Chelsea fans and started teasing them. Suddenly, they rushed at us and started beating us up and a lot of my mates got injured. After that, I never went near opposing fans.

E Eddy It was a penalty shoot-out and it was up to me. I chose the corner I would shoot at, stepped back and went to kick. Then I saw the goalkeeper moving to that corner, so I changed my mind and went for the other one – and missed the goal completely. We’d lost. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. Even today, this moment suddenly comes back to my mind and I groan to myself.

F FredI was playing in goal and I dived for the ball at the feet of an opposing forward. I got the ball and the forward fell over me. When I got up I heard everyone shouting ‘Foul!’ but I knew I hadn’t fouled the forward. Then the referee came up, looked me in the face, and said ‘I’m sending you off!’ ‘That’s not fair’, I shouted, ‘I didn’t foul him! I’m not going!’, and I stood my ground. ‘No’, he said, ‘You’ve got to go off.’ It was then that I felt blood running down my face. The forward’s boot had caught me just above my eye. So off I went – for stitches.

Which person...

0 was playing goalkeeper? F1 saw the game on TV?2 was injured?3 thinks he was treated unfairly?4 arrived late?5 got lost?6 felt nervous?7 argued with the referee?8 won a cup?9 does not like to remember the game?10 feels differently about the event now?11 learned a lesson?12 felt ashamed?

Task 1 - You are going to read an article in which people talk about their holidays when they were kids. For questions 1-12, choose from the people A-F. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Summer HolidaysWe asked some people to tell us about their holidays when they were kids.

A Joan We used to go to the coast for a week and stay in a caravan. It was either that or a tent, which we didn’t fancy. We couldn’t afford anything else. The beaches were nice, but the sea was freezing. It didn’t stop us going in though. Looking back, it didn’t harm us. The best thing was the fish. I can feel the taste in my mouth even after all these years. We didn’t go out in the evenings. We’d just stay in and play cards and board games. The only thing was no pets were allowed, so the cat and dog stayed with my aunt.

B TonyMy parents had bought some land in the hills. It had always been their dream to have aholiday home there. Every vacation, we’d go and work on it. My cousins would come too. The first year or two we had to camp in the open. Building the house was really hard and every night we’d fall asleep totally exhausted. It was good fun, though, and now we have a wonderfulholiday home in the hills that we can escape to whenever it gets too hot in the city. It’s even got a tennis court which I play on a lot.

C Andrea My father had this idea that holidays should be educational. Every year when my friends were all on the beach, my sister and I would be dragged round the country in an attempt to improve our general knowledge. I remember one year we visited the cathedrals of the south- -west region. My sister found it interesting, but I couldn’t help thinking enviously of my friends enjoying themselves on the coast. It all went in one ear and out the other.

D RonaldI would go and stay with my friends at their grandparents’ in the country. It was like livingin another century. They had no running water. We had to get it from a well in the garden. They didn’t have gas or electricity either. Of course, there was no TV. Nowadays, such places must be very rare. However, it was great! We’d spend the days climbing the trees and swimming in the stream at the bottom of the garden. And the wildlife was amazing!

E Benjamin Times were hard and we spent the holidays at home. It didn’t bother us, because as long as we had a ball we could kick it around all day. There was a field nearby and we’d play with other kids like us. It didn’t matter if it rained. Anything was better than playing inside the house. Nowadays, when I work all day and find myself physically exhausted, I look back fondly on those times. However, at the same time, I do regret missing the opportunity to see more of the world as a youngster.

F CarolWe used to go abroad to the south of France, which was a very modern thing back then. I remember that the neighbours were extremely jealous of us. My brothers and I loved it there. We’d play with the local children. It did wonders for our French, which was the only subject we didn’t have to worry about at home. I remember thinking the place would be backward, but it wasn’t at all. Mum and Dad loved the local food, although I can’t say I was so keen on it myself.

Which person…0 had to do physical work? B1 did better at school because of their holiday?2 used to play indoors sometimes?3 was jealous of other people’s vacations?4 enjoyed the food?5 went with relatives?6 didn’t have very modern conditions?7 had to sleep outside?8 didn’t have enough money to go away?9 used to go sightseeing?10 played sport?

11 went on a holiday that wasn’t common at the time?12 had the chance to see animals?

Documents

A for and against essay