STUDY AND WRITING SKILLS
34
3.5
Top sportsmen and women
are paid too much. Discuss.
1 In recent years, the amount of money
earned by top sportsmen and women
has risen and attracted a lot of media
attention. Stars of high-profile sports
such as football, golf, tennis, boxing
and motor racing often feature in lists
of the world’s richest people. The
objective of this essay is to decide
if these sportspeople should receive
such large amounts of money.
2 It is true that not all sports stars are
very well paid, but certain individuals
do earn an enormous amount. The
earnings of these sports stars come
from a number of sources. Firstly,
there are the huge salaries for
some stars, for instance footballers.
Secondly, there is the prize money
available for winning major sporting
competitions and trophies. Finally,
and perhaps most lucrative for many
top sports stars, are sponsorship deals
and advertising contracts.
3 Many people argue that these stars
deserve their earnings for a number
of important reasons. Sports players
provide entertainment, like any
well-known actor or pop star. They
are professional people at the top of
their chosen career. In simple terms,
they are the best at what they do, and
should be paid accordingly. They
have put in years of training to be as
good as they can be at their sport.
STUDY SKILLS
UNDERSTANDING ESSAY QUESTIONS
1
What makes a good essay? Make a list.
It should have a clear structure ...
2
a
Understanding key words
Work with a partner. Look at the
essay questions and discuss what you think each question is asking.
Underline the key words.
1
Analyse the reasons why the bad behaviour of spectators at sports
events has increased in recent years.
2
Compare and contrast the achievements of two sports stars.
3
To what extent is winning the most important aspect of sport?
4
Account for the success of Association Football around the world.
5
Outline the benefits of children doing sport at school.
6
Top sportsmen and women are paid too much. Discuss.
7
Describe the role of a captain in team sports.
2
b
Match words and expressions from the essay questions in
Exercise 2a with meanings a–g.
a
give reasons for, explain
b
give a description of the main features or characteristics of something
c
look at in detail
d
talk about how far something is true or not
e
give both sides of an argument (e.g. for and against)
f
briefly give (the positive aspects)
g
show how two or more things are similar or different
3
a
3.5
Essay writing
Listen to a lecturer who has just finished a
study skills workshop and is answering questions. What questions
do the students ask?
3
b
Listen again and complete the notes about essay writing using
one word for each gap.
4
Work with a partner. Choose one of the essay titles from
Exercise 2a, analyse it and discuss what you would include in it.
Notes
Preparing to write
1
the title –
2
the key words.
3
what kind of structure the title indicates.
4
some notes.
5
your ideas.
6
yourself questions.
7
your notes.
Writing
Use the beginning,
8
and
9
approach.
In the first paragraph you should
10
the question in your own
words and
11
the topic.
In the final paragraph you should
12
back to the question and
13
your own opinion (if needed).
Language
Academic writing tends to be
14
in tone.
Try to leave
15
out of your writing.
16
structures are common.
Avoid
17
and contractions.
