STUDY AND WRITING SKILLS
75
7.5
3
Read the essay again. In which paragraph(s) of the
essay can you find the following?
a
the writer’s strongest argument to support
his/her opinion
b
a counter-argument which is challenged by the writer
c
a strong opinion linking with the opening paragraph
d
the opinion(s) of the writer on the topic
e
additional arguments to support the writer’s opinion
4
Fact and opinion
What is the difference between a
fact and an opinion? Complete the text with the words
in the box.
belief emotions evaluation proved
scientific subjective
A fact is true and based on
1
testing or practical
experience, not on ideas. It can be supported by
objective evidence. An opinion is a
2
that may or
may not be true. It is normally
3
. It can be based
on a person’s perspective,
4
or understanding
of something. The essential difference between a fact
and an opinion is that a fact can be
5
by study,
research,
6
or previous knowledge.
5
Work in small groups. Are the statements from the
essay facts (F) or opinions (O)? Give reasons.
1
Most people enjoy this style of living. (paragraph 1)
2
High-rise apartments tend to be in desirable, urban
locations. (paragraph 2)
3
There are also high-rise apartments situated in
beautiful, natural surroundings. (paragraph 2)
4
These provide opportunities for residents to get to
know each other better. (paragraph 3)
5
There are limited opportunities for gardening in such
buildings. (paragraph 4)
6
There is a tendency nowadays for architects to
design high-rise buildings which include ‘green
spaces’. (paragraph 4)
7
The building will be a perfect model for architects
designing tower blocks in the future. (paragraph 4)
8
Living in such apartments will undoubtedly increase
in the future. (paragraph 5)
6
Find the phrases 1–6 in the essay. What can you
infer about the writer’s intention?
1
It is claimed that they feel isolated … (paragraph 1)
You can infer from the phrase ‘It is claimed …’ that the
writer may not agree with this opinion.
2
This is a misconception. (paragraph 1)
3
This is not entirely true ... (paragraph 4)
4
More importantly, ... (paragraph 4)
5
Unquestionably … (paragraph 5)
6
Undoubtedly … (paragraph 5)
WRITING SKILLS
AN OPINION-LED ESSAY
7
a
Avoiding repetition – nouns
Most texts contain
pronouns. These are used instead of a noun or noun
phrase. Complete the lists with other pronouns that
you know.
Personal pronouns:
I
,
she
,
him
…
Possessive pronouns:
mine
,
hers
, …
Demonstrative pronouns:
that
, …
Relative pronouns:
who
, …
Other pronouns:
one
, …
7
b
Look at the essay again. What do the highlighted
pronouns refer to?
them (line 6) = high-rise apartments
1
This (line 7)
5
which (line 21)
2
their (line 14)
6
This (line 24)
3
These (line 15)
7
these (line 25)
4
These (line 19)
8
a
Avoiding repetition – nouns/noun phrases
It is
common to avoid repeating nouns and noun phrases
by using phrases with similar meanings. Find three
alternative phrases in paragraph 1 which avoid repeating
high-rise apartment blocks
and one alternative in
paragraph 4 for
tendency
.
8
b
Avoiding repetition – verbs and adverbs
Find the
following in the essay.
•
two verbs in paragraph 3 which avoid repeating
offers
.
•
an adverb in paragraph 5 which avoids repeating
unquestionably
.
9
Improve this paragraph about high-rise apartments
by avoiding repeating nouns phrases, verbs, verb
phrases and adverbs.
Another great advantage of high-rise apartments is that
they are generally cheaper to buy than a house. They
are also cheaper for living and maintenance. Buying
an apartment typically costs from $200,000–300,000,
but buying a house will cost a lot more. Maintenance
costs are undoubtedly cheaper for high-rise apartments
because the surface area of high-rise apartments is
smaller than the surface area of houses. Also, living
and maintaining a house is generally a lot more time-
consuming. A great argument, too, is that living above
the ground in an apartment is more peaceful and less
noisy than living in a house.
10
Write an opinion-led essay on one of these questions.
•
Too much money is spent on maintaining and
repairing old buildings rather than on building new,
modern, space-saving ones.
•
It is more important for a building to serve its
purpose than to be a work of art.
•
In old towns, new buildings should always be in
the traditional style.
•
Modern architecture is ugly compared with
classical styles.
