A.Link each pair of sentences in the way shown in brackets using a suitable linking word or phrase.
- Use in addition, moreover, furthermore and what is more to add information.
- Use although, despite (the fact that), however and on the other hand to show a contrast.
- Use firstly, secondly thirdly and finally/lastly to put information in order.
- Use therefore, consequently and this means that to show a result,
- Use In conclusion and to conclude to summarise your ideas.
1.I love doing adventurous sports. I recently took up windsurfing.
Consequently It has changed my life.I feel more alive and adventurous,like I can do everything.I love it! I recommend to everybody to try at least 1 adventurous sport or event in their lives as it can really change your mind and soul.
2.Firstly, individual sports require patience. They can help build up concentration.
Secondly young athletes in individual sports learn to be self reliant.Their success is entirely dependent on their own efforts.If they want to win, they can’t count on someone else carrying them through the competition. If they lose a match, individual sport athletes can’t blame anyone else for their failure. This teaches them to be responsible for their own action and decisions.And
lastly these kind of sports can be particularly beneficial for kids and even adults with disorders because they help develop self-esteem, focus, and social skills while encouraging physical activity.
3.Competitive sports can be good fun. Participants often take things too seriously.
Although when a sport is transformed into a highly competitive, win-at-all-costs activity, with someone's parents yelling at refs, who wants to play anymore? Of course winning can be fun,
on the other hand it truly is the participation that is the most fun of all.
4.She set a world record last year. She wasn’t in good health.
Despite her lack of energy she didn't lack in hard work.It is inspiring and motivating for kids all over the world to see this kind of commitment that we ,the new generation,
although we try,but fail at all cost to show.
B.Read the writing task below and then answer the questions about it.
Dear Agony Aunt,
I'm so tired and angry. My parents insist that I do a leisure activity every day after school. They say that I should do something sporty in my free time, so that I become more disciplined. They’ve signed me up for swimming lessons, basketball and tennis without asking me first. How can I make them see that if I take on all these after-school activities, my school work will start to suffer. I'm also not very fond of team sports, because they make teenagers more competitive towards their friends. I just want to have a fun and relaxing time with my friends.
Some parents force their children to do after-school activities. Is this a good thing? How might this negatively affect young people? Write an essay discussing your opinions using specific examples.
1 Why has the teenager written to the Agony Aunt?
2 Do you agree or disagree with the writer of the letter?
3 What do you have to write?
4 Which questions do you have to answer?
5 What should you also include?
6 Will the essay be formal or informal?
1.The tired teenager has written to the Agony Aunt to reveal his angriness and hopelessness towards his parents that force him into doing 3 different sports.
2.I agree to the writer because I myself am a teenager,in addition I know how terribly hard it can be to balance school work and social life(among other things),never less doing 3 extra sports can be awfully overwhelming and a tad to much.Although sports have their benefits,I must say just 1 individual or team sport a week is more than enough.
3.I'd have to write that the writer has to communicate with his parents and show them his or her thoughts on this matter.
4.
How can I make them see that if I take on all these after-school activities, my school work will start to suffer.-Again the individual should communicate with their parents.Calm communication is key to an understanding, trusting relationship.Either a friendship,a romantic relationship or family relationship.
5.I would also include that they shouldn't think negatively towards sports.Not all sports can be competitive,some can be really fun.There are all kinds of things you can do that can be relaxing with you and together with your friends also.
6.Informal.
-Dear _____
Firstly,thanks for writing to me.Secondly I want you to know that I deeply understand your thoughts and you are not alone in this matter.Moreover there are thousands,maybe millions,of kids in the world that feel forced and under pressure to do as many sports as they can.That is not OKAY.However, one must agree that all sports have their advantages.In your email I read that you are not very keen on sports,and the reason is that in your opinion they make teenagers more competitive towards their friends.Well that is partially true.Depending on your team,friends,coach,parents and the sport itself.
Despite that,you shouldn't think negatively towards all sports.There are plenty of sport activities that one can do alone or with a group of friends that is lots of fun.
Lastly,my advice is to communicate openly with your parents.In such situations, both parties should express their feelings and needs in a healthy way,not by forcing,fighting or other negative ways.I strongly think that your parents will be understanding,all you need is patience. Good luck!
C Read the model article and complete it with these linking words.
As a result/ Finally/ Firstly/In conclusion/ Moreover/ On the other hand
-It is common for parents to decide how their children spend their free time. This sometimes creates
arguments as parents and children do not always see eye to eye on this matter.
-(1)
Firstly young people can benefit from leisure activities. They can build up their confidence
and make them more disciplined. (2)
Moreover they learn new skills they probably would not
learn at home, For example, team sports like basketball encourage teenagers to co-operate with others in addition to improving general fitness.
-(3)
On the other hand, some teenagers complain that taking part in several leisure activities affects their schoolwork, If they take on too many activities, young people become exhausted, (4)
As a result
there is a negative effect on their studies. (5)
Finally teenagers can become too competitive
as they sometimes take winning too seriously. For example, two friends who are playing on different teams might stop talking to each other if one team beats the other,
-(6)
In conclusion , unless parents give their children freedom to choose which activities they do and
how often they do them, children will not benefit from them. Parents must listen to their children, especially when they are putting them under pressure.
D Read the model essay again and mark the things the writer has done.
- solved the teenager’s problem.-No
- written a formal essay-No
- referred to the problems described in the extract-Yes
- provided examples to develop his or her ideas-Yes
- used linking words and phrases wrongly-No
- concluded in a logical way-Yes
E Write the correct paragraph number from the model essay next to
these descriptions. (1, 2, 3, 4)
Discuss the issue from the writers point of view.
(3)
Introduce the topic and make a general comment on it.
(1)
Summarise the main ideas and state your opinion.
(4)
Discuss the benefits of leisure activities.
(2)
F Look at the Useful Expressions and choose the correct answers.
1 ……….. sports like volleyball and tennis are great fun.
a Individual b disciplined
c competitive
2 Some team sports cause too much………… between young people.
a rivalry b pastime c pressure
3 Physical exercise can help to ……………up your concentration.
a put b build
c improve
4 Arts and crafts are very ……………. .
a exhausted
b therapeutic c general
5 The coach puts the players ………… too much pressure.
a on b into
c under
6 ………………is often an individual sport.
a Canoeing b Football c Basketball