Номер 1, страница 60 - гдз по английскому языку 8 класс (starlight) учебник Баранова, Дули

An opinion essay

Writing Tip

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which we present our personal opinion on a topic and support it with reasons and examples. An opinion essay consists of:

• an introduction in which we introduce the topic and clearly state our opinion;

• a main body consisting of three paragraphs. The first two present separate viewpoints, each supported by reasons/examples, and the third paragraph presents the opposing viewpoint supported by reasons/examples. Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence which summarises the main idea of the paragraph;

• a conclusion, in which we restate our opinion in different words.

We normally use present tenses. We link our ideas with appropriate linking words.

Adding more points: Moreover, Furthermore, Also, Apart from this, In addition.

Listing points: To begin with, Firstly, In the first place, Secondly, Last, etc

Introducing opposing viewpoints: On the other hand, Although, However, etc

Introducing examples/reasons: For example/instance, Such as, Therefore, In particular, etc

Expressing results: As a result, Consequently, So, As a consequence, etc

Concluding: To sum up, All things considered, Taking everything into account, etc

To express our opinion we use phrases such as: I believe, In my opinion, I think, It seems to me that, To my mind, I strongly disagree with, I am totally against, I completely agree with, etc

We do not use colloquial expressions, everyday language, short verb forms or chatty personal language. We use formal expressions, longer sentences, full verb forms and formal linking words.

We can also find this type of writing in the form of an article in newspapers, magazines, etc.

1 The number of private vehicles on our roads is constantly increasing and causing serious environmental problems. In my opinion, banning all private transport in our towns and cities could be a good idea, as it would reduce pollution levels and therefore improve our quality of life.

2 Firstly, our cities would be far healthier without constant streams of traffic. For example, fewer cars and motorcycles would vastly improve air quality; and harmful gases that contribute to global warming would be greatly reduced. Also, public transport systems would improve and everyone would get to their destinations much faster.

3 Moreover, we would be safer. More people would choose to walk or cycle to work or school. As a result, there would be fewer road accidents.

4 On the other hand, some people argue that a total ban on private transport restricts people's rights and freedom. Rather than a ban, they simply suggest encouraging the public to use buses and trains more, by making them cheaper to ride and more accessible.

5 All in all, after public transport is improved, I feel that a ban on private transport could be an effective way to create better towns and cities. People could commute more efficiently in a cleaner environment.

1 ✎ Read the rubric. Find the key words and answer the questions.

You have had a class discussion about the following statement: “All private transport such as cars and motorcycles should be banned in cities to help protect the environment.” Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinion and reasons to support your views.

1 Who is going to read your essay?

2 Will you use colloquial expressions and short verb forms? Why? Why not?

3 What is your opinion on the topic? Give reasons.

An opinion essay

Writing Tip

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which we present our personal opinion on a topic and support it with reasons and examples. An opinion essay consists of:

• an introduction in which we introduce the topic and clearly state our opinion;

• a main body consisting of three paragraphs. The first two present separate viewpoints, each supported by reasons/examples, and the third paragraph presents the opposing viewpoint supported by reasons/examples. Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence which summarises the main idea of the paragraph;

• a conclusion, in which we restate our opinion in different words.

We normally use present tenses. We link our ideas with appropriate linking words.

Adding more points: Moreover, Furthermore, Also, Apart from this, In addition.

Listing points: To begin with, Firstly, In the first place, Secondly, Last, etc

Introducing opposing viewpoints: On the other hand, Although, However, etc

Introducing examples/reasons: For example/instance, Such as, Therefore, In particular, etc

Expressing results: As a result, Consequently, So, As a consequence, etc

Concluding: To sum up, All things considered, Taking everything into account, etc

To express our opinion we use phrases such as: I believe, In my opinion, I think, It seems to me that, To my mind, I strongly disagree with, I am totally against, I completely agree with, etc

We do not use colloquial expressions, everyday language, short verb forms or chatty personal language. We use formal expressions, longer sentences, full verb forms and formal linking words.

We can also find this type of writing in the form of an article in newspapers, magazines, etc.

1 The number of private vehicles on our roads is constantly increasing and causing serious environmental problems. In my opinion, banning all private transport in our towns and cities could be a good idea, as it would reduce pollution levels and therefore improve our quality of life.

2 Firstly, our cities would be far healthier without constant streams of traffic. For example, fewer cars and motorcycles would vastly improve air quality; and harmful gases that contribute to global warming would be greatly reduced. Also, public transport systems would improve and everyone would get to their destinations much faster.

3 Moreover, we would be safer. More people would choose to walk or cycle to work or school. As a result, there would be fewer road accidents.

4 On the other hand, some people argue that a total ban on private transport restricts people’s rights and freedom. Rather than a ban, they simply suggest encouraging the public to use buses and trains more, by making them cheaper to ride and more accessible.

5 All in all, after public transport is improved, I feel that a ban on private transport could be an effective way to create better towns and cities. People could commute more efficiently in a cleaner environment.

1 Read the rubric. Find the key words and answer the questions.

You have had a class discussion about the following statement: "All private transport such as cars and motorcycles should be banned in cities to help protect the environment." Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinion and reasons to support your views.

1 Who is going to read your essay?

2 Will you use colloquial expressions and short verb forms? Why? Why not?

3 What is your opinion on the topic? Give reasons.

У вас состоялась классная дискуссия по следующему утверждению: «Весь частный транспорт, такой как автомобили и мотоциклы, должен быть запрещен в городах, чтобы помочь защитить окружающую среду». Теперь ваш учитель попросил вас написать эссе, изложив свое мнение и причины в поддержку ваших взглядов.

1 Кто будет читать ваше эссе?

Ответ: My teacher.

Мой учитель.

2 Будете ли вы использовать разговорные выражения и краткие формы глаголов? Почему? Почему нет?

Ответ: No, I won't use colloquial expressions or short verb forms. This is because an opinion essay is a formal piece of writing that requires formal expressions, full verb forms, and formal linking words.

Нет, я не буду использовать разговорные выражения или краткие формы глаголов. Это потому, что эссе-мнение является формальным видом письма, которое требует формальных выражений, полных форм глаголов и формальных связующих слов.

3 Каково ваше мнение по этой теме? Приведите причины.

Ответ: In my opinion, all private transport such as cars and motorcycles should be banned in cities. Firstly, it would greatly reduce pollution levels and improve air quality, making our cities healthier. Secondly, it would make our roads safer, leading to fewer road accidents as more people would walk or cycle. Finally, it would encourage the use of public transport, making urban movement more efficient in a cleaner environment.

По моему мнению, весь частный транспорт, такой как автомобили и мотоциклы, следует запретить в городах. Во-первых, это значительно снизит уровень загрязнения и улучшит качество воздуха, делая наши города здоровее. Во-вторых, это сделает наши дороги безопаснее, приведет к уменьшению дорожно-транспортных происшествий, так как больше людей будут ходить пешком или ездить на велосипеде. Наконец, это будет стимулировать использование общественного транспорта, делая городское передвижение более эффективным в более чистой среде.