The topic explained
LESSON 6A WRITING | An opinion essay
- □ I can write an opinion essay.
Traditional or modern values? Look at the photos
1 REFLECT | Values In pairs, discuss the questions.
1 Look at the opinions in photos A–C. Do you think these represent traditional or modern values? Say why.
2 Do you think your values are traditional or more modern? Say why.
3 What do you think are the positive and negative aspects of traditional or more modern values?
The writing task: how can old values help today?
2 Read the Writing task. In pairs, come up with at least three ways in which people might think traditional values can be helpful in modern life.
The model essay, read whole
Read the model essay for that task.
Does the student mention any of your ideas?
Five ways to sound formal in an essay
4 Study Active Writing. Then complete it with examples of formal language from the essay.
ACTIVE WRITING | Using a formal register in essays
- As a type of academic writing, essays should generally use a formal register.
- Fill in: Exercise 4. See the comparisons below. When you write an essay:
- don’t use contractions or abbreviations.
- informal: However, it’s no longer common for people …
- formal: 1 ___
- don’t use colloquialisms.
- informal: Their families would live in each other’s pockets.
- formal: 2 ___
- be objective.
- informal: I think traditional values are important in Jordan.
- formal: 3 ___
Formal vocabulary and complex sentences
- use more formal vocabulary choices.
- informal: Obviously, the world is changing very fast.
- formal: 4 ___
- use more complex sentences, rather than always joining clauses with and, but or so.
- informal: Working hard is important in the modern world, but we may work different hours or online in different places.
- formal: 5 ___
Spot formal language, then make it informal
5 Find other examples of formal language in the essay. Compare in pairs and rewrite them in more informal language.
Your turn: rules for children, society and change
6 Read the Writing task and make notes to support your opinion. In pairs, compare your ideas.
- the impact of following rules (or not) on the children themselves.
- the impact on society as a whole.
- any ways in which you feel society’s attitude towards children’s behaviour has changed.
