In the following paragraph, insert suitable reference words from the box below in the gaps. Complete these paragraphs with suitable reference words from the table in 1.

1. Many essay titles require the writer to examine both sides of a case and to conclude by coming down in favour of one side. These may be called discussion, for and against or argument essays. For example: a School uniforms – a step forward or a step back? – Discuss. b Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of state control of industry. Discussion vocabulary + – benefit drawback advantage disadvantage a positive aspect a negative feature pro informal con informal plus informal minus informal one minor benefit of school uniforms is .. a serious drawback to state control is …

2. There are two basic outlines for a discussion essay:

i School uniforms? a advantages: reduce social inequalityencourage group identityavoid choice b disadvantages: loss of individualityexpenseunfashionable c discussion: overall, benefits more valuable in most cases ii School uniforms? a social: emphasises group values – diminishes individual choice b practical: expensive for poor families but easier to get dressed c discussion: overall, benefits more valuable in most cases 3. Choose one of the titles below and write down as many pros and cons in the box as possible. Then prepare a plan using one of the outlines above. a Instead of going out to work, mothers should stay at home and look after their children until they are at least five – Discuss. b Fast food, which is spreading round the world and destroying national cultures, should be resisted. To what extent do you agree? + –

5. Discussion

4.5 Discursive Essay cross reference 1.12 Organising the Main Body cross reference Title: a b c d 4. Presenting your case. It is better to use impersonal phrases rather than I think: It is widely believed that young children need to be with their mothers … Most people consider that fast food is very convenient … It is generally agreed that school uniforms develop a group identity … It is probablepossible that fast food will become more acceptable … This evidence suggests that most children benefit from nurseries … However, if you want to defend a minority point of view, you can use the following: It can be argued that children benefit from a diet of hamburgers. It has been suggested that school uniforms make children more rebellious. Some people believe that nursery education damages children. It is important to show that you are aware of counter-arguments, which can be presented first. Study the example and write similar sentences about working mothers and fast food using ideas from 3. Counter-argument Your position Although it has been suggested that it is generally agreed that uniforms school uniforms make children more develop a group identity. rebellious, 5. Before giving your own opinion, it is necessary to show that you have read the relevant sources and have studied the evidence. Opinions without evidence have little value. The following paragraph discusses the environmental effects of deforestation. Lomborg 2001 claims that the danger of extinction of species has been exaggerated. He says that the number of species had been expected to decline dramatically within the next half century, but maintains that this is unlikely: ‘Species … seem more resilient than expected.’ He points out that in the eastern USA, although 98 of the original forests have been cleared, only one forest bird became extinct in the process. Against this, Brooks 2001 feels that Lomborg 1.9 Combining Sources 3.16 Referring Verbs cross reference