(Page 21)
I can write an opinion essay on the topic of friendship.
|
1 SPEAKING Work in pairs. Discuss the questions below.1 Who are the people you are closest to? 2 What qualities do you look for in a friend? 2 Read the task and the essay. In which paragraphs does the writer cover each element of the task?It is sometimes claimed that 'opposites attract' when it comes to friendship. Write an essay in which you give your own opinion of this view taking into consideration personality and appearance. It is sometimes claimed that opposites attract when it comes to friendship. On the whole, I don't agree with that opinion. I think people choose like-minded friends. That extends to physical appearance - if you have similar tastes, you may appreciate similar clothes and hairstyles. Personally, I think that you may be long-term friends with someone who is on the same wavelength as you. I think opposites do attract, but those different qualities that attracted you at first can annoy you later! My closest friend, Helen, is quite similar to me. Having said that, we do not have everything in common - in fact, the differences keep our friendship interesting. However, we share broad interests and personalities, so we can spend a lot of time together. It's in the details that we differ. For example, we love sports but support different teams. And although we're both sociable, Helen is more outgoing than me. When it comes to appearance, a similar appearance can lead to attraction. Helen and I share style. We enjoy shopping and swapping clothes. These activities wouldn’t work if we had different interests. So, in my view, although you may be attracted to a friend who is completely opposite to you, the best kind of friend is one that you have enough in common with, so that your friendship lasts a long time. 3 Read the Learn this! box and the Writing Strategy. Then underline an example of each of the structures below in the essay.1 Contrasting clauses with but and although 2 An example of another linker 3 A passive form 4 An example of preparatory it
|
4 Rewrite the sentences using a structure from the Learn this! box. Start with the words in brackets.1 Online conversations are quick and easy. They are often superficial. (Although...) 2 The non-verbal aspects of conversations are really important. (It is...) 3 A lot of people believe that you only need a few close friends. (It is...) 4 People are busy. They can still keep in touch using social media. (Even if...) 5 Read the task. Then make notes under headings (A-C) below. Include ideas from exercise 4 and your own opinions.It is sometimes said that social media friends are not real friends. Give your own opinion of this view, commenting on the best and worst aspects of online friendships and how face-to-face interactions are different. A Online friendships: benefits B Online friendships: possible problems C Face-to-face relationships: unique features 6 Write your essay (180-200 words) using your notes in exercise 5.
|
