Writing

Michael Verizhnikov,

Gr.0-6-39

Writing.

I Description of the B1 level

A learner can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure

A learner can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language, the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

A learner can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in areas where the language is spoken. He/she can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life.

A learner can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans, can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.

A learner can write simple connected texts on topics, which are familiar or of personal interest, can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

II The aim

Communicate effectively in writing despite the type of audience, use writing as a tool for thinking and learning, develop skill in planning writing and completing tasks and appropriately apply conventions of writing.

III Preparatory Exercises.

1. Look through the text:

Are women better drivers than men?

Some people believe that women are better drivers than men. However, others think that women make worse drivers. The idea that women make worse drivers is a stereotype. It comes from a time when women drove less than men, and driving was seen as a man’s responsibility. There are certainly different views on this controversial question, although there are a number of reasons why a woman’s personality makes her a more competent driver.

Firstly, women are more patient and polite towards other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. In stressful situations they are more likely to stay calm, and less likely to be involved in ‘road rage’ incidents. Secondly, female drivers are more cautious and therefore take fewer risks, for instance when overtaking. Thirdly, they are more-responsible so they tend not to drive when tired or after drinking alcohol.

On the other hand, many people argue that women cause accidents because they can be indecisive or react slowly because they lack confidence. In addition, they are easily distracted, for example, by children in the car. Research also shows that women find map reading more difficult than men, and can have problems with the difference between left and right. Despite the fact that women have more accidents, insurance is often cheaper for them because the accidents tend to be minor. In particular, women have accidents when parking. 'This is because women often have poor spatial awareness. In contrast, men tend to have more serious accidents.

To sum up, it can be seen that women make safer drivers than men becau.se of their personality. This is supported by the fact that women have fewer accidents in general and pay lower insurance premiums than men. On balance, it is clear that women are less competitive and aggressive than men behind the wheel and therefore better drivers.

2. Look again at the article “Are women better drivers than men?” and match ideas A-D with each paragraph:

1. Conclusion;

2. Arguments for;

3. Introduce the topic / state the proposition;

4. Arguments against.

3. Look at the statements 1-13 below and do the following tasks.

1. Decide which of the statements below apply more to men or women;

2. Add two more statements of your own. Select some to include in your essay. Remember to have some to show the other side of the argument;

Think of examples to support your statements.

1. _are good at listening.

2. _find it easier to deal with people.

3. _have more authority.

4. _are more sympathetic to others.

5. _are better organizers.

6. _pay more attention to detail.

7. _stay calm in stressful situations.

8. _are good at getting the best out of people.

9. _are energetic and enthusiastic.

10. _work better in a single-gender team.

11. _are better at public speaking.

12. _are more inspiring.

13. _take decisions quickly.

4. Choose an essay title from the following:

Are men/women better... managers … than women/men?

politicians

teachers

doctors

IV. Write an essay that will express your own opinion on this topic.

V. Imagine you are at a holiday resort. Write a letter to your pen friend about the location of the place, your accommodation, the weather, the sights, your activities, people there, the food and your plans in about 150 words. Complete the letter by recommending the place to your pen friend.