1.6.- Writing: contrast links and how to write an essay.

Do you think that poverty receives enough media coverage? Why?

Video of three ways to make the world care about poverty

Individual Listening Comprehension Exercise

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/T2P1hdz_WkH

Context Sentence	Grammar Structure
"Poverty is widespread in many developing countries, whereas some wealthy nations have made significant progress."	Subject + verb + whereas + subject + verb
"Although poverty is a significant global issue, there are countries that have made strides in alleviating it."	Although + subject + verb, subject + verb
"Even though many countries face poverty, international aid has made a positive impact in some regions."	Even though + subject + verb, subject + verb
"Poverty rates have increased globally; however, some countries have shown improvement through targeted policies."	Subject + verb; however, subject + verb
"While poverty is still a major issue in the world, many nations have successfully reduced it through education programs."	While + subject + verb, subject + verb
"In spite of efforts to alleviate poverty, millions of people still live in extreme conditions."	In spite of + noun/gerund, subject + verb
"Despite the significant progress made, poverty continues to affect a large portion of the global population."	Despite + noun/gerund, subject + verb
"Despite the fact that poverty has decreased in some regions, it still affects millions of people worldwide."	Despite the fact that + subject + verb, subject + verb
"In spite of the fact that some regions have reduced poverty, it remains a global issue requiring more attention."	In spite of the fact that + subject + verb, subject + verb
"Many countries have managed to reduce poverty. In contrast, others are still struggling with widespread poverty."	In contrast, subject + verb
"Contrary to expectations, some nations have been more successful in reducing poverty than others."	Contrary to + noun/verb, subject + verb
"Poverty continues to be a major global challenge. Nevertheless, there are some countries that have made significant progress."	Subject + verb; nevertheless, subject + verb
"Some countries have successfully reduced poverty through government initiatives. Conversely, others face worsening poverty levels."	Conversely, subject + verb
"Poverty is a persistent issue, though some countries have seen improvements through education and healthcare."	Subject + verb, though
"Many countries still suffer from high poverty rates. On the other hand, other regions have made significant progress."	On the other hand, subject + verb

Key Points:

• Language Register:
• Formal/Academic: These words (e.g., "Whereas," "In spite of the fact," "Contrary to," "Despite the fact") are often used in written academic contexts and are suitable for formal essays or reports.
• Neutral/Informal: Words like "Although," "Even though," "While," "Nevertheless" are more commonly used in both spoken and written contexts and are appropriate for everyday writing and discussions.
• Informal: Words such as "Though" and "On the other hand" are used in informal conversations or informal writing.
• Written vs. Spoken Language:
• Primarily Written: Words like "Whereas," "In spite of," "Despite the fact," and "Conversely" are typically used in formal written contexts such as academic essays, reports, and articles.
• Written and Spoken: Words like "Although," "Even though," "While," "Nevertheless" can be used in both written (essays, articles) and spoken (discussions, presentations) contexts.
• Primarily Spoken: Words like "On the other hand" are more often used in spoken language, especially in discussions or debates.

Exercise 3 on page 14

Collaborative Reading of the Exam Task and the Essay Sample on page 15

Brainstorming in teams about the benefits and limitations of education, campagins by charities and increased media coverage as ways of raising awareness of poverty as a global issue for the essay plan.

Parts of the essay:

1. Introduction

• Hook: An engaging opening to capture the reader’s attention (e.g., a question, a surprising fact, a brief anecdote).
• Context/Background: General information about the topic to situate the reader.
• Thesis Statement: A clear, concise statement of the essay’s main argument or purpose.
• Outline of Structure (optional, especially in academic writing): A brief mention of the main points that will be developed.

2. Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea that supports the thesis. They usually follow the PEEL or TEEL model (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).

• Topic Sentence: States the main idea of the paragraph.
• Evidence/Examples: Facts, statistics, expert opinions, or specific examples that support the argument.
• Explanation/Analysis: Interpretation of the evidence, showing how it supports the thesis.
• Link/Transition: A sentence connecting the paragraph’s idea to the next one, ensuring cohesion.

3. Counterargument/Refutation (optional but recommended at C1 level)

• Presentation of Opposing View: Acknowledge a valid perspective that contradicts your thesis.
• Refutation: Explain why this opposing view is less convincing or incomplete, reinforcing your main argument.

4. Conclusion

• Restatement of Thesis: Rephrase your main claim without repeating it word for word.
• Summary of Key Points: Briefly remind the reader of the main arguments developed.
• Final Thought/Closing Statement: A broader implication, recommendation, prediction, or thought-provoking comment that leaves a lasting impression.

 

Useful Phrases for an essay

1. Introduction Phrases

These phrases help to introduce the topic and provide a clear thesis statement:

• Introducing the topic:
• "In today’s world, [issue] is a growing concern..."
• "One of the most pressing issues facing society today is..."
• "The problem of [issue] has attracted increasing attention in recent years..."
• "There is an ongoing debate about the impact of [topic] on [subject]..."
• Thesis statement:
• "This essay will explore the role of [x] in addressing [issue]."
• "The aim of this essay is to examine the potential of [education/technology/media] in resolving [issue]."

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2. Body Paragraphs: Presenting Arguments and Ideas

These phrases help introduce and elaborate on your arguments in the body paragraphs.

• Introducing an argument or point:
• "One of the primary reasons for [phenomenon] is..."
• "A key factor in understanding [issue] is..."
• "It is widely believed that [statement], but some argue that..."
• "There are several aspects to consider when examining [issue]."
• Giving examples or evidence:
• "For instance, research has shown that..."
• "A good example of this can be seen in..."
• "For example, studies conducted in [place] indicate that..."
• "Take, for example, the case of..."
• Elaborating or adding to an idea:
• "Furthermore, it is important to consider..."
• "In addition to this, [x] also plays a significant role in..."
• "Moreover, [x] can be seen as a contributing factor in..."
• "What is more, studies indicate that..."
• Providing a counter-argument:
• "Some may argue that [viewpoint], however..."
• "While it is true that [counter-argument], it is essential to consider..."
• "Although [argument] holds merit, it overlooks the fact that..."
• "Opponents of [idea] point out that..."

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3. Developing Complexity and Nuance

To show advanced language skills, use phrases that indicate a deeper understanding of the topic or develop your argument further.

• Indicating cause and effect:
• "As a result of [x], [y] has been significantly affected..."
• "This has led to [consequence], which in turn has caused..."
• "The consequence of [x] is that..."
• Highlighting importance or significance:
• "This is particularly important because..."
• "The significance of [issue] cannot be overstated..."
• "One cannot underestimate the importance of [x] in addressing [issue]..."

4. Conclusion Phrases

Concluding an essay effectively is important, and these phrases will help summarize your arguments and leave a lasting impression.

• Summarizing the main points:
• "In conclusion, it is clear that [main argument]."
• "To sum up, both [education] and [media] play crucial roles in raising awareness about poverty."
• "In summary, [topic] presents both challenges and opportunities for [solution]."
• Restating the thesis or main argument:
• "Overall, the evidence suggests that [x] is essential for solving [problem]."
• "The main argument in favor of [x] is that it addresses [issue] effectively."
• Making a call to action:
• "To achieve meaningful change, it is vital that we continue to raise awareness through both education and media."
• "Thus, more initiatives should be implemented to ensure that the fight against poverty becomes a global priority."