A. Read the essay,
ignoring the gaps. Match each paragraph to its purpose.
Paragraph 1 a) Give some facts
to support your opinion.
Paragraph 2 b) Write a
conclusion, restating your opinion.
Paragraph 3 c) Introduce the
point, including your opinion.
Paragraph 4 d)
Give some contrasting points of view and say why you don’t agree with them.
“Children under 16 shouldn’t be allowed to have mobile
phones. They are a distraction from studies and an impediment to social
interaction.” Discuss.
These days it
is difficult to think of a world without mobile phones. Many people have more
than one and some people spend half their lives on the phone. You also see more
and more younger children with mobile phones. Some might find this a worrying
trend but in my opinion (1) ______________ modern society’s obsession
with technology. (2) _______________ there should be an age limit for owning
a mobile phone, but I would put that limit at 8 or 9 years old, not 16. (3)
________________ whoever believes that teenagers shouldn’t have access to a
mobile phone is out of touch with modern society.
Mobile phones
are a necessary part of a teenager’s life. By using text messages and apps such
as ‘Whatsapp’, modern teenagers build up social networks which are more
enriching than hanging around on street corners. (4) ________________, mobile
phones are a source of information. Most teenagers access the Internet via
their mobile phones, and (5) ________________ distraction from studies
they are actually a study aid. (6) ________________ owning a mobile phone is
a form of security. Once upon a time parents didn’t know where the kids were if
they hadn’t arrived home at the expected time. These days a quick phone call
can put parents’ minds at rest.
There should be
an age limit for mobile phones, in my opinion. Children under the age of 8 or 9
should not have unlimited access to a mobile phone, for security reasons. They
are not old enough to know the risks involved in being part of social networks.
(7)
________________ that this is also true for a 10 or 12 year old but I would
reply to this argument by saying that we are now living in a world where technology
is essential. It is normal for children to be in contact with technology at a
young age. (8)
________________ mobile phones are an impediment
to social interaction – that is not true. Teenagers have contact with huge
groups of friends via their mobile phones. (9) ________________, they are an aid to
social interaction.
(10) ________________, I would say that I am in complete
disagreement with the idea that mobile phones should only be available to over
16s. It goes against modern trends in society, and is based on the
misconception that mobile phones isolate teenagers from society. In the future,
communication and information technology will be connected to almost everything
we do, so it is futile to try and stop teenagers coming into contact with it.
B. Use these
phrases to fill in the gaps in the essay.
- As for the idea that
- far from being a
- In conclusion
- It can be argued that
- it is no more than a
consequence of
- Many people would argue
- Moreover
- Not to mention the fact that
- On the contrary
- Personally, I think that
“Children shouldn’t be allowed to sit in
their rooms surfing the net; it’s antisocial.” Discuss
Plan your essay. Make some notes for each of the four paragraphs. Use
the model essay and the useful expressions from exercise B.
