cars
or trains since they are less cramped and have luxuries such as an air-conditioner and a sound system.
Now use the points below to complete paragraphs 3-6. (Start each sentence with your topic sentence from TASK 3.)
Fast, less time-consuming than public transport
Fairly cheap to run, especially if you use a small model
Modern fuels are lead-free and do not cause a lot of pollution
They cause air pollution (exhaust emissions contribute to global warming and health problems such as asthma)
Roads spoil the natural landscape and disturb wildlife habitats
Car parks take up valuable space in cities that could otherwise be used for recreation
Car accidents result in many deaths and injuries (e.g. approx. 125,000 people were killed in road crashes in the OECD’s 29 member countries in 1999, enough to fill 300 jumbo jets)
Traffic jams lead to stress and "road rage" (angry drivers attacking others)
Car use contributes to a faster, less natural pace of life that often results in high blood pressure and heart disease
You do not need to change the language much. However, you certainly will need to use some linking words/phrases, such as the following:
For example, …
For instance, …
… also …
In addition, …
Furthermore, …
What is more, …
Another argument against car use is that …
Another disadvantage of car use is that …
Similarly, …
TASK 6
Finally, you need a conclusion. Avoid a weak "sitting on the fence" conclusion such as this: "There are some strong points both for and against car use and it all depends on what your opinion is." Instead you should sum up the arguments you have already covered and state whether, on balance, you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice-versa. It may be effective to present the arguments in reverse order this time. For example:
In conclusion, car ownership has several negative effects, including stress, road accidents and destruction of the natural environment. Nevertheless, we have become very dependent on cars because of the comfort and freedom they offer. A total ban seems out of the question, but for the sake of our own health and the health of the planet, we must aim to reduce car use – for example, by improving public transport systems and introducing car pooling schemes.
TASK 7
Now try a discursive essay on a different topic. You could try the one about handguns (see notes above). Other possible topics include:
Computer use by children
Television viewing
School uniforms
You may have a better idea yourself, but please check it first with your teacher. Whichever topic you choose, you will need to do some research first and then draw up an essay plan. Without a plan, you will almost certainly produce a disorganised, ineffective essay!