Page 17 - Journeys B1+ (Student Book)

Lookıng Awesome 1

Writing

A. Discuss with a partner.
1. How often do you write in English?
2. What type of texts do you write in English?
3. What type of texts do you enjoy writing in
your own language?

B. Read the sentences and mark them true (T)
or false (F).
1. An opinion essay is an informal piece of
writing.
2. You should give your own opinion.
3. You only need to give one reason to
support your opinion.
4. You don’t need a conclusion as your ideas
will be clear throughout.

Do beauty pageants promote an idealised
image of beauty?

The first Miss World competition started as a
bikini contest back in 1951. Although beauty
pageants are still popular with some sections C. Answer the questions.
of society, the format has changed slightly as a
result of protests and pressure from groups who 1. Is the writer’s answer to the title yes or no?
think that these competitions are out-dated. 2. What three reasons does the author give to
support their opinion?
Firstly, the young women, who now have to 3. What linker(s) does the writer use to:
show skills such as intelligence, sporting ability a) add another point?
and creativity, are still judged on their hair, b) introduce the conclusion?
make-up and body shape. Furthermore, the c) introduce their first reason?
idea that in order to be a good spokesperson d) show contrast?
for their country, they must look good in a
swimsuit is unreasonable.
D. Write an opinion essay (120–180 words) with the
Additionally, it is strange to argue that the following title.
winners of these pageants, who take part in Does personality give you more opportunities in
charity work all over the world, become strong life than beauty?
role models for children. It is unlikely that a tall,
thin woman wearing high heels and a crown • Identify your main idea in the introduction.
can be a positive role model for boys as well • Divide your essay into paragraphs.
as girls. • Use a variety of linkers.

Overall, while the changes seem to be quite • Write a clear conclusion.
positive, I believe that international beauty • Use formal language.
contests, such as Miss Universe, promote the • Avoid using contractions in formal writing.
idea that women must meet an unreal standard • Proofread your essay for grammar and spelling
of being both beautiful and intelligent.
mistakes.

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