a) Read the rubric and then the model. What is each paragraph about? Which paragraphs contain the writer’s opinion?
Comment on the following statement:
Travel broadens the mind.
All that glitters is not gold.
What is your opinion? Do you agree with this statement?
Write 200-250 words.
Thanks to package deals and budget airlines, more people have the opportunity to travel abroad these days. But just how true is it that travel broadens the mind?
In my opinion, travelling to other countries gives us a broader understanding of the world. Firstly, it presents an excellent opportunity to learn about another country’s culture. For example, going to museums, cultural events and festivals when on holiday can give a unique insight into the local people and their history. Secondly, we can sample another cuisine. Trying different food means discovering new and enjoyable tastes and even learning new ways of cooking.
On the other hand, some people argue that travelling abroad does not make for greater cultural understanding. They point out that many tourists avoid meeting local people. Instead, they prefer to mix with other tourists in their hotel. They even eat the same food they would have at home.
However, it is really up to the individual to make the most of their experience abroad. It is important to choose the right kind of holiday. For instance, volunteering on an eco-holiday will teach you far more about local culture than staying at a tourist resort.
In conclusion, it seems to me that travel can offer a wealth of new experiences. It need not be just a home-from-home holiday with fellow-tourists. Instead, we can learn a lot about foreign culture, history and cuisine. In the words of America actress Solange Knowles, “You get educated by travelling.”
b) List the arguments in the essay. What justifications are used to support them? Copy and complete the table.
| Arguments | Justifications |
|---|---|
| opportunity to learn about another country’s culture | going to museums, cultural events, festivals gives unique insight |
a) Сопоставляем пять абзацев с планом на с.
Личное мнение непосредственно выражено во втором и пятом абзацах: In my opinion — «по моему мнению»; it seems to me — «мне кажется». Четвёртый абзац тоже развивает авторскую позицию, но его основная функция — контраргумент.
b) Не смешиваем аргумент и пример: аргумент — общее основание позиции, обоснование — конкретное объяснение. Во втором абзаце изучение культуры подтверждают посещения музеев, праздников и культурных мероприятий; знакомство с кухней — новые вкусы и способы приготовления.
В третьем абзаце возражение подкреплено поведением туристов: avoid meeting local people — «избегают встреч с местными жителями», едят привычную еду и общаются друг с другом. В четвёртом даётся контрпример: volunteering on an eco-holiday — «добровольческая работа во время экологического отдыха». Такой отдых помогает узнать местную культуру лучше, чем пребывание на курорте.
a)
- Paragraph
introduces the topic of travelling abroad and asks whether travel broadens the mind. - Paragraph
gives the writer’s opinion and arguments about learning about culture and trying another cuisine. - Paragraph
presents the opposing view that travelling does not always increase cultural understanding. - Paragraph
gives a counter-argument: people can choose a holiday that helps them learn about local culture. - Paragraph
summarises the essay and restates the writer’s opinion.
The writer’s opinion is explicitly expressed in paragraphs
b)
| Arguments | Justifications |
|---|---|
| Travelling offers an opportunity to learn about another country’s culture. | Visiting museums, cultural events and festivals gives a unique insight into local people and their history. |
| Travellers can sample another cuisine. | Trying different food introduces new tastes and new ways of cooking. |
| Some people argue that travel does not increase cultural understanding. | Many tourists avoid local people, mix with other tourists and eat the same food as at home. |
| Individuals can choose holidays that develop cultural understanding. | Volunteering on an eco-holiday teaches people more about local culture than staying at a tourist resort. |
