STUDY AND WRITING SKILLS
15
1.5
3
a
Symbols and abbreviations
Have you thought
about using symbols and abbreviations? Match the
common symbols and abbreviations below with their
meaning. Can you add any others?
1
&
a
this leads to / causes
2
+
b
male / man
3
>
c
greater / more than / better than
4
<
d
female / woman
5
e.g.
e
smaller / less than
6
f
is not equal to / the opposite
7
g
that is / this means
8
¨
h
and
9
=
i
is the same as / equals
10
.·.
j
for example
11
i.e.
k
plus / in addition to
12
≠
l
therefore
3
b
Look again at the notes in Exercise 2b and change
them using some of the above symbols and abbreviations.
WRITING SKILLS
A FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY
4
Look again at the essay
Are women better drivers
than men?
Match ideas a–d with each paragraph.
a
conclusion
b
arguments for
c
introduce the topic / state the proposition
d
arguments against
5
a
Linkers
Look at the highlighted phrases in the text.
Decide which of them are used to do the following.
1
list/add points
3
show contrast
2
introduce examples
4
introduce a conclusion
5
b
Look at the structures that are used with the
linkers for contrast. Which linkers need a new
sentence? Which linkers always need two clauses?
6
a
Combine these two sentences using the five
phrases for showing contrast in Exercise 5a.
He is patient and careful at work. He is impatient and
aggressive when he drives.
He is patient and careful at work. However, he is
impatient and aggressive when he drives.
6
b
Complete the sentences in an appropriate way.
1
He was slow and often late for work. However, …
2
Although the twins looked the same, …
3
Despite the fact that he was shy, …
4
Children find learning languages easy. Adults, on the
other hand, …
7
a
Work in groups. Choose an essay title from the
following.
Are men/women better
than women/men?
managers politicians teachers doctors lawyers
7
b
In your groups, brainstorm the qualities you think
you need to do the jobs.
7
c
Look at the statements 1–13 below and do the
following tasks.
a
Decide which of the statements below apply more to
men and which to women.
b
Add two more statements of your own.
c
Select some to include in your essay. Remember to
have some to show the other side of the argument.
d
Think of examples to support the statements you
have included.
1
are good at listening.
2
find it easier to deal with people.
3
have more authority.
4
are more sympathetic to others.
5
are better organisers.
6
pay more attention to detail.
7
stay calm in stressful situations.
8
are good at getting the best out of people.
9
are energetic and enthusiastic.
10
work better in a single-sex team.
11
are better at public speaking.
12
are more inspiring.
13
take decisions quickly.
8
Write an essay discussing the qualities men/women
are supposed to have whenever they do a job like
managers, politicians, teachers, doctors, or lawyers.
Your essay should include arguments for and against,
and you can have a neutral conclusion.
9
a
Read your partner’s essay and take notes.
9
b
Tell another student about your partner’s essay.
