engu 130: writing & grammar · these days, sugary drinks like coke, pepsi, and sprite have...

1 a Opinion Essay

1.1 Essay Options

1.2 Thesis Statement with “that” Clause

1.3 Model Essays

Grammar:

1.4 While/whereas (sentence structure)

1.5 Present Perfect Tense Forms (Simple, Continuous & Passive)

1.6 Outline & Essay Writing

Grammar:

1.7 Relative Clauses (Defining & Non-Defining)

1.8 Linking Words and Phrases Reference

ENGU 130: Writing & Grammar

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Example:

Recently, some countries have suggested putting a tax on sugary drinks like sodas and

colas, which are also known as soft drinks. Do you agree with this suggestion?

1 2 3

I agree +

agree reasons

I disagree +

disagree reasons

I partly agree/disagree

+ agree reasons

and disagree reasons

Read the essay prompt again and write your opinion in one sentence

below. Which essay type above would you use for your essay?

For this essay question, you will write about your own opinion and use

one of these essay types:

1.1 Opinion Essay

In groups, discuss the above prompt. Do you agree? What reasons can you think

of for why you agree or disagree?

3

Function Phrase + Clause

to agree

I agree (believe/feel/think) that…

A tax on soft drinks is a good suggestion.

I agree with the idea that…

I support the idea that…

to disagree

I disagree that…

I do not believe that…

I do not share the view that…

to partly agree

I partly agree with the idea that…

I agree to a certain extent that…

I agree up to a point that…

S + V

1.2 Grammar: ‘that’ clause for opinion (thesis statement)

Practice vocabulary to express an opinion:

Read the essay questions below. In pairs discuss each of the topics and give your own opinion with reasons.

Decide what your opinion is and write it in the space below. According to your opinion, what information would you put in your body paragraphs?

1. All parents should make their young children regularly practice at least one sport.

To what extent do you agree?

2. Travelling with a friend, friends, or family is always better than travelling alone.

Do you agree or disagree with this view?

3. People should not work after the age of 60.

Do you believe this is true? Why or why not?

4. Teachers and friends at school have more influence on a child’s development than

parents.

Do you agree that this is true?

Your opinion is called your “thesis statement” or main idea of the essay. Make it clear in your introduction and repeat it in your conclusion. The sentences above show different ways to state your opinion clearly.

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1.3 Model Opinion Essays

Recently, some countries have suggested putting a tax on sugary drinks like sodas and colas, which are also known as soft drinks. Do you agree with this suggestion?

These days, sugary drinks like Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite have become extremely

popular, with increased global consumption every year. Whereas in the past these drinks

were often drunk for a snack or special occasion, now people have begun to drink them with

meals. At the same time, diabetes and obesity rates have been increasing across the world,

so some countries have suggested putting a tax on these drinks. I believe that a tax on soft

drinks is a good idea.

One main reason for the tax is that it could discourage people from buying those

sugary drinks. If a country began taxing these beverages, most people would be unhappy

with the increased price and would look for cheaper drinks. Over time, people might drink

less and less of the soft drinks and get used to drinks that are healthier. As a result, their

health risks would decline.

Another reason is that a soft drink tax might influence the soft drink companies to

produce healthier or alternative drinks. For instance, they might decide to produce some

new fruit juice drinks that are bubbly like sodas but only contain low-sugar fruit juice with

water. Multinational companies like Coke and Pepsi do not want to lose money. If their

profits dropped due to reduced soft drink sales, they would surely try to make money with a

new product that people would want.

In conclusion, there are two reasons to support a tax on soft drinks. The tax would

discourage soft drink consumption, which would lead to better health, and it might persuade

soft drink manufacturers to produce healthier alternative beverages. People will keep

drinking soft drinks and increasing their risk of diabetes and other diseases unless the

government creates strong regulations against those drinks.

(289 words)

1. What is the writer’s thesis statement?

2. Where does the writer put his/her thesis statement?

3. What is the writer’s first topic sentence?

4. What is the writer’s second topic sentence?

ESSAY I Writer’s Opinion: __________________________

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Model Essays (continued)


popular with increased global consumption every year. Because these drinks are

unhealthy, some governments have proposed putting a tax on the soft drinks. I do not

support the idea that governments tax these drinks.

One main reason against the tax is that it would negatively affect the profits and

sales of the soft drink producers. This is because many people would suddenly stop buying

those soft drinks if they were more expensive. As a result, the producers’ sales would

decrease, and those companies would lose money. If that happened, the companies might

have to fire some workers who they did not need anymore. In the end, the tax would be

negative for the finance of the company and its workers.

Another reason is that a soft drink tax may not be effective if people are already

addicted to those drinks. For example, people who love sugary drinks will continue to buy

them, in spite of their price. This is because their desire and addiction to the soft drinks will

be stronger than the small problem of paying a little extra money for something they love.

We see this example with people who smoke. Cigarettes are very expensive, but some

people cannot stop smoking and pay a lot of money for their unhealthy habit.

To sum up, I do not believe a tax on sugary drinks will be very effective. It could

affect the soft drink companies and workers financially and many people will continue to

buy the drinks because they love them. I feel government should think of a different way to

influence people to drink less sugary beverages instead of the tax.

(285 words)

1. What is the writer’s thesis statement?

2. Where does the writer put his/her thesis statement?

3. What is the writer’s first topic sentence?

4. What is the writer’s second topic sentence?

5. What information is given in the conclusion?

ESSAY 2 Writer’s Opinion: __________________________

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Introduction with 3-4 sentences:

1-2 sentences of general background related to the essay topic

(=facts and true statements)

Mention the essay topic

An agree or disagree opinion (thesis statement)

*Body 3 with 4-5 or more sentences: (*If you need/want a 3rd reason)

Include your 3rd agree or disagree reason + support like Body 1 & 2

Conclusion with 3-4 sentences:

Begin with: In conclusion, To sum up, To conclude, or In summary,

& repeat your thesis statement

Summarize/repeat the 2-3 topic sentences (your reasons)

Give a final comment, idea, or suggestion about the topic

Body 1 with 4-5 or more sentences:

1st agree or disagree reason which is your topic sentence 1

3 or more sentences to explain why & how your topic sentence is true (=support) Give examples, explain, show results & relationships

Body 2 with 4-5 or more sentences:

2nd agree or disagree reason which is your topic sentence 2

3 or more sentences to explain why & how your topic sentence is true (=support) Give examples, explain, show results and relationships

ESSAY I and ESSAY II follow this organizational style:

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General Background Thesis Essay Topic Introduction

1. These days, sugary drinks like Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite have become extremely popular, with increased global consumption every year. Whereas in the past these drinks were often drunk for a snack or special occasion, now people have begun to drink them with meals. 2. At the same time, diabetes and obesity rates have been increasing across the world, so some countries have suggested putting a tax on these drinks. 3. I believe that a tax on soft drinks is a good idea.

1 General Background_____

2 ______________________

3 ______________________

Condition + Result Topic Sentence Result Explanation Body Paragraph 1

4. One main reason for the tax is that it could discourage people from buying those sugary drinks. 5. If a country began taxing these beverages, most people would be unhappy with the increased price and would look for cheaper drinks. 6. Over time, people might drink less and less of the soft drinks and get used to drinks that are healthier. 7. As a result, their health risks would decline.

4 ______________________

5 ______________________

6 ______________________

7 ______________________

Topic Sentence Condition + Result Example Explanation Body Paragraph 2

8. Another reason is that a soft drink tax might influence the soft drink companies to produce healthier or alternative drinks. 9. For instance, they might decide to produce some new fruit juice drinks that are bubbly like sodas but only contain low-sugar fruit juice with water. 10. Multinational companies like Coke and Pepsi do not want to lose money. 11. If their profits dropped due to reduced soft drink sales, they would surely try to make money with a new product that people would want.

8 ____________________

9 _____________________

10 ____________________

11_____________________

Summary of Main Ideas Final Comment/Suggestion Thesis Again Conclusion

12. In conclusion, there are two reasons to support a tax on soft drinks. 13. The tax would discourage soft drink consumption, which would lead to better health, and it might persuade soft drink manufacturers to produce healthier alternative beverages. 14. People will keep drinking soft drinks and increasing their risk of diabetes and other diseases unless the government creates strong regulations against those drinks.

12 _____________________

13 _____________________

14 _____________________

Write the name of each piece (topic sentence/example/result etc…) from the box above each paragraph into the box on the right. The first one has been done as an example.

Recently, some countries have suggested putting a tax on sugary drinks like sodas and colas, which are also known as soft drinks. Do you agree with this suggestion?

Opinion Essay Organization

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popular with increased global consumption every year. Because these drinks are

unhealthy, some governments have suggested putting a tax on the soft drinks. While the

tax might be effective to some extent, it may not prevent people from drinking soft drinks in

other cases. Therefore, I only partly agree that a tax on sugary drinks is a good idea.

On the one hand, there are a couple of reasons for a tax on soft drinks. The first

reason is that a tax could influence people to buy fewer sugary drinks. This is because

their price would increase, and people would not want to pay extra money for them. As a

result, they would choose cheaper or healthier drinks. In addition, the companies which

produce soft drinks might decide to make new, healthier drinks with less sugar. Therefore,

the company would not lose money if they had a new product to sell.

On the other hand, a tax on soft drinks may not be a good solution in some

instances. One reason to disagree with the tax is that companies which produce soft drinks

would lose money. They would have less income to run the company, and they would

probably have to fire workers. Another problem with the tax is that many people would

continue to buy soft drinks, even if they are more expensive. Some people are addicted to

sugary drinks and a small price increase would not stop them from buying the drinks.

To conclude, I partly believe a tax on sugary drinks is a good idea. Some people

might stop drinking sugary drinks because of it, but other people who love soft drinks would

continue to buy them. At the same time, the tax could be good or bad for companies’

finance. All in all, each government needs to decide if there are more benefits than

drawbacks to this tax.

(319 words)

1. What is the writer’s thesis statement in this essay?

2. How does the information in this essay compare to the other 2 essays?

3. Could this essay have a third body paragraph?

ESSAY 3 Writer’s Opinion: __________________________

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Grammar: while and whereas

Notice the words while and whereas can go in the middle of a sentence, and at the beginning: While/Whereas in the past these drinks were often drunk for a snack or special occasion, now people have begun to drink them with meals.

In the past these drinks were often drunk for a snack or special occasion, while/whereas now people have begun to drink them with meals.

Below are the topics you wrote your opinion about before. After each statement there are two

contrasting ideas related to the topic. Write two sentences, one using while or whereas at the

beginning and the other sentence with while/whereas in the middle of the sentence. .

Example: All parents should make their young children regularly practice at least one sport.

Ideas: Some children enjoy sports and physical activity. Some other children do not like sports.

Answer: While/Whereas some children enjoy sports, other children do not like them.

Some children enjoy sports, while/whereas other children do not like them.

1. Travelling with a friend, friends, or family is always better than travelling alone. Ideas: Friends or family can help you when you travel. Sometimes they can be annoying. A. __________________________________________________________________

B. __________________________________________________________________

2. People should not work after the age of 60. Ideas: Older workers have more experience. Younger workers may have more energy. A. __________________________________________________________________

B. __________________________________________________________________


parents. Ideas: Teachers influence children’s academic development. Parents influence moral development. A. __________________________________________________________________

B. __________________________________________________________________

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Look at one of the introductions from the previous essays. Notice the highlighted sections of it.

These days, sugary drinks like Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite have become extremely popular

and around the world people are drinking them more and more. Whereas in the past these

drinks were often drunk for a snack or special occasion, now people have begun to drink them

with meals. At the same time, diabetes and obesity rates have been increasing across the

world, so some countries have suggested putting a tax on these drinks. I believe a tax on soft

drinks would be a good idea.

The first two examples above use the present perfect simple tense. The third example uses the present perfect continuous tense.

These two tenses show something has happened in the past, but we do not know the

exact time it happened.

Sometimes you can use either the present perfect or present perfect continuous to

describe the same idea. You can say both:

At the same time, diabetes and obesity rates have been increasing across the world.

At the same time, diabetes and obesity rates have increased across the world.

If you use the present perfect continuous, you are emphasizing the event is still happening.

If you use the present perfect simple, you just emphasize the present result.

Practice: With the list of the 50 most common irregular verbs in English…

Think of examples of things that have changed from the past to today. Create some sentences with the Present Perfect Tense to describe the change.

Topic Ideas: medicine, families, transportation, food, clothes, global warming, etc.

Example: Medicine has progressed enormously today

1.5 Grammar: Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous

The tenses are formed as follows:

Present Perfect Simple: Subject + has/have (not) + past participle (verb 3)

People have begun…. Present Perfect Continuous: Subject + has/have (not) + been + present participle (verb + ing)

Obesity rates have been increasing….

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Practice: Writing Introductions

Choose two of the four topics to write two introductions with your opinion. Try to use the present perfect or present perfect continuous in your introduction. See if you can use “while” or “whereas” as well.

1. All parents should make their young children regularly practice at least one sport.

To what extent do you agree?

2. Travelling with a friend, friends, or family is always better than travelling alone.

Do you agree or disagree with this view?

3. People should not work after the age of 60.

Do you believe this is true?


parents. Do you agree that this is true?

Grammar: Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous

When to Use the Present Perfect?

Use the Present Perfect Tense with unspecific time expressions such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, just, this week, this month, this year, etc.

Also use it with “for” and “since to show the duration or beginning of an action started in the past and continuing up to now. (Refer to the Present Perfect Power Point, in Blackboard)

From the Present Perfect Simple we can also make the passive form: Present Perfect Simple: Subject + has/have (not) + past participle (verb 3) + object

Technology has improved education.

Present Perfect Passive: New subject + has/have (not) + been + past participle (old object)

Education has been improved by technology.

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Choose one of the topics from page 11 and prepare an outline for it below:

Introduction Paragraph:

General, true information/facts & refer to the topic:

• ________________________________________________________________________

• ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thesis Statement: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic Sentence 1: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

Support/Examples to explain why/how topic sentence 1 is true and happens:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Body Paragraph 2:

Topic Sentence 2: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

*Body Paragraph 3: (*If you have a 3rd reason but not required)

Topic Sentence 3: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion Paragraph:

Restate your thesis statement: __________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Summarize mains points (topic sentences):_________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Give a final comment or idea: ___________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

1.6 Essay Outline

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Relative clauses use a relative pronoun such as: who, that, which, where, whose* and can be

followed by a verb:

Sugar is an ingredient that (which) is not nutritious.

v

(or) followed by a subject and verb:

Sugar is an ingredient that (which) many people love. s v

Notice the sentences above do not have any commas. That means the relative clause is a defining relative clause because it defines sugar.

Here are two more examples of defining relative clauses from the model essays:

Over time, people would drink less and less of the soft drinks and get used to drinks that are healthier.

If their profits dropped due to reduced soft drink sales, they would surely try to make money with a new product which people would want.

In the examples, the relative clause is necessary. We need to give information to describe what kind

of drink and product we are talking about. In defining relative clauses to describe things, you may

use that or which.

If you describe people in a defining relative clause, you may use who or that:

People who live in rural areas do not have as many amenities as city dwellers.

The people that I know in Dubai live far from their work, so they take the metro.

1.7 Grammar: Defining Relative Clauses

Practice: Defining Relative Clauses: Create relative clauses in a sentence with the ideas below

Ideas Relative clause

1. I have a computer… (It is very old.) 1. I have a computer which/that is very old.

2. Doctors are people… (They help cure illness.) Doctors are people who/that help cure illness.

3. Math is a subject…. (It is hard for some students.)

4. My brother has a friend… (He works in South Africa.)

5. I know some parents… (Their children are spoiled)

6. Tourists like to visit places… (They are unique and unusual.)

7. Dubai is a unique place… (Many tourists go there.)

8. Pollution is an issue… (We must deal with it.)

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Preparation for Online Writing 1: Writing about Personal Opinions

Here are two more examples of relative clauses from the model essays. In these

clauses, notice the commas before and sometimes after the clauses.

1. Recently, some countries have suggested putting a tax on sugary drinks like sodas and colas,

which are also known as soft drinks.

2. That tax would discourage soft drink consumption, which would lead to better health, and it might persuade soft drink manufacturers to produce healthier alternative beverages.

The above examples are non-defining relative clauses. They give extra information, but they are not necessary. They have commas before and sometimes after them. In these clauses you cannot use “that” for things or people. You must use “which” for things or ideas and “who” for people.

Grammar: Non-defining Relative Clauses

Use relative clauses as you write an essay about one of these topics:

A. What is your favorite restaurant/café and why do you like it so much?

B. What is your favorite time of day?

C. Describe a memorable meal you had (good or bad).

D. Where is your favorite place to go in the winter?

Online Writing Practice 1

Sometimes, essay writing questions ask you to give your opinion while describing and

explaining why you feel that way. Look at these questions:

a. What is your favorite restaurant/café and why do you like it so much?

b. What is your favorite time of day?

c. Describe a memorable meal you had (good or bad).

d. Where is your favorite place to go in the winter?

Whether you describe a person, place or thing, the organization of your writing will be

similar. It will consist of an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Here is a suggestion for organization:

Introduction (3-4 sentences)

Give some general or true information about the topic and mention the topic (person, place, or thing) you are going to describe.

Body 1 (4 sentences or more): Description

Describe the person, place, or thing in details: What does it look like? What is it made of? Where is it? Perhaps describe it with sensory details like smell, taste, sound, or appearance.

Body 2 (4 sentences or more): Personal

Explain why the person, place, or thing is important/special to you. Give a short story about the person, place or thing, your feelings about them, your relationship with them, etc.

Conclusion (Minimum of 2 sentences):

Summarize the main points about what you have described and give a final comment.

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1.8 Reference : Linking Words & Phrases Summary

For Contrast, Differences, or an Opposite View

S. Connectors However, S + V… On the other hand, S + V… In contrast, S + V…

Middle

of Sentence

S + V, but S + V…

S + V while S + V…

S + V whereas S + V…

S + V although S + V…

(S + V…, despite/in spite of + noun/noun phrase)

Beginning

of

Sentence

While S + V…, S + V…

Whereas S + V…, S + V…

Although S + V…, S + V…

(Despite/In spite of + noun/noun phrase, S + V…)

For Time and Order of Events

Sentence

Connectors

First, S + V…

Second, S + V…

Third, S + V…

Next, S + V…

Then, S + V…

After that, S + V…

Finally, S + V…

Lastly, S + V…

For Addition of Information

Sentence

Connectors Furthermore, S + V…

Moreover, S + V…

In addition, S + V…

Also, S + V…

Conjunction

Middle

of Sentence

✔️ S + V…, and S + V… (Correct)

❌ S + V…, also S + V… (Wrong)

For Results

Sentence

Connectors Therefore, S + V…

Thus, S + V…

As a result, S + V…

Hence, S + V…

Consequently, S + V…

Because of this, S + V…

Conjunction:

Middle

of Sentence S + V…, so S + V…

For Examples

Sentence

Connectors For example, S + V… For instance, S + V…

Middle

of Sentence S + V… such as…(+ singular or plural noun)

S + V… like…(+ singular or plural noun

engu 130: writing & grammar · these days, sugary drinks like coke, pepsi, and sprite have...

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