Hello! My name's Liliana. I'm a teacher of English (Language and Literature) to Italian teenage stu

Thursday, January 30, 2025

HOW TO WRITE AN OPINION ESSAY

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/Images/581163-b2-first-for-schools-preparing-for-exam-success-self-study-writing-activities-part-1.pdf 




  • Select a subject you're interested in or have some knowledge about.

  • Consider current events, social issues, or personal experiences.

2. Form Your Opinion


  • What is your stance on the topic? Do you agree or disagree?

  • Develop a clear thesis statement that states your opinion.

3. Gather Evidence


  • Research the topic to find supporting evidence for your opinion.

  • Use facts, statistics, examples, and personal anecdotes.

4. Create an Outline


  • Organize your essay into paragraphs with a clear structure:

  • Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your thesis.

  • Body paragraphs: Present your reasons and evidence.

  • Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis.

5. Write Your Essay


  • Start with a strong introduction that grabs the reader's attention.

  • Develop your body paragraphs with clear topic sentences and supporting details.

  • Use transitions to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly.

  • End with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

6. Revise and Edit


  • Review your essay for clarity, organization, and grammar errors.

  • Make sure your thesis is clear and your evidence is strong.

  • Ask a friend or teacher to read your essay and give feedback.

7. Proofread


  • Carefully check your essay for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.

  • Use a spell checker and grammar checker to help you.

EXAMPLE The Importance of Physical Education in Schools

In my opinion, physical education (PE) should be a mandatory part of every school's curriculum. While some may argue that academic subjects are more important, I believe that PE plays a crucial role in the overall development of students.

Firstly, PE promotes physical health and well-being. Regular exercise helps students maintain a healthy weight, strengthen their muscles and bones, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In today's world, where childhood obesity is a growing concern, PE provides a much-needed opportunity for students to engage in physical activity and learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.  

Secondly, PE has numerous mental and emotional benefits. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. Participating in team sports can also teach students valuable social skills such as cooperation, communication, and teamwork. These skills are essential for success in both personal and professional life.  

In conclusion, physical education is an integral part of a well-rounded education. It not only improves students' physical health but also enhances their mental and emotional well-being. By making PE a mandatory subject, schools can help students develop healthy habits and life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

 

Explanation of the Flowchart and Example:

1.     Start: The process begins.

2.     Choose a topic: Select a debatable topic with multiple perspectives. The example uses "Should schools ban cell phones?"

3.     Research the topic: Explore different viewpoints and gather information from reliable sources. This step is crucial for a strong argument.

4.     Develop a thesis statement: Formulate a clear and concise statement that presents your main argument. The example thesis is "Schools should ban cell phones." This clearly states a position.

5.     Outline your arguments: Identify the key points that support your thesis. The example outlines three: distraction, cheating, and cyberbullying. A strong essay usually has 2-4 solid arguments.

6.     Gather evidence: Find credible sources (articles, studies, statistics, examples) to back up each argument. The example suggests the types of evidence to look for.

7.     Write the introduction: Introduce the topic, provide background information, and clearly state your thesis.

8.     Write body paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one argument.

       Start with a topic sentence that introduces the argument.

       Provide evidence and explain how it supports your claim.

       Use transitions to connect paragraphs. The example shows how each argument (distraction, cheating, cyberbullying) gets its own paragraph.

9.     Write the counterargument paragraph: Acknowledge and address a valid opposing viewpoint. This strengthens your argument by showing you've considered other perspectives. The example counterargument is about emergency contact. Critically, you must refute the counterargument, explaining why your position is still stronger.

10.  Write the conclusion: Restate your thesis in different words, summarize your main arguments, and offer a final thought or call to action.

11.  Review and edit: Check for clarity, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure your arguments are well-supported and your essay flows logically.

12.  End: The essay is complete.

Key Considerations for Argumentative Essays:

       Clarity: Write clearly and concisely. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.

       Evidence: Use strong evidence from reliable sources to support your claims. Cite your sources properly.

       Logic: Ensure your arguments are logical and well-reasoned. Avoid fallacies.

       Balance: While you're advocating for your position, acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints fairly.

       Structure: Follow a clear and logical structure, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.


https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/Images/583526-c1-advanced-self-access-learning-writing-part-1-discursive-essay.pdf

   

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Compare the following football players

 



Physical Attributes:

  • Fast/Faster/Fastest: Speed is crucial in modern football.
  • Strong/Stronger/Strongest: Physical strength is vital for tackling, holding off defenders, and winning aerial duels.
  • Tall/Taller/Tallest: Height can be an advantage for heading the ball and defending.
  • Powerful/More Powerful/Most Powerful: Describes players with explosive strength and shot power.

Technical Skills:

  • Skilled/More Skilled/Most Skilled: A general term for players with high technical ability.
  • Creative/More Creative/Most Creative: Describes players who can make unexpected and skillful plays.
  • Technical/More Technical/Most Technical: Refers to players with precise ball control and passing.
  • Clinical/More Clinical/Most Clinical: Used for players who are efficient and decisive in front of goal.
  • Accurate/More Accurate/Most Accurate: Describes players with precise passing, shooting, and crossing.


Tactical & Mental Attributes:

  • Intelligent/More Intelligent/Most Intelligent: Describes players who understand the game well and make smart decisions.
  • Disciplined/More Disciplined/Most Disciplined: Refers to players who follow tactical instructions and maintain their position.
  • Determined/More Determined/Most Determined: Describes players with a strong will to win and overcome challenges.
  • Consistent/More Consistent/Most Consistent: Refers to players who perform at a high level consistently throughout the season.
  • Leader/More Leader-like/Most Leader-like: Describes players who inspire and motivate their teammates.

Other Adjectives:

  • Attacking: Focuses on offensive play.
  • Defensive: Focuses on defensive play.
  • Experienced: Describes players with many years of professional experience.
  • Young: Describes players who are early in their careers.
  • Exciting: Describes players who are entertaining to watch.
  • Influential: Describes players who significantly impact their team's performance.

  • Lionel Messi: Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, known for his incredible dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring abilities.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo: A legendary goalscorer with exceptional athleticism, speed, and jumping ability.
  • Kylian Mbappé: One of the fastest and most exciting players in the world, known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing.
  • Erling Haaland: A prolific goalscorer with incredible strength and physicality.
  • Kevin De Bruyne: A world-class midfielder known for his exceptional passing range, vision, and creativity.
  • Here's some basic information on the five players you mentioned:

    • Lionel Messi

      • Age: 36
      • Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
      • Strength: Medium
      • Creativity: Exceptional
      • Accuracy: Exceptional
      • Speed: High
    • Cristiano Ronaldo

      • Age: 38
      • Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 1 in)
      • Strength: High
      • Creativity: High
      • Accuracy: Exceptional
      • Speed: Very High
    • Kylian Mbappé

      • Age: 24
      • Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
      • Strength: High
      • Creativity: High
      • Accuracy: Very High
      • Speed: Exceptional
    • Erling Haaland

      • Age: 23
      • Height: 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
      • Strength: Exceptional
      • Creativity: High
      • Accuracy: Very High
      • Speed: High
    • Kevin De Bruyne

      • Age: 32
      • Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
      • Strength: Medium
      • Creativity: Exceptional
      • Accuracy: Exceptional
      • Speed: High

    The major themes in Macbeth:

     Here's a scheme of the major themes in Macbeth:

    1. Ambition and its Consequences:

    • Unbridled Ambition: The play's core theme. Macbeth's initial ambition is fueled by the witches' prophecies, but it quickly changes into a destructive force, leading him down a path of murder and tyranny.

    • Guilt and Paranoia: As Macbeth commits more and more crimes, guilt and paranoia consume him. He becomes increasingly isolated and distrustful, leading to his downfall.

    • The Corruption of Power: The pursuit of power corrupts Macbeth's soul, transforming him from a noble warrior into a ruthless tyrant.

    2. The Supernatural:

    • The Witches' Role: The witches play a significant role in instigating Macbeth's ambition, though their prophecies are open to interpretation.

    • Fate vs. Free Will: The play explores the interplay between fate and free will. Do the witches' prophecies determine Macbeth's destiny, or does he have the power to choose his own path?

    • Appearance vs. Reality: The supernatural elements create an atmosphere of illusion and deception, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

    3. Appearance vs. Reality:

    • Deception and Betrayal: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth use deception and manipulation to achieve their goals, leading to a climate of mistrust and betrayal.

    • The Importance of Honesty: The play highlights the importance of honesty and integrity, contrasting the deceitful actions of the protagonists with the genuine loyalty of characters like Macduff.

    4. Gender Roles:

    • Lady Macbeth's Ambition: Lady Macbeth is a complex character who actively participates in her husband's crimes. Her ambition and ruthlessness challenge traditional gender roles.

    • Masculinity and Violence: The play explores themes of masculinity and violence, particularly in relation to Macbeth's descent into tyranny.

    5. The Nature of Kingship:

    • The Rightful King: The play examines the concept of rightful kingship, contrasting the tyrannical rule of Macbeth with the legitimate claim of Malcolm.

    • Order and Disorder: Macbeth's reign disrupts the natural order of things, leading to chaos and instability.

    Similarities Between Stevenson & Pirandello

     

    Similarities Between Stevenson & Pirandello

     

           Exploration of Identity

           Stevenson:

           Duality of Human Nature

           Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

           Conflict between Good & Evil

           Pirandello:

           Fluidity & Fragmentation of Identity

           Multiple Selves

           Masks in Society

           "Six Characters in Search of an Author"

           "The Man with the Flower in His Mouth"

           Focus on the Absurd

           Stevenson:

           Gothic Tales

           Uncanny & Inexplicable

           Questioning Reality

           Pirandello:

           Illogical & Unpredictable Life

           Trapped Characters

           Futility of Existence

           Social Commentary

           Stevenson:

           Critique of Victorian Society

           Poverty, Injustice, Hypocrisy

           Pirandello:

           Satire of Social Conventions

           Constraints of Social Roles

           Impact of Social Pressures

           Key Differences

           Stevenson:

           Adventure, Fantasy, Gothic Horror

           Pirandello:

           Philosophical & Absurdist Plays & Novels

           Deep Exploration of Human Condition

    In Summary

           Shared Fascination with:

           Complexities of Human Identity

           Absurdity of Existence

           Impact of Social Forces