A letter to the editor

Task 1. Look at this extract from a newspaper editorial, and read the letter to the editor.

 

 

Task 2. Now match paragraphs A-D to the descriptions below. Which paragraph...

□ summarizes arguments in the article that the writer disagrees with?

□ concludes and restates the writer's point of view?

□ puts forward arguments the writer agrees with?

□ introduces the reason for writing and states the writer's point of view?

How many arguments does the letter put forward? Which ones do you agree with?

Task 3. Choose the best introductory sentence for each paragraph.

Paragraph A

1. Here's my reply to your article about making cannabis legal.

2. I am writing in response to your article on the legalization of cannabis.

Paragraph B

1. One of the main arguments for legalization is related to health.

2. In your article you say that cannabis really isn't that bad for our health.

Paragraph C

1. Taking each of your arguments in turn, first of all it has been scientifically proven that cannabis is more of a health risk than cigarettes.

2. Looking at your arguments one by one, it really is true that smoking cannabis is a lot riskier than smoking cigarettes.

Paragraph D

1. To be honest, I can think of lots of reasons why cannabis users should be arrested.

2. To conclude, there are many reasons why cannabis should not be legalized.

 

Task 4. Rewrite these sentences in the passive, using phrases from the box. There may be more than one possible answer.

It could be argued that...	It is believed that...
It is assumed that...	It would seem that...
It would appear that...	It has been proved that...

1. If we ban cigarettes, we should ban hamburgers too.

It could be argued that if cigarettes were banned, hamburgers should be banned too.

2. Young people's friends often encourage them to smoke.

3. Lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet causes most ill health.

4. Passive smoking kills people.

5. People know about the risks of smoking.

6. Companies have increased the nicotine content in cigarettes.

7. You can't frighten people into giving up smoking.

 

Task 5. Read the newspaper extract below and write a letter to the editor in 200-300 words. Make sure the layout is correct and that you use an appropriate register. Use the paragraph plan to help you.

 

Paragraph 1: Introduction: state your reason for writing and your point of view.

Paragraph 2: Summarize the arguments you disagree with.

Paragraph 3: Discredit the arguments you disagree with and put forward the arguments you agree with.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion: restate your opinion.

Appendix 2.