UNIT 3

WRITING
An opinion essay (2)
READ
1 Read the opinion essay about what makes an inventor successful.
Which sentence (A-D) sums up the author's opinion best?
A. A strong academic record is the key to an inventor's success.
B. Different types of intelligence are needed to make a successful inventor.
C. Hard work can't be overlooked in the successful inventor's life.
D. Successful inventors have many characteristics that can't be easily identified.

The mind of a genius

The great inventor Thomas Edison once said, 'Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Although it
is true that hard work, perseverance, and good ideas are essential, there is another factor which cannot
be underestimated in achieving success - intelligence.
Intelligence is an important asset that a successful inventor must have. Most people associate
intelligence with strong performance in tests or a perfect school record, but this definition of intelligence is
too simple. Intelligence isn't limited to academic performance, but also includes the ability to understand
social situations and to work well with others. This is a kind of 'people intelligence'. This type of intelligence
is important because the best ideas can fail if they aren't presented in the right way. The successful inventor
must be able to convince others to believe in his or her idea.
Another type of intelligence that is often overlooked is common sense. This includes skills such as
making tools out of common objects, understanding how to solve simple problems, or organizing a work
space.
Since many extremely gifted academics do not have common sense, this is often a _real setback.
They are unable to organize themselves, or they become frustrated by their inability to solve the problems
of daily life.
Inventors who achieve success have undoubtedly worked extremely hard, but the vast majority of
them also possess a significant amount of people intelligence or common sense.

2 According to the author, what is the difference between 'people intelligence' and common sense? Why
are they important for an inventor?

PREPARE
1 Read the Writing tip. Classify the underlined sentences in the text. Which is the dependent clause in the
complex sentence?

Writing tip: using a variety of sentence types

Sentence variety is an important writing technique.

Simple sentences consist of one independent clause. They are good for giving clear information, getting
the reader's attention or summing up. Too many simple sentences can make your writing sound immature.
Compound sentences have two or more independent clauses of equal importance, which are joined by a
conjunction such as and, but, or yet. A compound sentence is useful to create a balance or contrast
between two equally important pieces of information.
Complex sentences have one independent clause and one dependent clause joined by words such as
although, before, since, after, or if. Complex sentences contain clauses which are not equal because one
clause is dependent on the other. A complex sentence makes it clear which ideas are more important, and
which ideas are secondary or subordinate.

Quiz
1. Which type of sentence is good for giving clear information, getting the reader's attention or summing
up?
a) Simple sentences
b) Compound sentences
c) Complex sentences
d) None of the above
Answer: a) Simple sentences

2. Which type of sentence is useful to create a balance or contrast between two equally important pieces of
information?
a) Simple sentences
b) Compound sentences
c) Complex sentences
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Compound sentences

3. What is the difference between the clauses in a complex sentence?

a) They are both independent.
b) They are both dependent.
c) One is independent, and one is dependent.
d) They are equal in importance.
Answer: c) One is independent, and one is dependent.

4. What is the main disadvantage of using too many simple sentences in writing?
a) It can make your writing sound immature.
b) It can create confusion for the reader.
c) It can make your writing too complex.
d) None of the above.
Answer: a) It can make your writing sound immature.

5. Which of the following conjunctions can join independent clauses in a compound sentence?
a) Because
b) Although
c) And
d) Since
Answer: c) And

6. Why is a complex sentence useful in making it clear which ideas are more important?
a) Both clauses are independent.
b) The dependent clause is more important.
c) The independent clause is more important.
 d) None of the above.
Answer: c) The independent clause is more important.

7. Which type of sentence contains clauses that are not equal in importance?
a) Simple sentences
b) Compound sentences
c) Complex sentences
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Complex sentences

8. Which type of sentence is good for creating a balance or contrast between two equally important pieces
of information?
a) Simple sentences
b) Compound sentences
c) Complex sentences
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Compound sentences

9. What is the main advantage of using complex sentences in writing?

a) They make your writing sound more sophisticated.
b) They make your writing easier to understand.
c) They make it clear which ideas are more important.
d) None of the above.
Answer: c) They make it clear which ideas are more important.

10. Which of the following is not a conjunction used in joining independent clauses in a compound
sentence?
a) And
b) But
c) Although
d) Yet
Answer: c) Although

2 Read the sentences. Decide if they are examples of simple, compound or complex sentences.
1 Although the internet gives everyone access to lots of information, quality is more import ant than
quantity.
2 Many websites have a lot of useful free information, and
this is useful if you need to carry out research.
3 After I had used the translation site a few times, I felt more confident and independent.
4 The internet is important because it helps connect up people and knowledge across the world.
5 The main benefit is that it gives you quick access to information, but it also organizes information for you.
6 The internet is the greatest discovery of the 20th century.
WRITE
Write an opinion essay about the following statement. Use the writing plan to help you. Write 200- 250
words and use different types of sentences.

The internet provides many educational benefits.

Paragraph 1 Explain your opinion. Introduce the main arguments.
Paragraph 2 Present two points to support your opinion. Give examples.
Paragraph 3 Present a further point to support your opinion. Give examples.
Paragraph 4 Conclude your essay.

Example
In my opinion, the internet is an excellent resource that provides numerous educational benefits to people
around the world. There are several reasons why I believe this to be true.

Firstly, the internet offers endless educational opportunities. With just a few clicks, anyone can access a
vast amount of information on almost any topic. This has revolutionized the way people learn, making
knowledge accessible to everyone regardless of their location or financial status. For example, online
courses and tutorials are now available for free, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and on their
own time.

Secondly, the internet allows for collaborative learning. Students can now connect with their peers and
teachers from all over the world, allowing them to exchange ideas, share resources, and collaborate on
projects. This can lead to a richer learning experience and can help students develop valuable skills such
as communication and teamwork.

Lastly, the internet has made education more engaging and interactive. For instance, online educational
games and simulations have been developed to help students learn in a fun and interactive way. These
tools are particularly useful for younger learners who may struggle with traditional teaching methods.

In conclusion, the internet is a powerful tool that offers many educational benefits. It has made learning
more accessible, collaborative, and interactive, and has opened up a world of opportunities for learners of
all ages. While there are some drawbacks to the internet, such as the risk of misinformation, its benefits far
outweigh its drawbacks, and it should be embraced as a valuable educational resource.
Example 2
Strongly believe that the internet is an exceptional resource that provides countless educational benefits to
people worldwide. The reasons supporting my belief are as follows. Firstly, the internet provides access to
a vast amount of information on various topics with just a few clicks. This has drastically transformed the
way people learn, making knowledge easily accessible to everyone, irrespective of their location or
financial status. As an example, free online courses and tutorials empower individuals to learn at their own
pace and convenience.

Secondly, the internet allows for collaborative learning, connecting students with their peers and teachers
globally. This facilitates the exchange of ideas, sharing of resources, and collaboration on projects,
enabling students to develop crucial skills such as communication and teamwork, resulting in a more
enriching learning experience.

Lastly, the internet has made education more engaging and interactive by providing online educational
games and simulations. These tools are particularly useful for younger learners who may find traditional
teaching methods uninteresting.

In conclusion, the internet is a robust tool that provides many educational benefits, making learning more
accessible, collaborative, and interactive, and opening up a world of opportunities for learners of all ages.
Despite some downsides like the risk of misinformation, the benefits of the internet far outweigh its
drawbacks, and it should be embraced as a valuable educational resource.

Example 3

I strongly believe that the internet provides numerous educational benefits. It has revolutionized the way
we access and acquire knowledge. Firstly, the internet offers a vast amount of information on various
subjects. Students can conduct research, find valuable resources, and explore diverse perspectives,
enhancing their understanding and critical thinking skills. For instance, they can access online libraries,
educational websites, and digital archives, broadening their horizons beyond traditional classroom
materials.

Secondly, the internet provides interactive and engaging learning opportunities. Educational platforms offer
interactive games, simulations, and multimedia content that cater to different learning styles. This dynamic
approach captures students' attention, making the learning process enjoyable and effective. For example,
online educational videos, virtual tours, and interactive quizzes offer immersive experiences, fostering
deeper comprehension and retention.

Furthermore, the internet enables global connectivity and collaboration. Students can connect with peers
from around the world, engage in cultural exchanges, and participate in collaborative projects. This
multicultural exposure broadens their perspectives, promotes empathy, and prepares them for a globalized
world.

In conclusion, the internet's educational benefits are undeniable. It facilitates access to vast information,
provides interactive learning experiences, and fosters global connectivity. Harnessing its potential, we can
empower students with the knowledge, skills, and curiosity they need to thrive in the digital age.
 Writing with Sentence Variety
WHAT DO YOU KNOW?
DISCUSS Look at the photo and read the caption. Discuss the questions.
1.Why do you think birds sometimes have brightly colored feathers?
2.How do birds show intelligence?
FIND THE ERRORS This paragraph contains two errors with different types of sentences. Find
the errors and correct them. Explain your corrections to a partner.

Two Smart Birds

1 Scientists have long recognized the fact that many types of mammals exhibit high levels of

intelligence. 2 Including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and dolphins. 3 Recently, however, scientists

have discovered just how smart some non-mammal species are, two are birds: the crow and the kea parrot.
4 Clever crows have appeared in stories around the world for centuries. 5 Just like in Aesop's fable, crows

will drop solid objects into water to raise the level of the water. 6 Crows can make and use simple tools,
like hooks, to get food. 7 Like crows, kea parrots can also use tools, but it is much more difficult for them

because of the curved shape of their beaks. 8 While crows are wary of novelty and like to observe their

environment before solving a problem, kea parrots are very curious and like a challenge. 9 They will poke

and prod something new to try to figure out how it works.

1. simple sentence
A simple sentence contains one independent clause that has a subject and a verb. Possible patterns include:

Clause Pattern Example

1 subject + 1 verb Chimpanzees use tools.
S V

1 subject + 2 or more verbs Chimpanzees use tools and can communicate in sign language.
S V V

2 or more subjects + 1 verb Chimpanzees, macaque monkeys, and crows use tools .
S S S V

Imperative form of verb Notice the similarities between the hands.

V

Notes
1. A simple sentence has only one clause, which means one subject-verb combination. It can have two subjects or two
verbs but only one subject-verb relationship.
2. A simple sentence may have one or more prepositional phrases. Beginning a sentence with a prepositional phrase is
common in academic writing.
In several research studies, chimpanzees used tools of various types.

2. compound sentence
A compound sentence has two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction; the most common are in academic
writing and, but, so.

and Zimbabwe was once a colony of the United Kingdom, and Algeria was a colony of France.
S V CC S V

but Taking notes helps with comprehension, but reviewing notes helps with memory.
S V CC S V

so S. A. Andree wanted to find the North Pole, so he and two others set off in a balloon in 1897.
S V CC S V

Notes
1. A compound sentence has two independent clauses, which means there are two subject-verb combinations.
2. Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence .
3. The most common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, and so. Other possible coordinating conjunctions are or,
nor, for, and vet.
3. A complex sentence

A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause. A dependent clause has a subject + verb, but it cannot
stand alone as a sentence. It depends on-and must be attached to or within-an independent clause to clarify its meaning. A complex
sentence has one or more of these three types of dependent clauses: an adjective clause, an adverb clause, and/ or a noun clause.

1. Adjective clauses
There are two main types of adjective clauses.
a. Subject adjective clause: The relative The Maori, who settled in New Zealand about
pronoun is the subject of the clause. 1000 years ago, are likely of Polynesian descent.
b. Object adjective clause: The relative The treaty (that) the Maori and British signed in
pronoun is the object of the clause. Object 1840 gave authority over New Zealand to the United
relative pronouns are often omitted. Kingdom.

2. Adverb clauses
The subordinating conjunction always The average Maori lived to be 30 years old before
introduces the dependent clause. An adverb Captain James Cook visited New Zea land.
clause may appear either before or after the Although the Maori often struggle in modern
independent clause . society, they have retained much of their cultural
a. Independent clause + dependent clause heritage .

b. Dependent clause, + independent clause

• In academic writing , complex sentences often
begin w it h a dependent clause.

3. Noun clauses
There are three main types of noun clauses. Researchers found that the life expectancy of the
a. That noun clause Maori dropped after the Europeans settled there.
S + V + that + S + V No one is absolutely sure when the Maori people
b. Wh- question noun clauses first appeared in New Zealan d.
1. S + V + Wh- word + S + V Some Maori may wonder what would have
happened to their population if there had not been
2. S + V + Wh-word + V European settlers had never arrive d.

It is not clear whether the outcome of the Treaty

c. Yes I No question noun clauses
of Waitangi was what the Maori wanted.
S + V + if I whether + S + V

Note
For more information, see Unit 10, Adjective Clauses and Reduced Adjective Clauses; Unit 11, Adverb Clauses and
Reduced Adverb Clauses; and Unit 12, Writing with Noun Clauses.
ACTIVITY 1
Read the sentences. Underline the subjects and verbs. Then choose the correct type of sentence. If it is a complex sentence,
does it have an adjective, adverb, or noun clause?

1. People in neighborhoods with a lot of trees and grass have fewer chronic health problems.
a. simple b. compound c. complex
2. When governments improve roads in poor sections of cities, property values go up.
a. simple b. compound c. complex
3. Although the number of people worldwide has increased dramatically, some countries have a falling population.
a. simple b. compound c. complex
4. Exercise can strengthen bones, but the effect is actually quite small.
a. simple b. compound c. complex
5. Because indigenous peoples had no immunity to European diseas es, many died.
a. simple b. compound c. complex

6. Melting polar ice raises sea levels, so many coastal areas are flooding.
a. simple b. compound c. complex
7. The study reported what the researchers had found.
a. simple b. compound c. complex
8. The biologists were worried about the population of the eastern lowland gorilla, which lives in the war-torn region .
a. simple b. compound c. complex
9.The United States government consists of three branches: the executive branch (e.g., the President and Cabinet), the legislative
branch (Congress), and the judicial branch (e.g., the Supreme Court).
a. simple b. compound c. complex
10. After the fall of the Soviet Union, many boundaries in Europe changed dramaticall y.
a. simple b. compound c. complex

ACTIVITY2
Read the sentences. Write the letter of the purpose of the sentence on the line.

a. to give a command e. to express a time relationship

b. to state information f. to express a reason
c. to add information g. to use a clause to describe a noun
d. to show a contrast

_______ 1. Queen Elizabeth, who became queen of England in February of 1952, was crowned in June of 1953.
_______ 2. Antarctica, which is completely surrounded by the Southern Ocean, is the driest and coldest continent.
_______ 3. Let the beaker rest for 15 minutes.
_______ 4. Dogs can see only two colors, but they have extremely sensitive noses.
_______ 5. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth .
_______ 6. Some students take a gap year because they want to get work experience.
_______ 7. Jonas Salk developed the first successful vaccine for polio.

ACTIVITY3
Read the sentences. Combine each set of ideas into one sentence using the connector and the sentence type
in parentheses. Be careful with how you sequence the ideas.

1.Bears are moving to places higher up on mountains. Temperatures are warming up. (so, compound)
_________________________________________________________________________________
2.Chile is the largest producer of copper. It is the second largest producer of salmon. (and, simple)
_________________________________________________________________________________

3.The days get shorter. Geese fly south to warmer climates. (when, complex)
_________________________________________________________________________________

4.Cabbage is the main ingredient in kimchi Kimchi is a Korean specialty. (which, complex)
_________________________________________________________________________________
5. Eva Peron worked to get women the right to vote in Argentina. She was the wife of President Juan Pero n.
(who, complex)
_________________________________________________________________________________

6.Tennis is played on a court. Baseball is played on a field. (but, compound)

_________________________________________________________________________________

7.More and more people are visiting national parks every year. It is increasingly difficult to have a wilderness
experience. (because, complex)
_________________________________________________________________________________

8.An altruistic person sacrifices something. Others benefit. (so that, complex)
_________________________________________________________________________________
 4. Using Simple Sentences
Use a simple sentence when there is a limited amount of information to explain. Simple sentences are used:

1. to state information Extreme weather fascinates many people.

• In academic writing, this is by far the most
common use.

2. to give a command or make a request Let's take a look at some examples of this
• This type of simple sentence is used in academic phenomenon.
writing to direct the reader 's actions.

3. to ask a question Hook: Why do we call a pineapple and an eggplant

• In academic writing, this type of simple sentence is by those names?
used only once or twice in an essay. It is usually in
the introduction to get the reader's attention
(called a hook ) or in the conclusion. Concluding statement: What will our planet look
like a century from now?

Notes
In academic writing, simple sentences rarely begin w ith the subject. Instead, one or more prepositional phrases
appear first.
In this step of the process, the temperature drops.

5. Using Compound Sentences

Use a compound sentence when there are two pieces of information to explain. Both pieces are of equal weight. Compound
sentences are used:

1. to add information about a topic (and) Water evaporates from lakes and rivers, and clouds
• In academic writing, this is by far the most form.
common use.

2. to show a difference or contrast (but) Sleet occurs in winter, but hail usually takes place
in warmer months.

3. to express the result of information that is in Colder air is denser than warmer air, so it sinks .
the first clause (so)
 6. Using Complex Sentences
Most sentences in academic English have at least one dependent clause. Complex sentences are more common
than compound sentences. Complex sentences include:

1. adjective clauses that modify or describe Many of the hurricanes that form over the Atlantic
a noun, either by defining which one we Ocean move westward from Africa.
are talking about, or by giving additional
information

2. adverb clauses that express concession, A hurricane forms when the ocean warms
contrast, result, time relationships, cause or during the summer months.
reason, condition, or purpose

3. noun clauses that stand in for a noun as a Meteorologists explain that evaporation of water
subject, object, or complement in a sentence is the first step in hurricane formation.
Write an opinion essay about the following statement. Use the writing plan to help you.
Write 200- 250 words and use different types of sentences.

Title: The Internet: Unlocking Educational Wonders for Students

Introduction:

Express the opinion that the internet provides numerous educational benefits
Introduce the main arguments

Paragraph 1: Explaining the Opinion and Introducing Main Arguments

State the opinion that the internet is a valuable educational tool for students
Mention the main arguments that will be discussed in the following paragraphs

Paragraph 2: Access to Information and Resources

Explain how the internet offers a wealth of information on various topics
Provide examples such as using search engines to find answers to questions or accessing
educational websites for learning materials

Paragraph 3: Interactive Learning and Engagement

Discuss how the internet provides interactive and engaging learning experiences
Provide examples of educational games, interactive quizzes, or videos that make
learning fun and enjoyable

Paragraph 4: Global Connectivity and Collaboration

Highlight the internet's ability to connect students with others around the world
Provide examples of how students can engage in cultural exchanges or collaborative
projects with their peers from different countries

Conclusion:
Recap the main arguments supporting the opinion that the internet provides
educational benefits for students
Reinforce the idea that the internet is a valuable tool for learning and expanding
knowledge Emphasize the importance of responsible and supervised internet use for
grade 2 students to maximize the educational benefits
Name_____________________________________________No.________M.5/_________

Title: _____________________________________________________________________

Introduction:
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Paragraph 1:
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Paragraph 2:
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___________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 3:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 4:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion::
___________________________________________________________________________
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