Структура и содержание письменного высказывания с элементами рассуждения «Мое мнение»
Lesson 1. A computer can replace a teacher
Comment on the following statement.
What is your opinion? Do you agree with the statement?
Write 200-250 words.
Use the following plan:
- make an introduction (state the problem paraphrasing the given statement)
- express your personal opinion and give 2–3 reasons for your opinion
- express an opposing opinion and give 1–2 reasons for this opposing opinion
- explain why you don’t agree with the opposing opinion
- make a conclusion restating your position
1. Подбираем синонимы и/или меняем грамматическую структуру. Стараемся перефразировать не менее 2-х слов из темы
Synonyms:
| A computer | |
electronic devices |
data processor |
artificial intelligence |
|
Replace |
|
Substitute (for) |
supersede |
A teacher |
|
an educator |
a tutor |
a professo |
rteaching staff |
2. Подбираем наиболее удачный вариант перифраза
- The dilemma if an educator can be substituted for an artificial intellect has heated debates
- Today much is being said about the significance of a human in educational process.
- The issue if there can be substitute for teaching staff in the classroom is widely discussed nowadays
- The problem of substitution of a professor in the classroom for data processor is debatable in modern society.
3. Представляем полярность мнений по теме
- Some people believe the role of teachers started to fade. Others claim that a professional educator still plays an essential role in educational process.
- Some people believe that teaching staff at school or university is a thing of the past while others are sure that people will not be taught just by a computer without real humans in the nearest future.
4. Формулируем аргументы «За»
- all teaching material is available and properly explained online. There is no need for a teacher to learn it
- computers are perfect, they do not make mistakes and assess students more objectively
- computers provide the same quality of education at any time of the day, they never get tired or annoyed
- it will speed up learning process, because a machine can work with information and find our mistakes very quickly
- computers provide access to different sources of knowledge.
5. Формулируем аргументы «Против»
- when we ask for the solution to a problem, the computer has a fixed set of a few answers and it cannot answer anything beyond that particular solution.
- the teaching process does not simply include teaching facts, but also emotions, which computers do not have.
- teachers can share their personal experiences in order to provide better understanding of a particular phenomenon
- everyone does not have the quick learning ability in all areas of study. What is the easiest subject for some is a nightmare for others? A teacher can adjust their pace according to children's capabilities.
6. Опровергаем аргументы
| argument | counter argument |
… a teacher can motivate and develop students not only mentally, but also creatively and even physically. |
Although some teachers can motivate students to study, some of the professors are really boring and can discourage students from getting knowledge. |
…computers are perfect, they do not make mistakes and access students more objectively |
Computers lack individual approach and such objectiveness can destroy students’ motivation. |
when we ask for the solution to a problem, the computer has a fixed set of a few answers and it cannot answer anything beyond that particular solution. |
Modern computer software is complicated and flexible enough to cope with any challenges and solve any problems |
7. Соединяем части вводными фразами. Структурируем текст согласно плану
Важно!
Второй абзац начинаем с выражения своего мнения
- In my opinion… In my view, ... As far as I am concerned, …
- Personally, I think/ I believe that… I am sure that…
- For a start…Besides, … Moreover, … Also, Firstly, Secondly, …
- To continue the list…
- However, there are people who… However, the opponents insist that…
- These arguments are not valid… I disagree with these ideas…
8. Формулируем вывод
In conclusion, the role of teachers in the learning process is still very important, no machine can replace the human interaction and its consequences.
To sum up, I strongly believe that, even though the computers have become an essential part of educational system in almost all the countries, it cannot replace teachers. Pupils would always need a mentor to shape their career.
To summarize, I would like to stress that computers cannot abolish teachers. There are many things, which only humans can teach other humans.
Sample essays
A computer cannot replace a teacher.
sample 1
Nowadays more and more people believe that computers can teach children. However, the contemporary society has a different point of view. They reckon that real teachers cannot be replaced with computers.
As far as I am concerned, children can be taught online with the help of computers. To begin with, students with diseases, who are not able to attend school, will have a chance to get education. Furthermore, computer technologies have progressed so much that it is possible now to make online lessons more entertaining and beneficial than traditional classes at school. For instance, it is possible to organize online lessons with pupils from other schools or countries, online quizzes and tests, lectures with famous teachers and so on. Last but not least, students will be eager to try new technologies and for that reason will work harder.
However, the opponents of this view claim that teachers can never be substituted with computers. They believe that the real contact between teachers and pupils is essential because when children make mistakes teachers help to correct them and also give some useful advice.
Personally, I strongly disagree with this point of view because there is no great deal of truth in what they say. Teachers can easily do their job online, communicate with their students and give all the necessary recommendations.
Taking everything into consideration, I would like to emphasize that computers can replace teachers. There is a lot of evidence that computers can teach and give real knowledge to children.
sample 2
The problem of teaching has been a focus for arguments and controversy during last few years. Some people think it is impossible for computers to substitute teacher’s work; meanwhile others have a completely opposite view on this issue.
As far as I am concerned, the work of teachers cannot be replaced with digital technologies. Firstly, teachers can work individually with students and it makes the studying process more effective. Secondly, teachers are able to give feedback to students about their home task, so pupils can understand their mistakes.
However, some opponents point out that computers can substitute teachers. According to them, digital technologies make it possible to teach faster and better.
Actually, I absolutely disagree with such an opinion. I believe some teachers can work with students as fast as computers work because they know what educational material is necessary to highlight during a studying process.
Despite other people’s point of view, I am still sure that teachers cannot be substituted with computers because only humans can teach children how to write and read correctly as well as develop their personal skills such as ability to write poems, draw, sing and create something new.
sample 3
Nowadays there is an opinion that such an invention as a computer is capable of replacing an actual teacher. However, other people strongly believe that it is not true. So, in this essay I am going to have a look on such an issue.
In my opinion, there are many arguments which confirm inability of a computer used for studying to be a replacement of a teacher. Firstly, the interactions in real life are essential for getting good education because all the information received from a person is more likely to be understood and remembered. Secondly, a teacher makes students focused on studying process, whereas atmosphere at home is full of destructions.
Nonetheless, others claim that a computer has a lot more advantages than a teacher that is supposed to be replaced. For example, most of educated tutors are situated far away, so a computer is the best solution to this problem as all the people are able to get educated without leaving their houses. Moreover, teachers are humans, so they tend to make mistakes during the studying process unlike the computers due to their accurate system.
Personally, I cannot agree with my opponents. Spending time with a teacher while doing mental activities can be very beneficial because it gives an opportunity to build a special relationship. Furthermore, a tutor can become a friend who is eager to help by giving advice.
To sum up, in my view, there are clearly more reasons proving that a computer is not able to replace an actual teacher who, in turn, is likely to make life better.
Lesson 2. Reading fiction is more enjoyable than watching movies
1. Подбираем синонимы и/или меняем грамматическую структуру
Стараемся перефразировать не менее 2-х слов из темы.
Enjoyable - pleasing, to one’s liking/
Fiction - literature in the form of prose, especially novels, that describes imaginary events and people.
Synonyms:
enjoyable |
|
amusing |
entertaining |
likable |
pleasant |
pleasurable |
preferable |
satisfying |
|
read fiction |
|
read novels/ stories/ works of the imagination |
read a book/ prose literature |
movies |
|
films |
feature films |
2. Подбираем наиболее удачный вариант перифраза
- Nowadays there are a lot of arguments if it is more pleasing to read novels than to watch feature films.
- The issue if reading prose literature is more preferable than watching feature films is widely discussed nowadays.
3. Представляем полярность мнений по теме
- So, a lot of people believe that a book is fast becoming an endangered species and only films can entertain us. However, there are others, who are sure that reading novels is more amusing than watching films.
- Some people believe that the role of books started to fade and that it is more pleasurable to go to the cinema than to bother your head with reading.
Others claim that books are still a crucial part of our life and they are more entertaining than films. (But others hold a contrary opinion)
4. Формулируем аргументы «За»
- Without the help of sound and images available to those who watch films, readers must use their imaginations to create their own images of the story as it unfolds before them.
- People are not influenced by actor’s performances, or by director’s decisions, but by what is written on the page.
- Books are more convenient than films. Readers are restricted neither by time nor by location, they can read a book whenever and wherever they want, within reason.
- You can learn a language while reading, it extends your vocabulary. It improves reading and even writing skills.
- Reading is essential for children; it extends their range of interests, improves their imagination and helps them gain more knowledge and experience through books.
5. Формулируем аргументы против «Против»
- Films have spectacular special effects, breathtaking scenery and outstanding soundtracks.
- It is no longer necessary to go to the cinema to fully appreciate a film. With the introduction of home cinemas and DVDs, home viewing has improved to such an extent that it has reached a standard which was, until very recently, available only in cinemas.
- It is a good way to relax with friends, eliminate stress and tension and just have a good time. You can make comments while watching a movie.
- Watching movie usually takes less time than reading a book.
- Films usually have more influence on people, their behaviour and mood.
6. Опровергаем аргументы «Против»
| argument | counter argument |
…watching a film can be an intense experience indeed. Modern productions dazzle viewers with spectacular special effects, breathtaking scenery and outstanding soundtracks. |
…watching a film is a passive experience, there is no place for imagination. |
…you can entertain yourself with reading whenever and wherever you want. |
… it is boring to stay at home alone for a long time. Watching movies is a good way to relax with your friends, eliminate stress and tension and just have a good time. |
7. Соединяем части вводными фразами. Структурируем текст согласно плану.
Важно!
Второй абзац начинаем с выражения своего мнения.
- In my opinion… In my view, ... As far as I am concerned, …
- Personally, I think/ I believe that… I am sure that…
- For a start…Besides, … Moreover, … Also, Firstly, Secondly, …
- To continue the list…
- However, there are people who… However, the opponents insist that…
- These arguments are not valid… I disagree with these ideas…
8. Формулируем вывод
To conclude, I strongly believe that reading a book is more pleasant than watching a film. I would not replace the satisfaction of reading the last page of a book with any film ending, no matter how spectacular it is.
In closing, I would stress that watching a film brings more advances and relaxation. Movies usually have more influence on people, their behavior and mood. They are more enjoyable in many ways.
9. Пересчитываем количество слов
10. Исправляем ошибки
Lesson 3. Playing computer games is the best leisure activity for teenagers
1. Подбираем синонимы и/или меняем грамматическую структуру. Стараемся перефразировать не менее 2-х слов из темы.
Synonyms:
| computer games | |
electronic games |
video games |
leisure activity |
|
spare pastime |
a way of spending free time |
the best |
|
the finest |
the ideal |
perfect |
|
teenagers |
|
adolescents |
youth |
young people |
youngsters |
2. Подбираем наиболее удачный вариант перифраза
- Nowadays electronic games are extremely popular among youngsters.
- The issue if playing video games is the greatest way of spending free time among young people is widely discussed nowadays.
- Today much is being said about playing electronic games as a way of spending spare pastime for youth.
3. Представляем полярность мнений по теме
- Some people tend to think that playing such games is the finest way for young people to spend their free time. Others, on the contrary, have an opposite opinion.
- Some people suppose that instead of playing electronic games young people should spend their free time on physical activities, whereas others do not agree.
- They believe that computer games are not bad at all.
4. Формулируем аргументы «За»
- Playing computer games helps to improve memory and speed.
- Focus and attention increase by playing computer games because they require a certain amount of specific skills and memory in order to clear the stage of the game.
- There is also an improvement in creativity and flexibility.
- There are various types of educational computer games which help teenagers in learning subjects.
- Computer games help children to stimulate their imagination.
- Playing computer games is challenging as well as fascinating.
- Computer games help to develop different skills that children need for the learning process. New branches of industry are appearing where such skills will be in high demand. It could be military and space industries which require specialized skills to operate robots.
- It is fun and helps to remove stress. Computer games have their own world, which unlike real life do not hurt the feelings of the individual.
- They give an opportunity to plunge into exciting adventures: to overcome obstacles, to fly an aircraft, to solve different puzzle, to look after a virtual pet, to build cities.
5. Формулируем аргументы «Против»
- As people enjoy playing computer games, lots of time is wasted while playing.
- It is a kind of an addiction.
- Sitting at one place and playing computer games continuously is not good for eyes as well as for health.
- Computer games affect real life communication, so teenagers do not have friends outside of their virtual world.
- Children do not find enough time to study and to do the chores.
6. Опровергаем аргументы «Против»
| argument | counter argument |
Computer games help to develop different skills that children need for the learning process. New branches of industry are appearing where such skills will be in high demand. It could be military and space industries which require specialized skills to operate robots. |
These skills still belong to the future, not enough of them will be in demand for the next decade. So, a few people will be able to make a career in these very new and upcoming sectors. |
- Computer games affect real life communication, so teenagers do not have friends outside of their virtual world. |
-Due to their introverted character some young people have hard time finding friends in real life. For them a computer game might be the best way to find friends and not to feel lonely. The same thing happens to shy people. |
7. Соединяем части вводными фразами. Структурируем текст согласно плану
Важно!
Второй абзац начинаем с выражения своего мнения.
In my opinion… In my view, ... As far as I am concerned, …
Personally, I think/ I believe that… I am sure that…
For a start…Besides, … Moreover, … Also, Firstly, Secondly, …
To continue the list…
However, there are people who… However, the opponents insist that…
These arguments are not valid… I disagree with these ideas…
8. Формулируем вывод
To conclude, I would like to stress that playing computer games is the greatest free time activity. They have an educational value and help children to relax.
To sum up, playing computer games is not the best option for teenagers to spend their free time. It prevents them from developing social skills and distracts from studying.
9. Пересчитываем количество слов, исправляем ошибки
10. Исправляем ошибки