Prime Time 5/6, Writing, Arbeitsheft

3 38 Text types Useful language: Expressing opinion 2 to assume (that) to be convinced (that) to believe (that) to consider that to estimate that to feel (that) to guess (that) to have the feeling (that) to object to sth. to reckon (that) to suppose (that) to suspect (that) to think (that) It is clear to me that … . In my opinion … . to be of the opinion that To my mind, … . Surely, … . Certainly, … . It is my firm belief that … . As I see it, … . Personally, … . If you ask me, … . I have the feeling … . How to write a blog comment: •• Underline/Highlight the main points of the prompt. –– Which aspects are addressed in the prompt? –– What is the purpose of your text? –– Who are the people you want to address? –– What are you supposed to write about? •• Formal requirements –– Include your user name and your e-mail address (only necessary in exams). •• How to start –– Refer to the original blog post or the previous comments and deal with the points mentioned (e.g. agree, disagree, support, add information). •• Aspects to consider –– Use one paragraph for each idea. –– Stick with the focus of the text. –– Organise your points in a logical order. –– Express your views clearly. –– When you refer to the bullet points, try to rephrase the sentences of the prompt, so that they look different (= paraphrasing). –– Distinguish between facts, feelings and opinions. –– Use a style appropriate for your target group. –– Tick the bullet points to make sure you have not left anything out. •• How to end a blog comment –– Write an ending that engages the readers and makes them think about the topic again (e.g. by asking a rhetorical question). –– Call for action if needed. Sample prompt: Blog comment You have read the following post in a teenager’s blog. Since you feel strongly about the use of surveillance cameras, you decide to respond. by Dorothy Richardson Security first The National Union of Teachers recently called the use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in schools as little more than “permanent surveillance”. I don’t agree at all. Security issues are so important today. Imagine a situation where children’s lives are at risk and no CCTV system is in place? CCTV can also serve to help prevent crime and other troubles that you’d rather want to keep away from schools. Finally, cameras are there to monitor possible wrongdoings by teachers and staff alike. I can’t imagine a modern school without CCTV. That is the reason why I don’t understand people who argue in the way the National Union of Teachers has in recent years. Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv