We are writing an opinion essay

An introduction

A main body . 

A conclusion

Preparation

Match the vocabulary with the correct definition and write a-h next to the numbers 1-8.

1….. a portion a. an extra charge added by the government to the price

of some goods and services

2…..a tax b. a special enjoyable thing or experience, often given

as a gift to somebody or to yourself

3…..to seek out something c. having knowledge or experience of

a particular thing

4…..a treat d. unsuitable

5…..drastic e. to cause someone a disadvantage

6…..to penalize f. to look for something or someone, often

requiring efforts

7…..inappropriate g. extreme and unpleasant

8….. awareness h. the amount of food served to one person

9….. overconsumption i. to force someone to accept something

10…..to impose j. too great amount used or eaten

Exam question

In some countries an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Nowadays, more and more people are affected by health diseases linked to overconsumption of cheap, mass-produced food. Some people believe the only solution is to make fast food less affordable by taxing it highly. But many others don’t agree with them.

Despite the severity of the problem, I think it is quite wrong. Increasing the tax on fast food would unfairly penalize people and may not improve health.

First, fast food is more than just nutrition. Many teenagers spend money on fast food because fast food restaurants provide a convenient place to meet friends. More than that, for low-income families fast food can be an inexpensive treat for their children. Denying this small pleasure will affect their social life and happiness.

Besides, taxing fast food can’t reduce obesity. Fast food is high in sugar, salt and fat, all of which cause weight gain. However, lack of exercise, inappropriate portion size of home-cooked food lead to obesity as well.

On the other hand, there are those who say drastic action is needed. If fast food becomes expensive, people will be forced to seek out healthier options. In addition, food producers will have to provide healthier food for people.

To conclude, imposing a higher tax on fast food will have more negative than positive effects. What we really need is greater awareness of diet and cheaper healthy food.

1. Check your understanding: matching

Match the essay paragraphs with their content and write a–e next to the numbers 1–5.

1…….. Paragraph 1 a. Restate your opinion on the issue and the reasons

for it.

2…….. Paragraph 2 b. Give a reason for your opinion and explain it.

3…….. Paragraph 3 c. Give another reason for your opinion and explain it.

4…….. Paragraph 4 d. Briefly introduce the issue and why it's important,

and state your opinion.

5…….. Paragraph 5 e. Consider the opposite viewpoint and highlight a

problem with it.

2. Check your vocabulary: gap fill

Complete the sentences with one from the following words:

severity , deny, obesity, affordable,

penalize, size , treats, nutrition

1. It is hard to _______________ that the problem is getting worse.

2. Giving children little _______________ like sweets and chocolate is actually bad for their teeth.

3. The potato was the only source of __________ in Ireland for 300 years and half the population died .

4. It isn’t fair to _______________ people who have a lower income.

5. This hotel is too expensive, not ______________.

6. Shared plates of food make it hard to control portion _______________.

7. Bad eating habits and inactivity lead to_____________ and diseases.

8. The _______________ of the situation has meant that the government is now taking action

3. Check your writing: multiple choice

Circle the correct linker for these sentences. Both may be possible, or neither may be correct.

1. Some people think it is bad to eat carbohydrates. _______________, most dieticians believe they are part of a healthy diet.

a. However

b. Nevertheless

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

2. _______________ what many people think, the USA does not have the most obese population.

a. Despite

b. Although

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

3. _______________ I can see their point, I still believe that they are wrong.

a. Although

b. Even though

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

4. Vegetables are a good source of dietary fibre. _______________, they contain many nutrients and vitamins.

a. On the other hand

b. In addition

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

5. _______________ fast food is bad for us, many people enjoy it.

a. Despite

b. Despite the fact that

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

6. _______________ the economic crisis, the employment rate is falling.

a. In spite of

b. Despite

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

7. _______________ there is a lot of traffic in city centres, pollution is a problem.

a. Since

b. Because of

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

8. Young people are thought to be lazy. _______________ most young people I know are extremely hard-working.

a. Another important point is that

b. On the contrary,

c. Both of the above

d. Neither of the above

4. Check your vocabulary: gap fill

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the word in brackets.

1. _______________ causes heart diseases. (obese)

2. The situation has _______________changed during last years. (drastic)

3. _______________ water shortages have led, in turn, to food shortages. (severity)

4. Governments should analyze the ______________ of water prices at local and national level. (afford)

5. Still, his popularity remains ____________. (deny)

6. Therefore, _____________ of these acts is not considered necessary. (penalize)

7. Environmental_____________ will help solve a lot of problems. ( aware)

8. Industrial ______________ have raised prices since 1999. (produce)

Public libraries are becoming less popular and they will soon disappear.

An introduction

A main body . 

A conclusion

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