WRITING EXERCISES 4 AND 5

BY ALBEIRO VERGEL. CAU Ocaa

WRITING EXERCISE 4. For each of the following outlines, write sentences to

introduce each of the supporting paragraphs. You should use a combination of
transition expressions and transition sentences.

1.
INTRO: The types of reading that I enjoy
SP 1:
Science fiction: Science fiction is nowadays, one of the most popular
reading topics.

SP 2:
SP3:

Romances: In spite of the growing of technology and materialism,

Romances are also a very popular type of reading.
Sports magazines: Perhaps the most successful reading people, mostly
men, enjoy are Sport Magazines.

2.
INTRO: Living for today versus living for tomorrow
SP 1:
People who have a philosophy of living for today: It is common to find that
in general people who have a philosophy of living for today, are regarded as
lazy and not hard working.

SP 2:

People who have a philosophy of living for tomorrow: On the contrary,

many people who have a philosophy of living for tomorrow, are considered
intelligent and settled.

3.
INTRO: My reasons for going to the movies all the time
SP 1:
To be entertained rather than taught: I have always enjoyed going to the
movies for entertainment rather than to be taught

SP 2:

To feel good rather than depressed: The idea of visiting the cinema should
be based on how good you feel after watching a movie.

4.
INTRO: Advice to someone trying to learn a new language
SP 1:
Listen to videos, television programs, radio programs in the new language:
Todays media gives us lots of opportunities to improve such as listening to
videos, television programs, radio programs in the new language you want to
learn.

SP 2:

Talk with native speakers of the language every chance you got: Also, you
can empower yourself by talking with native speakers of the language every
chance you got.

SP3:

Read newspapers, magazines, books in the new language: Many people

have reported an amazing improvement when they have the chance to read
newspapers, magazines, books in the new language.

5.
INTRO: Steps the government should take to protect the environment
SP 1:
Educate people about the causes and effects of environmental damage:
The first step should be to educate people about the causes and effects of
environmental damage.

SP 2:

SP3:

Create and enforce laws that penalize those who damage the environment:
The second step would be to create and enforce laws that penalize those
who damage the environment.
Reward those who are environmentally conscious with tax incentives: The
last step, but not less important, would be to reward those who are
environmentally conscious with tax incentives.

WRITING EXERCISE 5. Submit the two essays you selected in exercise 3 including
the following parts:
Introduction
Supporting paragraphs
Conclusion

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Actions speak

louder than words. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
response.
It is very interesting to see how in different cultures and latitudes people of
character are always regarded as the most valuables of society. There are
numerous examples of people that under different circumstances were tested in
their honor, bravery, honesty and virtue. These people were able to make
decisions that later were seen by the actions product of them. These actions,
right or wrong, have influenced history in many ways.
People like Ghandi, for instance, strongly believed that actions should follow
what people have in their minds, in other words, that the body should reflect a
complete obedience to minds dictations. There is a clear understanding, in
religions like the one he practiced (Hinduism) that our minds should govern our
lives and that actions should be coherent with peoples minds. It seems that this
kind of thought is common to people of all cultures, mostly senior ones. In my
personal case, I had the blessing to share and spend a lot with grandmother. She
always told me that, when dealing in human relations, I had to keep my
promises, and not doing so, would reflect a weakness in my character.
Furthermore, we frequently listen to people saying I didnt mean it, what
indicates a great lack of coherence between thinking and action. Of course, that
lack of connection between words and deeds will not justify or solve the
different problems that would come as a result of our mistakes. I was always
curious of the many references we can see in religion concerning this issue and
the possible solutions it offers. For that reason I wanted to ask a pastor and a
priest to know their opinions. To my surprise, leaders of religions that are always
in conflict, agreed on the same points. In the Bible, for example, Jesus, referring
to peoples actions, says By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick
grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Also, James, the apostle, says
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (Matthew 7:16
and James 3:11 NIV)
Throughout a persons life there are many moments of failure or success. Those
two, will eventually be forgiven by oneself, family, friends and society. But what
the world will not allow you is to show an internal disconnection. As we have
seen before, there is definitely a great relation between actions and words, but
lastly we will be remembered for our actions.

2. What is the best age to marry? Give reasons and examples to support your
response.
Even though there are more and more weddings today, most people agree that
the best age to marry is when you have achieved your personal goals. Life is,
when young, lived intensely and there are always many personal goals you would
like to achieve.
People usually recommend that it is important to avoid marriage and family life
when you are too young, since it is said that people who marry early in their
youth tend to feel more frustrated over time. The world has become more and
more accessible and there are a lot of opportunities for personal development,
thus, it is important to have the time to enjoy life, grow in experience and
knowledge before making a very important decision. For instance, I was once in
love with a girl when I was very young and I thought that we were going to
marry, but thanks God our families intervened and helped us understand we
were very young and we had to accomplish our particular objectives. The top of
that was when we saw another couple fail just after they got married.
Having said that, it is very clear nowadays that people who marry early in their
youth tend to feel more frustrated over time. A very good example for this is the
case of Lady Di and Prince Charles in the UK. They, the same as many young
couples around the globe, discovered with a lot of deception that they married
moved by emotion and not reason. In my personal experience, I have not been
married but I have a lot of friends that are married. Most of those that got
married in their twenties of before, have ended very bad, going through painful
divorce processes and economic problems.
There is a lot of evidence to show that people should wait until they are mature
and experienced to get married and be successful, since marriage and family life
are a great responsibility. After all my considerations, I would say that an ideal
age to get married would be 40, after you have studied enough, gotten a good
job and saved plenty of money in order to be able to face such a great challenge.