Articles, News Reports & Reviews

Title/Headline

Introduction

Paragraph 1

state the topic of the arti­cle/news report/review

Main Body

Paragraphs 2-3-4-5*

development of the topic — each new aspect should be presented in a separate paragraph with a clear topic sentence

Conclusion

Final Paragraph

summary of the topic and/or opinion/comments/ recommendation(s)

* The exact number of paragraphs will depend on the specific requirements of each writing task.

2 Look at the beginnings and endings from various types of articles. Match the beginnings with the endings, and then say which of the topics that follow (i - v) matches each pair.

BEGINNGS…

1. The popular seaside resort of Sandy Bay was completely devastated yesterday by a freak tidal wave, the cause of which has not yet been determined. There have been several fatalities, and some residents suf-­ fering from minor injuries have been admitted to a nearby hospital.

2. There are several problems which you will have to face when teaching classes of young children. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with such problems, which in the long run should improve both the effective­ ness of your lessons and your own rapport with your students.

3. Organising a children's party can often be stressful for parents. If you feel this way, then why not allow us to do it for you? Our company will arrange everything from the decorations to the cake.

4. Living in a city can be very advantageous. However, more and more peo­- ple are starting to agree that there are a multitude of benefits in moving to the countryside.

5. Greenside Drama Group is performing Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot next week at the Greenside Theatre. The play, set in an unspecified period and place, is a philosophical tale about the meaning of life. Chris Greene and Felix Harman star as the main characters, two tramps called Vladimir and Estragon.

... ENDINGS

A. Despite the fact that city life is better in terms of facilities and shops, country life is certainly better for your health and peace of mind. So, city dwellers, the next time you step out of your door to battle the urban elements, perhaps you too will agree that we could all use a bit of peace and quiet.

B. Our service offers everything you could possibly wish for in a party, at a very reasonable price. If you are interested in letting us organise your child's next party, simply contact us for more details.

C. All in all, this play is extremely well produced, although it is a little confusing at times. I would certainly recommend that you see it, as it is a fascinating piece of work. However, be prepared to leave the theatre asking yourself, "Why am I here?"

D. If you follow the guidelines given above, you should have little difficulty solving the problems which you will undoubtedly have to face. What is more, your students will remain interested in your lessons, because they will enjoy themselves as they learn.

E. Rescue workers are continuing to search through the rubble in the hope of finding survivors. Residents have been warned that experts have not ruled out the chance of a repeat occurrence.

TOPICS

1. 
   Write an information sheet advising primary school teachers on how they should deal with problems which arise in the classroom. Suggest ways in which they can make their lessons more interesting.
   
2. 
   Write a magazine article describing the benefits of moving from a city to a village in the countryside. Discuss the effects this could have on your life in general.
   
3. 
   You work for a company which organises children's parties. Write a leaflet giving details of the service you provide and explain what ben­efits parents will gain by using your company.
   
4. 
   A local drama group is soon to stage a play and, as the arts and entertainments editor for a local weekly newspaper, you were invited to see a preview. Write a short review, giving some details of the plot and saying whether you would recommend the play to oth­ers, and why.
   
5. 
   Expand the following news telex into a newspaper report:
   

SEASIDE TOWN DEVASTATED BY TIDAL WAVE. RESCUE TEAMS WORK­ING ROUND THE CLOCK. STILL POS­SIBLE CHANCE OF REPEAT OCCUR­RENCE.