1 Reading
a Read the essay about the value of sport in keeping fit and healthy. Are the sentences true or false?
1 Most people think that sport is a good thing.
2 The writer gives two reasons why sport is worthwhile.
3 Running is an example of an extreme sport.
4 Drugs only have an immediate effect on the body.
5 We should try to get to the top of whatever sport we do.
6 The conclusion says that it is good to do some sport.
Keeping sport healthy
The conventional opinion about sport is that it has a positive influence on individuals’ physical condition. However, there are people who claim that there are negative aspects of sport that should make us examine its contribution more closely.
It is said that there are several good reasons for doing sport. Firstly, fitness is connected to health and playing sport helps you to lose weight and stay active. Secondly, we usually do sport with other people and social interaction helps people to stay mentally healthy and happy.
One argument given against sport is that it puts stress on the body. Aside from extreme sports, even everyday activities like running can be harmful if you do them too much. Some people also worry about the long-term effects of various drugs and sports supplements.
Furthermore, it is claimed that the competitive element of sport can make people aggressive, the ‘win at all costs’ mentality. The reasoning is that in this case sport becomes about winning rather than being healthy and enjoying what you do.
In conclusion, I believe that sport can be a healthy and fun way of spending time if it is done in moderation and the right spirit. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle almost certainly outweigh the disadvantages.
b Read the essay again and tick (✓) the correct words to complete the sentences.
1 In the first paragraph, the writer …
a outlines the issue. ✓
b summarises the issue.
c criticises the issue.
2 In the next three paragraphs, the writer presents …
a the results of some research.
b their own opinion.
c different arguments.
3 A key argument in the second paragraph is that sport …
a is the most effective way of keeping slim.
b builds good relationships.
c is as much about mental as physical health.
4 The third paragraph uses drugs as an example of something …
a introducing an unknown factor.
b necessary to reduce stress levels.
c used too much in sport.
5 The main idea in the fourth paragraph is that …
a professional sport is a bad role model for people.
b when you do sport, it is natural to want to win.
c the main purpose of sport should not be beating others.
6 In the conclusion, the writer …
a gives their personal opinion.
b introduces the strongest argument.
c presents a unique way of looking at the issue.
Answer
a True: 1, 2, 6; False: 3, 4, 5
b 2 c 3 c 4 a 5 c 6 a
2 Writing Skills – Presenting a series of arguments
Complete the sentences with the words in the box.
|
addition against argue conclude important spite suggests unlike |
1 People often ……argue…… that drug companies are too greedy.
2 This ……………… that most people are unaware of the problem.
3 One argument ……………… private health care is that it excludes people.
4 In ………………, there may not be enough doctors to help everyone.
5 To ………………, both sides of the argument have some validity.
6 It’s ……………… not to forget that this medicine is not available everywhere.
7 In ……………… of advances in medicine, we have to cure for many diseases.
8 We can eat fresh fruit all year round now, ……………… fifty years ago.
Answer
2 suggests 3 against 4 addition 5 conclude
6 important 7 spite 8 unlike
3 Writing
Write an essay on the topic ‘Are we healthier today than we were a hundred years ago?’ Use the paragraph structure and the notes to help you.
– Introduction: outline the topic
– Main argument for better health: medicine and technology, better nutrition is available
– Other arguments for: more leisure time
– Arguments against: bad diets, cars, TV and computers, life moves too fast
– Conclusion: summarise the arguments and give your opinion
Answer
Suggested answer
There can be extreme views when we compare the health of people today and a century ago. On the one hand, it is said that we live longer and healthier lives because have better food and advanced medicine. On the other hand, some believe that people were healthier and happier in the past because their lives were simpler and stress-free.
The main argument for believing we are healthier today is that medicine and technology have allowed us to treat and even cure diseases that would have killed us in the past. Moreover, our nutrition is better, so we are stronger and better prepared to fight illnesses.
In addition, because of machinery and better working conditions, we have more leisure time to do sport and take care of ourselves. In contrast, life in the early twentieth century would have been mainly work and recovery from work.
One argument against all this is that our lifestyle has changed, and that this can bring on all sorts of health problems. So instead of eating the healthy food which is available, some people eat more and what they eat is unhealthier, for example processed food.
In conclusion, I believe that we are healthier today mainly because we are protected by the wonders of modern medicine. It is always attractive to think of some kind of golden past where life was better, but this does not apply to health.