8 WRITING EXTRA

ADVANCED PLUS UNIT 8 2 Read the concluding paragraph. Does

the author express a biased or an
for and against essay unbiased opinion in relation to the
essay? Explain.
WRITING TIP
When you write a ‘for and against’ essay, remember to express your 3 Read paragraph 2. What cons do e-book
opinion(s) in a non-emotional way and avoid using strong or colloquial readers mention about print books?
(informal) language.
4 Read the sentences with the words in
bold in paragraphs 3–4. Decide if the
1 Read the essay and decide if the sentences are true (T) or words have a positive (P) or negative
false (F). (N) connotation in this particular
1 The reading public is considered to be both readers of e-books context.
and print books. 1 popular
2 The author presents just two arguments in favour of e-books. 2 digital trend
3 E-book readers need access to the internet in order to 3 digital files
purchase new titles. 4 gifts
4 One disadvantage of print books is that they have been linked 5 sentimental attachment
to deforestation. 6 break down
5 According to the author, people may become emotionally 7 reduces stress
attached to e-books.
5 Choose ONE of the topic statements
E-books or Print Books? below and write a ‘for and against’
Today’s reading public is faced with a difficult choice, e-book or print
essay (350–450 words).
book? Recent studies show that hardcovers and paperbacks are still 1 Digital texts discriminate against
immensely popular, despite having to split their sales with new, crowd- those who cannot afford internet
pleasing digital formats. There are pros and cons for readers of both access.
e-books and print books. What factors influence consumers in making 2 Manufacturing print books harms the
the best choice? Is it a matter of personal preference, or are there other planet.
persuasive factors that sway their decision? These are not easy questions,
and there are compelling arguments on both sides.
First, e-books offer countless benefits. E-book readers are able to carry Plan your writing
hundreds of titles on a single electronic device wherever they go, • Think about the content of your essay and
whether on a train, bus, plane or just waiting in a queue. Likewise, make notes about the pros and cons.
e-books never take up physical space. In other words, the bookshelf on • Decide on the information you will cite or
an e-reader will never surpass five or six inches. Secondly, e-books are reference from the sources.
delivered almost instantaneously after purchase. Buyers can download
• Remember to include an introduction,
and start reading within minutes. This can happen twenty-four hours a
day, seven days a week, any time of the year, without leaving home. In a few paragraphs on the pros and cons,
addition, there is no postage to pay. Thirdly, as readers of e-books often and a conclusion which outlines your own
argue, trees are not required to manufacture paper for e-books. The opinion.
paper industry is a big contributor to deforestation. This is an attractive • Write a topic sentence.
selling point for environmentally-conscious readers.
Check your writing
Print books are still popular for several reasons. An obvious one is that
• Is your essay balanced?
almost all the reading public is already acquainted with them. However,
many print book- readers find it difficult to conform to the digital trend, • Have you avoided giving your own opinion
simply because they see their books as prized possessions rather than until the conclusion?
digital files. Frequently their books have been received as gifts, so there • Have you checked your grammar and
is a sentimental attachment. Another reason readers mentioned is a spelling?
degree of physical pleasure derived from reading print books. They say
that paper pages are soft to touch and relaxing which makes a better
reading experience. A further reason print book-readers give is that their
books are theirs for life. They doubt if e-books will even be readable in
another twenty years. They point out that most electronic devices break
down after a short period and even technological advances render most
devices obsolete in a couple of years.
When all is said and done, reading is good for everyone, regardless of
the format. It stimulates the mind, increases intelligence, reduces stress,
expands vocabulary and improves memory.

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Speakout Writing Extra Advanced Plus Unit 8.indd 75 16/06/18 8:25 PM