Writing. Part 2. Домбровская И.В - 16 стр.

                                       15


-abandon cliched introductions. Write something more original (Don't write:
 This topic has been important since ancient times. When? Too vague);
-use quotations or paraphrasing of quotations;
-use an advanced level of vocabulary.

Exercise 11
Read the two models and decide which is good and which is bad. Justify
your decision. Then, list the advantages and disadvantages of computers in
modern society.

  MODEL 1
        Computers are a major technological breakthrough of the twentieth
century. Their benefits are numerous yet much can be said against them. Clive
James, an Australian critic, once said that "It is only when they go wrong that
machines remind you how powerful they are".
        The main disadvantage of computers is that staring at a screen for long
periods of time can be damaging to the eyes, and sitting on a chair for hours at a
time is certainly not healthy. Secondly, computers distract from social
interactions such as conversation. Also, people can be inclined to become anti-
social and stay at home to use their computer. Finally, the most persuasive
argument against the use of computers is that the more jobs which are done by
computers, the less are done by people.
        However, the advantages of computers are numerous, such as the
undeniable educational benefits, especially to children. School subjects become
more interesting when presented on a computer screen. Moreover, computers
can be fun with a seemingly endless variety of games which can be played on
them. In addition, computers are valuable to any business, making life easier and
saving time by being capable of storing and retrieving vast amounts of
information at the touch. Furthermore, personal gains can be seen as the use of
computers increases powers of concentration.
        To sum up, there are strong arguments both for and against the use of
computers. Yet, despite the health problems, risk to jobs and lack of personal
interaction, it seems that as long as the use of computers is regulated, the
benefits computers provide to education and business are invaluable.

  MODEL 2
        There is no doubt that computers have made my and my friends' lives
easier. Business can also benefit from using computers but there are many
problems too.
        It's easy for students to learn on computers because things seem more
exciting and interesting when you see them on a screen rather than in a book.
There are also lots of games you can play too and you can become so interested