Language development

· Fill in the adjectives from the list, then say what the pros and cons of being a singer are.

tiring, exciting, stressful, rewarding

Singers have a very1) ……………. job because they have to travel a great deal and often have to perform late at night. Their lives are often 2) …………… however, since they meet many famous people and get lots of public attention. A singer's job can be very 3) …………… espe­cially if a song becomes a hit, but it can also be very 4) ………… because they have to continue to perform well, otherwise they will no longer be successful.

· First describe the jobs below, then answer the questions:

a) Which of these people wear uniforms when they work?

b) Which of these people work indoors and which outdoors?

c) What are the pros and cons of each job? Give reasons.

traffic warden, waiter, doctor, policeman, postman, flight attendant, porter, dustman, typist, gardener, teacher, farmer, builder, secretary, pilot, fire-fighter, optician, butcher, surgeon

· Look at the words in bold and say how each word is used.

· Replace the words in bold with other words from the boxes above.

1. Working on a fishing boat is exciting. However, mending the nets is tiring.

2. It's exhausting because I work long hours. Moreover, it is not a well-paid job.

3. Although I like performing in front of audiences, I can't stand travelling all the time.

4. It's a very dangerous job, yet it is rewarding to know that, you have saved people.

5. It's a very sociable job as you meet many new people. Moreover, it's well paid.

6. You need to be qualified for this job. Furthermore, you have to be older.

7. Despite the fact that his job involves many risks, he decided to renew his contract.

8. It is a tiring job. Also, it takes a lot of physical strength.

· Join the following sentences in all possible ways

1. It’s a risky job. It is poorly paid.

2. It’s an interesting job. I learn a lot of money.

3. It’s very tiring because you spend all day in front of a computer. It’s boring as you do the same thing all the time.

4. It’s an exciting job. You travel a lot which is exhausting.

5. It’s not a steady job. It’s not well paid.

WRITING (advantages and disadvantages)

Before writing a composition about the advantages and dis­advantages of a certain topic you should make a list of the good and bad points, giving reasons for each one. Start your composition by briefly stating the topic, then present the points for and against in two separate paragraphs, giving reasons. End your composition by restating the fact that the topic has both advantages and disadvantages. Remember to use appropriate linking words (e.g. furthermore, to start with, also, what is more, on the other hand, in conclusion, etc). Also begin each paragraph with a topic sentence (a sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about).

· You have been asked to write an article for your university newspaper about the advantages and disad­vantages of being either a reporter or a surgeon. Use the notes from LISTENING and the plan below to write your article.The beginning and ending as well as the linking words/phrases have been written for you. Underline the topic sentences after you have written your composition.

Plan

INTRODUCTION

Para 1: state topic

MAIN BODY

Para 2: list the advantages and give reasons

Para 3: list the disadvantages and give reasons

CONCLUSION

Para 4: restate the fact that there are both advantages and disadvantages

Have you ever considered becoming a ………………..? There are many advantages and disadvantages to doing this kind of job.

One of the main advantages of being a ………………………………. is that …………………….…..because ……………………………………. Furthermore,

.................................................. as ……………….…………………………….

However there are disadvantages to becoming a ……..…………………….

Firstly............................. ……………….because ……………………………...

In addition to this,............... …………………as............................................ …………………………………………………….

All things considered, becoming a.. ……………………………………… is

a good idea, as long as you are aware of the drawbacks.