Imagine that you are writing a letter to your friend who is going away on holiday recommending him a bus tour of Europe. Which expressions would you use in your letter to persuade him?

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1. This is an extract from a letter you are going to answer.

… Still in two minds about the holiday. As usual, we can’t agree on anything. Parents complain that they are exhausted and want to get away from it all and lie around by the pool all day – and Egypt then it be. I hate it! Help! What would you tell them to change their mind? And where are you going this year? Could we possibly go together if I fail to make them see my point? Then my folks would get their Egypt and we’d have fun together. Have I told you I’ve passed my driving test? Now that I have a license, we might hire a car and travel around…

Write a reply answering all the questions (100-140 words). Ask three questions about the driving test.

Travelling Warm-up questions:

 

1. What kind of holidays do you prefer: passive or active? Do you go on excursions, take part in a safari, rafting or lie around by the pool all day?
2. What is your dream holiday (a seaside holiday, a camping holiday, a sightseeing holiday, an adventure holiday, a skiing holiday)? Why? Is it different from the one your normally take?
3. What is better: to go on a package tour where the travel agency makes all the arrangements, or plan your route yourself, go as you please and stay where you choose (maybe, changing a few hotels in a few weeks)?
4. What means of transport do you know? What are their advantages and disadvantages (the fare, speed, comfort, views, etc)?
5. A camping holiday – what is this? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
6. What can tourists do in Moscow?
7. Would you rather go on holiday with your friends or the family?
8. Where did you go on holiday last? Did you enjoy it?
9. Have you ever had a holiday which didn’t quite come up to expectations? Exceeded your wildest expectations?
10. Do you enjoy long journeys? What is the longest journey you’ve ever taken?

 

 

Statements for discussion and essays:

Use topical vocabulary!

1. The best way to travel is on foot.
2. Only a madman would go on a camping holiday.
3. The only way to unwind and recharge your batteries is to lie around by the pool. Active holidays leave you even more exhausted than before.
4. The best way to travel is by car.

 

Sample Composition 1

An argument composition (a for and against essay)

Plan

Comment on the statement:

Camping is the ideal way of spending a holiday.

Introduce the main arguments of opponents and supporters of camping.

You have 40 minutes to do the task.

Write 200-250 words

Use the following plan:

- make an introduction (state the problem)

- give arguments for the statement (advantages of camping)

- give arguments for the other point of view i.e. against the statement (disadvantages of camping)

- draw a conclusion

 

1. Introduction

Many people nowadays tend to think that camping is the best way to travel around and have a holiday. Still, there are others who argue that it has more shortcomings than benefits. Let’s examine some of the reasons for such differences of attitude and opinion.

 

1. The body

Arguments for the statement:

There was a time when camping was considered to be a poor way of spending a holiday: a boy scout or a hard-up student would go for it but not a comfort-loving adult. However, more and more people these days are choosing camping as, first, the discomforts associated with it have vanished. Now we have comfortable tents and portable bungalows with bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and even a porch. Moreover, modern camping sites are equipped with hot and cold running water and even shops and dance floors.

Second, you enjoy absolute freedom as here you really are your own boss: you can go as you please, be out in the wilds, find the site off the beaten track and escape the crowd if you choose so, sleep under the stars and really feel in your element.

Third, you enjoy tremendous mobility. It is ideal for those who like being on the move. Besides, if you dislike the camping site, or if it is too crowded, you can always get up and go.

The last but not the least, the low cost really makes camping an attractive idea.

 

(On the one hand; the advantages/benefits of (camping) are enormous; on, first…second/third/last (finally); firstly/secondly…lastly; also/besides/moreover/furthermore…)

 

Arguments against the statement:

On the other hand, it is hard to argue that a camping holiday cannot be as comfortable as the one in the hotel. First, even the cheapest hotels provide meals and you do not have to cook. Besides, the diet of tinned food is boring and unhealthy. In addition, when camping,you have to carry a great number of things so packing and unpacking can become quite a problem. What is more, you have to drive long distances thus the journey tends to be quite tiring. And what about the rain, cold and mosquitoes? Finally, when camping, you do not pay much and do not get much – the living conditions are primitive and most camping sites are even more crowded than hotels.

 

(However, for every plus there is a minus/On the other hand, the opponents claim/maintain that the disadvantages are numerous; as for the disadvantages/drawbacks/shortcomings (of camping), they are as follows: firstly, secondly…lastly; first, second…last/finally/the last but not the least; moreover; furthermore; besides; also).

 

1. Conclusion:

On balance then, I would like to draw a conclusion. Although camping is inexpensive and can be attractive if you cannot afford to spend much and enjoy keeping on the move, I still believe that its shortcomings outweigh the benefits and if you really need to unwind and recharge your batteries, it is not an ideal way to spend your holiday.

 

(to sum up; in a nutshell; to make a long story short; advantages outweigh the disadvantages enormously; I still believe; from my point of view; in my opinion; to my mind)