2.8 Writing an article

SB p. 30-31: Read Last week’s competition on the Psychology Magazine website and answer the questions:
1 Why is adolescence described as a ‘roller coaster ride’?
2 What are the best things about being a young adult?
3 What new challenges do you face as a young adult?

Read the winning article on the magazine website and answer the questions:
1 Did the author mention any of the pleasures or challenges?
2 What is the author’s conclusion? Do you agree?
Read the WRITING FOCUS and look at the article again. Decide which techniques the author used for writing the title, the introduction and the conclusion.

Read the LANGUAGE FOCUS and rewrite the underlined fragments using participle clauses.
1 Because they want to look stylish, many adolescent boys also enjoy shopping for clothes.
2 Because they attend mixed schools, most adolescent boys and girls receive the same education.
3 Because I grew up with three sisters, I know something about the differences between boys and girls.
4 Because they are stereotypes, such statements do contain an element of truth, of course.
5 Because I have always got on well with boys, I think I understand some of their attitudes.

You are going to reply to This week’s competition on the Psychology Magazine website:
This week’s competition
There are many unfair gender-based stereotypes concerning the interests and attitudes of adolescents. Write an article of 200–250 words in which you describe some of these common stereotypes and challenge them by explaining why they are untrue or unfair. As usual, a selection of articles will be printed in an upcoming edition of Psychology Magazine.
Think about the following:
•Where will your article appear and who will read it?
• Choose two or three gender-based stereotypes you think are untrue or unfair.
Here are some ideas:
Read the statements and decide if they are stereotypes about adolescent girls or boys. Do they reflect reality?
-They find it difficult to talk about their feelings.
-They are always gossiping.
-They love fashion and shopping.
-They love sports and gadgets.
-They are kind and considerate.
-They are rude and aggressive.
Note down reasons to support your views.
• Select techniques from the WRITING FOCUS to help you attract and hold the reader’s attention.
• Make sure you use a formal or semi-formal style.
• Include at least one participle clause to express a reason. Use the WRITING FOCUS and LANGUAGE FOCUS to help you.