2 Several fires caused serious damage in the city centre.
3 Aseventy-year-old grandmother has won the lottery.
Five sailors were tragically lost at sea after their boat|)
sank. |
A refired security guard caught an armed robber.
A twelve-year-old boy saved his sister from drowning. [ A clever dog warned his owner of a fire.
Hundreds of people died in the recent flood.
Front Page News
ệ Use the notes to write appropriate beginnings for the following news reports, then give each
report a suitable headline.
plane crash 3 pm yesterday Hillington Airport
2 people seriously injured, 5 people treated for shock eooe
© corner shop robbed
| Â late last night ơ
e Jos corner shop, Wallington 7 Street, Turnbury
| e masked gunman stole £5,000 le owner, Jo Adams, unhurt
a ll
|e ancient Roman coins, | ° ng
| discovered ae at
ô last Saturday eae
@ back garden of cottage Satrriey
\ |ằ display ier edi | museum | at 7.30 pm |
\ | © Gallery of
\ Modern Art,
Windsor Avenue
| * famous artist to give
| speech ee
9 Join the sentences, using the words in brackets.
1 The girl was saved by her next-door neighbour. He is a
fire-fighter. (who)
2 Two boys were arrested. They were caught stealing a
motorcycle. (when)
3 The town that suffered the most serious damage was Rising Hill. There, more than 500 people were left
homeless. (where)
4 There was a terrible fire last night in Gamble’s toy store.
The fire completely destroyed the building. (which)
5 Actor Charles Grey was at the award ceremony. His son (whose) died last week.
50
News reports are written in a formal style and contain accurate facts. To write a news report we:
© use the passive. e.g. A man was arrested ...
* use direct speech to quote people — e.g. “/ owe my success to my family,” said actress Vanessa Reid.
© use reported speech to rephrase what people have said. e.g. The Prime Minister said that crime prevention was the government's top priority.
Do not confuse news reports with stories that include descriptions of events. Stories are written in a less formal style and may use short forms, abbreviations, colloquial expressions, etc. They also include a variety of adjectives/
adverbs and refer to the writer's/characters’ feelings.
10 Read the paragraphs below, then say which are from stories and which are from news reports.
| A A gang of five armed men yesterday robbed the York
| and General, one of the city’s biggest banks, and escaped with over £2 million. Two of the bank's employees and seven customers were seriously injured.
|B It was a cold and snowy morning and the roads were covered with ice. Judy was driving slowly to work when
| the weather forecast was broadcast on the car radio.
ma A —~—~^
C Amy went into the kitchen to put away her shopping
She was opening a cupboard door when all of a
sudden she heard a loud, deep noise that seemed to be coming from under her feet. At that moment, the
house started shaking. ——_—^^——~^
D An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter en
| struck the Huntingdon area at four a o oud r
| residents reported hearing a louc ™ nies just before the earth started shaking violent, Homes, buildings and roads were completely destroyed by the quake.
5 gs
~ TT Yond
WRITING
When we write a news report we can divide it into four paragraphs.
®In the introduction, we write a short summary of the event (i.e. we write what happened, where and when it happened, who was involved, etc).
® In the main body we write a detailed description of the event.
* In the conclusion we write people’s comments as well as the action taken.
We normally use past tenses in this type of writing. We give a news report an eye- catching headline.
a
eee 11 Say whether the guidelines below
apply to stories ($), news reports (NR) or both (B).
1S. start by setting the scene
2_...give a summary of the incident DF gai describe events in chronological
order
4 ...use past tenses to describe events 5 include facts, not description
. mention your own feelings W couree: mention people’s comments and
refer to action taken/to be taken 8 ...use a variety of adjectives/adverbs 8 uc use passive voice, direct and/or
reported speech
ise direct speech/ask a rhetorical question/address the reader in introduction/conclusion
12 Read the rubric and underline the key words. Next, read the news report and underline the correct words in bold. Finally, think of a suitable headline for the report.
You work for a local newspaper and the editor has asked you to write a news report about an accident that happened in the area. Write your report for the newspaper.
Early this morning, 40-year-old Carmen Douglas was 1) pulling/
pulled to safety after being trapped in her car for 10 hours. The vehicle had been buried under two metres of snow on Dalwich Road, Preston.
Mrs Douglas was driving home when there was an 2) unexpected/
unknown snowstorm that caused her to 3) lose/miss control of the car, which 4) skidded/was skidded off the road and into a ditch. She called the police on her mobile phone but 5) as/
because of the severe storm they were unable to locate her. Several
13
Front Page News
hours later, 6) when/at last the storm cleared, rescue workers found her and dug her out of the snow.
Mrs Douglas was immediately 7) took/taken to Riverview Hospital, 8) where/there she was treated for minor injuries and frostbite. She 9) released/was released a few hours later, exhausted but happy to be alive.
A spokesman from the city council 10) said/told “As there have been many accidents on this road, we strongly 11) advice/advise motorists to be extremely careful 12) during/
while stormy weather”.
a) Label the reporter’s notes with these headings:
® detailed description ¢ comments, action taken ® summary of event
¿_Ắ*
_ Rileu broke in, ope
(=> tại Police spokesman: “a disturbing
recently” - promise: soon more policemen on patrol in local streets Bob Gilmour, 49, lives opposite shop, saw light, called police Police arrived on scene within minutes, found Riley nearby Riley still in possession of stolen jewellery, admitted crime
number of break-ins in the area
b) Read the rubric and underline the key words. Use the notes, the plan below and the picture in the Photo File Section to write your news report, then give it a suitable headline.
a report about a robbery that took place in your area last night. Write You are a reporter for a local newspaper and have been asked to write your report giving details of the event. (100 - 150 words)
Plan
Introduction Paragraph 1:
Main Body 4
a
summary of the event (what, where, when, who) /
Paragraphs 2-3: detailed description of the event Conclusion
Paragraph 4: comments, action taken
5l
1 Read the rubric and underline the
key words, then answer the
questions.
You work for a monthly magazine called
“Campers and Camping”. The editor has asked you to visit a new campsite and write a report-assessing its suitability for families with young children. Write your report on the campsite, describing its location, its facilities and the activities it offers, and making a recommendation about the site.
1 What type of composition is this?
A anews report B_ anassessment report C adescriptive article D a friendly letter
2 Whois going to read your report?
A the editor of the magazine B_ readers of the magazine
3 What style will you use for your report?
A friendly, chatty, descriptive B_ formal, impersonal, factual
2 The rubric asks you to describe location, facilities and activities.
Look at the list and add more ideas.
Location beside a lake
i Facilities oo a al
showers
washing machines
Activities waterskiing canoeing windsurfing
52
Introduction Main Body Conclusion
Read the report and fill in the headings from the list below, then answer the questions.
 Facilities * Introduction ô Activities * Recommendation ô Location To: PT Jones, Editor
From: Jane Miller, Assistant Date: 6 May
Subject: Blue Water Campsite, Lake Winning
[ The aim of this report is to assess the suitability of Blue Water Campsite, Lake Winning, for families with young children.
The Blue Water Campsite is situated beside Lake Winning and is half akilometre from Moresby, the nearest village. Both the village and the campsite can be reached easily by public transport.
Blue Water is a large site with a number of facilities. There is space for thirty tents and fifteen caravans, there are ten large, clean showers and hot water is always available. There is also a laundry room with five washing machines. A wide variety of everyday items can be bought at the campsite shop, but prices are unfortunately very high.
Lessons are available for those interested in watersports such as waterskiing, canoeing and windsurfing. Although the lake is also safe for swimming, there are no lifeguards, so it is not recommended for young children. There is an entertainment room with a pool table and board games. However, no games or activities are organised for young children.
[ The facilities at Blue Water are good and there are many activities for adults and older children. However, there are no special facilities or activities for the younger age group. Therefore, it is my opinion that
| Blue Water campsite is not suitable for families with young children.
1 Who has written the report?
2 Who is going to read it?
3 4
5
What is the subject of the report?
What are the three main features discussed in the report? In which paragraphs are these discussed?
What is the writer’s overall impression of the campsite? In which paragraph does she mention this?
4 Fill in the correct adjective from the list, then
make sentences using the completed phrases.
board, clean, everyday, nearest, age, special, washing, wide
... Village . machines showers variety
items
oarynoaun
5 Compare the two introductions. Which is too informal for an assessment report? Use phrases from the list to rewrite the introduction in a more suitable style.
As requested, ...
.. assess the suitability ...
The purpose of ...
... | have visited ...
1 There are lots of sports centres in the city. | have visited the one that opened in McLintock Road last week, called
“Fitness for All’, to check if it is OK for older people.
As_ instructed, | have visited “Maxwell's”, the new restaurant in Firth Street. The purpose of this report is to assess its suitability for families.
6 — Rewrite the sentences in a formal style, using the new beginning and the words in brackets.
Trips cost more.
An extra ... fee is charged for trips. ...
You pay £10.00 to get in.
There is ...
There are lots of dishes on the menu.
The menu offers ...
Cheaper tickets are on offer for groups.
Discounts
The front gate is next to the Town Hall.
The main entrance
There are lots of things to do there.
A number of ....
There weren't many desserts.
There was a
(fee/charged)
(admission fee) (wide variety) (available)
(located)
(activities)
(limited choice)
hlaking a Judgement about... @
7 Rewrite the sentences below in the passive, as
in the example.
You can find a wide variety of fresh vegetables at Apron supermarket.
A wide variety of vegetables can be found at Apron supermarket.
The theatre café serves sandwiches and soft drinks during the interval.
Sandwiches and soft drinks
Customers often make complaints about the slow and unfriendly service.
Complaints ...
What is more, Fast Airlines offer special meals for vegetarians.
What is more, special meals for vegetarians
Experienced and qualified staff care for the children.
The children ..
Since they keep fire extinguishers in cupboards, staff cannot reach them quickly.
Since fire extinguishers
The maintenance workers check the fire alarms of the shopping centre once a month.
The shopping centre’s fire alarms
The entrance fee includes two free rides and a soft drink.
Two free rides and a soft drink .
Making a Judgement about ...
a) Match the linking words/phrases in bold to
8 Match the linking words/phi bold
synonyms from the list.
nevertheless, for example, in contrast, moreover, since 1 Allin all, the leisure centre is
worth visiting because of the wide range _of facilities on
offer. work must
be done to\improve safety if the centre i$ to be used by families with children.
—— 4
2 Meals at “Chez Xavier” are delicious and well ¿ presented. In addition, the menu IS varied and imaginative, and includes a reasonably priced selection of fish dishes.
{ | ( Í
The rooms at the front of the hotel are attractive and comfortable. For instance, the beds are new and the walls have been freshly painted. On the other hand, the rooms at the back of the hotel need redecorating, while the beds are old and should be replaced.
Dh ete
4 Because class sizes at the language centre are small, each student receives intensive practice. Furthermore, the teachers are well- qualified, experienced and friendly.
b) Say what each linking word/phrase is used for.
® to show contrast
© to show reason/result © to add another point
© to give an example
54
9 Compare the two concluding paragraphs.
Which is too informal for an assessment report? Use words from the list to rewrite the paragraph in a more suitable style.
To sum up, ... However, ...
... other people would enjoy ... ... | feel/believe ...
... the positive aspects are ... Nevertheless, ...
1 Finally, the decor was lovely and the atmosphere and music at the restaurant were great. The food was a little bit expensive, though. All the same, I'd definitely go to “Jazzy’s” again and | think other people should, too.
2 Tosum up, Lonsdale Summer Camp has a number of positive aspects, such as its excellent facilities and the wide range of sports and activities available. In my opinion, it is definitely suitable for children under 16.
WRITING
When we write an assessment report we divide it into three parts: introduction, main body and conclusion.
© In the introduction we clearly state the purpose of the report.
In the main body we present each main topic in a new paragraph with an appropriate heading. We discuss the positive and negative aspects (if there are any) of each feature. The number of paragraphs depends on the number of main topics.
In the conclusion we give our overall impression and make our recommendation.
We always write assessment reports in a formal style (i.e.
passive voice, full verb forms, impersonal language, etc).
10 — Read the rubric and underline the key words.
Next, read the report and mark where each new paragraph should begin. Finally, match the headings to the paragraphs.
© Classes ...
© Membership Fees ...
© Recommendation ...
¢ Introduction .1..
© Opening hours ...
The editor of “Health and Fitness” magazine has asked you to write an assessment report on a gym which has recently opened in your area, to decide whether the magazine will recommend the gym to its readers. Write your report, discussing the facilities, classes offered, membership fees and opening hours.
: MT Rosen, Editor From: J Scott, Sports Consultant
Date: 12 March Subject: Leeside Gym
Pi As requested, | visited the newly-opened Leeside Gym on several days last week.
[The purpose of this report is to assess whether the gym should be recommended to your readers.
P2) Facilities at Leeside Gym include a large weights room with state-of-the-art equipment, and three air-conditioned aerobics rooms.
(J In addition, the gym has several showers and two changing rooms in which members have their own lockers.
{_] There is also a snack bar which serves health food and fresh juices.
{_] However, at present the snack bar does not have regular hours and is often closed.
(_JAt the moment, the gym offers aerobic classes for three different fitness levels.
CJA yoga class is being organised and will be offered soon.
(_] Supervised weight training will also be
introduced in the near future.
(_] Joining Leeside Gym involves a membership fee of £30.
(J In addition to this, members pay £28 per month, which includes unlimited use of all facilities and is therefore good value for money.
L_] Leeside Gym is open from 7.00 am - 10.00 pm daily, except Sundays and holidays.
(| These times are obviously convenient for almost all members.
[_]To conclude, | believe that Leeside Gym offers excellent facilities, a wide range of classes and
very reasonable membership fees.
L] Although not all classes have started yet, the gym is definitely worth recommending to your readers.
Making a Judgement about ...
11 aj Read the rubric and underline the key words,
then answer the questions.
You work at a travel agent's and have been asked to write an assessment report about a hotel so that the travel agent can decide whether to book rooms there for future customers. Write your report, discussing accommodation, facilities and cost, and making your recommendation about the hotel. (120 - 180 words) What is the subject of your report?
Who is going to read your report?
What style will you use?
What headings will you use?
1 2 3 4
b) Label the prompts as A (accommodation), F (facilities) or C (cost)
hotel has 40 double rooms, 15 single
swimming pool, large lounge, children’s playground all rooms newly redecorated — private bathroom, colour TV
rather expensive — £60 single room, £80 double
— but breakfast included in price La single rooms quite small
6... restaurant — delicious meals, but limited choice of vegetarian dishes
Teac special price for groups — £45 single, £60 double
c) Use your answers and the prompts above, as well as the plan below, to write your report. Remember to use appropriate linking words and phrases.
Plan vw Ầ
To: From:
Date:
Subject:
Introduction: purpose of the report Main Body: 4 accommodation
@ood/bad points, examples)
5 facilities
@ood/bad points, examples) cost
@ood/bad points, examples) Conclusion: overall impression
recommendation
5
56
Drop Idle
a Line ...
1 Read the rubric and underline the key words, then answer the
questions,
You recently started a new job, and you have decided to write and tell a friend about it. Write your letter, describing the job and the people you work with.
(120-150 words)
1 Who is going to read your letter?
A someone you know well B_ someone you have never met 2 Why are you writing the letter?
A to apply for a new job B to tell someone your news 3 What will your letter be about?
A your new job B your friend’s new job
4 Which three points below would you not include in the letter? Put a cross (x).
reason for writing description of yourself
brief description of the work you do where you went last night
ait the people you work with sees news about your holiday
a asking the other person to reply
2 Which of the following could you
use in the letter? Tick (⁄).
a_ short forms
(e.g. I'm, | don’t, etc) O b idioms
(e.g. time flies) O
¢ informal vocabulary Oo
(e.g. | had a great time, etc) d_ formal, polite expressions
(e.g. | am writing to inform you ...) L]
3Ó ajResd the letter and
answer the questions.
52 Chapman Street Swanage
- Hampshire
$031 7HF 2nd May Dear Paul,
I'm sorry | haven't written for such a long time, but I've been really busy with my new job as a hotel receptionist. Actually, that’s what I’m writing to tell you about.
I'm working at a lovely hotel in the city centre. | started there two weeks ago. The job involves answering the phone, making bookings and answering guests’ questions — you know the sort of thing, I'm sure. I'm really enjoying it, actually.
All the people | work with are very nice and have been very helpful to me. The hotel manager has been especially kind. There’s also one woman who’s become quite a good friend already. She’s a waitress called Sandra, and we get on like a house on fire!
| Anyway, that’s all my news for the moment, | Para 4
Para 1
Introduction
Para 2
Main Body
Para 3
| promise I'll write again soon. | hope you and your family are well. Keep in touch!
Best wishes, Amelia
Conclusion
1 Who has written the letter?
2 Who will receive it?
3 How does the letter begin?
4 Which paragraphs include details of the writer's news?
What is the main topic of each of these paragraphs?
b) Label the paragraphs with headings from the list.
® description of job
© reason for writing © people writer works with
® closing remarks
¢) Underline all short forms (e.g. I’m) in the letter.