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Writing essays This unit contains phrasal verbs which are all suitable for use in formal essays.
A
Read Rebecca’s notes for an essay she is going to write on the subject of ‘Globalisation’. Her notes contain useful phrasal verbs for essay-writing.
Plan: Devote a paragraph each to opposing arguments Mention how globalisation often deprives workers of their rights But also mention how poorer countries can profit from global markets Relate globalisation to other changes (mobility, Internet, etc.) Refer to recent international gatherings (G8 etc.) Cater for non-technical readers as well as specialists What best sums up1 the present situation – give examples/quotes Things to remember! l Aim at being neutral l Base opinions on sound evidence 2 l Don’t let irrelevant details detract from the main argument 1
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B
represents the most typical qualities of something (Note that this is the only verb on this page where the particle can come either before or after the object.) make something seem less good than it really is or than it was thought to be
Look at these extracts from essays where phrasal verbs have been used successfully, helping to create a good written style. Furthermore, it is a quiet village and basically consists of families with very young children. Democracy is founded on the ideal of equality for all citizens. [(always passive) based on a particular idea or belief] The people have many difficulties to contend with: poor soil, inadequate roads and lack of investment. [have to deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation] Government economic policies have resulted in an improved standard of living in the region. We need to find ways to improve on the current system of distribution of goods. [do something in a better way or with better results than when it was done before] Efforts to interest young people in the political process often fail. We need to invest more thought in finding ways of involving young people in politics. Many people object to their leaders treating them as if they were not capable of running their own lives. (Note the -ing form of the verb after object to.) The university has always insisted on a high standard of teaching and research.
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English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
