34 Writing essays

A

B

This unit contains phrasal verbs which are all suitable for use in formal essays. 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 pro t 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 l Don’t let irrelevant details detract from2 the main argument

1 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 aft er the object.) 2 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 diff iculties to contend with: poor soil, inadequate roads and lack of investment. [have to deal with a diff icult 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]

Eff orts to interest young people in the political process oft en 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 aft er object to.)

The university has always insisted on a high standard of teaching and research.

34.1

Look at A. Complete this paragraph with the correct particles.

34.2

34.3

34.4

The country has been 1 by the latest rail strike, In this essay I intend to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the with no rail services at all running today. The railway service information revolution. I shall relate technological change (1) other has been 2 changes in society, referring extensively for some time, but if today’s action (2) the literature in the fi eld. is prolonged it may prove 3 to the rail industry. I shall consider how some people, particularly those in wealthier countries,

The Minister for Transport commented: ‘The country has been have profi ted enormously (3) the information revolution. However, I suffering from a 4 shall also devote considerable attention of local strikes since the rst (4) the way in which some one in Nortown last month. It was 5people in poorer societies suff er by being deprived and one (5) access to the strike led to another. Things reached 6 pitch information which others enjoy. I shall then present the mobile phone as last week and we can only hope that this 7the device which seems to sum (6) the essence of the information will come to an end soon.’ The minister’s 8 is that revolution, basing my opinions (7) the evidence I have presented and aiming always things will only start to improve once people appreciate the (8) objectivity. seriousness of the situation.

Complete these sentences using the correct particle and an appropriate ending.

1 The research team consists 2 Immigrants to the UK have to contend 3 The headteacher would like to interest more pupils 4 The examinations board insists 5 It is essential that society should invest 6 The change in the law resulted 7 The government is keen to improve 8 The writer’s philosophy is founded 9 Some critics have objected

Find the only example sentence on the opposite page where the particle could be in a diff erent place. Rewrite that example sentence putting the particle in the alternative position.

Rewrite each sentence using a word from the box so that it keeps the same meaning. Use each word only once.

aimed cater consists deprived detract devoted objected refers resulted sum

1 The teaching materials will bear historians as well as economists in mind. 2 The recent problems in the company are bound to make its reputation less favourable. 3 The policy of clearing the hillsides of trees appears to have led to an increased danger of flooding. 4 There are three players from France, one from Sweden and two from Russia in the football team. 5 Many people did not like being moved from their houses to high-rise flats. 6 Having your freedom taken away from you is a very diff icult punishment to endure. 7 In her article, the writer frequently quotes a research study carried out in Canada in 2015. 8 The book has been written for undergraduate students who have little previous knowledge of the subject. 9 For me, this song captures the atmosphere in rural England in the 1980s. 10 Much of the book deals with the writer’s experiences in the United States.

Over to you

Choose a subject that you specialise in or are particularly interested in and write a paragraph relating to that subject. Use as many of the phrasal verbs from this unit as you can in your paragraph.