Structuring Discursive Writing – Worksheet.Information Box

Topic: The care of old people is a growing problem. Some say government should care for old people. Others say that it’s the family’s responsibility. Discuss these views and give your own opinion. Discursive writing can involve discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different solutions. In this case, it usually follows this structure: 1. Introduction General statement about the topic 2. Body A Arguments for solution 1 (+ supporting evidence) B Arguments against solution 1 (+ supporting evidence) C Arguments for solution 2 (+ supporting evidence) D Arguments against solution 2 (+ supporting evidence) E Etc. with any other solution 3. Conclusion giving writer’s final opinion based on above arguments NB This topic shows just one kind of discursive writing. Others include proposing solutions and justifying opinions. These require different structures.

Read the writing below and mark on it the following different parts in its structure. Write the appropriate letter beside each part e.g. 1, 2B.

Topic: The care of old people is a growing problem. Some say government should care for old people. Others say that it’s the family’s responsibility. Discuss these views and give your own opinion.

The care of old people is an issue all over the world as it is no longer clear who has the responsibility for looking after old people. There are two main choices: the government or the family.

If the government pays for the care of old people this usually means that the old people go into old people’s homes. In these all people are given equal and high quality care. Countries such as Sweden operate this system very efficiently.

The problem is that this solution is very expensive. The money comes from tax and many countries simply can’t afford it. It also often means that old people go into homes where they know no one and have nothing to do.

The alternative is for families to support their elderly relatives. In theory this provides loving care and means the old person can be an active member of the family. In practice, it often does not work out, as families don’t have enough money, and so, much bitterness is created, and the old people are neglected. I can see this happening all around me in my country where there is no government support for old people.

It is clear that neither of these solutions is good. Therefore, it seems to me that a mixture of the two is the best solution. The government should provide money to families to look after their elderly relatives. But I also think that old people should save up money during their working lives to look after themselves in old age.

Conditionals

Examples	Usage
Conditional 0 If I am late, my father takes me to school. She doesn't worry if Jack stays out after school.	Situations that are always true if something happens. NOTE This use is similiar to, and can usually be replaced by, a time clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my father takes me to school.)
Conditional 1 If it rains, we will stay at home. He will arrive late unless he hurries up. Peter will buy a new car, if he gets his raise.	Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met. NOTE In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means 'if ... not'. In other words, '...unless he hurries up.' could also be written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.
Conditional 2 If he studied more, he would pass the exam. I would lower taxes if I were the President. They would buy a new house if they had more money.	Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. This conditional provides an imaginary result for a given situation. NOTE The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.
Conditional 3 If he had known that, he would have decided differently. Jane would have found a new job if she had stayed in Boston.	Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it concerns only past situations with hypothetical results. Used to express a hypothetical result to a past given situation.

Structure

Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma the present simple in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If he comes to town, We have dinner we have dinner if he comes to town.

Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma will verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If he finishes on time, We will go to the movies we will go to the movies. if he finishes on time.

Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the if clause followed by a comma would verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If they had more money, They would buy a new house they would buy a new house. if they had more money.

Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the if clause followed by a comma would have past participle in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If Alice had won the competition, Life would have changed life would have changed. if Alice had won the competition.