Advertising
Unless you live on an uninhabited island in the middle of a big ocean, you cannot escape advertising. People in the modern world are continually exposed to ads and commercials on the radio, on television, on billboards, in their mailboxes, and on their computers. However, advertising is not a modern phenomenon. Advertising has been around for a long time, as a review of its history shows.
A. As early as 3000 B.c., merchants carved signs in wood, clay, and stone to put above their shops.
B. In ancient Egypt, merchants hired people called criers to walk through the streets announcing the arrival of ships and their cargo.
C. In medieval Europe, shop owners hired criers to direct customers to their shops.
D. The invention of the printing press was the start of the advertising industry as we know it today.
Possible concluding paragraphs
As we have seen, advertising has been a part of merchandising for at least 5,000 years. From the carved signs above doorways in ancient Babylonia to the annoying pop-ups on modern computer screens, advertising has been a part of daily life. Its form may change, but advertising will undoubtedly be with us for a long time to come.
It is clear that advertising is useful for both buyers and sellers. It helps sellers by informing the public about their goods and services. It helps buyers by allowing them to comparison shop. Its form may change, but advertising will undoubtedly be with us for a long time to come.
2.
Compulsory Attendance in College
On my first day of class in an American university, I discovered that there are many differences between universities in the United States and in my country. One difference hit me immediately when the professor walked into the classroom dressed in casual pants and a sports shirt. Then he sat down, and I received a second shock. He sat down on the desk, not behind the desk. The biggest shock happened when he passed out a piece of paper listing the requirements of the class. I learned that I was not allowed to miss any classes! In my country, professors do not know or care if students attend lectures, but in the United States, professors actually call the roll2 at the beginning of each class meeting. In my opinion, compulsory attendance in college is completely inappropriate for two reasons.
A. College students are adults, not elementary school children.
B. Students often have other obligations such as jobs and family.
Possible concluding paragraphs
To summarize, attendance in college classes should be optional. Students may already know the material that the professor will cover. Sometimes the professor lectures on material that is in the textbook, so students can read it on their own time. Therefore, in my opinion, compulsory attendance in college classes should be abolished.
To summarize, college students are mature enough to take charge of their own learning. Furthermore, they may have family or work problems once in a while that cause them to miss a class. They should not be penalized for this. Therefore, in my opinion, compulsory attendance in college classes should be abolished.
Goals
Everyone needs goals. Having goals makes you more successful because they keep your mind on 'what is really important to you. However, goals can change at different times in your life. Your goals when you are ten are very different from your goals at fifteen or twenty. My major goals this semester are to get a part-time job and to master the use of the English language.
A. My first goal is to get a part-time job in an area related to my field of study.
B. I also plan to improve my ability to speak, write, read, and understand English.
Possible concluding paragraphs
(1) In conclusion, it is important to have goals. When you have clear goals, it is easier to stay focused and not let small things sidetrack you. I hope I succeed in reaching my goals this semester.
(2) In conclusion, finding a job and using English well are important to me at this stage of my life. I am working hard to succeed at both.
(3) In conclusion, I have set important goals for myself this semester. If I do not reach my goals, I will be unhappy. Next semester, I will have new goals.
Activity 6. Below is an informational piece about giant pandas. Read the text and write a conclusion summing up the important points.