Table

Hurricanes & Tornadoes

This table gives us information about two strong winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Both are dangerous and destructive but there are important differences between them.

Firstly, the minimum speed of a hurricane is 74 mph, whereas that of a tornado is 40 mph. On the other hand, the maximum speed of a tornado, 250-300 mph, is higher than that of a hurricane, 155-200 mph. The hurricane is classified on the Saffir-Simpson C1-5 scale, while the tornado is measured on the Fujita F0-F5 scale. Whereas a tornado usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, a hurricane can last up to a week. A hurricane can be predicted 2-3 days in advance for a wide area and 6-10 hours beforehand for a locality, but a tornado can be predicted only minutes before it hits. Hurricanes start over warm oceans but tornadoes usually originate over land.

In brief, tornadoes are less predictable, last for a shorter period of time and can reach much higher wind speeds.

165 words

Reflection 3

In an argument essay, it is imperative to show that you can see 2 sides to an argument.

The introduction should state the hypothesis, e.g. smoking is harmful to society.

It is best in the second paragraph to give the opposite of your own point of view, e.g. smoking can be defended in terms of personal freedom of choice.

Then in the third paragraph, state the converse, i.e. your viewpoint, e.g. while smoking in private can perhaps be defended as a personal lifestyle choice, it is indefensible in public places; make sure you state forcibly why.

In a brief conclusion, state both sides of the argument but make your own view clear, as evidence of analysis & critical thinking.

Argument essay

Smoking is harmful to society

This is a view which has become increasingly prevalent worldwide in recent years. Nowadays, around the world, on all airlines and in most public places like cinemas and restaurants, smoking is strictly prohibited.

There are, of course, still many people who smoke and they often justify this by saying that it is a matter of individual freedom. They argue that they have a right to spend their money as they wish. They say, furthermore, that smoking gives them pleasure and that it even has benefits, such as helping them to relax and relieve stress. I personally can sympathise with this point of view and I certainly believe in freedom of choice and action as long as this does not impinge on the freedom of others. This is the crucial point: I believe people should have the right to smoke but only in private.

The fact is that smoking in public places causes distress and discomfort to non-smokers. It’s not just a question of discomfort. The scientific facts that smoking damages health are undeniable. The evidence of the links between smoking and respiratory diseases and heart problems is irrefutable. Governments began to realise this over half a century ago and the first steps they took were to ban TV advertising of tobacco products and to force cigarette manufacturers to post health warnings on their packets. It is not just active smoking but also passive smoking that causes health problems and that is why, worldwide, we see moves to ban smoking in public places.

While it is important to respect individual freedom it is clear that smoking is harmful to society and should therefore be prohibited in public places.

282 words.

Problem/solution essays

These should be divided into 4 paragraphs:

1. Introduction: state the problem, e.g.traffic congestion is a major problem in large cities around the world. Abu Dhabi is no exception and here the situation is made worse by chronic parking problems on the island of A.D.

2. Examine the causes of the problem, e.g. population growth, massive & rapid economic development, etc.

3. List the possible solutions to the problem, e.g. road improvements, developing public transport, etc.

4. State which of the solutions you feel would be the most viable.

This is important as it shows evidence of analysis and critical thinking.