a) the narrator, Julian Baggini, the journalist b) citizens in general c) travellers, people in general Boats, trains and planes. He doesn t like planes because boarding is boring, seats are uncomfortable, and you lose something when you fly at 30 000 feet. Boats and trains are old- fashioned and they induce a pleasant feeling of nostalgia.
a) He took the train and boat instead of the plane to go to Italy. b) He decided to travel the old way by train and boat because he thinks they re much more pleasant than planes. He also wanted to see what is lost when flying at 30'000 feet. a) The crossing between Dover and the French coast by ferry. b) He has the impression of starting a proper trip which is slow and comfortable, with an impression of continuity. a) Transport or transit (planes) VERSUS travel (trains and boats) b) Transport is from one anonymous place to another whereas travel is a movement between places in which the journey is part of the experience. Transport is inhuman while travel is human and interesting. a) The character b) The passengers in the carriage c) The people seen from the train He s moving with the train whereas the others seem to be motionless in their homes or on the streets. But he might as well be in his home and be seen by people travelling past. It s impossible to be really free.
At the beginning he feels different from the others passengers who look like animals being transported. Train journeys make him feel heteful. At the end of the text he feels depressed because he has a very negative view of mankind (morons who look all the same) and he wishes he were not one of them. He s active in the beginning and passive in the end. TEXT 1 : «cramped confines of my seat» «tedium of the boarding gate» «palm- sweat- inducing jolt» «frantic, protracted check- in» «the pains of planes» «the hassle of security checks» TEXT 2 : «animals being transported» «amorphous and repulsive» «depressed» «he hated train journeys» Sujet A : On vous donne un point de vue, qu on vous demande de «discuter». Ce sujet appelle donc une discussion : on considère le pour et le contre pour aboutir à une synthèse dans laquelle on peut exprimer un point de vue plus personnel. Voir les conseils méthodologiques ci- dessous pour ce type de sujet d expression écrite. Sujet B : Old ways and/or new ways of travelling > which would you favour and why? Moyens de transport traditionnels et/ou modernes > le(s)quel(s) préférez vous et pourquoi?
Plusieurs possibilités : 1. Un essai dans lequel vous défendez une thèse. I favour new ways OR old ways. 2. Une discussion où vous pouvez par exemple explorer les avantages et inconvénients de chacun (old/new) puis enfin développer votre point de vue personnel.
Tips for writing for and against essays Here is some advice to write a well planned for and against essay. One type of argumentative essay is that which gives advantages and disadvantages (for and against). It is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view. A good essay of this type should consist of: a) An introductory paragraph in which you state the topic. This means that you talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion; b) A main body in which the points for and the points against, along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs; and c) A closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced (nuancée) consideration of the topic. Note: In this type of essay writing, you must not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can only be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic. Points to consider : 1) Make a list of the points for and against a topic before you start writing. 2) Write well-developed paragraphs in which the points you present are supported with justification, (reasons orexamples). Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence. 3) Do not use informal style (gonna / wanna) 4) Try to include a quotation relevant to the topic you are writing about. For example, if you are writing an essay on space exploration, a quotation you may include is: One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind. (Neil Armstrong) 5) Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarizes what the paragraph is about. Linking words/phrases * To introduce points: one major advantage (or disadvantage) of, a further advantage, one point of view in favour of/against * To list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least * To add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that * To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that * To introduce examples: for example, for instance, like, especially, such as, in particular * To conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated,... Techniques for beginnings and endings The first/ last paragraph may:
* Address the reader directly, e.g. If you take the time to train your dog, it will learn to obey you. * Ask a rhetorical question (question to which no answer is expected), e.g. is it true that a dog is a man s best friend? * Include a quotation, e.g. As George Orwell wrote, «all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.» Have a look at the example Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss. Have you ever considered becoming your own boss? In recent years the number of people choosing to start their own business has risen significantly. Many claim that this is because more and more people are no longer content to work for someone else. One of the main advantages of being self-employed is the fact that you are completely selfreliant and can make decisions on your own. This can give you a great sense of freedom and allows you to do exactly what you want without interference from anyone else. What is more, your working day can be planned for your convenience, allowing you to work when you want rather than when you have to. Finally, if your business is successful, people will know that you alone should be given the credit. However, there are disadvantages to being your own boss. Many selfemployed people said that to build a successful business, you have to be prepared to work long hours and sacrifice your personal life. As B. C. Forbes once said, If you don t drive your business, you will be driven out of business. Moreover, a 1996 government study found that over a quarter of the businesses run by newly self-employed people failed within the first two years. All things considered, it seems to me that self- employment can be a very gratifying experience, although not one without difficulties. But when success is achieved, the greatest reward of all is the knowledge that you have done it on your own.