They are words and phrases (e.g. it, this, who, such, one), which can be used to refer back or forward to other words and ideas in a text. Using them will help avoid repetition and they will also make your ideas clearer and easier for the reader to follow.
Now read the sample essay again. What do the highlighted cohesive devices refer to?
Nowadays, whenever a catastrophic event such as a war or an earthquake takes place, there is usually a television or video camera on hand (1) which will film and broadcast images of it around the world almost instantly, no matter how disturbing they might be. It is often suggested that these are not the kind of pictures we should have to see in our homes, but there are
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some who think there are very good reasons why (2) such images should be included in television news reports.
Firstly, it is sometimes claimed that when disturbing images of war or some other disastrous event are broadcast, people become motivated to do something to remedy the situation or to help victims. Unless the public see these images, it is argued, (3) they are unlikely to act. On the other hand, it is also said that if people see too many disturbing or violent scenes on the news, they grow accustomed to (4) them and no longer react as if these events were something unusual. As a result, they may begin to think that what they are seeing is normal or even acceptable.
Secondly, there is the issue of whether or not children should be exposed to such images. It is sometimes argued that television news reports should show the world as (5) it really is and that it is best for children to be aware of this reality. The counter-argument to (6) this, however, is that violent images on television can be particularly disturbing for children, and that some of (7) them may be severely traumatised by seeing such things.
Finally, it is often pointed out that if viewers find images upsetting, (8) they can simply switch off the television or change channel. However, viewers are not always forewarned that a report may include distressing pictures. Besides (9) this, most people would probably find flicking from one channel to another during a news programme rather frustrating.
On balance, I think the argument that this kind of television reporting can sometimes help bring an end to a tragic situation is a very powerful (10) one. However, broadcasters must take care to protect children, and others who do not wish to be upset, by showing potentially disturbing images only after a certain time in the evening.
1. A catastrophic event/ a war or an earthquake/ a camera 2. Disturbing/ television/ news
3. Disturbing images/ the public/ the victims
4. A disturbing or violent scenes/ the public/ the news 5. The news/ the world/ what’s best for children
6. The argument that news reports should show events as they really happen/ the argument that children should not see disturbing images on television/ the argument that children ought to be aware of the real world
187 7. News reports/ violent images/ children 8. Viewers/ children/ upsetting images
9. The fact that viewers find images disturbing/ The fact that viewers have to change channel/ The fact that viewers are not always forewarned
10. Situation/ argument/ television reporting
Complete the sentences by putting the correct cohesive device into each gap. Not all are used.
it’s its ones such theirs them them themselves they those which who whose
1 Stories in the media about famous people often cause...distress.
2 Governments should avoid taking measures...limit the freedom of the press.
3 Politicians who behave badly, whether in public or in private, should not be surprised if they find...the object of media attention.
4 Politicians...families are the objects of unwanted media attention have every right to complain.
5 Public figures...lead discreet lives should be free from press harassment.
6 The fact that there are a large number of gossip magazines reporting on the private lives of the rich and famous is proof that there is a market for...stories.
7 Trivial stories about the rich and famous often attract more media attention than more important...
8 Writing about famous people’s private lives does not serve the public interest...just a way to increase sales.
9 The press could not perform...role properly if the government imposed too many restrictions on journalists.
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10 Some public figures encourage the media to report on their private lives when it suits...
Read the sample answer to the writing task below. Complete the composition by choosing the word or phrase which best fits each gap.
Many newspapers, magazines and television programmes make money by reporting on the private lives of public figures such as politicians, sports personalities and entertainers. While the media’s right to freedom of expression should be defended, the media should not intrude into people’s private affairs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The media’s freedom of expression is an essential safeguard in a free society. However, it is often suggested that there should be limits to the media’s right to report on the private lives of public figures. 1...are a number of arguments both in favour of and against 2...view.
Firstly, it is argued that politicians should not be the objects of media scrutiny outside 3...work and that the media should not report information about 4..., such as details of their relationships, 5...is generally considered private. However, the counter-argument is that there are some politicians 6...use privacy laws to cover up embarrassing information, for example, when they have accepted gifts in return for using 7...influence. In other words, it is sometimes in the public interest for the media to investigate politicians’ private lives to uncover and deter 8...corruption.
A further argument is that the media is more interested in making money than in telling the truth. Stories of scandals involving well-known people increase newspaper circulation and attract larger television audiences. An example of 9...is gossip magazines 10...invent stories about members of royal families, 11...private lives are often treated like public property. However, 12...who disagree with 13...view point out that most well-known public figures make their living from being in the public eye, so 14...should accept the inconveniences as well as the benefits 15...brings.
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A final argument is that when the media reports on famous people’s private relationships, it often puts 16...relationships under so much pressure that they fail. On the other hand, opponents of 17...argument say that many celebrities promote 18...by publishing their private affairs in the media, and only complain about an invasion of privacy when problems arise.
In conclusion, I believe that public figures have to expect some media scrutiny of their private lives. In the case of entertainment or sports celebrities, 19...reflects a market for stories about them, 20...is part of being famous and earning large amounts of money. In the case of politicians, it is the media’s duty to examine and report on the behaviour of people in positions of power.
1. They, these, there
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