Entry #19 - AN ESSAY ABOUT WOMEN IN SCIENCE

An essay about women in science 
Learn how to write an essay that suggests reasons for and solutions to a problem. 

Before reading 
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
 1)Preparation task: Complete the sentences with words and phrases from the box.       awareness- path -skills- model -opportunities- education 
1. Working together on science projects helps children develop social skills
2. Many countries are concerned about equal opportunities in science. 
3. Many toys for young children help to develop their dexterity and spatial awareness.
4. Science offers many different types of career path
5. The number of women studying science in higher education needs to be increased. 
6. A good teacher is an adviser, mentor and role model for their students.

After reading
Task 1 
Are the sentences true or false? Answer 
1. The writer answers both parts of the question. TRUE
2. The introduction should explain the question and how the writer is going to answer it.  TRUE
3. A topic sentence summarises the main idea of the essay.  FALSE
4. It is better to have many different ideas about the topic than to write in more depth about one or two ideas. FALSE
 5. The linking words Coupled with, In addition, and Furthermore, are all for adding ideas. TRUE
6. Repeating the word girls many times is unavoidable with this essay question. TRUE
7. It is a good idea to save your main idea until the conclusion. FALSE
8. Given these points and All things considered, are good expressions to introduce the conclusion. TRUE
Task 2 
Match the phrases or sentences with the same meaning. 
1. D An alternative approach is 
2. F There is an inequality in the figures
3. A In higher education 
4. B is dominated by 
5. C solve this lack of diversity 
6. E Hence, the solution is 
a. In universities 
b. there are more 
c.  Balance out the numbers 
d. Another way of looking at the problem is 
e. Therefore, the answer lies in 
f. The numbers are unequal.
Task 3 
Complete the sentences with words and phrases from the box. Given these points Furthermore explore coupled former latter most likely reason suggest 
1. This essay will explore the reasons for the decline in quality of life in cities and suggest ways to address the problem. 
2. The most likely reason for the decline in quality of life in a city is paradoxically its attractiveness. The more people choose to live there, the greater pressure on its infrastructures.
 3. Air pollution coupled with traffic congestion can make big cities unpleasant environments, especially for allergy sufferers.
 4. High rents hit young people and pensioners hard. The former find themselves living with their parents for longer and the latter are forced to move out of the neighbourhoods where they have lived all their lives. 
5. Higher rents also mean people have to travel further to work or to see family. Furthermore, in bigger cities, the cost of public transport is greater.
 6.Given these points greater investment in public transport, including subsidies for ticket prices and the creation of cycle lanes, would contribute to improving the quality of lif


TIPS
Tips 1. Read the question carefully. If the question asks you to discuss the reasons for a problem and suggest solutions, make sure you do both. 
2. In your introduction, restate the question in your own words and say what your essay will do. This essay will outline the reasons for … and offer solutions to the problem. 
3. Plan the paragraphs of your essay before you write. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that summarises the main idea of the paragraph. 
4. Develop your position fully by extending your ideas and using examples to support your arguments. Use linking expressions like Coupled with, Furthermore, In fact, and Given these points to show what is coming next. 
5. Try to use a wide range of vocabulary. Use natural-sounding collocations like equal opportunities and role model. Avoid repetition by using synonyms or words with similar meanings: girls, young women, females; children, youngsters. You can also use the former and the latter to refer to things you have just mentioned. 
6. Build the conclusion from the ideas in the essay rather than introducing new ones.