The price of fame: exercises to improve your writing - correction

Approval and disapproval

When talking about a situation people may want to express their approval or disapproval.

a. Read the following sentences and fillin the blank with following words.

to accuse (of), to approve (of), to blame (for), to criticize (for), to object (to), to praise (for)

– I object to paparazzi invading celebrities’ privacy.

– I praise journalists for documenting celebrities.

– I blame them for the decline of quality press.

– Some people criticise celebrity magazines for showing stars in unfl attering poses.

– I approve of the editor’s opinion even if she can be accused of intruding on celebrities’ privacy.

b. Identify the words expressing approval and those expressing disapproval. Highlight them using 2 different colours. Make sure you understand how to use them in sentences.

c. Make an organised list of expressions (with the structure) :

disapproval / approval
to accuse s.o. of sthg /V-ing
to blame s.o. for sthg /V-ing
to criticize so for sthg /V-ing
to object to sthg /V-ing / to praise so for sthg /V-ing
to approve of sthg /V-ing / s.o.

Expressing concession

When debating you will need to take other people’s arguments into account and express concessions.

On the one hand, I understand that newspapers and magazines must not be allowed to invade people’s private lives just to make a profit but on the other hand we have to respect the freedom of the press.

a. Read the following reactions and pick out the words expressing concessions:

- I can understand the motivation of such magazines although I think they often go too far.

- Many famous people end up killing themselves. Despitetheirfame,celebritiesare not exempt from the feelings of low self-esteem apathy associated with depression.

- I appreciate the desire on the part of celebrities for a private marriage. That is a completely natural wish. However, to sue celebrity magazines for breach of privacy goes a bit too far.

- Even though the readers are willing to know more about their favourite stars, the editors should refuse to publish the most discrediting pictures.

b. Make an organised list of words expressing concession (with the structure).

concession
Although + subj + v
Even though + subj + v / Despite + Noun
However,
On the one hand, ….. on the other hand.

Expressing your reactions to a situation

Adjectives or nouns can help you describe your reactions to a situation.

ex : I think it is disgusting to take such photos. This situation is a shame!

Adjectives: revolting interesting disgusting great appalling amazing tremendous awful

dreadful encouraging wonderful shocking

Nouns: disgrace shame delight honour scandal pleasure

- Classify the adjectives and nouns describing positive or negative reactions.

Negative reaction / Positive reaction
Adjectives: revolting disgusting appalling awful dreadful shocking
Nouns: disgrace shame scandal / interesting great amazing tremendous encouraging wonderful
delight honour pleasure