1 Read a blog post about a childhood memory and discuss the questions.
1 Why do you think the writer remembers this moment in particular?
2 What do you think this story tells you about the writer?
Answers
1 because it had a big emotional impact
2 They are going to university, so probably about 18, and still
living with their parents at the moment. They may be quite
a sensitive person because of the way they reacted, and
perhaps a little sentimental. They aren’t worried about what
people at university might think if they bring the bear.
2 Put the paragraphs of the blog post in the correct order.
A □ Describe the main events of the memory.
B □ Explain why the memory is still signifi cant for you.
C □ Give the background to the memory (how old you were, where it took place, etc.)
D □ Introduce the memory by explaining why you are talking about it.
E □ Relate the past events to the present day.
Answers
A 3 B 5 C 2 D 1 E 4
3 Study the Writing box. Then fi nd examples of each section in the blog post.
| WRITING | A blog post about the past |
|
Introduction Blog posts are often quite personal, so begin by explaining the memory: □ I was reminded of … Style Use time linkers to show when things happened: □ at that time □ during these years Conclusion Explain why the memory was signifi cant: □ This experience convinced me that … |
Answers
Introduction
… brought all the memories flooding back.
... for as long as I could remember ...
Style
One day
The next day
Conclusion
I clearly recall…
I’ve never forgotten …
I don’t know how I failed to realise
4 Complete the second sentence using the word in bold so that it means the same as the fi rst one. Use phrases from the text to help you.
1 I didn’t realise what a bad idea it was.
FAILED
I........................
2 I took him with me everywhere I went.
MATTER
No.................................
3 I had to wait for him.
CHOICE
I had......................................
4 I was delighted when he agreed to come to the picnic.
TO
Much..............................
5 I have no reason not to work today.
MIGHT
I..............................
6 I was really shocked by what you said.
CAME
What you said.............................
7 I had no idea what was happening.
CLUE
I............................
8 I had to watch my little brother carefully.
EYE
I had to................................
Answers
1 failed to realise what a bad idea it was
2 matter where I went, I took him with me
3 no choice but to wait for him
4 to my delight, he agreed to come to the picnic
5 might as well work today
6 came as a shock to me
7 had no clue / didn’t have a clue what was happening
8 keep my eye / an eye on my little brother
5 Choose one of your childhood memories that you are happy to write about. Read the questions and make notes.
1 How old were you? What was the occasion?
2 What happened exactly?
3 What emotions do you associate with this memory?
4 Why is the memory signifi cant to you?
5 What does the memory say about you, e.g., your background, personality, values or life experiences?
Answers
Students’ own answers
6 WRITING TASK Write a blog post about your childhood memory. Use the advice and some of the phrases from the Writing box, plus a range of tenses.
Use the Graphic Organiser to help you plan your writing.
Answers
Students’ own answers
