EAST MEETS WEST: PRACTICAL ENGLISH 4
Unit 5: Suggested Answers to Basic Exercises
Teachers' Manual
I. Suggested Answers to Comprehension Questions

  1. The five stages of a debate listed in this article are: stating a position, supporting a position, attacking a contrary position, and reaffirming a position. Not all debates have all of these steps, however, and some authors on debate list more.

  2. The main arguments against requiring Taiwanese university study English are:
         * Students should be able to choose what they study.
         * English may not be important for some majors.
         * With seven years prior English study, many universityalready communicate in English well enough.
     The main arguments for requiring Taiwanese university study English are:
         * Since much research is in English, a good English command is essential in most academic disciplines.
         * Good English will help people find better jobs.
         * People from Taiwan need to learn to communicate more with foreigners.


  3. The main arguments against abortion are:
         * It violates the rights of the unborn child.
         * It is a form of violence, even murder.
         * It often leaves lasting physical and emotional scars.
     The main arguments for abortion rights are:
         * Women should determine when and if they want to have a child.
         * Some women are not ready to accept the responsibilities of parenting.
         * In some cases, the physical health of a woman will be in danger if she gives birth.


  4. The main arguments against capital punishment are:
         * It is cruel and inhumane.
         * Unfortunately, it has little impact on lessening crime.
         * There is no forgiveness is killing.
     The main arguments for capital punishment are:
         * It is a just punishment for serious crimes.
         * People who know the penalty for a crime is harsh will do less crime.
         * Jails are crowded - it saves money.


  5. A Alan Guttmacher Institute study suggests 22% of all pregnant women abort.

  6. 1,625 people in 37 countries were executed.
II. Suggested Answers to Questions for Further Exploration

  1. + Yes, I usually avoid controversy. I do not really enjoy debating?
    - No, I am not afraid of controvery. In fact, I enjoy a good debate. (And you?)

  2. + Yes, I can communicate with my parents well. We can talk about anything because we trust each other. (And you?)
    - No, my parents and I have bad communication. They try to control me and I want more freedom. (How about yours?)

  3. + I tend to avoid discussing my boyfriend or how I spend money. And you?
    - Actually, I can talk about anything with my mom. My dad is dead, but my mom and I are close. (What about you?)

  4. + I usually don't talk about money, age, religion, or personal relationship with Westerners.
    - It really depends on the person. I have one close American friend. However, with most Westerners I am a bit shy and careful. (How about you?)
  5. + I think women should be able to have an abortion. However, if they use birth control correctly then very few women would get pregnant. (And you?)
    - I am opposed to abortion. I think it is a sin. It is a shame. (What is your stand?)
  6. + I am in favor of the death penalty. I think some murderers deserve to die. (What do you think?)
    - I am against this punishiment, which is cruel and inhumane. Killing someone who killing makes two wrongs - criminals should spend their life in jail. Human life is sacred.
  7. + My life at MCU is very rewarding. I enjoy many of the classes and have many friends. (And how about you?)
    0 It is so so. I enjoy some things about MCU, but not others. (What do you like best?)
    - It is unrewarding. I do not enjoy my life much at school. (How do you like MCU?)
  8. + Yes, I believe not allowing people to smoke on campus is a wise policy. - No, I am against this policy. I think we should be allowed to smoke.

III. Suggested Answers to Structured Composition
1. of   2. about   3. up   4. in   5. with   6. about   7. at (or nothing)   8. up   9. out

IV. Suggested Answers to Grammar Focus

1. D   2. J   3. B   4. C   5. F   6. G (or H)   7. I   8. H (or G)   9.E   10. A

V. Suggested Answers to Paraphrasing Exercises

1. C   2. B   3. F   4. H   5. G   6. E   7. D   8. J   9. A  


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- Practical English 4 -
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