ESSAY 7.
A Fear Worse than Death
1 According to several recent surveys, the biggest fear for most people is the fear of making
a speech in public. More than a fear of spiders or death, public speaking is something that
often causes people to break out into a cold sweat, start shaking uncontrollably, and even feel
as though they are about to die. Manyjobs, classes, and social events require a person to be
able to deliver a good public speech. Fortunately, the fear of public speaking can be overcome
with two simple methods: practice and using positive energy from the audience.
2 Sufficient practice of a speech is the first key to overcoming this fear. Most people
are amazed at how comfortable they are giving a public speech once they have properly
prepared and practiced. Practicing a speech numerous times reduces the fear of coming
across as unprepared. Some speakers stand in front of a mirror to practice their speech, but
others prefer to have a video recording made, either by a friend or colleague. The benefits
of this type of visual practice are many. Speakers can watch the video again and again,
focusing on a different aspect of the speech each time. Elements such as speed, body
language, content, and other areas of concern can get the attention that they need. The
result of sufficient practice is a more confident speaker and a more effective speech.
3 The second key to overcoming the fear of public speaking is to use positive energy
from the audience. Speakers need to remember a very important thing: no one wants to
see them fail in front of a group. The audience members have probably given speeches
themselves, so they know how terrifying it can be. In addition, a poorly given speech is
not only uncomfortable for the speaker, but it is also uncomfortable for the audience. They
want to see the speaker succeed because it is a more enjoyable experience for everyone
involved. Speakers can look at the faces of the audience and search for that small nod
of agreement or the slight smile, which is often enough to make even the most fearful
speakers relax. People sometimes forget that speech-giving is actually a two-way street. By
giving and receiving positive thoughts and energy, both the speaker and the audience will
have a positive experience.
4 There is no question that public speaking can be frightening. However, there is
also no question that it is an extremely valuable skill to have. Whether giving the
commencement speech at a graduation or a simple toast at a wedding, with proper
practice and audience empathy, it is possible to overcome the fear of public speaking and
deliver a successful speech.
A panel of speakers at a
conference in Canada
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1. What is the purpose of this essay? Begin your sentence with The purpose of. ..
2. Does the writer use a one-solution or a multiple-solution approach?
3. Underline the writer's hook. Is it a description, a quote, a fact, or an interesting idea?
4. Where is the thesis restated in the essay? _
5. In the introductory paragraph, what details does the writer give to show that fear of public
speaking is an important problem to solve? _
6. What solutions are presented in the body paragraphs? _
7. What does the writer do in the conclusion? _
Organizing a Problem-Solution Essay
There are two ways to organize a problem-solution essay: presenting one solution or presenting
more than one solution.
Introduction • Identify the problem
Provide background information
Explain why the problem is important
• State the thesis, which introduces the solution(s)
I ONE SOLUTION MORE THAN ONE SOLUTION
Body Body Paragraph 1: Present the Body Paragraph 1: Present the first
solution, explaining one reason why it solution, explaining why it would be effective
would be effective
Body Paragraph 2: Explain a second Body Paragraph 2: Present a second
reason why the solution would be solution, explaining why it would be effective
effective
(Body Paragraph 3: Explain a third (Body Paragraph 3: Present a third solution,
reason why the solution would be explaining why it would be effective)
effective)
Conclusion • Restate the thesis
Summarize the main points
a
• Issue call to action if appopae
164 UNIT 7 • Problem-Solution Essays
ACTIVITY a I Analyzing an essay
Read the essay and answer the questions that follow. Note: The essay does not have a
conclusion. You will write one in the next activity.
WORDS TO KNOW Essay 7.2
barrier: (n) something that blocks the way obligation: (n) a requirement to do something
distraction: (n) something that prevents prioritize: (v) to put in order of importance
someone from giving full attention put off: (v phr) to postpone, delay
diverse: (adj) varied; different from each other retention: (n) the ability to keep or remember
exposure: (n) contact with something
ill-equipped: (adj) badly prepared
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IEEE
Smart Time Management:The Key to Success
1 It is no secret that many students lead busy, diverse lives. Between school, work, family
obligations, and a social life, there can be a lot to juggle'. Add to this an increased exposure
to technology, and the distractions may feel almost insurmountable . Students in particular
struggle because they are ill-equipped to handle their time wisely. This can have a negative
impact on everything from grades to happiness and even health. Poor time management can
be a real barrier to success. Fortunately, there are two simple strategies students can use to
solve this problem: planning ahead and limiting distractions.
2 Students can be more successful by simply planning their study schedule. For example,
many students put off studying for a test until the last minute. However, it is much less
stressful and much more effective to break up study time over the course of several days.
Instead of studying for five hours the day before a big exam, or "cramming," students can
plan ahead and study for two hours per night the three nights before the exam. This "timed
study" not only decreases stress, it also leads to better long-term retention of the material.
Students should also plan their week out in advance, budgeting time each day for classes,
study, self-care, and other responsibilities. They should also prioritize their tasks, doing the
most important ones first. Students who begin each week with a clear plan tend to achieve
greater success than those who do not.
3 Another way students can better manage their time is to understand the distractions they
face and limit them. The average student spends more than six hours a week on social media.
Even more traditional media can be a distraction as the average adult watches more than five
hours oftelevision each day. As a solution, by limiting TV to one hour per day, 28 extra hours
become available each week, which is more than enough time to accomplish important tasks.
Students who stay away from their social media accounts in the morning are able to start their
day with some exercise and a quick study session instead. They save distractions for after they
have completed their tasks. The key to success here is not to completely remove distractions, but
to simply limit them.
'juggle: to handle several tasks at the same tim e
insurmountable: extremely difficult; nearly im possible
169
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A high school stu~~t's :11.ent1on 1s
between class and text messages.
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1. What is the purpose of this essay? Begin your sentence with The purpose of. ..
2. According to the essay, why is time management a significant problem for students?
3. What two solutions does the writer suggest?
4. What support is given for the first solution?
5. What support is given for the second solution?
6. Which solution is more persuasive? Explain your answer.
170 UNIT 7 • Problem-Solution Essays
ACTIVITY s I Outlining a problem-solution essay
Complete the outline for an essay on the problem ofhomesickness with words and phrases
from the box.
action friendships no time reach out stay busy
communication hook people sad support
I. Introduction
A. : Surveys report that almost 70 percent of students
attending university for the first time feel homesick.
B. Describe problem, background information, why it is important
C. Thesis statement: Two strategies are helpful in overcoming homesickness.
II. Body Paragraph 1: Get involved
A.-----------
1. Get involved in new activities
2. Leave tofeel sad
0
a..
a..
<, B. Meet
1. Have less time alone
2, Develop new
Ill. Body Paragraph 2: Plan with family and friends
A.
1. Schedule time to talk with parents
t
o:: 2. Text with friends
0
a..
a..
2 B. Talk about personal feelings
1. Share emotions with others
2,, (Get their
IV. Conclusion
A. Restate the thesis
B. Call to
165
ACTIVITY 1 s I Combining sentences
Combine the ideas into one sentence. You may change the word forms, but do not change or
omit any ideas. There may be more than one answer.
1 . Languages die with their last speaker.
Every two weeks a language dies.
Fifty to ninety percent will disappear.
This will happen by the next century.
2. The meat substitute is tasty.
The meat substitute is made from soy.
The meat substitute is made from peas.
Some consumers may not taste the difference.
3. Coral reefs are in danger.
One reason is development.
In Jordan, some coral reefs were moved.
These coral reefs are doing well.
Light pollution in Lombardy, Italy