Useful language: adverbs of degree- cautious, qualifying language 1 a tend to
b In the main
c usually
These expressions are used because all these
assertions are contentious or very difficult to prove
and so the language needs to be cautious.
2 Cruise holidays are popular, in the main, with older
tourists. / Cruise holidays are popular with older
tourists, in the main.
Usually, the economy is strongly influenced by
consumer confidence.
3 a Usually children attend school
…
/ Children
usually attend school
…
b In the main non-fiction titles are
…
/ Non-fiction
titles are in the main
…
c The weather in summer tends to be drier
d People usually like
…
/ Usually people like
…
Exam Practice Sample answer It is clear that large numbers of people spend a
considerable proportion of their leisure time looking at
their smart phones or similar gadgets. In my view there
are two major reasons for this. Firstly, so much of our
lives is now managed through these devices and we
are expected to be in touch at all times. It is no longer
acceptable to say that we are on holiday and cut off
from communication with the outside world. A related
but separate point is that it is difficult to conduct our
social lives without a mobile device. People travel much
more and their friends often live far away. Therefore,
they actually need to conduct relationships online
rather than face to face and for this reason frequent use
of a mobile device is considered essential.
There are some worrying aspects to this growth in the
use of mobile devices, especially at times when people
are supposed to be relaxing. Firstly, it is widely believed
that phone use can become addictive and lead to an
unhealthy dependence. People can become anxious if
they do not check their devices at all times of the day
and night and this can cause insomnia and other kinds
of mental health problems.
On the other hand, such devices can provide great
sources of information and entertainment during our
free time. It is, for example, valuable to have a mobile
device when travelling in a new area, to look up routes
or to find interesting places to visit. They also greatly
facilitate activities such as making arrangements to
meet up with friends.
On balance, I feel that rather than spoiling our health
or reducing enjoyment of our free time these devices
actually enhance our lives.
