B1 · Opinion
Following an argument, its concessions, and its proposal
Read for meaning first. Then return to the text for vocabulary, language choices, and evidence.
Before you read
Build the context out loud.
- How do children get to school where you live?
- What problems can traffic cause outside a school?
- Should a street ever be closed to cars? When?
First pass: keep moving when one word is unfamiliar. Dotted words open optional help; every word also appears in the vocabulary bank below.
To the Editor:
Every school morning between 7:45 and 8:15, Garfield Street turns into a parking lot. Cars stop in the middle of the road, drivers open doors into traffic, and children squeeze between cars to reach the gates of Hollis Elementary. Last month, a third grader was almost hit by a van that was backing up. Nobody was hurt, but many parents, including me, are still upset.
On May 14, the city council will vote on a proposalA plan or idea that is formally suggested for people to discuss and decide on.Useful chunks: support a proposal · vote on a proposal to close the block in front of the school to cars for thirty minutes at the start and end of each school day. I strongly support this plan, and I would like to explain why.
First, it is a question of safety. If the street were closed at drop-offThe time or place when someone leaves a person somewhere, such as a child at school.Useful chunks: morning drop-off · drop-off time time, children would not have to walk between moving cars. Families could walk the last block together, and the crossing guards could focus on the two corners instead of the whole street.
In addition, the plan would improve the air near the school. At the moment, dozens of cars wait with their engines running right next to the playground. As a result, children breathe exhaust fumesThe gas that comes out of a car engine and pollutes the air.Useful chunks: breathe exhaust fumes · car exhaust fumes before the first bell rings.
However, I understand the concerns of people on the other side. Residents of Garfield Street worry that they will not be able to leave their drivewaysA short private road between a house and the street, used for parking a car.Useful chunks: leave the driveway · park in the driveway. Some parents drive because they go straight to work, and others have children with disabilities. These are fair points. If I lived on that block, I would probably feel the same way.
That is why the details matter. The proposal allows residents to drive slowly out of the street with a permitAn official document that allows you to do something.Useful chunks: a parking permit · apply for a permit. It also keeps four parking spaces for families who have a disability parking pass. Other parents could use the church parking lot on Elm Avenue, which is a three-minute walk from the gate. Although this would add a few minutes to some mornings, I believe it is a small price to pay.
We also have some local evidence. When the street was closed for the school festival last October, drop-off took a little longer for some drivers, but nobody reported a serious problem.
Nothing will change if we wait for a real accident. If the council approved a six-month trialA period when something new is tested to see if it works.Useful chunks: a six-month trial · a trial period, we could all see the results for ourselves. If it didn’t work, the council could simply end it. I urgeTo strongly advise or ask someone to do something.Useful chunks: urge someone to vote · strongly urge council members to vote yes.
Rachel Moreno, parent of a second grader at Hollis Elementary
Original text written for Thomas’s Classroom Reading Lab.
Words in context
Useful vocabulary and chunks
Learn the word with the partners it naturally keeps.
drop-off
The time or place when someone leaves a person somewhere, such as a child at school.
morning drop-off · drop-off timeproposal
A plan or idea that is formally suggested for people to discuss and decide on.
support a proposal · vote on a proposalexhaust fumes
The gas that comes out of a car engine and pollutes the air.
breathe exhaust fumes · car exhaust fumesdriveway
A short private road between a house and the street, used for parking a car.
leave the driveway · park in the drivewaypermit
An official document that allows you to do something.
a parking permit · apply for a permittrial
A period when something new is tested to see if it works.
a six-month trial · a trial periodurge
To strongly advise or ask someone to do something.
urge someone to vote · strongly urgeCheck your reading
Comprehension check
Choose the answer best supported by the text. Check your choices when you finish the whole set.
01What is the main purpose of Rachel’s letter?
02What happened last month that worried many parents?
03Which concern from the other side does Rachel call fair?
04How does the proposal help families with a disability parking pass?
05Why does Rachel mention the school festival last October?
Language in the text
Guide the reader and imagine the result
Linkers tell the reader how two ideas are connected, for example by adding a point, showing a result, or turning to the other side. The second conditional (if + past simple, would + base verb) describes a result that is imagined or not yet real.
The closure has not happened yet, so the writer imagines the result with were and would.
Rachel does not live there; the second conditional shows an unreal situation and helps her understand the other side.
In addition adds a second reason to support the argument.
As a result shows that this is the effect of cars waiting with their engines running.
However turns the letter toward a contrasting view.
Although admits a cost in the same sentence as the writer’s main opinion.
Check your reading
Language focus check
Use the surrounding meaning, not only the shape of one sentence.
01Choose the correct second conditional sentence.
02Which linker best connects these ideas? Cars wait with their engines running. Children breathe exhaust fumes.
03Which sentence correctly uses although to admit a cost?
Read like a writer
How a letter to the editor stays firm and fair
Rachel opens with a scene, states her position clearly, gives reasons, admits the other side’s concerns, and then answers them with details before she asks for action.
A vivid opening
The reader can picture the problem before hearing any argument.
Every school morning between 7:45 and 8:15, Garfield Street turns into a parking lot.
A fair concession
Admitting that opponents have real reasons makes the writer sound reasonable and easier to trust.
These are fair points. If I lived on that block, I would probably feel the same way.
Answers with details
Specific details show that the concerns have practical answers, not only opinions.
The proposal allows residents to drive slowly out of the street with a permit.
A low-risk request
Asking for a trial makes it easier for undecided readers and council members to say yes.
If it didn’t work, the council could simply end it.
From reading to speaking
Build your response
Work through the stages in order. Answer before opening the model.
01GistWhat does Rachel want, and why?
Useful ways to begin
Compare with a model response
Rachel wants the council to close the block outside Hollis Elementary to cars for thirty minutes at the start and end of the school day. Her main reason is children’s safety, and she also argues that the air would be cleaner.
02Main pointsWhat are her two reasons, the concerns she accepts, and her final request?
Useful ways to begin
Compare with a model response
First, children would not have to walk between moving cars. In addition, fewer engines would run next to the playground. However, residents need to leave their driveways and some parents must drive. Finally, she asks for a six-month trial.
03AnalyzeDoes Rachel treat the other side fairly? Give one example.
Useful ways to begin
Compare with a model response
I think she is mostly fair because she calls the residents’ worries fair points and imagines living on the block herself. On the other hand, she does not include the voice of a real resident or driver.
04ReactIf you were on the city council, how would you vote? Why?
Useful ways to begin
Compare with a model response
If I were on the council, I would vote for the trial. The strongest reason is safety. However, I would ask the school to check whether traffic on the nearby streets became worse.
Speak
Take a position
Give a one-minute opinion about a change you would like in your neighborhood or town. Include one second conditional sentence, one concession with however or although, and one result with as a result.
Write
Make the reading useful
Write a 150-word letter to a local paper about a practical change in your area. State your position, give two reasons, admit one concern, and end with a clear request.