At the Circus
What can you see at the circus? Discuss your answers.
4
Read the passage and choose the best
opening sentence.
Circus Fun
see. There are acrobats
to
ts
ac
g
in
az
am
ny
ma
e
First, there ar
can
eathers and people who
br
e
fir
,
air
e
th
h
ug
ro
th
flying
believable positions!
twist their bodies into un
creative performances.
ny
ma
so
e
ar
e
er
th
,
nd
co
Se
of music and dance and
There are dif ferent kinds
e
costumes. You can also se
l
fu
lor
co
g
in
ar
we
le
op
pe
and doing funny tricks!
clowns making silly jokes
clever.
s.
They can do amazing trick
ally
A Some clowns are re
be a
really fun and interesting
experience.
can
B Going to the circus
e
s, too.
breathers and ice skater
e fir
C Sometimes there ar
Answer the question and follow the instruction.
1
Why is the introduction (opening sentence) you chose the
best way to start this passage?
2
Circle the topic sentence of each paragraph.
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Writing an introduction
In essays there are three basic parts: the introduction, body and conclusion. The introduction
starts the writing and tells us what the writing is about. It can be one long sentence or a short
paragraph.
Choose the best introduction.
What is your favorite circus act and why?
Introduction:
A
My favorite
circus act is
the flying
trapeze.
The acrobats flying through the air
are fantastic.
B
My favorite circus act is the firebreathing performance. It’s amazing!
C
I went to the circus for the first time
when I was very young.
A
Going to the circus can be
very expensive!
B
There are clowns making
silly jokes and doing funny
tricks.
C
I think the circus is popular
because there are so many
amazing acts and
performances.
Topic sentence 1:
First, I’m really into amazing stunts.
Topic sentence 2:
Second, the fire breather is very brave
and skillful.
Why do people enjoy going to the circus?
Introduction:
Topic sentence 1:
First, there are many different acts to see.
Topic sentence 2:
Second, almost everyone loves to watch
creative performances.
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Write a short introduction and two topic sentences.
What is the most exciting thing to see at a circus?
Introduction:
Topic sentence 1:
Topic sentence 2:
What is the most exciting place in your city?
Introduction:
Topic sentence 1:
Topic sentence 2:
The introduction shows the
main idea of the essay, and the topic
sentences support that idea.
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5
Read the passage and choose the best introduction.
Introduction:
First, people have a chance to see animals. Maybe
they have never seen these animals before.
Circuses often have big elephants, fierce tigers,
monkeys, horses, dogs, lions and even snakes.
Second, the animals are really talented. The
elephants can use their trunks to do tricks. The
dogs can jump through hoops or walk around like
people. The monkeys can be even funnier than
the clowns!
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A
Going to the circus can be a
really amazing experience
because of the animals there.
B
The best things about going to
the circus are the clowns and
acrobats.
C
I think going to the circus is
expensive.
Listen to the passage and take notes. Then choose the best introduction.
Introduction:
A
Going to the circus is a good
way to spend your birthday.
B
Small animals should not be
tied up or made to do tricks.
C
Circuses are bad for animals
and we are not helping
animals when we go to the
circus.
Notes:
– do not take good care of animals
– tied up and can’t move
Use the introductions you chose to complete the statements.
1
The writer (Activity F) says that going to the circus
.
2
However, the speaker (Activity G) says that circuses are
.
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