Speaking and Writing

So..how seriously do you take sleep?

(this follows on from the Pau text about mobile use at bedtime)

Discuss this list below with a partner:

ñ I often have problems with falling asleep at the right time.

ñ I don't always go to bed at the same time.

ñ I eat late at night and go to be on a full stomach.

ñ I often find it difficult to get up in the morning due to sleepiness.

ñ I am often awfully tired at school or at work.

ñ I regularly cut my sleep by 2-3 hours as compared with what my body seems to need.

ñ I use the alarm clock and really hate it.

ñ I drink caffeine-based drinks.

ñ I often take 2-4 hour naps in the afternoon or evening

Essay Writing

Read the essay below about sleep and complete it with the missing sentences below (A-D).

We often forget that sleeping is necessary for our well-being.

Do you agree?

It is a well-known fact that sleeping plays an important role in our physical and psychological health. 1....It allows us to focus and concentrate on our work and studies, resulting in greater productivity. Sleep also gives the whole body time to rest and restore itself.

2..... we still choose to cut down on sleep, either to stay out later at night with friends, to continue studying for an important exam or to finish project work.

What is even more worrying is that young people have fallen into the habit of taking their mobile to bed with them, using it to communicate on social networks, watch videos and listen to music. 3....  They may well  feel very tired and drowsy the next day.

Clearly, 4....Parents and schools should play an active role in ensuring that they sleep as much as they need to.

A. Even though many of us are aware of how essential rest is

B. Scientific research tells us that it aids memory recall and learning.

C.This means that they do not relax and unwind before they go to sleep and also their sleep quality is poor.

D.Young people need to be better-informed and encouraged to develop healthy sleep habits from an early age.

Reread the essay and underline any language which could be useful for other essays.

Now read an information sheet about how you can improve your sleeping habits.

http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/files/pdfs/Common-Causes-Inadequate-Sleep.pdf

Write down 3 things you are going to do to improve your sleep.

Now write an essay of between 150-180 words about the following topic:

What might cause sleep problems in young people and what can they do to to improve these problems?

•  Write a plan.
•  Write in paragraphs.
•  Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
•  Reread and edit your essay before you hand it in.