this IS the first in a 10-part series of articles on different types of writing. Writing is a powerful tool. You can use it in many ways. One of these is to persuade somebody to agree with your point of view. This is called 'persuasive' writing. As a reader you need to be able to recognise this type of writing. Read the following example and answer the questions. Hong Kong Harbour Reclamation Hong Kong's harbour is a natural sheltered harbour. The port has always been a key factor in the development and prosperity of Hong Kong, which is located on the Far East trade routes and is in the geographical centre of the Asia-Pacific Basin. The advantages of the harbour go far beyond its use as a maritime asset. Local inhabitants and tourists alike can enjoy pleasure cruises that start and finish from various points. And the views from both sides are world class and can be enjoyed by everyone. This helps to attract many tourists who spend millions of dollars. We must preserve our natural harbour and stop the politicians and other people from destroying our natural heritage for some half-baked notion of progress. Why do we need even more roads? Hong Kong is a small place that has too many vehicles. Private car ownership should not be important in a place which has some of the cheapest and most efficient public transport systems in the world. Filling in even more of the harbour would destroy the views that bring in so many tourists. We cannot do without them. We already have enough places to enjoy ourselves, why do we need more? Hong Kong has fabulous beaches and country parks with stunning views and fascinating plants and wildlife. Also, a narrower harbour will create more turbulence that will make sea travel more dangerous and harm fish and other marine life. The Star Ferry is something Hong Kong should protect at all costs. Water is a rare natural resource we are fortunate to have. It's important not to throw it away. We have already harmed our harbour. We can do nothing about the past. But this is our opportunity to protect what we have. If we waste this opportunity we, our children and our children's children may live to regret it. Glossary vessel (n) - a boat or a ship maritime (adj) - to do with the sea inhabitants (n) - people who live in a place half-baked (adj) - an idea that has not been thought through properly turbulence (n) - disturbance in water: could be waves Comprehension 1. Is the writer in favour of reclamation of the Hong Kong harbour or against it? 2. Can you find the 'key' sentence that sums up the writer's point of view? 3. Which audience is the writer aiming at? 4. Give three reasons the writer uses to support the argument. Prepositions Prepositions are words used to position a noun. Write the correct preposition to complete the following sentences. Choose from: over, underneath, across, through 1. The Cross-Harbour Tunnel is built ______________ the harbour. 2. People use the Star Ferry to travel ______________ the harbour. 3. Container ships pass ______________ the harbour. 4. Helicopters fly ______________ the harbour. Crossword Read the clues below, choose the correct answer from the list and put it in the grid. List: Hong Kong, maritime, transport, harbour, turbulence, vessel, trade 1. Another name for a boat or ship. 2. Trains, trams and planes are forms of this. 3. The name used when people or countries swap, buy or sell goods and services. 4. The water between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. 5. Water when it is disturbed or moved by wind or other forces. 6. To do with the sea. 7. The name of the place we live in Answers Comprehension: 1. Against. 2. We must preserve our natural harbour and stop the politicians and other people from destroying our natural heritage for some half-baked notion of progress. 3. Hong Kong people. 4a. A key factor in the prosperity of Hong Kong; b. Helps to attract tourists; c. Water is a rare natural resource. Prepositions: 1. underneath 2. across 3. through 4. over Crossword: 1. vessel 2. transport 3. trade 4. harbour 5. turbulence 6. maritime 7. Hong Kong