9th Form / 5th Level

People smoke for a variety of reasons:

because they are shy, nervous or dont feel at ease in society,
to appear sophisticated and older, to be part of a group. The truth is that smoking
doesnt solve these problems; it only masks and adds to them as 15-year-old Jeanette
found out too late:
I can remember very clearly the day I started smoking. I was 12 and my parents
had let me go to a Christmas party with my friend Cath. I was extremely shy and at the
beginning I just sat in a corner of the room. However, Cath was quite different. She
looked about 16 and acted in a very sophisticated way. After we had been at the party
for about half an hour, Cath came over to me with Roger and Graig from the year above
us at school. We talked for a while. Then Roger suggested we went outside for some
fresh air.
Once we were outside, Roger took a pack of cigarettes and lit one. The same
happened with Graig and Cath. I was shocked because I knew that Cath had never
smoked before. Roger asked me if I wanted a cigarette and I said: No, I dont smoke.
The boys started laughing saying that only kids didnt smoke and asking me how old I
was. I was so embarrassed that it was hard to say no. And thats how I started.
It became a habit after that. I thought smoking was a sign of being grown-up and
that anyone who didnt smoke was a baby. Im ashamed to admit I pressured many of
my friends to begin smoking exactly as I had been influenced to do it.
As I was shy, I used smoking as a cover for it. Whenever I felt anxious I smoked
a cigarette. Now, three years later, I smoke about 20 cigarettes a day and I stink of
smoke. I have a bad cough and Id love to stop, not only because I know Im harming
myself, but also because it is costing me a fortune. To tell the truth, I dont even like
smoking. I hate it but I simply cant stop.

Vocabulary:
Stink have an unpleasant or offensive smell;
Cough send out air from the lungs violently and noisily
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I Read the text and find the synonyms:

1. Timid 2. Discovered 3. Distinctly 4. Adult

II Read the text and find the opposites:

1. Relaxed 2. Simple 3. End 4. Below

III Complete the sentences according to the text:

1. The reasons for smoking are varied

2. Smoking is not a solution for
3. Cath and Jeanettes reactions at the party were different
4. Roger suggested going out for fresh air because
5. Jeanette doesnt like smoking but

IV Answer the following questions about the text:

1. Did Jeanettes feelings towards Cath change during the party? Why?
2. Why did Jeanette start smoking?
3. What reason did she find to go on smoking?
4. What influence did Jeanette have on other people regarding smoking?
5. How did smoking affect Jeanettes life?

V Rewrite the sentences as follows:

1. People hurt their body inside, but they dont realise the effect that smoking has.
Though
In spite of
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2. Many teenagers try to give up smoking, but it is a long and difficult process.
Even though
Despite

3. Adolescents know they are wrong, but they cant stop thinking about their habit.
Although
In spite of

4. People want to feel better, but they ruin their lives.

Though
Despite

VI Rewrite the sentences, writing as follows:

1. I have never smoked in my life.

He said

2. I read some information about smoking and I became aware of how dangerous it is.
She said

3. My family suffered the consequences of smoking, because two of my uncles died.

She said

4. You can quit smoking whenever you want.

He said

5. You will get healthier, if you stop consuming cigarettes.

She said

6. I will never try smoking, because I know it ruins our body.

He said

7. A doctor is coming to school and he is going to explain how smoking damages our
health.
They said
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8. Dont take alcoholic drinks!
He told him

VII Write a text based on the following questions (+/- 100 words):

1. Why do young people smoke?

2. What is your opinion about the problem?
3. How can smoking affect young people? Give examples.
4. Publicity campaigns regarding cigarettes have been banned. Do you agree with this?
Justify.
5. What can you (as a friend) do to help a person that smokes?