1. Discuss the structure of opinion articles and how they blend facts with current observations or statements about what is happening now.
2. How do the uses of the Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses support the argument in an opinion article?
3. Why might an author choose the Present Continuous to discuss current events or trends?

To answer these questions, look at the CNN opinion article example in ACTION 2

Opinion: Does marijuana cause psychosis? The answer is complicated

Opinion by David L. Nathan and Peter Grinspoon
Updated 12:54 PM EST, Thu February 8, 2024
 3 minute read 

Editor’s Note: David L. Nathan, MD is a psychiatrist and educator who started Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (d4dpr.org). Peter Grinspoon, MD works in primary care and specializes in cannabis at Harvard Medical School. He wrote a book about marijuana and is also part of Doctors for Drug Policy Reform. They are both sharing their thoughts here:

CNN – Cannabis has been linked to serious problems, including psychosis. This concern isn’t new and has been discussed a lot, from old movies to recent news articles. But is it true that marijuana causes psychosis and diseases like schizophrenia, or is this an exaggeration?

Research shows a link between using marijuana and having psychosis. But just because two things happen together doesn’t mean one causes the other. For example, people eat more ice cream and more drownings happen in summer, but eating ice cream doesn’t cause drowning. It’s crucial for us, as doctors, to figure out if marijuana really leads to psychosis.

Let’s explain psychosis: it means losing touch with reality, which could include seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or believing things that aren’t true. These episodes can last a long time and might signal serious mental health issues.

In our many years of working with patients, we’ve seen psychosis start in some people who use cannabis. This is not surprising since young people are more likely to use cannabis and also at a higher risk for psychosis. However, saying cannabis is causing psychosis or schizophrenia in our teens right as we speak is too simple. There might be other explanations.

For instance, people who might get psychosis might use cannabis to try to feel better before any psychosis starts. Or, cannabis might make psychosis worse but not actually cause it. Also, people who get psychosis from substances like cannabis might be more likely to get schizophrenia later, but they might already be at risk for it.

There’s also a chance that certain genes make a person more likely to use cannabis and get psychosis. However, schizophrenia rates haven’t gone up with the increase in cannabis use worldwide. This suggests cannabis alone doesn’t cause schizophrenia.

But, if cannabis can make schizophrenia start earlier in people already at risk, that’s a problem. Early schizophrenia can lead to worse health outcomes. So, people with schizophrenia or a family history of it should be very careful with cannabis, especially strong types. If your son or daughter is smoking cannabis at the moment, you may want to consider your family history.

Some research shows CBD, another component in cannabis, might actually help against psychosis. But, buying CBD products can be risky since they’re not well-regulated yet.

As cannabis becomes more accepted, understanding its real risks and benefits is key. While it helps some health issues, it‘s not risk-free. Lower THC and higher CBD cannabis might be safer, and young people at risk of psychosis should be careful about using cannabis.

Summary: Not all experts agree that cannabis causes psychosis, but it’s wise to be cautious, especially for those at risk. Know your risk factors and choose safer cannabis options if you decide to use it.

• General Belief Example: “Technology simplifies our lives.”
• Current Observation Example: “Tech companies are currently developing more user-friendly AI systems.”

1. She never smokes cannabis and she never wants to smoke it either.
2. Teens that smoke cannabis are smoking higher-dosed cannabis without knowing it.

1. Which sentence, A or B, only uses the present simple?
2. What is the difference in sentenes structure and meaning between sentences using the present simple and sentences using the present continuous?

• https://grammar.training/presentsimple.php
• https://grammar.training/presentcont.php

Instructions: Write an opinion article on a topic of your choice. Use the Present Simple to state general beliefs and the Present Continuous to describe ongoing situations or debates related to your topic.

• Write 3 paragraphs, each 50-100 words (so 150-300 words in total)
• Each paragraph should use the present continuous and present simple.
• The first paragraph is your introduction (explain what the opinion piece is about), the second is the body (present your opinion) the third is the conclusion (summarize the second paragraph and write your final thoughts).

• Clear and persuasive use of Present Simple for general statements.
  • No, correct mistakes ⬜ Yes, mostly ⬜ Yes, always +5GEMs⬜
• Effective use of Present Continuous for highlighting ongoing situations or debates.
  • No, correct mistakes ⬜ Yes, mostly ⬜ Yes, always +5GEMs⬜
• The article demonstrates a coherent argument supported by appropriate tense usage.
  • No, correct mistakes ⬜ Yes, mostly ⬜ Yes, always +5GEMs⬜

You get 0GEMs until all categories are Yes, mostly. You can score 0,5 or 15 more GEMs by scoring Yes, always.

1. Believe
2. Think
3. Argue
4. Develop
5. Debate
6. Discuss
7. Show
8. Demonstrate
9. Suggest
10. Prove