Famous Writers Stop Writing

Introduction

Some famous writers are stopping their work. Julian Barnes and Michael Frayn are retiring.

Main Body

Michael Frayn is 92 years old. He wrote many books and news stories for a long time. Now he says he will not write anymore. Julian Barnes is 80 years old. He has a rare blood disease. He wrote one last book called 'Departure(s)'. This book is about memory and his life. Some writers stop working, but others do not. Stephen King said he would stop, but he started again. Other writers, like Margaret Atwood, are old but they still write many books.

Conclusion

Some old writers stop their work. Other old writers continue to write.

Learning

The 'But' Switch

In this story, we see a pattern where a writer does one thing, BUT then something changes. This is how you move from basic sentences to A2 level storytelling.

The Pattern: Positive/Action \rightarrow BUT \rightarrow Opposite/Change

Examples from the text:

  • Stephen King said he would stop \rightarrow but he started again.
  • Some writers stop \rightarrow but others do not.

Quick Guide for You: Use 'but' when you want to show a surprise or a difference.

  • I am old \rightarrow but I am strong.
  • He wrote a book \rightarrow but he stopped.

Vocabulary Spotlight: 'Still' Look at Margaret Atwood. She is old, but she still writes. Use 'still' for things that do not change over time.

Vocabulary Learning

retiring (v.)
to stop working because of age or personal choice
Example:After many years, Mr. Smith is retiring from his job.
blood (n.)
the fluid that circulates in the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients
Example:She had a blood test to check for anemia.
disease (n.)
a sickness that affects the body or mind
Example:He was diagnosed with a disease that made him feel tired.
memory (n.)
the ability to remember past events or information
Example:Her memory of the trip was still fresh.
stop (v.)
to end or cease an activity
Example:He decided to stop smoking.
continue (v.)
to keep doing something without interruption
Example:She will continue to write novels.