Discussion

The last part of the English B HF exam from 18th of August, 2017 asks you to discuss to what extent parents should try to hide conflicts from their children, taking your starting point in “Logjam” by Ron Wallace. You should use at least two of the following phrases: firstly, secondly, especially, in order to, despite, however, nevertheless, to sum up.

‘Firstly’ introduces a first point, idea, or argument and ‘secondly’, a second point, idea, or argument. Especially introduces a specific point in an argument and draws readers’ attention to it. In order to introduces the reason behind an action. Despite, however, and nevertheless are all linking phrases that help contrast things, actions, ideas, points, etc. To end an essay, you can use the linking phrase to sum up to summarize the main points.

Parents and hiding conflicts from children

“Logjam” explores the conflict between a couple who have different personalities and different perspectives on life, and touches upon how this conflict affects their daughter Phoebe, in particular. She witnesses how during a holiday her parents are passive-aggressive towards each other, smiling and talking kindly, when in fact they are frustrated and angry.

The parents probably try to avoid open conflict in an attempt to protect their children. This idea is reinforced by Peterson’s attitude, who does his best to avoid answering Phoebe’s questions about his conflict with her mother:

‘I hate it when you guys do that,’ Phoebe frowned. He was tempted to draw her out with a ‘Do what?’ or a ‘So do I,’ but the mosquitoes whined insistently, and he knew he...