Punishment

Writing task: Give advantages and disadvantages

Read the blog entry below about ‘three strikes’ laws. What is your opinion on Useful language
them? Research the advantages and disadvantages to write an article on them. Useful phrases
• A main advantage /
Use the Useful language and the notes you made in the Engage task to help you
disadvantage…
prepare. When you are ready, write around 300 words. • A major advantage /
disadvantage…
They’ve recently passed a “three strikes” law in my state and a lot of • On the other hand…
people are not sure what to think about it. Basically, the law says that • Not only … but also…
people have three chances. If you are arrested three times for crimes, the • An argument for /
system is generally pretty easy on you. But if you are arrested a fourth against this point is…
time, you can go to prison for a really long time. I mean, on the one hand, it • A drawback to … is…
does give people a chance to turn their lives around before making things • A downside to the …
is…
tough for them. But on the other, someone might end up in prison for life
for a few little crimes. You see what I mean? What do you think about these
laws – do they work or not?

Tip  A persuasive article is neutral in style. Use contractions so it doesn’t sound too
formal but use neutral language. To prepare, do some research about the subject if
you’d like to know more or are unsure of your viewpoint. Make a list of pros and cons
and use your list to identify your opinion.
Follow this structure:
• Introduction: Include an interesting piece of information to catch the reader’s interest
and a statement of what the article will prove.
• Main body: Include arguments for the idea with supporting information followed by a
counterargument that addresses the opposition.
• Conclusion: Restate the opinion with a summary of the main reasons from the article.
You could end by calling for action from the reader.
Check it!  Read your article and check it’s organized clearly and makes sense. Then
read it again and check for grammar, vocabulary and spelling errors.

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