EZ! INNOVATORS STUDENT BOOK EZ!

ENGLISH HUB

WRITING 6: TASK 2 -
ADVANTAGES - DISADVANTAGES ESSAY
I. Knowledge
A. Question types:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
1 • What are the advantages and
• Do not include your opinion.
disadvantages of this
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
2
and give your own opinion. • Include your opinion.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
• Do the advantages of this outweigh the
• Say if the advantages are stronger than
3 disadvantages?
the disadvantages. Must focus on the
• Is it a positive or negative development
stronger side.

Vocabulary:

Advantage Disadvantage

benefit(s) [C] drawback(s) [C]

strength(s) [C] weakness(es) [C]

positive aspect(s) [C] negative aspect(s) [C]

plus point(s) [C] minus point(s) [C]

upside [U] downside [U]

merit(s) [C] demerit(s) [C]

Essay structure:

INTRODUCTION (2 sentences)
Sentence 1: General statement – Paraphrase the statement sentence
Sentence 2: Thesis statement – Answer the question

DISCUSS ADVANTAGES (4-6 sentences)

Present at least two advantages with detail and examples

DISCUSS DISADVANTAGES (4-6 sentences)

Present at least two disadvantages with detail and examples

CONCLUSION (1-2 sentences)

Paraphrase the thesis statement (and summarize your opinion in Type 2 & 3)

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Note: If the advantages are more prominent, discuss them in the second body paragraph

Templates:

1. Introduction:

Type 1 Type 2 & 3

• Nowadays, it is true that … • Nowadays, it is true that …
General • It is increasingly clear that … • It is increasingly clear that …
statement • There is an irrefutable fact that … • There is an irrefutable fact that …

• It is also believed that ... has its/their
own advantages and disadvantages.
• This trend would create certain benefits
but there will also be some drawbacks,
Thesis
which will be discussed in the following
statement
paragraphs.
• Although they have a plethora of
merits, numerous demerits are also
there, which will be elaborated on in
upcoming paragraphs.
• While this trend is beneficial to some
extent, I would argue that its
disadvantages are more significant.
• This trend would introduce both pros
and cons, but I think that the benefits
do outweigh the drawbacks.
• While this development may bring
about some benefits, I would argue
they are eclipsed by the drawbacks.

Template for band 6.0: “There is no denying that the phenomenon of [noun] is ubiquitous across
the globe due to its paramount importance. One school of thought opines that it is worthless;
however, others consider that a couple of problems also occur. Although they have a plethora of
merits, numerous demerits are also there, which will be elaborated on in upcoming paragraphs.”

2. Body Paragraphs:

Type 1 Type 2 & 3

- Topic sentence: On the one hand, - Body 1: Topic sentence: On the

there are several reasons why [noun] is
beneficial
Body - Advantage #1: Firstly,... +
1 Explanation/Example/Result
- Advantage #2: Secondly,... +
Explanation/Example/Result
If one hand, [noun] offers people
Pros several benefits
< - Body 2: Topic sentence: On the
Cons other hand, I am aware that the
aforementioned advantages are at
the expense of some drawbacks.

- Topic sentence: On the other hand, If - Body 1: Topic sentence: When

there are a number of disadvantages Pros [S+V], several problems can be
Body of [noun] that people should take into anticipated.
>
2 consideration Cons - Body 2: Topic sentence: In spite of
- Disadvantage #1: The principal one is
the drawbacks mentioned above, I
that …. + Explanation/Example/Result

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EZ! INNOVATORS STUDENT BOOK EZ! ENGLISH HUB

- Disadvantage #2: In addition, …. + believe that [noun] is a positive

Explanation/Example/Result measure/ trend/ development

Template for band 6.0:

• ADVANTAGES:
Initiating with the best possible benefits, the most significant advantage is [noun/that-clause].
Along with it, … SUPPORTING. To cite an example, … EXAMPLE … As a result, …

• DISADVANTAGES:
On the paradoxical side, there are many drawbacks as well. First and foremost, … DISADVANTAGE
… For instance, … EXAMPLE... Secondly, ... DISADVANTAGE 2 … Consequently, ... RESULT...

3. Conclusion:

Type 1 Type 2 & 3

If In conclusion, it seems to me that the

Pros < disadvantages of [noun] are more considerable
In conclusion, [noun] could bring
Cons than its advantages.
about certain benefits, but its
negative consequences should not If In conclusion, while [noun] may have some
be overlooked. Pros > negative aspects, I believe they are outweighed by
Cons the more significant positive aspects.

Template for band 6.0:

To conclude, without any doubt this is a mixed bag. Even if this topic has many positives, its
negative points should not be underestimated.

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