Advantages & Disadvantages

Essay
 What is an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay?

An advantages and disadvantages essay is one whereby the writer

analyzes advantages and disadvantages of a topic by using facts
(and comes to a conclusion that favours more).

*** Advantages and Disadvantages Essay # Discussion Essay

(Discuss two opposing perspectives of an argument by exploring the
evidence and reasons)
 3 formats of advantages and disadvantages essays

1. If you are asked “What are the advantages and disadvantages of…..” -> you are not
being asked your opinion => Analyze the benefits and drawbacks = write 2 body
paragraphs.

E.g.

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year
between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to
do this.
 3 formats of advantages and disadvantages essays

2. If you see the word “outweigh” or “Will this trend have more positive or negative
effects?” -> you are being asked for your opinion => decide which side
(advantages or disadvantages) is stronger and explain why.

E.g.

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign
language at primary schools rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

 3 formats of advantages and disadvantages essays

3. If you see the word “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your
own opinion” -> you are being asked for your opinion => Analyze the benefits and
drawbacks + give your opinion = write 3 body paragraphs.

E.g.

Computers are becoming an essential part of school lessons.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
 Ways to say "advantages and disadvantages”

● Pros and cons

● Benefits and drawbacks

● Good/positive and bad/negative aspects

● Pluses and minuses

● Strengths and weaknesses

● Merits and demerits

 Step 1: Writing the introduction

● Paraphrase the topic question

● Introduce the main advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in

the body paragraphs.
This trend would create certain benefits, but there will also be some
drawbacks.
This trend would introduce both pros and cons, but the benefits do outweigh
the drawbacks.
This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of …… and
provide a logical conclusion.
 Introduction Example 1
In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between
finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to do this.

Before embarking on college many young people are advised that a year working
or travelling may be a good option. This essay will suggest that saving money is the
biggest advantage of this and a reduced motivation to study is the primary
disadvantage.

………………... This trend would create certain benefits, but there will also be
some drawbacks.

…………… This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this trend.
 Introduction Example 2
The internet has made knowledge immediately available to people through
computers and smartphones around the world. Much of this knowledge is also free. Do
the advantages of this type of information outweigh the disadvantages?

The internet is a massive repository of human knowledge and it continues to

accumulate. At the click of a button, one can access information on just about any topic,
from the abstract to the mundane. Not only is the information immediate, it is also free.
This essay will discuss how the benefits of this trend outweigh the drawbacks.

…….….This trend would introduce both pros and cons, but the benefits do
outweigh the drawbacks.

……. This essay will argue that the advantages of this outweigh the drawbacks.
Practice: Write the Introduction for ONE of the following topics

1. Computers are becoming an essential part of school lessons.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

2. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign
language at primary schools rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KjQ8k2sft7F-Ftp2ZzMncJp-NTDWF9E
qJo8GMvPaG10/edit
 Step 2: Brainstorming ideas
Outline:
● 1-3 advantages: Explain why? + Examples
● 1-3 disadvantages: Explain why? + Examples
● Give your opinion: Explain + Give examples

What are the advantages and disadvantages

of children using mobile phones?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of children using mobile phones?

advantages disadvantages
Write A (advantage) or D (disadvantage) next to each idea about the advantages and disadvantages of
children using mobile phones (poll)

1 Parents can easily contact their children. .. .

2 The charges for talking on mobile phones are very expensive........
3 Children spend too much time talking to their friends on mobile phones........
4 Mobile phones are often lost or stolen........
5 Children can use mobile phones as cameras and music players........
6 Mobile phones distract children from studying........
7 Children always have a way of contacting their parents in an emergency........
8 There are many ways mobile phones can help children learn........
Write A (advantage) or D (disadvantage) next to each idea about the advantages and disadvantages of
children using mobile phones

1 Parents can easily contact their children. ..A .

2 The charges for talking on mobile phones are very expensive....D....
3 Children spend too much time talking to their friends on mobile phones....D....
4 Mobile phones are often lost or stolen...D.....
5 Children can use mobile phones as cameras and music players....A....
6 Mobile phones distract children from studying....D....
7 Children always have a way of contacting their parents in an emergency....A....
8 There are many ways mobile phones can help children learn....A....
 Step 3: Writing body paragraphs
Paragraph 1 (Advantages)

Sentence 1: Topic sentence (Advantage 1)

Sentence 2-3: Explain how this is an advantage

Sentence 4-5: Examples

Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

Sentence 1: Topic sentence (Disadvantage 1)

Sentence 2-3: Explain how this is a disadvantage

Sentence 4-5: Examples

 A body paragraph example: What are the advantages and disadvantages of social networking in the
workplace?

Social networking is common nowadays. Most people have an account on sites like
MySpace, BeBo or Facebook. However, whether people should use these sites at work is
debatable because some people say that these sites should be banned at work, while
others say that these sites can be an advantage. This essay will discuss the benefits and
drawbacks of this trend.
The main disadvantage of networking in the workplace is the decrease of
productivity. Many people say social networking sites should be banned in a work
environment because staff spend too much time using them when they should be working
and this can have a negative effect on a company's productivity. People use these sites at
work in order to keep up-to-date with news and gossip. As a result, many people have lost
their jobs because they have used these websites too frequently or because they have
said something negative about their company or their bosses on such sites.
 Step 4: Writing the Conclusion

Summary of main points and provide the final comment/ warning/ suggestion
 Match the supporting information on the right to the ideas

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hJ5KxWpT1kWb8IWm41pHJJQG0Kve7fQX
zjCIxMiPMtg/edit