Some people think that it is beneficial for children to

do paid work, while others think that it can be

harmful for children.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of

children doing paid work?
Some people think that it is beneficial for children to do paid
work, while others think that it can harmful for children.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of children

doing paid work?

-In this essay you have to give both the advantages

and the disadvantages.
-This essay does not ask if you agree or disagree with
advantages or disadvantages.
-This essay does not ask if you think the advantages
are more important than the disadvantages.
-This essay does not ask for your opinion. It only
requires a list of advantages and a list of
disadvantages.
 Essay Structure

Introduction
• Background – Introduce topic
• Thesis – Introduce main points

BP1
• Advantages

BP2
• Disadvantages

Conclusion
• Summarise main points
 Vocabulary

Advantages Disadvantages Both

• An advantage • A disadvantage • Minor

• It is advantageous • It is disadvantageous • Major
• A benefit • A drawback • Serious
• It is beneficial • An obstacle • Obvious
• X can gain • A difficulty • Significant
• A positive effect • An issue • main
• An upside • A problem
• Good aspect / point • A downside
• A negative aspect /
point
Advantages of children doing paid work

1 • learn the value of

money

2 • learn to manage
money

3 • responsibility and
independence
 Advantages of children doing paid work

1 • learn the value of money

 It teaches them hard work = money

• learn to manage money

2  Example = older children PT job =
save → afford

3 • responsibility and independence

 Adults ready for society
 Disadvantages of children doing paid work

• exploitation / slave labour

1  example: developing countries → no

legal protection + hard work (manual).
 negligible wages

2 • Do not focus on school work

 Importance of good grade → future
INTRODUCTION
• Background statement
• Thesis

Background statement
Some people think that it is beneficial for children to do
paid work, while others think that it can harmful for
children.

Paraphrased Background statement

Although paid work is thought by some to be useful for
children, other people consider that it can be
detrimental.
 INTRODUCTION
• Background statement
• Thesis

-This essay will explore the advantages and

disadvantages of this issue. (X)

-There are benefits and drawbacks of children doing

paid work. (OK)

-Children can learn about earning money and gain

independence from doing paid work but there are also
drawbacks to be taken into account. (Much better)
 INTRODUCTION

Although paid work is thought by some to be useful for

children, other people consider that it can be
detrimental. Children can learn about earning money
and gain independence from doing paid work but there
are also drawbacks to be taken into account.
 BODY-PARAGRAPH MAKING

Tentative topic sentence 1:

On the one hand, there are a number of advantages to children
doing paid work. Firstly, …
Is this topic sentence good? → Yes, if you cannot come up with a lot
of ideas to complete a 6-line paragraph.

Tentative topic sentence 2:

Firstly, one benefit of children doing paid work is that they develop an
understanding of the value of money
Is this topic sentence good? → Yes, if you can come with up a lot of
ideas to complete a 6-line paragraph.
Body paragraph 1
Firstly, one benefit of children doing paid work is that they develop
an understanding of the value of money. This also teaches them
not to waste money as they realise the work needed to earn it.
Secondly, having a paid job is advantageous because children take
their first steps in learning how to manage and save money. Many
older children, for instance, have a part time job in order to save up
for something they would otherwise be unable to afford. Thirdly,
working teaches children responsibility and independence. These
skills help children develop into self-supporitng adults ready to
enter society and the work force.
Body paragraph 2
On the other hand, one problem when children have a job is that it
potentially exposes them to exploitation through slave labour. For
example, in some developing countries, children are made to work full
time but due to their age are not protected by law. As a result, they are
paid negligible wages for work that can be tough, manual work.
Another possible issue is that the time children spend working prevents
them from focusing on their school work. Having a good education is
the key to a successful future so being employed as a child can result
in a poor academic performance which can be harmful in the long run.

One additional / further bad point is that…

 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, while children can benefit from some

work experience, it can also lead to exploitation or
lower grades at school.
 Language to talk about other
people’s ideas / views

• Many people believe • It is considered by • On the one hand,…

that…
• It is commonly/
frequently believed that…
• Some people think that…
• It is often thought that…
many/some that…
• Many argue that… • On the other hand,…
• It is argued by many/some • Some people support the
that… opinion that…
 Tips for Advantages &
Disadvantages Essays

1. Analyse essay question

-Identify issue
-Check meaning of language

2. No opinion is required

3. Plan advantages and disadvantages

4. Plan supporting points

 Tips for Advantages & Disadvantages
Essays

5. Remember vocabulary

6. Structure = 4 P’s = 4 paragraphs

7. Intro
- Paraphrase background
-thesis = advantages + reference to disadvantages

8. Topic sentence BP1

On the one hand, there are…
Firstly, one benefit…
 Tips for Advantages & Disadvantages
Essays

9. Linking for advantages BP1 = Firstly, Secondly, …

10. BP2 Disadvantages Topic Sentence

On the other hand, one problem…

11. BP2 Disadvantages linking

- One problem is…
- Another issue is…
-One additional point is…

12. Conclusion
-State disadvantages, refer to advantages
 Linking for Advantages &
Disadvantages Essays

• Although
Intro • but

• Firstly This Secondly

BP1 • By doing this Thirdly These skills

• On the other hand one problem for example

BP2 • As a result Another issue so

Conclusion • In conclusion while also