Advantages Disadvantages Gary Pathare
Transcription
Advantages Disadvantages Gary Pathare
Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES Exit 5 Understanding the instructions Focus on the question form and vocabulary Focus on the task Advantages and disadvantages essay 1: riding bicycles/driving cars Focus on structure and content Focus on connecting words and expressions Focus on key sentences Advantages and disadvantages essay: controlled practice (family size) Advantages and disadvantages essay 2: fast food Focus on the question Focus on organization and content Focus on language and content Plan an advantages & disadvantages essay Paragraph plan Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 1 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Understanding the instructions Focus on the question form and vocabulary Question form One of the consequences of the increasing opportunities for foreign travel is that people are spending more of their holidays abroad rather than at home. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Exercise 1 In1this question, there are three sentences. 1. Which two sentences tell you what you have to do? 2. Which sentence gives you the topic to discuss? Key vocabulary Exercise 2 1 Underline these words in the question, and copy them next to the meanings: advantage consequence support relevant evidence outweigh development rather than disadvantage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Vocabulary advantage disadvantage Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Meaning a good thing about something an alternative, a different thing to be more important than something a good or bad result of something something that shows that something is true a bad thing about something a change to help something or someone Page 2 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Focus on the task Exercise 3 1 1. What is the development you have to discuss? 2. Do you have to give advantages and disadvantages? 3. Do you have to support your ideas with examples and reasons? 4. Do you have to give your opinion? Look at the first sentence of the instructions again. Exercise 4 1. What is the development? 2. Write three advantages and three disadvantages of the development: Advantages a Disadvantages d b e c f It is important to explain why you think they are advantages or disadvantages. You can explain why, or give an example which shows why. 3. Write your reasons or examples in the table below: a b c d e f 4. What is your opinion? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, or the opposite? Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 3 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Advantages and disadvantage essay 1: riding bicycles/driving cars Focus on structure and content You are going to study a model answer for the advantages/disadvantages essay question. It is designed to show you an example of how to organize your ideas in an advantages/disadvantages essay. By studying the model answer carefully, you can learn how to write an advantages/disadvantages essay on any topic. Exercise 1 1. Look at the model answer. How many paragraphs are there? 2. Write the focus of each paragraph P1 – P4 in the paragraph focus column: Paragraph focus: conclusion advantages disadvantages introduction 3. Circle the correct answers to questions a – n in the ‘sentences’ column: Paragraph focus P1 P2 P3 P4 Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Sentences a Number of sentences: 1/2/3/4 b Does the writer give an opinion here? yes/no c Which one is the topic sentence? 1/2 d How many things is the writer going to do? 1/2/3 e Is there a topic sentence? yes/no f How many advantages are given? 2/3/4/5 g How many reasons or examples are given? 2/3/4 h Is there an example or reason for each advantage? yes/no i Is there a topic sentence? yes/no j How many disadvantages are given? 2/3/4/5 k How many reasons or examples are given? 2/3/4 l Is there an example or reason for each disadvantage? yes/no m Does the writer give an opinion here? yes/no n Are new reasons given or are they the same as before? new/the same Page 4 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay One of the consequences of the increasing price of petrol is that many people are using bicycles as a method of transport instead of cars. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Model answer In some countries like Holland, a lot of people nowadays choose to ride bikes rather than drive cars. In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of riding a bicycle compared to driving a car, and I will give my personal opinion. There are several advantages of riding bicycles compared to driving cars. The main benefit is that they are cheap. They do not cost much to buy and they do not need petrol or servicing, which cost a lot of money. Another advantage is that riding a bicycle is healthier than driving a car. You use your legs and get good exercise, which keeps you fit and helps prevent obesity. Finally, they are much greener than cars, because they do not use fuel. This means that they do not cause pollution. However, there are also a number of disadvantages of riding bikes. A major drawback is that bicycles are slower than cars, and they can only carry one person. This means that you cannot go very far on a bicycle, and you cannot take your family. A second disadvantage is that they are not very useful in bad weather. For example, in the UAE it is usually too hot to cycle. Another problem is that riding a bike can be dangerous. For instance, car drivers in some countries do not slow down when they pass a bicycle. In conclusion, I personally feel that the advantages of riding a bicycle outweigh the disadvantages. If everyone rode bicycles, they would save money, be healthier, and help save the planet. (260 words) Exercise 2 What synonyms (words which mean the same thing) for advantage and disadvantage are used? Fill in the table: advantage disadvantage Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 5 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Focus on connecting words and expressions Exercise 3 Copy the connecting words and expressions in bold from the model answer into the table below. Include the punctuation and capital letters. Then write the connecting words in gaps 1 – 13 below, including the punctuation. Putting advantages in order Putting disadvantages in order Giving examples Connecting sentences Concluding …There are several advantages of riding bicycles compared to driving cars. (1)___________________they are cheap. They do not cost much to buy and they do not need petrol or servicing, which cost a lot of money. (2)___________________ riding a bicycle is healthier than driving a car. You use your legs and get good exercise, (3) _____________keeps you fit and helps prevent obesity. (4) _____________ they are much greener than cars (5)_____________they do not use fuel. This means that they do not cause pollution. (6) _____________there are also a number of disadvantages of riding bikes. (7)___________________bicycles are slower than cars (8) ___________they can only carry one person. This means that you cannot go very far on a bicycle (9)_____________you cannot take your family. (10)__________________they are not very useful in bad weather. (11)_____________in the UAE it is usually too hot to cycle. (12)___________________ riding a bike can be dangerous. (13) _____________car drivers in some countries do not slow down when they pass a bicycle. (14) _____________I personally feel that the advantages of riding a bicycle outweigh the disadvantages… Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 6 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Focus on key sentences There are four sentences in the model answer that you can use in your essay. You will need to change the topic. Exercise 4 Sentence 1: In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of riding a bicycle compared to driving a car, and I will give my personal opinion. 1. Which words will you have to change? 2. What is the grammar of the verbs after of and to? 3. Put this sentence in order, correct the verb forms and add the punctuation: this/discuss/the/of/vegetarian/personal/a/essay/I/opinion/compared/to disadvantages/be/in/and/will/advantages/be/eat/and/meat/I/give/will/my ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Sentence 2: There are several advantages of riding bicycles compared to driving cars. 4. Which words will you need to change? Is the grammar the same as before? 5. Write a sentence for private medical care/public hospitals (add verbs): ________________________________________________________________ Sentence 3: However, there are also a number of disadvantages of riding bikes. 6. Write a sentence for read newspapers, using correct grammar and spelling: ________________________________________________________________ Sentence 4: In conclusion, I personally feel that the advantages of riding a bicycle outweigh the disadvantages. 7. Write a sentence for save money, using correct grammar and spelling: ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 7 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Advantages/disadvantages essay: controlled practice (family size) One consequence of the worldwide trend towards smaller families with fewer children is that more old people have to support themselves, or rely on the state to provide care. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Exercise 1 1. Underline the key words. 2. What is the development? 3. Write three advantages and three disadvantages of the development: Advantages a Disadvantages d b e c f Exercise 2 Look at these sentences from the riding bicycles/driving cars model answer and decide if they are reasons (R) or examples (E): 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sentences This means that they do not cause pollution. They do not cost much to buy and they do not need petrol or servicing, which cost a lot of money. For instance, car drivers in some countries do not slow down when they pass a bicycle. You use your legs and get good exercise, which keeps you fit and helps prevent obesity. This means that you cannot go very far on a bicycle, and you cannot take your family. For example, in the UAE it is usually too hot to cycle. Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 R or E? Page 8 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Exercise 3 1. Look at the sentences in Exercise 2 again. In sentences 1 and 5, underline the three words that are used to show that this is a reason. 2. Now write one reason or example for each of your advantages and disadvantages a - f in Exercise 1: Sentences R or E? a b c d e f Look at the last sentence from the bicycle essay. It is a complex sentence called a second conditional, and it is a very good way to finish your essay. If everyone rode bicycles, they would save money, be healthier, and help save the planet. If + past simple (comma), would + base form of verb (to save, to be, to help) 3. What is your opinion? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, or the opposite? 4. Now use your ideas to write the complete essay. Remember: Follow the plan on page 13 Use good connecting words from page 6 Use the four sentences on page 7 You can finish with a second conditional sentence Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 9 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Advantages/disadvantages essay 2: fast food Focus on the question Exercise 1 Read the advantages and disadvantages essay question carefully and answer questions 1 – 7: In many countries, people eat fast food several times a week, rather than cooking for themselves. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Underline the key words. What is the development? Is this true of your country, the UAE? What is fast food? Think of three examples of companies which sell it. What is your opinion of fast food? Is it generally positive or negative? How many words do you have to write? Write three advantages and three disadvantages of the development: Advantages a Disadvantages d b e c f Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 10 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Focus on organization and content Exercise 2 Put the sentences for each paragraph in order: Introduction [number sentences 1 – 2] In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of eating fast food compared to cooking at home, and I will give my personal opinion. In some countries like America, a lot of people nowadays choose to eat fast food rather than cook meals at home. Advantages [number sentences 1 – 7] For example, in many families nowadays both parents have to work, so there is nobody at home to spend time cooking. This means that almost everyone can afford to buy it. Finally, fast food is very tasty. There are several advantages of eating fast food compared to cooking for yourself. The main benefit is that it saves time. For instance, Kentucky Fried Chicken, which is a famous brand, is delicious. Another advantage is that fast food is cheap. Disadvantages [number sentences 1 – 7] A major drawback is that most fast food is unhealthy if you eat it too often. However, there are a number of disadvantages of eating fast food. For instance, a meal with a soft drink in MacDonald`s is high in fat, salt and sugar. A second disadvantage is that it stops people eating together in the traditional way at a family table. This is because local restaurants making traditional specialties cannot survive the competition from big companies like Burger King. For example, fast food is often eaten walking along the street or sitting at a desk. Another problem is that fast food destroys the unique differences between cultures. Conclusion [number sentences 1 – 2] If everyone ate fast food, they would have more money and more time to spend doing what they like. In conclusion, I personally feel that the advantages of eating fast food outweigh the disadvantages. Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 11 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Model answer In some countries like America, a lot of people nowadays choose to eat fast food rather than cook meals at home. In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of eating fast food compared to cooking at home, and I will give my personal opinion. There are several advantages of eating fast food compared to cooking for yourself. The main benefit is that it saves time. For example, in many families nowadays both parents have to work, so there is nobody at home to spend time cooking. Another advantage is that fast food is cheap. This means that almost everyone can afford to buy it. Finally, fast food is very tasty. For instance, Kentucky Fried Chicken, which is a famous brand, is delicious. However, there are also a number of disadvantages of eating fast food. A major drawback is that most fast food is unhealthy if you eat it too often. For instance, a meal with a soft drink in MacDonald`s is high in fat, salt and sugar. A second disadvantage is that it stops people eating together in the traditional way at a family table. For example, fast food is often eaten walking along the street or sitting at a desk. Another problem is that fast food destroys the unique differences between cultures. This is because local restaurants making traditional specialties cannot survive the competition from big companies like Burger King. In conclusion, I personally feel that the advantages of eating fast food outweigh the disadvantages. If everyone ate fast food, they would have more money and more time to spend doing what they like. (268 words) Focus on language and content Exercise 3 Read the model answer carefully and answer questions 1 – 5: 1. Underline all the connecting words and expressions in the model answer. 2. Copy the four sentences from this text that you learned on page 7: Sentence 1: (begins with In…) ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 12 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Sentence 2: (begins with There…) ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Sentence 3: (begins with However,…) ________________________________________________________________ Sentence 4: (begins with In…) ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ 3. Find the 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages. 4. Find all the reasons and examples. How many of each are there? 5. Look at the last sentence. What are the highlighted words and punctuation? What kind of sentence is it? If everyone ate fast food, they would have more money and more time to spend doing what they like. Spanish ‘paella’ is a traditional rice dish under threat from fast food… Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Page 13 Exit 5 Advantages and disadvantages essay Plan an advantages/disadvantages essay To get an IELTS band 5 in the Task Achievement and Organization sections: make a quick content plan and then follow the paragraph plan answer the question and write 250 words, using good connecting words Paragraph plan (Note: the highlighted sentences are the four you studied on page 7) Paragraph focus P1 Introduction P2 Advantages with examples and/or reasons P3 Disadvantages with examples and/or reasons P4 Conclusion Gary Pathare, DMC Foundations 2014 Sentences 1 Topic sentence 2 Tell the reader what to expect 1 Topic sentence 2 First advantage 3 Example or reason 4 Second advantage 5 Example or reason 6 Third advantage 7 Example or reason 1 Topic sentence 2 First disadvantage 3 Example or reason 4 Second disadvantage 5 Example or reason 6 Third disadvantage 7 Example or reason 1 Your opinion 2 A reason for your opinion (can be a second conditional sentence) Page 14