Wednesday, December 28, 2022

IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

 

IELTS tip

  • There are three different types of Advantages and Disadvantages Essays and they each require a different approach

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Structure + Useful Language 


Question 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.

Question 1 simply asks us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages. It does not ask for our opinion or say which side is better or worse, so we should not include this information in our answer.This requires a simple structure:

Structure for Essay 1

Introduction

·         Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

·         Sentence 2- Outline sentence

Supporting Paragraph 1 (Advantages)

·         Sentence 3- Topic sentence (Advantage 1)

·         Sentence 4- Explain how this is an advantage

·         Sentence 5- Example

Supporting Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

·         Sentence 6- Topic sentence (Disadvantage 1)

·         Sentence 7- Explain how this is a disadvantage

·         Sentence 8- Example

·         Conclusion Sentence 9- Summary of main points


Question 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?

In this example we will have to decide which side (advantages or disadvantages) is stronger and this will affect our structure.

Structure for Essay 2


Introduction

·         Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

·         Sentence 2- Thesis statement (state which one outweighs the other)

·         Sentence 3- Outline sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1 (Stronger Side)

·         Sentence 4- Topic Sentence

·         Sentence 5- Explain why it is strong

·         Sentence 6- Example

·         Sentence 7- Topic Sentence

·         Sentence 8- Explain why it is strong

·         Sentence 9- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2 (Weaker Side)

·         Sentence 10- Topic Sentence

·         Sentence 11- Explain why it is not strong

·         Sentence 12- Example

Conclusion

·         Sentence 13- Summary of main points and restate position.


Question 3

Computers are becoming an essential part of school lessons. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

Structure for Essay 2

Introduction

·         Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

·         Sentence 2- Thesis statement (your opinion)

·         Sentence 3- Outline sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages)

·         Sentence 4- Topic Sentence

·         Sentence 5- Explain

·         Sentence 6- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

·         Sentence 7- Topic Sentence

·         Sentence 8- Explain

·         Sentence 9- Example

Main Body Paragraph 3 (Opinion)

·         Sentence 10- Explain opinion

·         Sentence 11- Explain or give example

Conclusion

·         Sentence 12 – Summary of main points

Question 1 Model Answer



Question 3 Model Answer


2 comments:

  1. In many countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year after finishing high school and before starting university studies. This gap year is seen as an opportunity for young people to gain new experiences, broaden their horizons, and develop new skills. However, like any decision, there are both advantages and disadvantages to taking a gap year.

    One of the advantages of taking a gap year is that it allows young people to gain life experience and independence. Traveling or working abroad exposes them to new cultures, languages, and people, which can help to develop their communication skills, adaptability, and cultural understanding. This is a valuable experience that can help young people mature and grow as individuals, and provides them with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

    Another advantage of taking a gap year is that it provides an opportunity for young people to develop their skills and interests. Working or volunteering in a specific field can help them to gain experience and make informed decisions about their future careers. For example, a young person interested in medicine may choose to work in a hospital during their gap year, which will give them a better understanding of the realities of the profession.

    However, there are also some disadvantages to taking a gap year. One of the main disadvantages is that it can be expensive, especially if young people choose to travel. The cost of travel, accommodation, and other expenses can add up quickly, and this can be a financial burden for some families. Additionally, taking a gap year can also delay a young person's academic and career plans, which may make it harder for them to catch up with their peers later on.

    Another disadvantage is that some young people may not make the most of their gap year and simply waste the time. They may become homesick or struggle to find meaningful work or activities, which can lead to boredom, loneliness, and a feeling of being stuck in a rut.

    In conclusion, taking a gap year can be an enriching experience for young people, but it is not for everyone. It is important for young people to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year, and to ensure that they have a well-planned and structured approach to their gap year. This will help to ensure that they make the most of this time, and return to their studies or work with renewed energy, motivation, and purpose.

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    Replies
    1. Well-done! You meet the criteria, the essay is well structured, next time pay attention to the variety of synonyms and articles.
      In a plethora of countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a certain amount of time after finishing high school and previously starting university studies. This gap year is seen as an opportunity for youth to gain new experience, broaden their horizons, and develop new skills. However, like any decision, there are both advantages and disadvantages to taking a gap year.

      One of the benefits of taking a gap term is that it allows youngsters to gain life maturity and independence. Travelling or working abroad exposes them to new cultures, languages, and communities, which can enable to acquire advanced communication skills, adaptability and cultural tolerance. This is a valuable practice that can help young people develop personaly and grow as individuals and grow as individuals, and provides them with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

      Another profit of taking a gapperiod is that it provides an opportunity for young people to develop their skills and interests. Working or volunteering in a specific field can help them to gain practical skills and make sensible decisions about their future careers. For instance, a young person interested in medicine may choose to work in a hospital during hisgap year, which will give him a better understanding of the realities of the profession.

      However, there are also a number of disadvantages of taking a transition year. One of the main drawbacks is that it can be pricy, especially if young people choose to travel overseas. The cost of travel, accommodation, and other expenses can add up quickly, and this can be a financial burden for some families. Additionally, taking a prep year can also delay a young person's academic and career plans, which may make it harder for them to catch up with their peers later on.

      Another prejudice is that some students may not make the most of their gap year and simply waste time. They may become homesick or struggle to find meaningful tasks or activities, which can lead to boredom, loneliness, and a feeling of being stuck in a rut.

      In conclusion, taking a gap year can be an enriching experience for young adults, on the contrary it is not for everyone. It is essential for young grown-ups to carefully consider the pros and cons of taking a year off, and to ensure that they have a well-planned and structured approach to their transition period. This will help to ensure that they make the most of this time, and return to their studies or work with renewed energy, motivation and purpose.

      Delete