Post on 23-Jul-2015
P a g e | 1
Simon
In many countries nowadays, young single people no longer stay with their parents until
they are married, but leave to study or work somewhere else.
Do you think this trend has more advantages or disadvantages?
Here are some tips to help with this kind of question:
1. Notice that the question includes the words "do you think". This tells you that you need
to give your own opinion, as well as discussing both the advantages and disadvantages.
Put your opinion in the introduction and conclusion, and don't be afraid to use the word
"I" (e.g. I believe) to make it clear what you think.
2. You won't be able to write a good essay if you don't plan your ideas first. Spend 2-3
minutes noting down ideas for the advantages of leaving home before marriage, then 2-
3 minutes writing notes for the disadvantages. Then decide what your opinion is,
according to whether you have more advantages or disadvantages.
3. If you can't think of any ideas, start by thinking of some examples e.g. Did you or any of
your friends leave home before getting married? Do you know anyone who lived with
their parents until they got married? What were the reasons and benefits or drawbacks
of each decision?
Paragraph coherence: linking words
This lesson looks at one simple way to write a good paragraph for IELTS. And the key is simplicity: it’s as
easy as 1 2 3. When you have a list of points to make, I’d suggest the best way to do it is to count the
points. Firstly, I give you some useful language. Secondly, I explain why it is useful. Finally, I show you
how to use it in two sample paragraphs from recent IELTS papers.
Useful linking language
Here is some suggested language:
one point/argument/reason/idea is
an additional point/argument/reason/idea is
another point/argument/reason/idea is
again,
[Type text]
P a g e | 2
firstly/secondly/thirdly
finally
Isn’t this too simple? Shouldn’t I use moreover and furthermore
The short answer to that is no. Perhaps the best reason to give is that this is the language I use myself
and I like to teach the language I use. I don’t use “moreover” and “furthermore” The second reason is that
in the IELTS exam you want to keep your structure language simple. It’s a sad truth that too many
candidates make mistakes in using “moreover” and “furthermore”.
I want to emphasise that one real benefit to using this method is that it makes writing easier. Once you
have written: “One reason..”, you know that you are going to begin your next sentence “Another reason”.
Your writing automatically becomes more coherent.
How should I use it?
You need to be slightly careful here as it won’t always be appropriate. It works best when you have to
write a paragraph and you have several ideas which you can’t develop over a sentence. What it does is
make your writing more coherent – and that’s 25% of your marks.
Three examples
This technique works particularly well in questions such as this recent IELTS writing topic where you are
asked to discuss a plural topic: “responsibilities”.
Some people think that paying taxes is enough to contribute to society. Others argue that being a citizen
involves more responsibilities. What is your opinion?
If you are a strong candidate, you might choose to write a 4 paragraph essay with one paragraph
discussing paying tax and the other content paragraph discussing other responsibilities. Here is my
version:
There are, however, various other responsibilities we owe our society. One is that young people should
either do military service or some community work before starting their careers. A second is that in some
countries citizens do not just have the right to vote but they are in fact obliged to vote by law. Again, it is
arguable that the better off within a society ought to provide for the underprivileged through charity work.
This technique is also of use in essays where you are asked to discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of an issue. Here is another recent IELTS topic:
Some people working abroad bring their family to live with them for a period of time. Do you think it has
more advantages or disadvantages?
Here is my sample paragraph discussing the disadvantages:
Perhaps the most significant disadvantage is cost. Typically, it will be more expensive for people working
abroad to support their families in the host country where the cost of living is higher. Another
disadvantage is that the children’s education may be disrupted if they need to go to school in another
[Type text]
P a g e | 3
country. Thirdly, it may be extremely difficult for the family to integrate if they are unable to speak the
language.
The third example comes from my sample essay on compulsory education.
There are, however, equally strong arguments against making school compulsory until the age of 18. One
such argument is that not everyone is academic and that some people benefit more from vocational
training. For instance, someone who wants to become a car mechanic may find better training and more
satisfaction in an apprentice scheme. Another related argument is that, in today’s world, young people
are maturing ever more quickly and are able to make their own life decisions by the age of 16.
Notes
1. Each of my paragraphs starts with a short simple sentence: this is an extremely good habit to get into.
2. You may find yourself repeating certain words such as “argument”: this is in fact a good thing as it helps the
coherence of your writing. It is not always correct to vary your vocabulary.
3. There is some flexibility in how you can combine these connecting words
4. Each of paragraphs contains 2/3 points. I’d suggest that that is about right if you are going to try this technique.
Read more: Paragraph coherence: linking words http://www.dcielts.com/ielts-writing/ielts-
writing-paragraph-coherence-3/#ixzz3J1hbPXeV
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Part 9: Advantages and Disadvantages
Ở bài viết này, chúng ta sẽ cùng trao đổi về dạng bài cơ bản thứ ba của Writing IELTS:
Advantages and Disadvanntages. Mình sẽ đưa ra dàn (essay plan) và những tips cần thiết
để viết dạng bài này nhé. Các đoạn văn trong bài mình đều lấy từ nguồn tiếng Anh đáng tin
cậy, nên các bạn yên tâm nhé.
Đăng kí tư vấn qua điện thoại để hướng dẫn phương pháp học hiệu quả - sử
dụng tài liệu - giải đáp thắc mắc – nâng cao trình độ Tiếng Anh
http://res.vn/tin-tuc/tu-van-giai-dap-thac-mac-qua-dien-thoai.html
[Type text]
P a g e | 4
Một đề bài tham khảo:
In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the
money to improve public transportation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?
Essay Plan (Structure)
1. Introduction:
- Introducing the topic.
- Giving background information and Narrowing the topic.
- Giving your point of view and mentioning the main areas covered in the essay.
Để hiểu rõ hơn cấu trúc của mở bài, bạn có thể xem tại bài viết này của mình
2. Body
- Paragraph 1: Advantages.
- Paragraph 2: Disadvantages.
Các bạn hãy dành cho Advantages một đoạn riêng và Disadvantages cũng vậy. Với mỗi
đoạn bạn nên đưa ra 3 supporting ideas, nghĩa là sẽ có 3 mặt mạnh và 3 mặt yếu. Tuy
nhiên, 2 supporting ideas cho mỗi đoạn cũng là đủ nếu bạn viết đủ dài và sâu.
Lưu ý: Các bạn nên viết 2 đoạn với dung lượng tương đối bằng nhau, không nên thiên
lệch (bias) đối với advantages va disadvantages. Giám khảo sẽ không đánh giá cao nếu
bạn chỉ dành 50 từ cho advantages và đến 150 từ cho disadvantages.
Để chuyển đoạn, bạn nên sử dụng linh hoạt một số liên từ hoặc mẫu câu mang ý nghĩa
nhượng bộ/đối lập. Dưới đây là một số mẫu câu ví dụ mà bạn có thể áp dụng cho mọi đề
bài.
Despite these attractions, however, some drawbacks do exist…
Although … has many advantages, there still exist some noteworthy disadvantages.
However, … is not completely beneficial; there are some negative aspects that should
be taken into consideration.
3. Conclusion:
Restate in summary the main advantages and disadvantages of the topic being
detailed.
Nếu đề bai không yêu cầu đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân (vấn đề này tốt hay xấu, lợi hay hại) thì
bạn không phải và không nên đưa vào ý kiến của mình. Sau khi đọc xong phần thân bài
[Type text]
P a g e | 5
dựa vào những lí lẽ, dẫn chứng mà bạn đưa ra, người đọc đã phải hình thành một quan
điểm riêng cho mình. Bạn nên khẳng định lại vấn đề có cả mặt tốt và mặt xấu, và tác
động của nó phụ thuộc chủ yếu vào cách chúng ta khai thác mà thôi.
Vi du: To conclude, this solution is worth considering to improve the current situation,
but there are advantages and disadvantages of introducing such a policy.
Language: Phrases to list advantages or disadvantages:
Advantages:
- The first/main/greatest/most important advantage of …. is ….
- One/another/an additional advantage of …. is ….
- What makes … stand out/important/… is …
- One/Another point in favor of …. is ….
Chú ý: Ở dạng bài Academic Writing, bạn nên tránh những từ informal như Pros/Cons,
plus points/minus points, pluses/minuses,… Tuy nhiên những từ này có thể vận dụng
linh hoạt trong phần thi nói Speaking vì ở Speaking part 1 rất informal, part 2
neutral/semiformal, còn part 3 thì tương đối formal. Nên những từ informal có thể vận
dụng ở part 1 và part 2.
[Type text]
P a g e | 6
Advantages and Disadvantages 1
Disadvantages
- The first/main/greatest/ most serious disadvantage of …. is ….
- One/another/an additional disadvantage of …. is ….
- Another negative aspect of …. is ….
Sample:
In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily
and use the money to improve public transportation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?
Advantages and Disadvantages 2
(Topic) Traffic problems in many cities around the world are becoming more and more
serious. (Background Information) One possible solution to this problem is to impose
heavy taxes on car drivers and use this money to make public transport better.
(Mentioning the areas covered in the body) Such a measure has its own advantages
and disadvantages.
(Topic sentence 1) It is clear that imposing heavy taxes on car drivers has some
noteworthy positive effects. (Supporting idea 1) One of the first benefits of such a
measure is that the heavy taxes would discourage car owners from using their cars
because it would become very expensive to drive. This would mean that they would
begin to make use of public transport instead, thus reducing traffic problems and
pollution as well. (Supporting idea 2) Another benefit would be that much more use
would be made of public transport if it were improved. It is often the case that public
transport in cities is very poor. For example, we often see old buses and trains that
people would rather not use. High taxes could generate enough money to make the
necessary changes.
(Topic sentence 2) Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to such a solution. (Supporting
idea 1) First and foremost, this might be a heavy burden on the car drivers. At present,
taxes are already high for a lot of people, and so further taxes would only mean less
money at the end of the month for most people who may have no choice but to drive
every day. (Supporting idea 2) In addition, this type of tax would likely to be set at a
fixed amount. This would mean that it would hit those with less money harder, whilst
the rich could likely afford it. It is therefore not a fair tax.
To conclude, this solution is worth considering to improve the current situation, but
there are advantages and disadvantages of introducing such a policy.
(277 words)
[Type text]
P a g e | 7
Một số điểm mạnh cần lưu ý của bài viết:
- Cấu trúc của bài viết rất rõ ràng. Các bạn theo dõi phần mình chú thích trong bài viết.
- Cách dùng Cautious Language: Ngôn ngữ được sử dụng rất thận trọng. Cautious
language là những từ, cấu trúc để đưa ra ý kiến rất thận trọng. Ở đây, đề bài yêu cầu
bạn đưa ra những Advantages và Disadvantages của một Solution, mà Solution đó ở
dạng giả định, nghĩa là điều đó chưa xảy ra (theo đề bài). Vì vậy, bạn không thể dùng
ngôn ngữ một cách quá chắc chắn như: must, have to, it’s someone’s responsiblity,
someone has to be responsible for something,…
Thay vào đó, Cautious language dùng cách chia của câu điều kiện loại 2. Ở đây, bạn sử
dụng cấu trúc như: should/could/may/might… + verb. Trong bài viết, mình đã gạch
chân dưới Cautious Language. :cuoideu:
- Synonyms: Từ đồng nghĩa cũng được sử dụng rất linh hoạt. Ví du: measure/solution,
disadvantages/drawbacks,…
Vừa rồi , mình đã cùng các bạn tìm hiểu cách viết một bài essay về Advantages and
Disadvantages. Hi vọng chúng sẽ giúp các bạn viết tốt hơn ở dạng bài này. Chúc các bạn
thành công! :thanai:
Both Sides Essay In an IELTS both sides and opinion essay you need to discuss each side of an argument using the third
person (people believe). You should save your opinion and use the first person (I think) in the final
paragraph.A typical question is shown below:
Technology allows food to be produced in greater quantities and at lower prices. Some
people believe this is a positive development, while others feel that the change is harmful.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Key question words 1. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages
2. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages and give your
own opinion
[Type text]
P a g e | 8
3. Discuss both sides of the
argument
4. Discuss both sides of the
argument and then give your
own opinion
Example question Computers are being used
more and more in education.
Some people say that learning
online is the best way to
learn, whereas some claim
that it is still better to attend a
class with a teacher.
Discuss both sides of this
argument and then give your
own opinion.
Introduction Rephrase question
This essay discusses [both sides +
opinion]
One of the highly controversial issues today
relates to whether to study online or in a
classroom. This essay examines this question from
both points of view and then I will give my own
perspective on the matter.
Body Side 1 advantages
Side 2 advantages
Note: keep your own self “I
think” and opinion out of the
Numerous merits can be attributed to the use of
computers in learning.
The value of teachers in education shouldn’t be
overlooked.
[Type text]
P a g e | 9
body. It is only about what
people in general may think.
Final paragraph Opinion
State that both are
important/have merits
State which one is more
important/better
In my opinion, it can be effective to learn both
over the internet and in a classroom with a
teacher. I believe that diligent students will do
both to gain the merits that each mode of
teaching provides. However, if I had to pick one, I
would choose to study with a teacher, because
computers are no substitute for a teacher’s ability
to explain things deeply and give feedback to
stimulate learning.
Questions:
1. Where does your opinion (“I think” or “I believe”….) go?
2. What words would you use to start the final paragraph of the “both sides”
essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic .
Some people believe that there should be the death penalty for extremely serious crimes.
Others believe that it is not morally correct to kill criminals
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and
support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence .
[Type text]
P a g e | 10
Steps in Planning your Essay
1. Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related
meaning.
2. Decide what kind of response is needed.
3. Brainstorm key points for the answer.
4. Decide on the structure of the essay.
Steps in writing your Essay
INTRODUCTION
1.Paraphrase the question
2. This essay discusses [SIDE A], and [SIDE B], and then I will give my own opinion.
BODY
3. Write topic sentences for each body paragraph
[SIDE A] On one side of the argument there are people who argue that…..
[SIDE B] On the other hand,…..
CONCLUSION
4. SIGNAL OPINION: “In my opinion….”
5. Usually you can say that both sides have merits
6. State which side is stronger and the reason
Structuring an IELTS essay using key vocabulary
How many words do you need to write in an IELTS essay?
The template below contains about 130!
[Type text]
P a g e | 11
One of the highly controversial issues today relates to whether A or B [A + B =both sides of the
argument]. ……………. In this essay, I am going to examine this question from both points of view and
then give my own opinion on the matter.
On one side of the argument there are people who argue that the benefits of ……………. considerably
outweigh its disadvantages. The main reason for believing this is that …………………. It is also possible to
say that …….One good illustration of this is ………….
On the other hand, it is also possible to make the opposing case. It is often argued that in fact ………..
People often have this opinion because …………… A second point is that ………..A particularly good
example here is…………..
In my opinion, both arguments have their merits. On balance, however, I tend to believe that ……………..
The language from this template is used in the essay on the next page.
Some people believe that there should be the death penalty for extremely
serious crimes. Others believe that it is not morally correct to kill criminals
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
One of the most controversial issues today relates to whether to use capital punishment or not.In this
essay, I am going to examine this question from both points of view and then give my own perspective
on the matter.
On one side of the argument there are people who argue that the benefits of killing violent
criminalsconsiderably outweigh its disadvantages. The main reason for believing this is that the fear
of execution acts as a deterrent to commit serious crimes such as rape and murder . It is also possible
to say that the execution of a criminal may bring relief to the suffering victims. One good illustration of
this is when Sadam Hussein was executed. Many of the victims who were persecuted under his rule
expressed joy and relief when he was finally captured and killed.
On the other hand, it is also possible to make the opposing case. It is often argued that in
fact sentencing criminals to death is just committing another murder. People often have this opinion
because they think that it is immoral to take another person’s life, no matter what the reason is. A
[Type text]
P a g e | 12
second point is that many religions are opposed to any form of murder. A particularly good example
here is from the bible, which lists killing another person as one of the Ten Commandments that should
not be broken.
In my opinion, both arguments have their merits. On balance, however, I tend to believe that capital
punishment is justified in cases of extreme crime and that deterring violent crime is more important
than taking the moral high ground espoused in the bible.
IELTS WRITING TASK 2: ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES
When asked to discuss advantages and disadvantages (or benefits and drawbacks) in IELTS Writing Task 2, follow
the following structure to organize your essays:
You can use this four-paragraph framework with most Task 2 essays. From this list of possible question wordings ,
can you choose which other questions you can use this structure with?
Write your answers in the comments below.
[Type text]
P a g e | 13
You may also l ike:
There are several different types of Task 2 questions that can all be answered using the 4-paragraph structure.
Here are the different kinds of questions:
1. Agree or Disagree
Ex. Some people think that scientists experimenting with animals in a laboratory is the only way we can guarantee new products
will be safe for human use. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
(See example); (See another example)
2. Advantages/Benefits outweigh Disadvantages/Drawbacks
Ex. In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
3. Discuss two views plus your opinion
Ex. Some people say children no longer need to develop handwriting skills. Others believe that handwriting is still important.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
[Type text]
P a g e | 14
(See an example); (See another example)
4. Discuss two views only (no opinion)
Ex. Many people believe that an effective public transport system is a key component of a modern city. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of public transport.
(See related post)
5. Causes/Problem and Solution
Ex. Crime rates tend to be higher in cities than in smaller towns. Explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest
some solutions.
(See related post)
6. Two questions/ two-part questions
Ex. To some people studying the past has little value in the modern world. Why do you think it is important to do so? What will
be the effect if children are not taught history?
7. Opinion
Ex. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development
than other experiences we may have in life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?
Regardless of what they are asking you to write about, they can all be answered with two main body paragraphs (plus
introduction and conclusion paragraphs). Go through each question and brainstorm you ideas and see how you would
divide and organize your answer.
I’ll write more about each type of question and more on the sample questions later.
Cách làm IELTS Writing task 2: Advantages and
Disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages là 1 trong 4 d ng bài c b n trong IELTS Writing task 2,ạ ơ ả nêu c nh ng u i m và nh c i m đượ ữ ư đ ể ượ đ ểc a 1 xu h ng, hay 1 v n nào ó. Bài vi t này s h ng d n b n cách làm d ng bài này sao cho hi u qu ch trong 40 phút.ủ ướ ấ đề đ ế ẽ ướ ẫ ạ ạ ệ ả ỉ
I. Cấu trúc: T ng t nh Argument Essay, d ng bài này b n c ng ph i hoàn thành y 3 ph nươ ự ư ạ ạ ũ ả đầ đủ ầ
1. M bài:ở
- a ch mà bài yêu c uĐư ủ đề đề ầ
- Các ch liên quan n ch chínhủ đề đế ủ đề
- a ra 1 cách khái quát v nh ng u i m và nh c i m c a v n .Đư ề ữ ư đ ể ượ đ ể ủ ấ đề
2. Thân bài: có 2 o n v n v i dài t ng i ng u. V i m i o n nên l y ví d bài lu n tr nên thuy t ph c h n.đ ạ ă ớ độ ươ đố đồ đề ớ ỗ đ ạ ấ ụ để ậ ở ế ụ ơ
– u i m (Advantages)Ư đ ể
[Type text]
P a g e | 15
– Nh c i m (Disadvantages)ượ đ ể
3. K t bài:ế
N u bài không yêu c u a ra ý ki n cá nhân (v n này t t hay x u, l i hay h i) thì b n không ph i và không nên a vào ý ki n ế đề ầ đư ế ấ đề ố ấ ợ ạ ạ ả đư ếc a mình. B n hãy nh r ng, sau khi c xong ph n thân bài d a vào nh ng lý l , d n ch ng mà b n a ra, ng i c ã ph i hình ủ ạ ớ ằ đọ ầ ự ữ ẽ ẫ ứ ạ đư ườ đọ đ ảthành 1 quan i m riêng cho mình. B n nên kh ng nh l i v n có c m t t t và m t x u, và tác ng c a nó ph thu c ch y u đ ể ạ ẳ đị ạ ấ đề ả ặ ố ặ ấ độ ủ ụ ộ ủ ếvào cách chúng ta khai thác.
II. Các từ vựng/ cấu trúc để diễn đạt đồng nghĩa từ “Advantages and Disadvantages”
1. Advantages:
- The first/main/greatest/most important advantage of …. is ….
- One/another/an additional advantage of …. is ….
- What makes … stand out/important/… is …
- One/Another point in favor of …. is ….
- Another benefit of……
2. Disadvantages:
- The first/main/greatest/ most serious disadvantage of …. is ….
- One/another/an additional disadvantage of …. is ….
- Another negative aspect of …. is ….
- Another drawback of……………
How to write advantages and disadvantages essay Part 2 writing task IELTS exam
http://telcuk.com/words-that-mostly-appear-on-the-word-formation-part-of-fce-exam/
Posted on August 19, 2014 by telcuk
As an example, here is the IELTS essay topic that you are required to write about:
“Many young people today leave their own countries to work abroad. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of working abroad and give your own opinion.”
The first thing to do when considering your response is to underline the keywords in the sentence. What
areas should you focus on?
Many young people today leave their own countries to work abroad. Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of working abroadand give your own opinion.
Incorporate your own experience. Think about why you are taking the IELTS exam; do you want to go
abroad (to leave your own country) to work or study? What are the advantages for you in going abroad,
and are there any disadvantages? What might happen while you are in a foreign country? Make some [Type text]
P a g e | 16
notes under the headings Advantages and Disadvantages. These will help when you come to write your
essay.
Which style is appropriate, formal or informal? The IELTS exam tests students’ abilities to deal with
advanced level material and academictexts. A formal writing style is, therefore, essential.
The essay will have at least four paragraphs and you need to understand how to move smoothly from one
paragraph to the next. Basically, each time you begin a new topic you start a new paragraph. If you are
writing about different times, you begin a new paragraph when the timeyou are writing about changes.
The outline or plan for this essay could look like this:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Advantages for young people working abroad
Paragraph 3: Disadvantages for young people working abroad
Paragraph 4: Conclusion in which you sum up and give your own opinion
Introduction: Paragraph 1
In the Introduction you use the same key words that are in the rubric (the question). You can paraphrase
them, or simply change a few words and the word order. For example, you might begin like this:
It is now fairly common for young people to leave their own countries in order to find work abroad.
This is stating the topic of the essay and it is the “topic sentence” for this paragraph. You should continue
to point out that there are advantages and disadvantages in this situation:
As with most important decisions, there are both advantages and disadvantages in the choice that is
made.
So, these two sentences introduce the topic of the essay and are all you have to write. The introduction
doesn’t have to be long.
It is now fairly common for young people to leave their own countries in order to find work abroad. As with
most important decisions, there are both advantages and disadvantages in the choice that is made.
Paragraph 2: Advantages
What advantages did you think of? You may have thought about money. There is a strong chance that a
young person who migrates is hoping to secure better paid employment. Furthermore, many migrants to
the UK and US want to help out their families by sending remittances (money sent from abroad), thereby
taking advantage of working in a country with a strong currency.
Financial reasons are perhaps the most significant when deciding to work in a foreign country. But what
other reasons motivate young people to leave their own countries?
[Type text]
P a g e | 17
It is often said that travelbroadens the mind as you meet people from a culture which is different to your
own. This is a point that can easily be expanded on. Think of your own experiences.
So here are two points for a young person to leave his or her own country and go to work abroad.
You should begin paragraph 2 with a topic sentence (i.e. talk about advantages) and then expand on it
with concrete examples. Using a topic sentence keeps you focused on what should be included in the
paragraph.
Topic sentence: There are several advantages of moving to another country to work.
Give one advantage, followed by a second (and third if you wish). So you could write something like this:
The financial aspect to migrating might well be the most important. A young person who lives in a still-
developing country can earn more if he or she works in a country with an advanced economy. Currencies
in such countries tend to be stronger than in the migrant’s homeland and so money can be sent back to
families in the form of remittances. Theses will enable the family to have a better standard of living.
A second advantage to working abroad is that one gets to meet new people and make new friends from
different cultures. This can be exciting and it will broaden one’s horizons and outlook.
You might want to continue this line of argument and say that when you meet people from different
cultures you can become more tolerant and understanding of people from cultures other than your own.
Other lines of thought could also be included. A young person will gain work experience and learn new
skills, which will be useful if they decide to return to their homeland. Moreover, they will (probably) have
learned a new language and become proficient in its use, which will also benefit them later in life.
Paragraph 3: Disadvantages
In this paragraph you should mention the advantages you have listed in paragraph 2 and say why there
could be drawbacks to each of them.
If we first consider the financial aspects of working abroad, the disadvantages are that the cost of living
might be much higher than expected. That would mean that there would be little money to send back
home and this disappointment might lead to feelings of regret and guilt about having left the family. There
will be taxes to pay and social security too, which may not have been taken into consideration.
Accommodation costs could also be much higher than expected.
Moving to a different country can also cause culture shock. After an initial period of excitement, the young
migrant might be left with the impression that everything is strange, alien and unpleasant.
Neither is there any guarantee that the migrant will be accepted by the host country. Sadly, many people
resent migrants, who are accused of taking jobs, pushing up rents and undermining the native culture.
Now you have to write a topic sentence for this third (or fourth) paragraph.
However, there could be disadvantages for a young person who decides to work abroad.
[Type text]
P a g e | 18
Continue to mention what these disadvantages are:-
First of all a young person might find that although wages are higher than in their own country, so is the
cost of living. It might, therefore, be difficult to make ends meet. This might mean that no (or very little)
money can be sent home, and this might lead to feelings of regret and guilt at having left.
Secondly, while it may be that at first a young person might be excited about being in a foreign country,
ultimately he or she might suffer from culture shock, which can be extremely unpleasant. The person
might wish to return to their own country but perhaps this is financially impossible. Homesickness is a
very common feeling.
These negative feelings might also occur if the young person meets people, perhaps colleagues, who are
racist and resent foreigners. Although people are generally tolerant, some people are not.
Note: “To make ends meet” is an idiom and is used to mean that you earn and spend equal amounts of
money, so that you don’t get into debt.
Conclusion
Now you have to sum up what you have written and give your opinion. Do you think that the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?
Do you remember what we did in the first paragraph? We used some of the words from the rubric and we
will do this again in the conclusion in the topic sentence.
There are both advantages and disadvantages for young people who work abroad.
Now you give your opinion:-
However, I believe that the advantages by far outweigh the disadvantages, as the experience a young
person gains from working abroad and becoming independent will be invaluable.
This is a positive opinion, stating that there are more advantages than disadvantages and it gives a new
reason for believing this – experience and becoming independent.
Now here is the opposite opinion which would come after the topic sentence:
I personally believe that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Young people who have never left
their families before might well suffer from homesickness, and if they encounter difficulties while in the
foreign country this could lead to a state of despair. I think young people should try to work in their
homeland and stay close to their families.
[Type text]