Writing Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Aims and Objectives

Writing Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Aims and Objectives Aims • To practice reading for gist • To develop vocabulary on the topic of technology • To understand the structure of an ‘advantage and disadvantage’ essay • To practice writing • To write an ‘advantage and disadvantage’ essay Objectives • To identify the gist of a text • To demonstrate comprehension of the text ‘Technology in the Classroom’ • To demonstrate understanding of an ‘advantage and disadvantage’ essay • To produce some writing

What do you use your phone for?

Task 1 - Vocabulary You are going to read an article on technology in the classroom. Before you read, match the vocabulary on the next slide to its definition. This will help you to understand the article.

Vocabulary Definition 1. heated argument a) an act of using or closely copying the language and thoughts of another author without authorization 2. dysfunctional b) to find a way of avoiding a difficulty 3. controversy c) 4. circumvent d) to take somebody’s attention away from what they are trying to do 5. distract e) public discussion about something that many people strongly disagree, disapprove, or are shocked by 6. plagiarism f) a discussion where 2 or more people disagree angrily not working normally or properly

Vocabulary Definition 7. meaningful g) not having something or not having enough of something 8. claim h) a rule or law that limits what you can do or what can happen 9. unsettle i) the fact of having no purpose because there is no chance of success 10. restriction j) upset or worried, especially because a situation has changed 11. lack k) to say that something is true although it has not been proved and other people may not believe it 12. futility l) serious and important

Task 1 - Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. c f e b d a 7. l 8. k 9. j 10. h 11. g 12. i

Task 2 – Reading for Gist Read the article, “ Technology in the Classroom: How much is too much? ” and answer the questions

How to Write an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Before you write anything you must first really understand what the question is asking you • Firstly, consider the key words = areas you should focus on E. g. Many people nowadays change career more frequently than ever before while others stick to a single job. What are the advantages and disadvantages of changing career? (400 words) • Take time to make notes and write a plan • Think about what style is appropriate, formal or informal? Answer: Formal

How to Write an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Introduction: (approx. 40 words) • Paraphrase the question ▫ It is not unusual for today’s generation to have many different jobs as there are so many different job opportunities available. • Give your opinion ▫ This essay will show that changing your career can help develop your skills and improve your job satisfaction. • Outline the essay ▫ The pros and cons of changing career will be analysed within this essay.

How to Write an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Advantages: (approx. 150 words) • Start with a topic sentence ▫ There are many advantages to changing your occupation. • Explain what you mean ▫ One of the primary reasons people change jobs is to change their lifestyle in the hope to create a better work life balance. • Give examples, no more than 2 -3 ▫ For instance, if a person’s circumstances have changed – perhaps they now have children they may wish to change their job to fit their new routine.

How to Write an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Disadvantages: (approx. 150 words) • Start with a topic sentence ▫ On the contrary, there are some negatives to switching your career path. • Explain what you mean ▫ One of the biggest hurdles when changing roles is lack of skills and experience. Some jobs have some very specifications which can make it difficult to secure the job. • Give examples, no more than 2 -3 ▫ It may be necessary for an individual to spend time retraining or studying to gain the necessary qualifications needed.

How to Write an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Conclusion: (approx. 60 words) • Start with a topic sentence ▫ In conclusion, it is apparent that changing your career has many benefits and for many is regarded as a positive experience, however the negatives should definitely be considered seriously if you are contemplating a career change. • Sum up your main points – which outweighs the other? ▫ For many the pros outweigh the cons, there is definitely more opportunities and in today’s society it is no longer expected to stay in the same job for life. • Give your final opinion ▫ In my opinion, it is important to be brave and follow your life dreams rather than stay in a job that is making you unhappy.

Essay Model Answer Read the essay model answer here.

Task 3 Now write a 400 word essay on the following topic. Smartphones are now an essential tool in our everyday lives. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using smartphones in the English Language classroom? Give your opinion. Send it to me for marking.

Reflection Answer these questions. • What reading skills have we practiced in this lesson? • How will these skills help you in your future studies? • How confident do you feel about using these reading skills?

Online Lesson In your online lesson you will: • practise speaking about technology and language learning and give your opinion • revise the vocabulary from this lesson • have the opportunity to ask any questions about this lesson

Reference • IELTS Mentor, (2017) IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 603 - What are the advantages and disadvantages of changing career, Available at: https: //www. ielts-mentor. com/writingsample/writing-task-2/1653 -ielts-writing-task-2 -sample-603 -what-are-the-advantagesand-disadvantages-of-changing-career (Accessed 02/01/2018) • Lowry, E (2009) Basics of Teaching Vocabulary, Available at: https: //www. slideshare. net/irwyn 12/basics-of-teaching-vocabulary-1556430 (Accessed 03/12/2017) • Oxford Learners Dictionary, (2017) Available at: https: //www. oxfordlearnersdictionaries. com/ (Accessed 01/01/2018) • Pell, C (2017) IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Lesson Available at: https: //www. ieltsadvantage. com/2015/05/24/ielts-advantages-and-disadvantageslesson/ (Accessed 02/01/2018) • Saitz, R (2017) Technology in the classroom: How much is too much? Available at: http: //www. thepeterboroughexaminer. com/2017/09/21/technology-in-the-classroomhow-much-is-too-much (Accessed 12/11/2017) • TELC (2014) How to Write Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Part 2 Writing Task IELTS Exam, Available at: http: //telcuk. com/how-to-write-advantages-anddisadvantages-essay-part-2 -writing-task-ielts-exam/ (Accessed 02/01/2018)