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Page | 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]

Advantages vs disadvantages

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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

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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.

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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]

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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

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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.

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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 .

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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(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

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– 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]

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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?

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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.

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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.

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