WRITING 9 – PROS & CONS

TEMPLATE
Do the advantages of … outweigh the disadvantages?
(Position: Cons > Pros)
Introduction 1, Paraphrase
2, Answer: While this admittedly has certain benefits, I
would argue that the drawbacks are far more significant.
Body 1 - 1, Topic sentence: On the one hand, … can be beneficial to a
Benefits certain extent/ the advantages of … are clear
2, Benefit 1: One prominent advantage is that …
3, Further explain / Give a relevant example
4, Benefit 2: In addition to this, …
5, Further explain / Give a relevant example

Body 2 - 1, Topic sentence: On the other hand, I am convinced that the

Drawbacks aforementioned benefits pale in significance when compared
to the glaring drawbacks of …
2, Drawback 1: One major problem is that …
3, Further explain / Give a relevant example
4, Drawback 2: This is compounded by the fact that … /
Worse still,
5, Further explain / Give a relevant example
Conclusion To summarize, despite certain benefits that … can confer/
bring about, I would contend that the disadvantages are far
more pronounced.
As transport and accommodation problems are increasing in many cities, some governments
encourage businesses to move to rural areas.
Do the advantages of moving businesses to rural areas outweigh the disadvantages?
In light of increasing transport and housing problems in urban centers, many governments are
encouraging businesses to relocate to rural areas. While this has admittedly certain benefits, I
would argue that the drawbacks are more significant.

On the one hand, shifting businesses to the countryside can be beneficial to a certain extent.
One prominent advantage is that this policy can help mitigate the problem of overcrowding in
big cities. This, in turn, would reduce pressure on city transport and housing systems. In
addition to alleviating urban problems, such a relocation proposal can also bring about
significant financial benefits for companies. This is because the price of land and properties are
typically lower in rural locations, leading to reduced operation costs for businesses.

On the other hand, I am convinced that the aforementioned benefits pale in significance when
compared to the glaring drawbacks of such a move. One major problem is that a massive
influx of businesses and migrants could strain/ put a strain on/ overwhelm rural resources and
infrastructure, which could give rise to such problems as higher traffic volumes or soaring
rental prices. This is compounded by the fact that migrating to the countryside might entail a
host of incurred costs for companies, rather than help them save money. This can be seen in
the way businesses might face substantial expenses in constructing facilities from scratch and
establishing efficient supply chains in these isolated areas. The amount of money initially saved
on real estate could be quickly overshadowed by these colossal additional costs.

In conclusion, despite certain benefits that moving businesses to rural locations can confer, I
would contend that the disadvantages are far more pronounced.
Nowadays, most countries can improve the standard of living through economic development,
but some social values are lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of this phenomenon
outweigh the disadvantages?

Body Paragraph 1: Advantages of Economic Development

 Improved Quality of Life: Economic development can lead to increased wealth, better access
to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ultimately improving the overall standard of living
for citizens.
 Job Opportunities: Economic growth often creates job opportunities, reducing
unemployment rates and providing individuals with financial stability and independence.
 Technological Advancements: Economic development fosters innovation and technological
advancements, which can enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall well-being.

Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages of Economic Development

 Loss of Traditional Values: Rapid economic growth may lead to the erosion of traditional
cultural values and practices, as societies become more focused on materialism and
consumerism.
 Growing Inequality: Economic development may exacerbate income inequality, with wealth
becoming concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups, leading to social tensions
and disparities.
 Environmental Degradation: Industrialization and urbanization associated with economic
development can lead to environmental degradation, pollution, and depletion of natural
resources.

While the loss of certain social values may accompany economic development, it is essential to
recognize that progress brings about positive transformations that outweigh the drawbacks.
Economic growth facilitates the fulfillment of basic needs, enhances individual freedoms, and
promotes social mobility, thus empowering individuals and communities to pursue their aspirations.
Moreover, economic prosperity enables societies to address pressing social issues, such as poverty,
healthcare, and education, thereby improving overall well-being and fostering social cohesion.
It has been suggested that primary children should learn how to grow vegetables and keep
animals. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Body Paragraph 1: Advantages of Learning Gardening and Animal Care

 Educational Benefits: Teaching children how to grow vegetables and care for animals
provides hands-on learning experiences that promote curiosity, observation, and problem-
solving skills.
 Health and Nutrition: Learning about gardening encourages children to eat more fruits and
vegetables, leading to improved dietary habits and better nutrition.
 Environmental Awareness: Hands-on experience with gardening and animal care fosters an
appreciation for nature and the environment, instilling values of sustainability and conservation
from a young age.

Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages and Challenges

 Safety Concerns: Inexperienced children may be at risk of injury when working with gardening
tools or handling animals, necessitating proper supervision and safety protocols.
 Resource Constraints: Establishing and maintaining gardens and animal enclosures may
require resources such as land, equipment, and expertise, which could be challenging for some
schools or communities.
 Curriculum Integration: Incorporating gardening and animal care into the curriculum may
require adjustments and additional planning, potentially detracting from other subjects.

Body Paragraph 3: Addressing Disadvantages  ADVANTAGES > DISADVANTAGES.

 Safety Measures: Implementing strict safety guidelines and providing appropriate training and
supervision can mitigate safety concerns associated with gardening and animal care activities.
 Community Partnerships: Schools can collaborate with local farms, gardening clubs, or animal
shelters to access resources and expertise, easing the burden of establishing and maintaining
gardens and animal enclosures.
 Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrating gardening and animal care activities with other
subjects, such as science, math, and language arts, can enhance the educational value and
minimize disruptions to the curriculum.
It is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives. Do
the advantages of taking these risks outweigh the disadvantages?

Body Paragraph 1: Advantages of Taking Risks

 Professional Growth: Taking calculated risks in professional life can lead to career
advancement, new opportunities, and personal growth. Stepping out of one's comfort zone
often leads to learning and skill development.
 Innovation and Creativity: Risk-taking fosters innovation and creativity, as individuals are
more willing to explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and challenge the
status quo.
 Achieving Goals: Many significant achievements require taking risks, whether it's starting a
business, pursuing higher education, or entering into new relationships. Risks can lead to
fulfilling experiences and accomplishments.

Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages and Challenges

 Failure and Setbacks: Taking risks can result in failure and setbacks, leading to financial loss,
disappointment, and emotional distress. Fear of failure may deter individuals from taking risks
altogether.
 Safety Concerns: In some cases, taking risks can pose physical or financial harm, especially if
proper precautions are not taken or if the risks are reckless.
 Stress and Anxiety: The uncertainty associated with taking risks can cause stress and anxiety,
particularly for individuals who are risk-averse or who have experienced past failures.

Body Paragraph 3: Mitigating Disadvantages  ADVANTAGES > DISADVANTAGES.

 Risk Assessment: Encouraging individuals to assess risks carefully and weigh potential
outcomes before taking action can minimize the likelihood of negative consequences.
 Resilience Building: Emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability can help
individuals cope with failure and setbacks, turning them into valuable learning experiences.
 Support Systems: Providing a supportive environment, including mentorship, peer support,
and access to resources, can help individuals navigate risks more effectively and bounce back
from challenges.
Some people say patriotism causes problems and is negative overall. Others feel that it is
beneficial for society at large. Do the advantages of patriotism outweigh its disadvantages?

Body Paragraph 1: Advantages of Patriotism

 National Unity: Patriotism fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among citizens, promoting
social cohesion and collective identity.
 National Security: Patriotism can bolster national security by instilling a sense of duty and
loyalty among citizens to defend their country from external threats.
 Civic Engagement: Patriotism encourages civic engagement and participation in democratic
processes, such as voting, volunteering, and advocating for social justice.

Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages and Challenges

 Nationalism and Exclusivity: Extreme forms of patriotism can lead to nationalism, fostering
xenophobia, discrimination, and conflicts with other nations or minority groups.
 Blind Loyalty: Excessive patriotism may lead to blind loyalty to the state or government,
discouraging critical thinking and dissent, which are essential for a healthy democracy.
 Divisiveness: In some cases, patriotism can be divisive, exacerbating social divisions and
alienating individuals who do not conform to the dominant national identity.

Body Paragraph 3: Mitigating Disadvantages  ADVANTAGES > DISADVANTAGES.

 Inclusive Patriotism: Promoting inclusive patriotism that celebrates diversity and respects the
rights and dignity of all citizens can mitigate the negative effects of exclusivity and nationalism.
 Critical Thinking: Encouraging citizens to critically evaluate their country's policies and
practices while maintaining love and loyalty can foster a more nuanced and constructive form
of patriotism.
 International Cooperation: Balancing patriotism with a commitment to international
cooperation and diplomacy can help prevent conflicts and promote global peace and stability.