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L15. Writing 5 - Task 2 - Advantage-Disadvantage Essay - Before Class
L15. Writing 5 - Task 2 - Advantage-Disadvantage Essay - Before Class
L15. Writing 5 - Task 2 - Advantage-Disadvantage Essay - Before Class
There are two different types of advantages and disadvantages essays requiring different
approaches. Here are the examples:
a. Type 1:
The advent of the Internet has made it possible for people to work from home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this professional arrangement?
b. Type 2:
In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to
reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual
freedom.
Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?
=> Type 1 has been introduced in level 4, so this unit will focus on Type 2.
* Type 2 is different because we have to say if the advantages are stronger than the
disadvantages. (outweigh (verb, T): tend to be more important than something else)
2. Patterns of Organizations
Type 2
Introduction: (Paragraph 1)
Topic: Paraphrase the question
Thesis statement (state which one outweighs the other)
Body:
Paragraph 2: Weaker side
Topic sentence
1 - 2 main points (advantages or disadvantages)
Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details
Paragraph 3: Stronger side
Topic sentence
3. Sample Essay
In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to
reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual
freedom.
Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
It is true that video surveillance has become popular in many cities in recent years. Although
some drawbacks can be seen from this, I believe that the benefits are more significant.
Those who opposed to the use of video cameras in public places say that these cameras would
bring some serious disadvantages. First, these cameras invade our privacy, in the sense that
we are constantly being watched by the authorities or by private security firms. Many people find
this intrusive and feel that the recording of their movements is a form of state control that
curtails their individual freedom. The second argument against the proliferation of CCTV
cameras is that they are being used as an alternative to police officers patrolling the streets. If
this is indeed happening, then it is unlikely that members of the public will feel safer.
In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video cameras to monitor
(phát hin)
public areas is a positive measure. The key objective of video surveillance is to deter criminals
and to prevent crime. For example, petty criminals like shoplifters and pickpockets are less likely
to operate in parts of cities where they know that they are being watched. At the same time,
when crimes are committed, the police can use video evidence to catch and prosecute
offenders. Therefore, in my view, video cameras offer valuable support to police officers, and
they make cities safer for inhabitants, workers and visitors alike.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the advantages of the CCTV cameras in our cities would be
more important regarding its enhanced security.
(268 words)
(Source: https://www.ielts-simon.com/)
Task 1: Read the sample essay and answer the following questions.
1. What is the main topic of this essay?
2. What advantages and disadvantages of using CCTV in public places are mentioned in the
sample essay?
I. Introduction (Paragraph 1)
1. Topic: It is true that video surveillance has become popular in many cities in recent years.
Although some drawbacks can be seen from this, I believe that the benefits are more significant.
2. Thesis statement:
II. Body
1. Topic sentence:
2. 1st disadvantage: First, these cameras invade our privacy, in the sense that we are
constantly being watched by the authorities or by private security firms.
3. Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details:
4. 2nd disadvantage:
1. Topic sentence: In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video
cameras to monitor public areas is a positive measure.
2. 1st advantage:
4. 2nd advantage:
offer valuable support to police officers, and they make cities safer for inhabitants, workers and
visitors alike.
I. Introduction (Paragraph 1)
1. Topic:
It is true/ a fact that + [topic] + has become popular + in/ at + [place] in recent years
It is generally believed/ universally acknowledged/ widely accepted that + S + V.
There is a growing concern/ interest revolving around + Noun phrase.
2. Thesis statement:
While there are certain drawbacks of this [trend/ situation…], I believe that the +
[individual, social, cultural, environmental, and economic] + benefits far outweigh these
drawbacks. (choose the type of benefits that you can write about in the essay)
Although some drawbacks can be seen from this [trend/ situation…], I believe that the
benefits are more significant.
Although there are still drawbacks of this [trend/ situation/…], I think its values are more
significant.
II. Body
1. Topic sentence:
Those opposed to the idea [of + topic (N/ N phrase)] + say that + S + V.
On the one hand, it is clear that + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + would bring some
disadvantages.
1. Topic sentence:
On the other hand, I believe that the advantages of this [trend/ situation/…] are more
important.
On the other hand, the benefits of this [trend/ situation/…] are varied and would outweigh
the above disadvantage(s).
In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + is a
positive trend/ development.
The most important/ most obvious advantage of + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + is + ...
A further/ An additional advantage is + … (Second advantage).
Furthermore/ Moreover/ In addition to this, S + V (Second advantage).
2. Explanations/ Examples/ other supporting details.
Explanations:
- Because/ As/ Since + S + V, S + V.
- Because of/ Due to + Noun/ Noun phrase, S + V.
- This is because + S + V.
Examples: For instance/ For example, S + V.
Effects: As a result/ Thus/ Therefore, S + V.
Additional Support or Evidence: Additionally/ In addition/ Besides/ Furthermore/
Moreover, S + V.
Advantages Disadvantages
benefit drawback
strength weakness
good point challenge
upside downside
positive effect negative effect
positive aspect negative aspect
5. Writing topic
International travel is becoming cheaper, and countries are opening their doors to more
and more tourists. Do the advantages of increased tourism outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
(IELTS Recent Actual writing test)
Task 1: Complete the following T-chart to brainstorm idea for the writing topic
above.
Advantages Disadvantages
- Facility and infrastructural develop - Exerting dire consequences on natural habitats
- Cultural exchanges many different countries (environmental issues) -> trash, fossil fuels,
(appoarch new culture) building more hotels, theme park (deforestation)
- Job opportunities - Lost natural identity.
- More interaction with local people - Easily to get robbed or pick pocket
- Economic upward - Vulnerable to staged robberies (dàn cnh)
- The number of domestic traveller decrease