WRITING SESSION 9 – Advantage / Disadvantage Essays

Task 1: Hand copy the writing samples below:

INTRODUCTION:
1. People hold various opinions on the accelerating application of computers in teaching and learning
practice. While some may reckon that this trend exerts adverse effects on students, I side with those
who believe that the benefits it offers are far more significant.

2. Opinions vary from person to person about which types of materials should be promoted for learning
purposes. Although some may support the effectiveness of Internet-based resources, I lean towards
the belief that traditional paper-based materials offer greater suitability within the realm of education.

3. There are various opinions about which group of students deserve more recognition from their
educational institutions. While some people may argue that high achievers should be entitled to this
honor, I wholeheartedly believe that rewards should be granted upon those demonstrating notable
progress in their academic performance.

4. Opinions vary from person to person about childcare plans within two-earner households. While some
parents may reckon that babysitting responsibilities should fall onto relatives, I side with those who
believe that professional nurseries offer a superior environment for early childhood education.

5. People hold different opinions on the effectiveness of education as a resolution to curb the ongoing
excessive fast-food consumption. While some skeptics may question the role of education in
achieving this objective, I am confident that this approach stands as the optimal avenue to alleviate
this far-reaching issue.

DISCUSSION ESSAY:

Some people believe that more academic subjects such as chemistry, physics and history should be
taught in schools, while others believe that students will derive more benefits from studying
practical subjects such as motor mechanics and cooking.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Opinions differ from person to person on the focal area of school curricula, whether they should
promote vocational subjects or prioritize academic ones. Although some may endorse the significance
of the former, I would side with those who believe that the latter offers more benefits to students in
both their professional pursuits and personal development.
On the one hand, the advocacy of vocational training subjects can be justified by several reasons. The
primary rationale is associated with the broader range of career opportunities presented to students
once they are exposed to extra options beyond theoretical subjects. It is commonly understood that
individuals differ in strengths and weaknesses, which means not every student shows the same passion
and competence in academic areas. The inclusion of skill-based programs, such as culinary courses as
an example, would certainly facilitate career orientation for a vast number of students who aspire to
work as professional chefs in the hospitality industry.

On the other hand, I would contend that traditional academic subjects are of more profound significance
to students in modern society. Basically, they furnish students with essential knowledge foundation,
enabling them to advance along their academic career path. If high school graduates, for instance, can
acquire a solid command of a second language both verbally and non-verbally, they will be more
confident and competent to pursue linguistics science as their major in tertiary education. Another
explanation could be that academic subjects impart foundational knowledge of practical use, which
comes handy for young students’ daily tasks. A number of children, in fact, are able to create organic
detergent from readily available ingredients in their home kitchen thanks to the understanding of
different chemical reactions from their chemistry textbooks.

In conclusion, the holistic development of students necessitates a balanced integration of both

theoretical and vocational training elements. My stance, however, leans towards the concentration on
academic subjects despite the merits of the practical ones.

Task 2: Write an essay for the topic below (write at least 250 words):

Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool. Others,
however, believe that video games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them.
In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

Task 3: (Optional) Write an essay for the topic below (write at least 250 words):

In the last decade, there has been a great increase in the number and variety of online courses
available to adults. This has been welcomed as a great opportunity by many students, however,
other students see these courses as less effective than classroom teaching.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?