Text type/ genre:

_______________

What are the

advantages and
disadvantages of
keeping pets?
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of keeping pets?
Fatal Mistake
 Answering the question in the wrong genre

 Instead of writing a discursive essay, a

student wrote a recount essay
 This is an immediate failure as student will
fail to meet the requirements of the question.
IMPORTANT: ________________________
____________________
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of keeping pets?
Common Mistakes
 Essay is ______________________

 Some students merely discussed the

advantages or disadvantages of keeping pets
 Some students were either more inclined
towards the advantages or disadvantages

IMPORTANT: ________________________
_____________________________________
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of keeping pets?
Common Mistakes
 Lack of ________________________

 Cited: Keeping pets can cost a lot and it can

be considered to be a disadvantage.
 You need to elaborate on this point i.e. it may
cost a few hundred dollars to purchase a pet.
On top of that, the food for the pet, its
grooming and veterinary care requires money
too.
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of keeping pets?
Common Mistakes
 ____________________________

 All pets will dirty the house.

 Please avoid words like ‘_______’ and use

words like ‘_____’, ‘_______’,
‘___________’
Possible Structure /
Organisation
First paragraph (Introduction):
 Briefly discuss how pets have accompanied
man from a long time ago
 ________________ of the advantages and
disadvantages of keeping pets
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Second paragraph (advantage):
 ______________ to pre-empt the marker what you are
going to discuss in this paragraph
 ______________ to substantiate your point

Example:
Topic sentence: __________________________
 They are always there for you, always willing to play
and run around or just sit quietly beside you
 Pets make good companions especially for the elderly
who may live alone and feel isolated by themselves.
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Third paragraph (advantage):
 ______________ to pre-empt the marker what you are
going to discuss in this paragraph
 ______________ to substantiate your point

Example:
Topic sentence: ___________________________
 They require regular exercise, such as going for walks, runs
in the park or playing games such as fetch or Frisbee. This
will keep you very fit and have positive impacts on your
lifestyle and health.
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Fourth paragraph (Disadvantage):
 ______________ to pre-empt the marker what you are going
to discuss in this paragraph
 ______________ to substantiate your point

Example:
Topic sentence: _________________________
 Purchasing a pet may be expensive, especially if it belongs to
a rare breed
 A pet may require vaccines and sterilization, and will need
grooming and medicine if they get sick
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Fifth paragraph (Disadvantage):
 ______________ to pre-empt the marker what you are going to
discuss in this paragraph
 ______________ to substantiate your point
Example:
Topic sentence: _____________________________
__________________________________________
 Pets need constant love and care, which requires
substantial time commitments on the owner’s part.
 Looking after a pet may be a tiring affair for the owner if he
or she works for long hours each day
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Sixth paragraph (Conclusion):
 Summarise the advantages and disadvantages
 State your own opinion regarding this issue

Example:
 Having a pet has its advantages and disadvantages.
While keeping a pet may be troublesome for some,
with love and compassion, one will be able to have a
lifelong companion. However, if one cannot fork out
the time for it, it is best not to keep one or the pet will
suffer.