Wednesday

TASK 2
Before we begin….
Before we begin….
Regarding the profit, the highest amount of profit
is earned by shippers and roasters (55%), the
amount of money made by retailers is higher
than producers and exporters (25%) while
producers earn the same amount as exporters
(10%).
Before we begin….
Regarding the profit, the highest amount of profit
( )
is earned by shippers and roasters 55% , the
amount of money made by retailers is higher
( )
than producers and exporters 25% while
producers earn the same amount as exporters
(10%).
Before we begin….
• THIS IS A LANGUAGE TEST, NOT A
MATH TEST!
• USE YOUR WORDS!

• Regarding the profit, the highest amount of profit is

earned by shippers and roasters (55%)
• Regarding the profit, the highest amount of profit is
earned by shippers and roasters at 55%.
Writing Task 2
• Advantage/Disadvantage
• This type of essay requires you to discuss the benefits
and the drawbacks of a certain topic.
• As stated last week, if you do not talk about both of
these and miss out your conclusion then you will not
receive a Band 6.
 Ways to talk about advantages
and disadvantages
SYNONYMS FOR ADVANTAGES SYNONYMS FOR DISADVANTAGES

Benefit Drawback
 Ways to talk about advantages
and disadvantages
SYNONYMS FOR ADVANTAGES SYNONYMS FOR DISADVANTAGES

Benefit Drawback
(a/one) positive point/aspect (a/one) negative point/aspect
Upside Downside
Strength Weakness
Pro Con

Advantage (NOUN) Disadvantage (NOUN)

Advantageous (ADJ) Disadvantageous (ADJ)
Practice
• In your groups, think of TWO advantages and TWO
disadvantages for each of the following prompts
(remember to explain your answer!)
• Try to use a variety of the (dis)advantage synonyms
we just saw.

• Learning English online.

• Having children.
• Fast food.
• Cheap plane tickets.
• Having a highly paid job.
Task 2
These days, the Internet has become an
indispensable tool for education. However, it has also
caused several problems.

What advantages and disadvantages has the Internet

brought to learning?
Step 1
• Read and fully understand the question:
• What is the OVERALL topic?
• What is the specific FOCUS of the question?
• What is the question type?

• Answer the above questions with your group.

Task 2
These days, the Internet has become an
indispensable tool for education. However, it has also
caused several problems.

What advantages and disadvantages has the Internet

brought to learning?
Task 2 The overall topic is the Internet
(technology).

These days, the Internet has become an

indispensable tool for education. However, it has also
caused several problems.

What advantages and disadvantages has the Internet

brought to learning?
Task 2 The overall topic is the Internet
(technology).

These days, the Internet has become an

indispensable tool for education. However, it has also
caused several problems. The focus of the question is the
Internet use in education.

What advantages and disadvantages has the Internet

brought to learning?
Task 2 The overall topic is the Internet
(technology).

These days, the Internet has become an

indispensable tool for education. However, it has also
caused several problems. The focus of the question is the
Internet use in education.

What advantages and disadvantages has the Internet

brought to learning?
The question type is advantage
and disadvantage.
 Task 2 The overall topic is the Internet
(technology).

These days, the Internet has become an

indispensable tool for education. However, it has also
caused several problems. The focus of the question is the
Internet use in education.

What advantages and disadvantages has the Internet

brought to learning?
The question type is advantage
and disadvantage.
This means:
1. You have to write specifically about the Internet – not just technology.
2. You have to write about the specific use of the Internet in education. Not
another field.
3. You have to discuss BOTH advantages and disadvantages.
Step 1
• Read and fully understand the question:
• What is the OVERALL topic?
• What is the specific FOCUS of the question?
• What is the question type?

• DO NOT BEGIN TO WRITE YOUR RESPONSE UNTIL

YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION COMPLETELY.
Step 2
• Brainstorm (think) about ideas:
• Keep it simple!
• Don’t just think about ideas,
• Think about how you will EXPLAIN those ideas (p.s. this
is where so many of you fell down on your practice
test).
• PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!
 Step 2
• This is what a terrible plan looks like:
Advantages Disadvantages
 Step 2
• This is what a bad plan looks like:
Advantages Disadvantages
Access information Information not true
 Step 2
• This is what a good plan looks like:
Advantages Disadvantages
Access information Information not true
• Many useful sites (e.g. • Anyone can write on
Wiki) websites (e.g. fake news)
Step 2
• With your groups:
• Add TWO more advantages.
• Add TWO more disadvantages.
• Make sure that you clearly explain your ideas.
• Make sure your explanations and examples are directly
related to your main idea.
 These days, the Internet has become an
indispensable tool for education. However, it has also
caused several problems.

What advantages and disadvantages has the Internet

brought to learning?
Advantages Disadvantages
Access information Information not true
• Many useful sites (e.g. • Anyone can write on
Wiki) websites (e.g. fake news)
Advantages Disadvantages
Access information Information not true
• Many useful sites (e.g. • Anyone can write on
Wiki) websites (e.g. fake news)
Step 3
• Select your best ideas for development.
• Remember: this is not a test of your general knowledge
or intelligence.
• You should keep your ideas simple and to-the-point
(answer the question!)
• BUT….
• …. Your ideas, reasons and examples must be focused
and directly related to the topic.
• Select the ideas that you can develop quickly and
easily.
• Don’t make this harder than it already is!
Advantages
Access information
• Many useful sites (e.g.
Wiki)
• Instant information (i.e. fast
internet connection)
• Convenient (i.e easier than
going to school/library).
Disadvantages
Information not true
• Anyone can write on
websites (e.g. fake news)
• Plagiarism (i.e. copying
other people’s work)
• Lazy students (i.e. not
thinking of own ideas)
Step 3
• Select your best ideas for development.
• Remember: this is not a test of your general knowledge
or intelligence.
• You should keep your ideas simple and to-the-point
(answer the question!)
• BUT….
• …. Your ideas, reasons and examples must be focused
and directly related to the topic.
• Select the ideas that you can develop quickly and
easily.
• Don’t make this harder than it already is!
Step 4
• Write your introduction:
Step 4
• Write your introduction:
• Write a general sentence to introduce the topic (e.g. In
modern times, the use of the Internet in schools has
become highly controversial.)
• Write a contrast sentence to show the different points
of view (e.g. There are those who say that the web has
brought many benefits to education, however others
believe that there are more downsides.)
• Write a thesis statement to tell the reader what you
are writing about (e.g. In this essay, I will examine the
pros and cons of using the Internet for learning).
 In modern times, the use of the Internet in schools
has become highly controversial. There are those
who say that the web has brought many benefits to
education, however others believe that there are
more downsides. In this essay, I will examine the pros
and cons of using the Internet for learning.

GENERAL SENTENCE. CONTRAST SENTENCE. THESIS

STATEMENT.
Step 4
• Write your introduction:
• Write a general sentence to introduce the topic (e.g. In
modern times, the use of the Internet in schools has
become highly controversial.)
• Write a contrast sentence to show the different points
of view (e.g. There are those who say that the web has
brought many benefits to education, however others
believe that there are more downsides.)
• Write a thesis statement to tell the reader what you
are writing about (e.g. In this essay, I will examine the
benefits and the drawbacks of using the Internet for
learning).
Step 5
• Write your first main paragraph:
• Decide if you want to write about advantages or
disadvantages first (DO NOT write about both in the
same paragraph).
Step 5
• Write your first main paragraph:
• Decide if you want to write about advantages or disadvantages
first (DO NOT write about both in the same paragraph)
• Write a topic sentence telling the reader what the paragraph is
about (e.g. From an overall perspective, there are two main
advantages of using the Internet in education).
• Write your first idea (e.g. Perhaps the main upside is that
information can be found quickly).
• Write a detailed support sentence to explain your idea clearly
(e.g. This is because students can search for relevant sources in
their own homes rather than going to the library to search
books).
• Repeat for idea # 2
 From an overall perspective, there are two main
advantages of using the Internet in education.
Perhaps the main upside is that information can be
found quickly. This is because students can search for
relevant sources in their own homes rather than
going to the library to search books. A further point
in favour of using the Internet for education is that
there are lots of sites which contain useful
information. For example, students taking an IELTS
test can access hundreds of web pages which help to
develop their skills and knowledge.
TOPIC SENTENCE. MAIN IDEA. REASONS AND EXAMPLES.
Step 6
• Write your second main paragraph:
• You now write the OPPOSITE of what you wrote in main
paragraph 1 (either advantages or disadvantages).
Step 6
• Write your second main paragraph:
• You now write the OPPOSITE of what you wrote in main
paragraph 1 (either advantages or disadvantages).
• Write a topic sentence telling the reader what the paragraph
is about (e.g. Despite these arguments, there are also various
disadvantages to web-based learning).
• Write your first idea (e.g. One major negative point is that not
all the information on the Internet is reliable).
• Write a detailed support sentence to explain your idea clearly
(e.g. The reason for this is that some websites are written by
people who are not experts in the field, and they write
opinions that are not correct or supported with evidence ).
• Repeat for idea # 2
 Despite these arguments, there are also various
disadvantages to web-based learning. One major
negative point is that not all the information on the
Internet is reliable. The reason for this is that some
websites are written by people who are not experts in
the field, and they write opinions that are not correct or
supported with evidence. Furthermore, many students
lose the ability to think critically because they can find
information so easily online. As a result, students can
become lazy because they can use someone else’s
opinion rather than thinking of their own.
TOPIC SENTENCE. MAIN IDEA. REASONS AND EXAMPLES.
Step 7
• Write your conclusion:
• Your conclusion is a summary of your main ideas.
• NEVER write a new idea in your conclusion.
Step 7
• Write your conclusion:
• Your conclusion is a summary of your main ideas.
• NEVER write a new idea in your conclusion.
• Write a concluding statement to tell the reader that you are
finishing your essay (e.g. In conclusion, this is a topic which
raises numerous questions.)
• Write an opinion statement to tell the reader what YOU think
personally (e.g. My personal view is that the Internet can
bring many benefits to education if students are careful
about what information they choose to read.)
• Finish with a conditional to make a suggestion (e.g. If
students use the Internet responsibly, then they can have
great success in their academic endeavors.)
 In conclusion, this is a topic which raises numerous
questions. My personal view is that the Internet can
bring many benefits to education if students are
careful about what information they choose to read.
If students use the Internet responsibly, then they can
have great success in their academic endeavors.

CONCLUDING SENTENCE. OPINION SENTENCE. CONDITIONAL SENTENCE.

In modern times, the use of the Internet in schools has become highly controversial. There are
those who say that the web has brought many benefits to education, however others believe that
there are more downsides. In this essay, I will examine the pros and cons of using the Internet for
learning.

From an overall perspective, there are two main advantages of using the Internet in education.
Perhaps the main upside is that information can be found quickly. This is because students can
search for relevant sources in their own homes rather than going to the library to search books. A
further point in favour of using the Internet for education is that there are lots of sites which
contain useful information. For example, students taking an IELTS test can access hundreds of web
pages which help to develop their skills and knowledge.

Despite these arguments, there are also various disadvantages to web-based learning. One major
negative point is that not all the information on the Internet is reliable. The reason for this is that
some websites are written by people who are not experts in the field, and they write opinions that
are not correct or supported with evidence. Furthermore, many students lose the ability to think
critically because they can find information so easily online. As a result, students can become lazy
because they can use someone else’s opinion rather than thinking of their own.

In conclusion, this is a topic which raises numerous questions. My personal view is that the Internet
can bring many benefits to education if students are careful about what information they choose
to read. If students use the Internet responsibly, then they can have great success in their academic
endeavors.
Step 8
• Check your work:
• This is VITALLY IMPORTANT.
• Skipping this step could mean the difference between a
Band 6 and a Band 5.
• Look for:
• Spelling errors
• Grammar errors (tenses, missing articles, etc.)
• Word formation errors (do you need a noun or an adjective?)
• Variety (look for any repeated words or phrases – can you
change them?)
• Do you examples match your ideas?
• Is it easy to read?
Brainstorming practice
• Before we do some work on the essay you will
write, let’s do some brainstorming practice.
• This will help you to practice thinking of relevant
ideas, relevant examples and reasons, and generally
plan an essay before you start writing.
• In your groups, read the question and:
• Think of TWO advantages for the topic
• Think of TWO disadvantages for the topic
• Think of RELEVANT explanations and/or examples for
your main ideas.
 Writing Task 2
The number of people shopping online is increasing
dramatically.
What are the benefits of shopping online?
Are there any disadvantages?

Advantages (x2) Disadvantages (x2)

 Writing Task 2
Advantages
Quick and easy (don’t have to
leave home)
Saves money (often cheaper
than going to the store)
Disadvantages
Sometimes don’t get what
you order (wrong size
clothing)
Can be addictive (cheap
products make people spend
more money)
 Brainstorming
The advance of modern technology has had
significant effects on the environment.
Do you think the advantages of modern technology
outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages Disadvantages
 Brainstorming
Modern technology is now very common in most
workplaces.
How do you think technology has changed the way
we work?
Do you think there are disadvantages in relying too
much on technology?
Advantages Disadvantages
 THE NEXT BIG
THING IN ROBOTICS
Reading Strategies
1. Read the title carefully. Ask yourself:
- What do I know about this topic?
- What vocabulary might I see in this passage?
 What do I already know about robots?
Discuss in your groups.

Robots are man-made. Could threaten humanity

ROBOTICS
 What words do I already know about robots?
Discuss in your groups.

MY LIST YOUR LIST

Sci-fi
Android
Human-like
Chores
Circuit
ROBOTICS
Interaction
Develop(ment)
Invention
Dangers
Futuristic
2. Skim the paragraphs for key words and main ideas.
Look for:
• Repeated words
• Repeated ideas
• Cohesive devices showing links between paragraphs
Meet Wakamaru and Roomba, two household-helper robots
with very different pedigrees. Wakamaru, from Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, is a waist-high bot with a canary yellow
exterior and limpid eyes. It can recognize 10,000 Japanese
words, identify eight family members by face or voice, remind
you to make an appointment or make your beds and, if
somebody breaks into your house, send photographs of the
intruder to your mobile phone. When the machine rolled off
the assembly line in 2005, Mitsubishi expected U.S. sales to
reach 10,000 models a year, despite the bot's $15,000 price
tag. Instead, the company filled only a few dozen orders.
Wakamaru is now off the market and being rented out as a
receptionist at $1,000 a day.
Meet Wakamaru and Roomba, two household-helper robots
with very different pedigrees. Wakamaru, from Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, is a waist-high bot with a canary yellow
exterior and limpid eyes. It can recognize 10,000 Japanese
words, identify eight family members by face or voice, remind
you to make an appointment or make your beds and, if
somebody breaks into your house, send photographs of the
intruder to your mobile phone. When the machine rolled off
the assembly line in 2005, Mitsubishi expected U.S. sales to
reach 10,000 models a year, despite the bot's $15,000 price
tag. Instead, the company filled only a few dozen orders.
Wakamaru is now off the market and being rented out as a
receptionist at $1,000 a day.
Reading Strategies
2. Find the main idea of each paragraph. Ask
yourself:
- What is this paragraph about?
- What point is the author trying to make?
 Meet Wakamaru and Roomba, two household-helper robots
with very different pedigrees. Wakamaru, from Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, is a waist-high bot with a canary yellow
exterior and limpid eyes. It can recognize 10,000 Japanese
words, identify eight family members by face or voice, remind
you to make an appointment or make your beds and, if
somebody breaks into your house, send photographs of the
intruder to your mobile phone. When the machine rolled off
the assembly line in 2005, Mitsubishi expected U.S. sales to
reach 10,000 models a year, despite the bot's $15,000 price
tag. Instead, the company filled only a few dozen orders.
Wakamaru is now off the market and being rented out as a
This paragraph is about
receptionist Wakamaru
at $1,000 – a robot that can do several different jobs. The
a day.
point is that it was not successful.
vocabulary

access to

the opportunity or right to use something or to see somebody/something

vocabulary

appliance

a machine that is designed to do a particular thing in the home (preparing food, heating, cleaning etc.)
vocabulary

breakthrough

an important discovery/event/development
vocabulary

capable (of)

having the ability, power, or qualities to be able to do something

vocabulary

communicate

share information
vocabulary

device

an object or a piece of equipment that has been designed to do a particular job

vocabulary

function

a special activity or purpose of a person or thing

vocabulary

innovate

to introduce changes and new ideas

vocabulary

invent

to produce or design something that has not existed before

vocabulary

revolutionary

completely new and having a great effect

vocabulary

technophile

a person who is interested in modern technology and enjoys using it

vocabulary

technophobe

a person who is afraid of, dislikes or avoids new technology

vocabulary

ubiquitous

seeming to be everywhere; very common

vocabulary

user-friendly

easy for people who are not experts to use or understand

vocabulary

artificial intelligence

the study and development of computer systems that can copy intelligent human behaviour
vocabulary

cutting-edge

at the newest, most advanced stage in the development of something

vocabulary

dependent on technology

“we are increasingly dependent on technology”

vocabulary

state-of-the-art

very modern and using the most recent ideas and methods
vocabulary

technological advances

progress in the area of technology

vocabulary

technological revolution

an important change in the area of technology

Brainstorming
Some people believe that robots will play an
increasing role in our future.
What are some of the advantages of using robots in
our everyday lives?
Do you think there will be any negative
consequences?
Advantages Disadvantages
 Brainstorming
Advantages
• Makes dangerous jobs safer for
humans (e.g. construction work)
• Makes our lives more convenient (e.g.
we do not have to perform menial tasks
like cleaning)
• Robots do not make as many mistakes
as humans (e.g. flying will become a lot
safer if done by robot)
Disadvantages
• Will make humans lazy and stupid (e.g.
robots will do all our jobs for us)
• Will increase unemployment (e.g.
humans won’t be needed for any jobs)
• The singularity hypothesis (i.e. robots
will become more powerful than
humans and will control us)
HOMEWORK
Some people believe that robots will play an increasing
role in our future.
What are some of the advantages of using robots in our
everyday lives?
Do you think there will be any negative consequences?

MAKE AN EFFORT! USE A VARIETY OF VOCABULARY!

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT YOUR IDEAS BEFORE YOU
WRITE! CHECK YOUR WORK BEFORE YOU SUBMIT IT!