Writing advantages and disadvantages paragraph

Another way to compare or contrast is to talk about advantages (positive points) or disadvantages (negative points) of a topic. If you are writing about one topic, it is usually best to discuss advantages and disadvantages in two separate paragraphs. If you are comparing or contrasting two topics you could organize a paragraph in either point-by-point or block style.

Task:

Read a paragraph from a school newspaper. List the supporting points. Does the paragraph discuss advantages or disadvantages?

Studying abroad and studying in your own country have definite benefits for a student. Living in another country can be an exciting experience because everything seems new and different. The challenge of living in a new environment can give you courage and self-confidence, too. If you want to learn another language, living abroad is a great way to do that because you can read magazines or newspapers, watch television programs, or make friends with people who are native speakers. Another good reason to live abroad is to learn more about other culture. On the other hand, there are also advantages to staying in your own country to study. It is cheaper than living abroad, so you can save more money. Also, in your home country, everything is familiar. You don’t need to worry about being taught in a foreign language, and you can understand the culture and the expectations of teachers. Finally, if you stay in tour own country, you can be close to your family and friends. So, if you are thinking about where to study, consider all of these benefits and make a decision that is right for you.

Task:

Write one or two paragraphs comparing or contrasting topics of your choice on one of these

• The advantages and disadvantages of having a job while at University

• The advantages and disadvantages of studying a foreign language

Connecting and linking

(lessons 11-12)

1. Time and sequence

1. I’ll phone my uncle when I get home.

2. As soon as I get home I’ll phone my uncle.

3. Pat got ready while I cooked dinner. (two things happen at the same time).

4. We met the others in the café, and then/afterwards we went to the match. ( one thing after another).

5. After my visit to New York, I decided to have a rest. ( one thing after another).

6. We had a great holiday. First of all we stayed in St. Moritz. Then/after that we drove down the coast for a few days. Finally, we went back to Switzerland to visit friends. ( a sequence of actions).

7. We had a couple of drinks, then afterwards we went back to the flat. ( a sequence of actions).

8. Worker: Why can’t we buy the new photocopiers now?

Manager: First(ly) we haven’t got enough money. Second(ly) the new models aren’t available yet. And third(ly) the ones we have will be OK for at least six months. (a sequence of reasons).

Exercise 1

Complete the sentences in a suitable way

1. I’ll give you the answers, when………………………………..

2. We had a game of squash and afterwards……………………….

3. I’ll meet you as soon as……………………………………………

4. I worked with a partner. I looked up half of the words while……..

5. The phone rang while…………………………………………………

6. We spent the morning in the park and after that……………………….

Exercise 2

You spent a weekend at a hotel and had these problems:

• There was very little variety in the food

• The service was very slow

• When you mentioned this to the staff, they were very rude.

The manager was on holiday during your stay, so you have decided to send a letter of complaint. Write the next part of this letter:

Dear Sir,

I have just returned from a weekend break at the Royal Hotel, and I’m afraid it was not a very enjoyable stay. Firstly,……………..