ADVANTAGES/ DISADVANTAGES ESSAY

1En este tipo de composicin se trata de exponer argumentos a favor o en contra de una idea u opinin, intentar
resolver un problema, sugerir soluciones alternativas a un problema o presentar dos posturas de un tema
controvertido. Sea cual sea la tarea asignada, lee atentamente el enunciado y asegrate de que entiendes bien lo que
se pide.

2 Antes de planificar tu texto, decide qu punto de vista vas a defender. Piensa en las ideas que vas a expresar.
Prepara el vocabulario especfico que vas a utilizar y sinnimos.

3 Planifica la redaccin cuidadosamente atendiendo a una estructura que deber tener:

Introduccin: Un prrafo (3 oraciones) donde se explicar la situacin, problema o un adelanto de la postura personal
que se vaya a argumentar. No empieces tu essay con frmulas de tipo I'm going to write about this or that topic.
The Introduction
One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences:
two about the topic
one thesis sentence

Situation Introductions
Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The third sentence the Thesis sentence will
describe what you are going do in your essay.
Sentence 1: One side of the present situation
Sentence 2: The other side of the present situation
Sentence 3: Thesis: What you are going to do in your essay
Ejemplos:
Who should take care of our old people?

Sentence 1 In my country, most old people live happily with their children

Sentence 2 Increasingly, however, many families cannot take care of their parents

Sentence 3 This essay will describe some of the problems involved with taking care of
(Thesis) old people, and discuss who should be responsible.
Does Aid to Poor Countries Work?

For the last fifty years, poor countries have been receiving huge sums of
Sentence 1 money from rich donor countries.

Some of this money has improved lives, while much of it has disappeared or
Sentence 2 made no difference.

Sentence 3
(Thesis) In this essay, I will discuss some arguments for and against foreign aid.

Should dangerous sports be banned?

Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in sports such as boxing
Sentence 1 or motor-racing.

Because of this, many people are opposed to such sports, and want them to
Sentence 2 be stopped or controlled.

Sentence 3 This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against banning
(Thesis) dangerous sports.

The Thesis Sentence

A thesis statement is a sentence (or two) that states what you are going to do in your essay. It is a kind of asignpost
something that tells you where to go- or a map that shows the reader what direction your essay will take. It usually
comes at the end of the Introduction.
In this essay, I will outline the arguments for and against sex education in schools.
In this essay, I will examine some reasons for the growth of the tourism industry.
You can also leave out I.
This essay looks at ideas in favour of and against early marriage.
This essay will discuss the benefits of having universal free health care.

Signpost your essay. Sometimes the reader can tell how many parts or which paragraphs will follow the thesis
statement.
I am going to analyse the effects of drugs on the individual, the family, and society.
In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts one on the effects of drugs on the
individual, one part with the effects on the family, and another with the effects on society.

Be Strong. Sometimes you dont need a will or going to. Your thesis statement is so strong that it is clear what your
opinion is.
Beating children brutalizes parents, damages the parent-child relationship, and is completely unnecessary.
In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts one on the effects of corporal
punishment on parents, one part with the effects relationship, and another which claims that beating is not needed.

Thesis sentence vocabulary: analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe, focus on, decide
Examples:
This essay will examine the reasons for the high divorce rate in our society.
I will outline some of my objections to arranged marriages.
In this essay I will focus on three problems caused by corruption.
I will discuss whether large families are better than smaller ones.
This essay will consider the benefits of space exploration for the economy, for scientific development, and for the future
of humanity.

Opinion Introductions. In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says
what you are going to do.
Does space exploration benefit mankind? (1)

Sentence For Many people are excited about space exploration.

Sentence
Against However, others feel it is a massive waste of money

Sentence 3 This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space
(Thesis) exploration.

Does space exploration benefit mankind? (2)

Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are excited by the
Sentence For exploration and potential of space.

However, not everyone agrees that this money is well-spent. Many people
Sentence feel that we should solve problems here on earth before beginning our
Against journey to space

Sentence 3 This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space
(Thesis) exploration.
Do Athletes Deserve Their High Salaries?

Everyday, we read about new record contracts and salaries earned by

sportsmen and women. Some people do not agree with these huge
Sentence 1 payments

Sentence 2 Others believe that our sports heroes deserve every penny.

Sentence 3 This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against the high
(Thesis) salaries of athletes.

As well as situation or opinion introductions, you can use the following variations:
Past and Present: One sentence about the situation in the past, one about the situation today.
Here and Elsewhere: One sentence about the situation in one place, one sentence about the situation or
problem in another place.
You and Other People: One sentence about what most people do or think, one sentence about what you
believe, or do, or feel.

Desarrollo: Dos o tres prrafos (de 5 a 7 oraciones en cada uno). Se expondrn los argumentos a favor o en contra que
refuercen tu postura, aadiendo ejemplos.
Heres what you need to have in a body paragraph.

Topic Sentence
Argument or Reason 1
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Argument or Reason 2
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Argument or Reason 3 (Three is a magic number. Always aim to have 3 ideas.)
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Paragraph summary (optional)
Is Education Being Devalued?

Topic Sentence People have several arguments against the need for degrees.

Argument or Reason 1 They say that having so many graduates devalues a degree.

Example, Explanation, or supporting

detail
People lose respect for the degree holder.

Argument or Reason 2 It is also claimed that education has become a rat race,
Example, Explanation, or supporting
detail
since graduates have to compete for jobs even after years of studying.

Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to learners
Argument or Reason 3 becoming inflexible.

Example, Explanation, or supporting

detail By that I mean that they know a lot about one narrow subject, but are
unable to apply their skills.

Even more supporting details

Employers, on the other hand, prefer more flexible and adaptable workers.

When do I use two paragraphs or three paragraphs in the body? When do I use 3773 or 35553? It depends on your
ideas.

Use TWO paragraphs (3773) if you are giving both sides of the argument or situation one paragraph for, and one
against (or the opposite).
Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to agree in one paragraph and then disagree in the second paragraph.
Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to disagree in one paragraph and then agree in the second paragraph.
Use THREE paragraphs if you are only giving one side.
Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are agreeing in all three paragraphs.
Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are disagreeing in all three paragraphs.

3773 Layout
The 3773 layout means three sentences in the
introduction, seven in the second paragraph, seven
in the third paragraph and three in the conclusion.

Either Or
Introduction Introduction
Body Paragraph For Body Paragraph Against
Body Paragraph Against Body Paragraph For
Conclusion Conclusion
Introduction:
Three Present situation and/or Both sides of Argument (1-2 sentences)
sentences What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion (Thesis sentence)

Topic Sentence
Argument 1 or Reason 1
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)
Argument 2 or Reason 2
Paragraph 2: Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Seven Argument 3 or Reason 3
Sentences Example, Explanation, or supporting detail

Topic Sentence
Argument 1 or Reason 1
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)
Argument 2 or Reason 2
Paragraph 3: Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Seven Argument 3 or Reason 3
Sentences Example, Explanation, or supporting detail

Conclusion: Summary (both sides)

Three Present situation and your opinion
Sentences Future statement

5553 Layout
The 35553 layout means a FIVE-paragraph essay with three sentences in the introduction, five sentences in the second,
third and fourth paragraphs, and three in the conclusion.

There are three paragraphs in the body because you should have THREE ideas (three is a magic number.) In each of the
three body paragraphs you need about two or three examples and supporting information to back those ideas up.

Either Or
Introduction Introduction
For Against
 For Against
For Against
Conclusion Conclusion

The example below could be for or against. Basically, you need THREE very good ideas and lots of examples to back
them up.

Introduction:
Three Present situation and/or Both sides of Argument (1-2 sentences)
sentences What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion (Thesis sentence)

Paragraph 2:
Five Topic Sentence: Argument 1 or Reason 1
Sentences Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)

Paragraph 3:
Five Topic Sentence: Argument 2 or Reason 2
Sentences Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)

Paragraph 4:
Five Topic Sentence: Argument 3 or Reason 3
Sentences Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)

Conclusion: Summary
Three Present situation and your opinion
Sentences Future statement

Develop Your Ideas

The Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites.
The Internet is quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the
bookstore. The information is often out of date.
For me, the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or
in a big set of encyclopedias. You just use a search engine and the results come instantly.

Add a topic sentence. Add a topic sentence so that the reader knows what is in your paragraph
Many people think that the Internet will replace books and newspapers because it is cheaper, quicker and easier to
use. The Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites. The
Internet is quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the
bookstore. The information is often out of date. For me, the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information
more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of encyclopedias. You just use a search engine and the results
come instantly.
Transitions and Markers. Finally, lets add some transition words and markers like First, Another point is that..,
Furthermore,.. etc. Lets also not repeat The Internet every time.
Many people think that the Internet will replace books and newspapers because it is cheaper, quicker and easier to
use. First of all, the Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their
websites. Secondly, it is also much quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be
published and reach the bookstore. The information is often out of date. Another important point is that the Internet is
easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of
encyclopedias. You just use a search engine and the results come instantly.

Conclusin: Un prrafo (dos o tres oraciones) servir para resumir tu opinin, ideas principales previamente
desarrolladas, interpretacin de los hechos o expresar qu ocurrir en el futuro si la situacin abordada persiste o
cambia. Nunca aadas una nueva informacin en este apartado porque se te haya ocurrido al final. Aunque en la
conclusin se resumen ideas, NO repetir vocabulario ya utilizado antes, utiliza sinnimos. La repeticin es penalizada
por los examinadores, ya que demuestra un limitado vocabulario.
The Conclusion
The conclusion is the end of the essay. It is the last part of the essay and it is the part that the reader may remember
most. It should be clear and avoid confusing the reader.
The reader expects the conclusion to do some or all of the following
rephrase the question
summarize the main ideas
give your opinion, if you havent given it already
look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)
The reader DOES NOT expect new information in the conclusion. Never add a new idea just because you have thought
of it at the end!
You must do all of this in just three or four sentences!
Vocabulary is Important. The conclusion is very similar to the introduction. However, you should avoid repeating the
same words. This is why a few minutes spent at the start of the exam writing down synonyms (words with the same
meaning) and related words is very helpful.
After all, if you only have a 250-word essay but use the same word 10 times, this will not show the examiner what you
know.
Wrapping Paper. Another way to look at the Introduction and the Conclusion is to think about gift wrapping paper. Your
intro and conclusion wrap around your essay like a piece of bright paper wraps a present. They are not the main part
of the essay, but they do make your essay look good.
Your conclusion wraps up the essay. We dont put something valuable, like money or gold, hidden in the wrapping
paper, so dont put new information or important ideas in the conclusion.

A good conclusion will:

rephrase the question
summarize the main ideas
give your opinion, if you havent given it already
look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes) but will NEVER add new
information.

Should we test products on animals?

I agree that we need to make sure that animals who are used for testing new products have the minimum of suffering.
However, I am convinced that animal testing is necessary, and that it will continue to benefit humans in new and
wonderful ways.
Should we beat children?
In conclusion, physical punishment can be a useful method of discipline. However it should be the last choice for parents.
If we want to build a world with less violence we must begin at home, and we must teach our children to be responsible.
Who are the better parents men or women?
I think this is not an either/or question. Both men and women have strengths and skills that are important for childrens
psychological growth. We need to ensure that both parents play an important role in the family in order to give children
a good start in life.
Who learns quicker adults or children?
Finally, I feel that we cannot generalize about children or adults being better learners. It depends on the situation and
the motivation of the person, and the level of enthusiasm he or she has for learning.
Should dangerous sports be banned?
In summary, our society would be healthier if more people took part in sports of all kinds. We should continue to try to
prevent accidents and injuries. However, we should also ensure that sports are challenging, exciting, and, above all, fun.

4 Aunque se exprese una opinin personal, evita el abuso de I en la medida de lo posible.

> Haz un esquema-borrador con las ideas que incluirs en cada una de las tres partes. Finalmente, empieza a
redactar sin olvidar utilizar conectores para introducir ideas o argumentos.
1. CONSTRUIR LA REDACCIN
a) Introduccin

b) Primer prrafo
At first sight A primera vista
First of all Antes que nada
In the first place En primer lugar
To start with Para empezar

c) Segundo prrafo
In the second place, En segundo lugar,
Second, Segundo,
Secondly, En segundo lugar,
Third, Tercero,
Thirdly, En tercer lugar,

d) Conclusin
Finally, Por ltimo,
In conclusion, Para concluir,
Lastly, Por ltimo,

INTRODUCE ADVANTAGES
The most important advantage is
One of the main advantages

INTRODUCE DISADVANTAGES
The main disadvantage is
Another disadvange
The problem is that

2. AADIR INFORMACIN
and eventually, y finalmente,
apart from + noun aparte de + sustantivo
besides , adems, "encima". Ojo al utilizar besides como adverbio. Haz clic aqu para verlo.
in addition to + noun adems de + sustantivo
in addition, adems,
moreover, adems,
furthermore asimismo
also tambin
on top of that, adems,
what's more, adems; lo que es ms,
another point is that habra que aadir que
as well as that
another thing

3. EXPRESAR SIMILARIDAD
Similarly, Igualmente, de forma similar,
Likewise, Asimismo, del mismo modo,
In the same way, Del mismo modo,
In the same manner, De la misma manera,
In a similar way, De forma similar,

4. ESTABLECER UN CONTRASTE
however, sin embargo
instead of en vez de
nevertheless, no obstante
on the contrary, por el contrario
whereas / while mientras
though / although aunque
On the one hand, On the other hand, Por una parte, Por otra parte,
Conversely A la inversa, por el contrario

5. EXPLICAR CAUSAS
because of + noun A causa de + sustantivo
due to + noun Debido a + sustantivo
due to the fact that + sentence Debido a que + oracin
for this/that reason Por esta/esa razn
on account of + noun A causa de + sustantivo

6. EXPLICAR RESULTADOS
as a result Como resultado, en consecuencia
consequently En consecuencia
therefore Por lo tanto
7. EXPRESAR ALGO DE OTRA MANERA
in other words, en otras palabras,
in short, en resumen,
that is (to say), es decir,

8. EXPRESAR HECHOS
actually En realidad
as a matter of fact De hecho
in fact De hecho
really En realidad

9. EXPRESAR UNA OPININ PERSONAL

as far as Im concerned por lo que a m respecta
from my point of view desde mi punto de vista
I agree / disagree estoy de acuerdo / no estoy de acuerdo
in my opinion en mi opinin
in my view en mi opinin
I think (that) Creo que
it is true that es verdad que
personally personalmente
to be honest, para ser honesto
to tell the truth, a decir verdad

10. MODIFICAR LO QUE SE EST DICIENDO

above all sobre todo
at least al menos
basically bsicamente, fundamentalmente
especially especialmente
essentially esencialmente, bsicamente
in general en general
By and large, Por lo general,
Generally speaking, En general,
in particular en particular
more or less ms o menos
on the whole en general
to a certain extent hasta cierto punto
11. PONER EJEMPLOS
,and so on. etctera
and so on and so forth etctera, y as sucesivamente
for example, por ejemplo,
for instance, por ejemplo,
such as tal(es) como

12. RESUMIR LO QUE SE HA DICHO

All in all, En conjunto, resumiendo
In brief, En resumen
In conclusion, Para concluir
In short, En resumen
On the whole, En general
To sum up, Para resumir

13. SECUENCIAR LA NARRACIN

after that despus de eso
all of a sudden de repente,
finally finalmente
first of all en primer lugar
in the end al final
in the meantime, mientras tanto
meanwhile mientras tanto
next luego
suddenly de repente,
then entonces, despus
while mientras
Ejemplo:
The advantages and disadvantages od modern technology
Introduction
Its easy to see the advantages of modern technology in our everyday lives. Technology has given us mobile phones,
computers, television and many other useful things. However, there are also disadvantages with modern technology.
Discussion of advantages
One of the main advantages of modern technology can be seen in medical science. The discoveries of antibiotics and
vaccinations have saved millions of lives around the world. In addition to this, modern technology has made industry
more efficient.
Discussion of disadvantages
On the other hand, modern technology is responsible for the development of weapons, which have caused a lot of
destruction. Another disadvantage of modern technology is that it makes people crazy. Nowadays too many people
spend their lives sitting in front of computer screens and this is certainly not a good thing.
Conclusion
In my opinion, modern technology is a good thing. In general, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. However, its
important to remember that technology itself is not the problem. The problem is that people use technology for their
own benefit and do not think about the harmful consequences.