1.

Template for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Formula:

1. Write an introduction to the topic

2. Think of two advantages to the situation and provide clear examples

3. Think of two disadvantages and write about these with good support

4. Write a short conclusion giving your overall opinion

Plan:

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction

2. Paragraph 2: 1 Advantage with example

3. Paragraph 3: 1 Advantage with example

4. Paragraph 4: 1 Disadvantage with example

5. Paragraph 5: 1 Disadvantage with example

6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion + Your Opinion

Template:

Nowadays, (Write a general sentence about the topic). For many people, (Write an extra
sentence to support the first sentence). However, there are both pros and cons to deciding to
do this. In this essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why (reword the topic sentence) and
some of the challenges to be overcome.

Let us begin by looking at the advantages of (topic sentence). One of the main positives of
(write first advantage here). What I mean by this is that (explain the advantage further). For
instance, (give an example related to the advantage). This can make you (conclude the
advantage).

Secondly, (write second advantage here). Take (write what your example is about) for an
example. In addition, (write a concluding sentence about the advantage).

Turning to the other side of the argument, (write first disadvantage in a sentence). To be more
precise, (write some more sentences about the first disadvantage). Let us use (write what your
example is about) as an example. This often leads to (write a concluding sentence about the
disadvantage).

Another issue is that (write the second disadvantage here). In other words, (write one or two
sentences to explain the second disadvantage). This process takes time and can be especially
challenging if (write a concluding sentence about the second disadvantage).
All things considered, (Write a general one-sentence summary of the topic). You need to weigh
up the pros of (write two advantages here which you wrote in second and third paragraph), and
the cons of (write two disadvantages here which you wrote in third and fourth paragraph).
Personally, I believe the benefits in terms of (write the same 2 advantages using different
words) eventually outweigh any negatives.

Model Essay from the Template: Advantages and Disadvantages

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

These days, more and more people are going to other countries for significant periods of time,
either to find a job or to study. There are clearly many benefits to doing this, but people who
live abroad can also face some difficulties.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Nowadays, taking a here out to live or study abroad is becoming increasingly popular. For many
people, especially young adults, the chance to spend an extended period of time overseas is an
attractive one. However, there are both pros and cons to deciding to do this. In this essay, I will
discuss some of the reasons why moving abroad is so popular and some of the challenges to be
overcome.

Let us begin by looking at the advantages of moving away. One of the main positives of heading
overseas is that it broadens your horizons. What I mean by this is that you have the chance to
meet people from different cultural backgrounds and learn to cope with foreign customs and
food. This can make you more rounded it as a person.

Secondly, moving abroad can lead to a better quality of life. Take British people for exam.
Thousands of people from the UK move to Spain and Australia every year. These countries have
warmer climates and encourage a better work-life balance. In addition, by living Overseas, you
can gain qualifications and language skills, which may improve promotion prospects on your
return.

Turning to the other side of the argument, culture shock is a major problem. Many people who
take a year out find it hard to cope with the language barrier, the food and general cultural
differences. This often leads to homesickness and in some cases a sense of isolation.

Another issue is that it can be difficult to start a new life from scratch. In other words, when you
move abroad, you have to make new friends and find your place in the community. This process
takes time and can be especially challenging if there is also a language barrier to deal with.

All things considered, starting life in a foreign country is never easy. You need to weigh up the
pros of the better lifestyle, weather and so on, and the cons of culture shock and language
barrier. Personally, I believe the benefits in terms of personal growth eventually outweigh any
negatives.

Some more topics for more practice:

1. These days, people work in more than one job, and often change career several times during
their life. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

2. What are the pros and cons for children of watching television?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using CCTV cameras to fight crime?

4. What are the pros and cons of using public transport?

 2. Template for Problem and Solution Essay
Formula:

1. Write an introduction to the topic.

2. Think of three causes of the problem and explain them, giving examples where possible.

3. Describe three solutions to deal with these problems.

4. Write a short conclusion, which gives your view about the topic.

Plan:

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction

2. Paragraph 2: Cause 1 + Solution 1

3. Paragraph 3: Cause 2 + Solution 2

4. Paragraph 4: Cause 3 + Solution 3

5. Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Template:

A generation ago, (Write a general sentence about the topic). However, (Reword or rephrase
the problem in the essay topic in your own words). This essay will look at the core reasons for
this and propose some solid solutions.

One of the main causes of the problem is that (Write the first cause of the problem here).

By this, I mean (explain the problem in 2 or 3 sentences). For example, (give a relevant example
to support the cause of the problem). The solution is for the (write about the solution of this
problem).

Another problem is that (write the second cause of the problem here). That is to say, (explain
the problem in 2 or 3 sentences). To tackle this issue, (write about the solution of this problem).

A third cause of the problem is the (write the third cause of the problem here). To be more
precise, (explain the problem in 2 or 3 sentences). As a result, (write the result or effect of the
cause here). The way forward could be (write about the solution of this problem).

To sum up, (rephrase the topic using different words), due to the reasons such as (write the
summary of three causes of the problem which you discussed in 2nd , 3rd and 4th paragraph).
This is a serious problem, and unless (write the summary of three solutions of the problem
which you discussed in 2nd , 3rd and 4th paragraph). My view is that the main responsibility for
solving the problem lies with (talk about the people or elements that are responsible to solve
this problem).
 Model Essay from the Template:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

These days in many countries, fewer and fewer people want to become teachers, particularly
in secondary schools.

What are the reasons for this, and how could the problem be solved?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words

A generation ago, teaching in a high school was considered an extremely well respected and
popular job, and in some countries this is still true. However, in many parts of the world, there
has been a sharp drop in the number of young people who want to become high school
teachers. This essay will look at the reasons for this and propose some solutions.

One of the main causes of the problem is that teachers’ salaries are lower than many other jobs.
Teachers’ pay has not kept pace with that of other professions, such as law or medicine. In the
UK, for example, a doctor with five years’ experience will earn far more than a teacher with the
same experience. The solution is for the government to raise teachers’ pay significantly, which
would attract more people into the profession.

Another problem is that many children do not behave well in class. That is to say, teachers often
have to deal with pupils who disobey them, which often causes them to give up teaching. This
tends to put off potential teachers as well. To tackle this issue, parents must give their children a
sense of respect for teachers, in order to make children behave better in class.

At third cause of the problem is that teaches often have too much work to do. Most teachers are
snowed under with marking and paperwork, which means that they have to stay late at school
and work at home in the evening. As a result, many teachers are tired and stressed, and their
job has a negative effect on their family life. The way forward could be to cut teachers’ hours,
and to take on more teaching assistants, which would make teaching and easier job.
To sum up, teaching has become a much less popular job in many countries, due to reasons such
as the salary, the working hours and pupils’ behavior. This is a serious problem, and unless we
can get more talented young people to become teachers, the education of our children will
suffer. My view is that the main responsibility for solving the problem lies with parents and the
government.

Some more topics for more practice:

1. All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects
both children and adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity? How could it be
tackled?

2. Many schools these days have problems with poor student behavior. Why do you think
these problems occur? what could be done to tackle these problems.
 3. Template for Opinion Essay
Formula:

1. Write an introduction to the topic which clearly states your opinion on the subject (either
‘Yes, I agree…’ or ‘No, I do not agree…’);

2. Think of two main points to support your opinion and write about them with examples;

3. Think of one alternative (contrast) opinion (However, some people argue that…) and give
examples. This will make sure your essay has a good balance.

4. Write a short conclusion to summarize your main points and re-state your opinion;

Plan:

1. Paragraph 1: Intro – state your own opinion

2. Paragraph 2: First reason or argument (with example) to support your opinion

3. Paragraph 3: Second reason or argument (with example) to support your opinion

4. Paragraph 4: One argument for contrast

5. Paragraph 5: Short conclusion

Template:

These days, (write a general sentence about the topic using different words). Nevertheless,
what is the most effective method for dealing with (add an extra sentence to support the first
one). Some people believe that the (focus on the question statement in your own words). (Give
your opinion and tell the reader your plan) I completely agree or I completely disagree and in
this essay, I will support my opinion with examples.

Firstly, (write your first argument here to support your opinion). For example, (write an example
to support your first argument). If (conclude this paragraph using ‘If… then’ sentence structure).

Another reason why I disagree/disagree with (write your second argument/reason why you
agree or disagree with the topic statement). Take (give a relevant example) as an example. I
strongly believe that this is (write 2 more sentences to explain your second argument). What is
more, (write one sentence to conclude this paragraph).

On the other hand, (write an alternative/contrast opinion about the topic statement in 2 to 3
sentences). As a result, (write the concluding sentence of alternative opinion).

In conclusion, although it is a common belief that (rewrite the topic statement here). I believe
(rewrite the summary of your 2 arguments, which your described in paragraph 2 and 3, using
different words). Personally, I think (rephrase your opinion again using different words).
Model Essay from the Template:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Prison is the best punishment for criminals. How far do you agree or disagree with this
statement. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

These days, every time you turn on the television or flick through the pages of a newspaper, you
learn about the victims of crime. Nevertheless, what is the most effective method of dealing
with the rising crime rate in our society? Some people believe the best way to punish criminals is
to sentence them to time in prison. I completely disagree with this idea and in this essay, I will
support my opinion with examples.

Firstly, life in jail is far too comfortable for prisoners. For example, many inmates have access to
luxuries such as televisions, computers and sports facilities and so on. In other words, spending
time behind bars is more like being in a holiday camp. If prison is going to act as a deterrent,
then I believe it needs to be considerably tougher.

Another reason why I disagree with prison as a punishment is that a large number of prisoners
are not actually a danger to society. Take shoplifters as an example. They are often locked up in
the same cells as murderers, rapists and violent criminals. I strongly believe that this is a serious
waste of taxpayers’ money. What is more, petty criminals may even learn how to commit crimes
that are more serious when they are inside.

On the other hand, there is an argument that prison can help to rehabilitate offenders. Many
inmates have the opportunity to study while they are doing time. As a result, many never re-
offend when they are released.

In conclusion, although it is a common belief that prison is the best way to punish criminals, I
believe it is too soft and that it is not necessary in the majority of cases. Personally, I think prison
should be the last option when all else has failed.
Some more topics for more practice:

1. The younger generation is mainly responsible for the latest technological developments.
How far do you agree?

2. If we want to save the future of the planet, we will have to drastically change our way of
life. What is your opinion?
 4. Template for Discussion Essay
Formula:

1. A general sentence to introduce the topic in your own words

2. A sentence to support/add an extra sentence to support the first sentence

3. Identify and state in your own words the two opinions given to you in the question

4. Outline your plan for the essay

Plan:

1. Paragraph 1: Intro – explain the two views

2. Paragraph 2: Discuss first view with examples

3. Paragraph 3: Discuss second view with examples

4. Paragraph 4: Short conclusion – clearly state your own opinion and which view you support

Template:

These days, (write a general sentence to introduce the topic in your own words). Nevertheless,
what is the most effective method for dealing with (add an extra sentence to support the first
one). Some people believe that the (focus on one side of the argument in your own words).
(Tell the reader your plan) In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the arguments and draw a
conclusion.

First of all, (write one side of the argument here in your own words). For example, (write an
example to support your first argument). If (conclude this paragraph using ‘If… then’ sentence
structure).

On the other hand, there is a common belief that (write other/opposite side of the opinion
about the topic statement). For instance, (give a relevant example here). As a result, (write a
concluding sentence for the other/opposite side of the opinion).

In conclusion, although it is a common thought that (rewrite the topic statement here). I
believe (rewrite the summary of your 2 arguments, which your described in paragraph 2 and 3,
using different words). Personally, I think (give your opinion clearly using different words).