B2 WRITING - ADVANTAGE-DISADVANTAGE ESSAYS

In an advantage - disadvantage essay question, you are asked to describe the advantages and
disadvantages of a given problem.
An advantage - disadvantage essay can be divided into four paragraphs:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Body paragraph 1 – advantages
Paragraph 3: Body paragraph 2 – disadvantages
Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Activity 1. Underline the controlling ideas and put the supporting sentences into the right
paragraphs.
Supporting sentences:
1. The history subject contains a large amount of unnecessary information.
2. History teaches young people about eventful stages of human society.
3. Learning history is a good way to develop a sense of identity.
4. The career aspect of the history subject is questionable.

Introduction:
History has long been taught at secondary and high schools. While this subject has proved its
importance, teaching it to young people also has some limitations.
Body paragraph 1:
On the one hand, history as a subject has a positive influence on young people.
2. History teaches young people about eventful stages of human society.
3. Learning history is a good way to develop a sense of identity.

Body paragraph 2:
On the other hand, teaching history to young people is thought to have some drawbacks.
1. The history subject contains a large amount of unnecessary information.
4. The career aspect of the history subject is questionable.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, besides its undeniable merits as a subject at school with intangible values, the way
history is taught is controversial when it comes to job-related practical knowledge and
applications. To make the most of it, history lessons should be inspiring to attract the learner’s
interest and effectively exploited to enhance the learner’s soft skills.

Activity 2. Read the body paragraphs, and fill the gaps with suitable discourse markers/
connectives
The most notable one is Secondly Although These
On the one hand On the other hand Firstly
because
It is even worse if In addition This which
(1) ____On the one hand ______, history as a subject has positive influence on young people. (2)
____The most notable one is______ that history teaches young people about eventful stages of human
society and helps them understand why something happened the way it was and learn good lessons from
the past. (3) ____These______ lessons may enable them to avoid future misfortunes. (4) ___In
addition______, learning history is a good way to develop a sense of identity. (5) _____This _____
makes young people take pride in their origin, treasure the life they have and become good members of
society.
(6) ____On the other hand ______, teaching history to young people is thought to have some drawbacks.
(7) ____Firstly ______, the history subject contains a large amount of information and requires learners
to remember exactly too many names and dates that might be unnecessary in their life in the
contemporary world. (8) __It is even worse if________ teaching history is merely for the sake of testing
(9) ____because______ it may cause young people to lose interest in history. (10) ___Secondly ______,
the career aspect of the history subject is questionable. (11) ___Although_______ by learning history
learners can become critical readers and persuasive writers, (12) __which ________ is necessary in some
jobs, much of the information provided by the subject is vocationally impractical.

Activity 3. Read the introduction and put the supporting sentences into the right paragraphs.
Two of the supporting sentences cannot be used.
Supporting sentences:
1. To foster sustainability, it is crucial that the trade agenda be equitable, sustainable, and
inclusive.
2. Many countries around the world remain constantly connected, so knowledge and
technological advances travel quickly.
3. Globalization causes foreign worker exploitation and bigger gaps between the rich and the
poor.
4. Globalization makes it easier than ever to access foreign culture, including food, movies,
music, and art.
5. As a result of globalization, the development of industrialization does harm to the
environment.
6. There should be reforms in the financial sector.
7. Globalization allows companies to find lower-cost ways to produce their products and people
to access high quality but affordable products.
8. Many countries suffer from loss of cultural identity.

Introduction:
Globalization is an international situation in which the world’s investment, employment,
production, and marketing systems have spread beyond the territorial boundaries to the
international arena. While it provides a wealth of benefits, it also comes with economic and
cultural consequences that can be difficult to navigate.
Body paragraph 1:
2. Many countries around the world remain constantly connected, so knowledge and
technological advances travel quickly.
4. Globalization makes it easier than ever to access foreign culture, including food, movies,
music, and art.
7. Globalization allows companies to find lower-cost ways to produce their products and people
to access high quality but affordable products.

Body paragraph 2:
3. Globalization causes foreign worker exploitation and bigger gaps between the rich and the
poor.
8. Many countries suffer from loss of cultural identity.
5. As a result of globalization, the development of industrialization does harm to the
environment.

Activity 4. Write the body paragraphs based on the information provided in Activity 3

One of its primary benefits is the expansion of markets and opportunities for trade and investment,
enabling businesses to access new markets and tap into diverse talent pools. Moreover, globalization has
facilitated the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and technology across borders, driving innovation and
economic growth.These economic benefits have contributed to higher living standards, increased
employment opportunities, and poverty alleviation in many parts of the world.
However, alongside its economic benefits, globalization also poses significant challenges, particularly in
terms of economic and cultural consequences. One of the most pressing concerns is the widening
economic inequality both within and between countries, as globalization tends to benefit those with
access to capital and skills, while marginalizing vulnerable groups and exacerbating socio-economic
disparities. Additionally, the homogenizing effects of globalization on culture and identity can undermine
cultural diversity and local traditions, as Westernized consumer culture becomes increasingly dominant
worldwide.