WRITING
Composition (argument) 1
In Part 2 of Paper 2, you may be asked to write a composition. One type of composition asks you to write about tbe advantages and disadvantages of a particular topic. You must organize what you are going to say before you start writing.
A Below is a composition on the advantages and disadvantages of living in the country. Fill each of the numbered spaces with one of the following words or phrases. Try not to use the same expression twice.
First of all/Firstly
In addition/ Moreover/Furthermore So/As a result/Therefore However/On the other hand/In contrast In conclusion/To sum up/On the whole
Living in the country is something that people
from the city often dream about. (1)_,
in reality, it has both its advantages and disadvantages.
There are certainly many advantages to living in
the country, (2)_, you can enjoy peace
and quiet. (3)_, people tend to be
friendlier and more open. A further advantage is that there is less traffic, so it is safer for young children.
(4)_, there are certain drawbacks to
life outside the city. (5)_, because
there are fewer people, you are likely to have
fewer friends. (6)_, entertainment is
difficult to find, particularly in the evening. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services means that it is harder to find work.
(7)_, you may have to travel a long
way to work, which can be extremely expensive.
(8)_, it can be seen that the country is
more suitable for some people than others.
(9)_, it is often the best place for those
who are retired or who have young children.
(10)_, young, single people who have a
career are better provided for in the city.
B Match these headings to the four paragraphs.
Disadvantages Advantages Conclusion Introduction
C Make a list of all the advantages and
disadvantages mentioned in the composition.
D The following notes, on the advantages and disadvantages of television, are mixed up. Put the notes into two lists. An example is given.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
stops people feeling lonely
stops people feeling lonely bad for the eyes can be educational
stops people from talking to each other discourages people from taking exercise cheap
makes reading seem less attractive good for old people living alone can create problems in the family good for children
stops people from going to the theatre, cinema, etc. bad for the sports industry
Can you add any more advantages or disadvantages to these lists?
E Here are some other useful expressions for this kind of composition.
One of the advantages/disadvantages of... is ... There are advantages and disadvantages to ... The (main) advantage/disadvantage of... is ... The main drawback/problem with ... is ... A further advantage (of) /problem (with)... is
F Read these notes before you write a composition on one of the topics in G.
1 Make two lists - one of advantages, one of disadvantages.
2 Decide in what order you will mention the points.
3 Decide what to say in the introduction and the conclusion.
4 Use some of the words and phrases in A and E above to link your composition.
G Write your composition in four paragraphs, leaving a line between each one. You should write between 120 and 180 words.
1 Your teacher has asked you to write a composition with the following title:
TV: is it a good thing?
2 Your teacher has asked you to write a composition answering the following question:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living at home with your parents?
8   •   UNIT I
FOCUS FOUR