1. Level 4 Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

2. Can you name these languages?
Hallå
안녕하세요
مرحبا
नमस्ते
Olá
Bonjour
سلام
Χαίρετε
Здравствуйте
สวัสดี
Kia ora
こんにちは
Chinese (black n white), Korean (red n blue), Swedish (Halla), French, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi, Greek, Farsi (red n black), Russian, Thai (beige), Maori (grey), Japanese (pink), Braille (black with dots)

3. Learning a foreign language
Discuss these questions with your partner.
When did you start learning your second language?
What is the hardest thing about learning a second language?
What language(s) would you like to learn in the future?
What foreign languages are popular around the world?
Why is it important for people to learn another language?

4. Find a word in the following paragraph that matches the meaning below.
These days, many students learn a foreign language. What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning a foreign language?
Find a word in the following paragraph that matches the meaning below.
Today the world is a global village. People can travel anywhere very quickly and businesses trade in many different countries. Therefore, many people are learning a foreign language to communicate. I believe that speaking a foreign language can be a useful skill, but it may also cause problems. The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of learning another language.
adjective = around the world
global
adjective = not the same
different
verb = to speak or write to transfer ideas between people
communicate
noun = the ability to do something well
skill

5. On one hand, learning another language has some important benefits
On one hand, learning another language has some important benefits. The most important one is that it is useful for work. This is because many businesses need people who can help them trade with other countries. If the business does not have a worker who speaks the language of the other country, they might have problems communicating. As a result, businesses with employees who cannot speak foreign languages have a disadvantage in international trade. Another advantage is that it is easier to travel. For instance, when people travel abroad, it is helpful to be able to speak the language to communicate in hotels, restaurants, public transport and in tourist spots. Hence, travellers can save time and enjoy their holiday more.
noun = good points
benefits
noun= to buy or sell goods
trade
noun = workers
employees
adjective = between two or more countries
international
noun = relating to travellers
tourist
verb = have fun
enjoy

6. On the other hand, learning a foreign language may also have some negative effects. The main one is that it takes a very long time, because people have to study for many years and practice a lot before they can communicate well. Consequently, they have to spend a lot of their time on it and not many people nowadays have so much time. In addition, it can be quite expensive. For instance, if people pay for language lessons, books and CDs in order to study at home, they may not have as much money to spend on other things, such as holidays.
adjective = opposite of positive
negative
verb = to do something again and again to develop a skill
practice
adverb = hence
consequently
adjective = not cheap
expensive
verb = to give money in exchange for something
pay

7. In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to learning a new language. It may help in work and travel. However, it may take a lot of time and money. Therefore, I advise any student who wants to learn a new language to prepare themselves to devote time, effort and money towards it.
verb = to recommend or suggest
advise
verb = to get ready for something
prepare
verb = to try very hard
devote
noun = an attempt with hard work
effort

8. These days, many students learn a foreign language
These days, many students learn a foreign language. What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning a foreign language?
INTRODUCTION 1)Today the world is a global village. People can travel anywhere very quickly and businesses trade in many different countries. 2)Therefore, many people are learning a foreign language to communicate. 3)I believe that speaking a foreign language can be a useful skill but it may also cause problems. The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of learning another language.
1) General Background
2) Essay Topic
3) Thesis

9. BODY PARAGRAPH 1 4) Topic Sentence (Main Idea) 5) 1st Advantage
4)On one hand, learning another language has some important benefits. 5)The most important one is that it is useful for work. 6)This is because many businesses need people who can help them trade with other countries. 7)If the business does not have a worker who speaks the language of the other country, they might have problems communicating. 8)As a result, businesses with employees who cannot speak foreign languages have a disadvantage in international trade. 9)Another advantage is that it is easier to travel. 10)For instance, when people travel abroad, it is helpful to be able to speak the language to communicate in hotels, restaurants, public transport and in tourist spots. 11)Hence, travellers can save time and enjoy their holiday more.
4) Topic Sentence (Main Idea)
5) 1st Advantage
9) 2nd Advantage
6) Explanation
10) Example
7) Condition + Result
11) Result
8) Result

10. BODY PARAGRAPH 2 12) Topic Sentence (Main Idea) 13) 1st Disdvantage
12)On the other hand, learning a foreign language may also have some negative effects. 13)The main one is that it takes a very long time, 14) because people have to study for many years and practice a lot before they can communicate well. 15)Consequently, they have to spend a lot of their time on it and not many people nowadays have so much time. 16)In addition, it can be quite expensive. 17)For instance, if people pay for language lessons, books and CDs in order to study at home, they may not have as much money to spend on other things, such as holidays.
12) Topic Sentence (Main Idea)
13) 1st Disdvantage
16) 2nd Disadvantage
14) Explanation
17) Example + Condition + Result
15) Result

11. CONCLUSION 18) Thesis again 19) Summary of Main Ideas
18)In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to learning a new language. 19)It may help in work and travel. However, it may take a lot of time and money. 20)Therefore, I advise any student who wants to learn a new language to prepare themselves to devote time, effort and money towards it.
18) Thesis again
19) Summary of Main Ideas
20) Advice / Suggestion

12. To state subsequent ideas
TASK 2: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ESSAY ORGANISATION - REVIEW OF LINKERS ANSWERS
To state the first idea
To state subsequent ideas
To contrast ideas
The most important one is that
The main one is that
Another advantage is that
In addition
Furthermore
However
To state an example
To state a reason
To state a result
For example
such as
because
Consequently
Because of this

13. Studying abroad
You are going to see some information about UAE students
studying abroad. Find the answers to these questions.
What are the three most popular countries that UAE students choose to study in?
Why are some Emirati women worried about studying abroad?
On average, how long do Emirati students stay overseas?
What do some parents and young Emiratis worry about losing when studying abroad?
How much has the number of overseas Emirati students in the US grown by each year?
What are three reasons why the Emirati government has cancelled some overseas students’ scholarships?
Generally, do more overseas students get scholarships to do Bachelor’s degrees or Master’s degrees?
Which type of graduates do employers in the UAE prefer, graduates from overseas universities based in the UAE (e.g. American University of Sharjah) or graduates from universities in another country?

14. Discuss these questions with your partner.
Do you know anyone who has gone abroad to study?
What are some advantages?
What are some difficulties these students face?
What about the effect it has on their families and the way they think?

19. Studying abroad
You are going to see some information about UAE students
studying abroad. Find the answers to these questions.
What are the three most popular countries that UAE students choose to study in? UK, US, Australia
Why are some Emirati women worried about studying abroad? People may think they are too westernised and they may not be able to find husbands
On average, how long do Emirati students stay overseas? 4 years
What do some parents and young Emiratis worry about losing when studying abroad? Emirati culture and heritage
How much has the number of overseas Emirati students in the US grown by each year? 12%
What are three reasons why the Emirati government has cancelled some overseas students’ scholarships? Bad attendance, poor grades and breaking the law
Generally, do more overseas students get scholarships to do Bachelor’s degrees or Master’s degrees? Bachelor’s degrees
Which type of graduates do employers in the UAE prefer, graduates from overseas universities based in the UAE (e.g. American University of Sharjah) or graduates from universities in another country? Graduates from universities in another country

20. Studying abroad Discuss these questions with your partner.
Do you know anyone who has gone abroad to study?
What are some advantages?
What are some difficulties these students face?
What is the effect it has on their families and the way they think?

21. STUDYING IN A UNIVERSITY ABROAD - ANSWERS
A good education is an important part of many people’s lives. Nowadays, some students prefer to study at a university which is in a foreign country. I believe that it can be beneficial but it may also cause problems. The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of studying overseas.
On one hand, studying in a foreign country has some important benefits. The most important one is that it gives students more subject majors to choose from. For example, not many universities in this country have specialised majors such as nuclear technology. However, if students are interested in these subjects, they can learn about these only at some foreign universities. Another advantage is that it gives students a different cultural experience. If people study in a different country, they may have to learn a different language and learn to understand the different ways of doing things in that country. Consequently, they learn to be more open-minded and accepting of other cultures.

22. On the other hand, studying overseas may also have some negative effects. The main one is that it might cause students to be homesick. Most university students are quite young and have no experience of living away from their parents for a long time, so they could miss their families and become depressed. In addition, it is much more expensive to study in a country abroad. For instance, students who are in a foreign country have to pay higher tuition fees and for accommodation costs. As a result, this may affect their family’s finances and some parents might have to work harder or do two jobs to pay for their children’s education.
In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to studying overseas. It gives people more choices about what to study and students may become more tolerant of other cultures. However, overseas students may miss home and it is not cheap to study in a foreign university. Therefore, I advise any student who wants an education abroad to consider the above issues carefully before they decide.

23. TASK 2: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ESSAY VOCABULARY – WORD FORMS
Verbs
Adjectives
Nouns
~ ise/ize advertise
~ ed excited
~ ance/ence attendance
~ ate communicate
~ ing exciting
~ ation/tion education
~ ify
~ al cultural
~ sion occasion
~ ial beneficial
~ ure pressure
~ ic public
~ ment development
~ ous / ious religious
~ age marriage
~ y hungry
~ er/ee
employer / employee
~ able preventable
~ ness kindness
~ ty sensitivity
~ ing smoking

24. Living in the city or living in the countryside, which is better
Living in the city or living in the countryside, which is better? Look at the pictures below, which ones are of the city and which ones are of the countryside?

25. Look at the images below
Look at the images below. Decide if they are usually associated with a city or the countryside. Then decide if they are positive or negative features.
C – Traffic Jams
A - Supermarkets
B – Fresh Air
D – Crime
H – Airport
G – Bank Building
E – Metro systems
F – Small local shop
I – Many good jobs
L – No traffic
J – Not much to do
K – Restaurants
M – Air Pollution
N – Hospitals

26. These days, many people move to cities for job opportunities
These days, many people move to cities for job opportunities. However, some people choose to live in the countryside. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living away from cities? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Many people choose city life because of the availability of jobs. However, as more people now have enough money, the quality of life is becoming increasingly important and some people are moving to live in rural areas. I believe that living in the countryside can be benefit but it may also cause problems. The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of live in rural areas.
On one hand, living in the countryside has some important benefits. The most important one is that it allows people to live in an environmental which is cleaner. For example, because the countryside does not have as many vehicles and factories, the air is cleaner and fresher. As a result, people do not become sick from diseases such as asthma and other respiratory ill. Another advantage is that there is less crime in the countryside. This is because if the population is smaller and most residential in country villages know each other, it is more difficult for crime to commit crime.
1._________
2._________
3._________
4._________
5._________
6._________

27. 7. 8. 9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
On the other hand, living away from the city may also have some negative effects. The main one is that people living in these areas may not enjoyable as many facilities as people in cities. For instance, in many big cities, there are numerous entertain facilities, such as shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants and cafes. These are not available in the countryside. Hence, people living there may feel bore easily. In addition, there are not many good jobs outside the cities which payment a high salary. For example, most businesses in the countryside
are small, so they might only pay a lower salary. As a result, if people choose to stay in the countryside, it could be difficulty for them to earn a lot of money.
In conclude, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in rural areas. People can life in a healthier environment and the crime rate is not as high as in cities. However, there are limitation facilities in the countryside and there are also fewer jobs which are well-paid. Therefore, people should thought about if it is more important for them to live in a safe place or have a good career.
7.________
8.________
9.________
10._______
11._______
12._______
13._______
14._______
15._______

28. Living in the countryside (Answers)
Many people choose city life because of the availability of jobs. However, as more people now have enough money, the quality of life is becoming increasingly important and some people are moving to live in rural areas. I believe that living in the countryside can be (1)beneficial but it may also cause problems. The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of (2)living in rural areas.
On one hand, living in the countryside has some important benefits. The most important one is that it allows people to live in an (3)environment which is cleaner. For example, because the countryside does not have as many vehicles and factories, the air is cleaner and fresher. As a result, people do not become sick from diseases such as asthma and other respiratory (4)illnesses. Another advantage is that there is less crime in the countryside. This is because if the population is smaller and most (5)residents in country villages know each other, it is more difficult for (6)criminals to commit crime.
On the other hand, living away from the city may also have some negative effects. The main one is that people living in these areas may not (7)enjoy as many facilities as people in cities. For instance, in many big cities, there are numerous (8)entertainment facilities, such as shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants and cafes. These are not available in the countryside. Hence, people living there may feel (9)bored easily. In addition, there are not many good jobs outside the cities which (10)pay a high salary. For example, most businesses in the countryside are small, so they might only pay a lower salary. As a result, if people choose to stay in the countryside, it could be (11)difficult for them to earn a lot of money.
In (12)conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in rural areas. People can (13)live in a healthier environment and the crime rate is not as high as in cities. However, there are (14)limited facilities in the countryside and there are also fewer jobs which are well-paid. Therefore, people should (15)think about if it is more important for them to live in a safe place or have a good career.

29. Childless Couples Why are some couples childless?
Talk to your partner
Why are some couples childless?
Do you think childless couples are happier?
Why do some couples want children?
Do you think more and more couples are choosing to be childless?
What are some advantages of not having children?
What are some disadvantages of not having children?

30. These days, some married couples choose not to have any children
These days, some married couples choose not to have any children. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Marriage and family are parts of life which are important for many people.
The most important one is that it gives them more freedom to do what they want to do.
Hence, they can travel during off-peak periods when tourist destinations which are popular are not so crowded.

31. Another advantage is that couples without children have fewer expenses than parents with families.
If couples with no children do not have to pay for things like school fees, they may have more money to spend on having a better quality of life.
The main one is that these couples will not be able to experience the joys of parenthood.

32. In addition, couples who are childless do not have anyone to help them with their lives when they are old.
For instance, if the husband dies, the wife may face problems such as difficulty taking care of the house.
Therefore, I advise couples who are married to plan ahead for when they are old before they decide about children.

33. Free Education (put the boxes in the correct column)
educated workforce
raises literacy levels
waste of government’s money
students may not value education
poor people have the chance to study
some students are not serious about studying
not enough jobs for graduates
too many graduates and
no one to do low-paying jobs
people love the government more
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

34. d) Education is important for economic development in all countries.
Education is free for nationals in the UAE. However, some people believe that students would work harder if they had to pay for their education. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a free education?
Put the sentences of the introduction into the correct order.
a) The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of free education.
b) I believe that free university can be beneficial, but it may also cause problems.
c) Many people think that students do not work hard unless they pay for their own education, but in the UAE, education is free for Emiratis.
d) Education is important for economic development in all countries. 4 3 2 1

35. Fill the gaps in body paragraph 1 with the words from the box.
because so As a result Another advantage is that For example
On one hand, free education has some important benefits. The most important one is that it gives everyone a chance to study and improve their lives. 1)For example, children from poor families can attend university and graduate with good qualifications, 2)so they can get good jobs and help their families. 3)Another advantage is that free education means that the country has many well-educated people who can do specialised and technical work. This is important 4)because the UAE needs skilled workers to develop the economy and build the country. 5)As a result, the country can become more developed and this will improve most people’s lives.

36. Fill the gaps in body paragraph 2 with the words from the box.
so Consequently For instance Because of this On the other hand as
1)On the other hand, free education may also have some negative effects. The main one is that if the government gives a free university education to any student, some unsuitable students might enroll in courses. This is a problem 2)as these students do not care about their studies, 3)so they do not work hard. 4)For instance, they may spend all their time playing iPad games in class. 5) Because of this, they will fail the course. In addition, the government might waste its money. Because it pays for both good and bad students, the government will waste the money it spends on the bad students. 6)Consequently, the government will have less money to spend on hospitals or roads.

37. In the conclusion below, there are three spelling mistakes on each line. Find them and fix them.
In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to free education. More people have the opportunity to study and the country can develop faster. However, some students do not work hard and the government might waste its money. Therefore, I suggest that the government give students free university education, but it should check their attendance and their marks