DV NT GES ND DIS DV NT GES

OBJECTIVES

In this lesson, you will learn

 The format of an dvantages and Disadvantages essay.

 Useful language for the introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.

IN CL SS PR CTICE

LE D IN
With a partner, discuss the following pictures of celebrities.
 How would you describe what is happening in each photo?
 Note down any relevant vocabulary you can think of.

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 THE PROMPTS

MODEL PROMPT
Famous people get to enjoy wealthy and luxurious lifestyles but often have their privacy intruded upon.
Do the advantages of a luxurious lifestyle outweigh the disadvantages?

M IN PROMPT
lthough for most people it takes a long time to become successful, for some, it happens at a very young
age.

re the disadvantages of being a young celebrity greater than the advantages?

N LYSING PROMPTS
When analysing IELTS prompts, you should look for:

 The topic:
o The theme that you will write about in the essay.
o It is `usually expressed in the first few sentences of the prompt
o For advantages/disadvantages essays, the topic is usually a phenomenon or social
development/trend (E.g.: increasing child obesity, studying abroad etc.)
 The task:
o what you should write about the topic (i.e. to express and argue for your opinion, to list
out advantages-disadvantages/problems-solutions/causes-effect etc.).
o It is expressed in the form of a question or a command (e.g.: To what extent do you agree
or disagree? Discuss both views and give your opinion.)
o For advantages/disadvantages essays, there are THREE TYPES of tasks
 What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? (i.e.: just list out the
pros and cons)
 Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (i.e.: list out the pros and cons
and state whether the pros or cons are more important)
 Is this a positive or negative development/ trend? (i.e. list out the pros and cons
and state whether the trend is more positive or more negative)

MODEL PROMPT

Famous people get to enjoy wealthy and luxurious lifestyles but often have their privacy intruded upon.

Do the advantages of a luxurious lifestyle outweigh the disadvantages?

 TOPIC: Celebrities have wealthy lifestyles but lose their privacy.

 T SK: List out the advantages or disadvantages of celebrity life and state which side is more
important than the other.

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M IN PROMPT

Identify the Topic and Task of the Main Prompt.

lthough for most people, it takes a long time to become successful, for some, it happens at a very young age.

re the disadvantages of being a young celebrity greater than the advantages?

 TOPIC:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 T SK:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

THE INTRODUCTION

N LYSING MODEL INTRODUCTION

TIPS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

introduction usually consists of 3 parts

 Topic paraphrase: paraphrase the topic in prompt.

 Thesis statement:
o take a position (i.e. which side outweighs the other)
o summarise what you will write about (optional)

Read the introduction for the model prompt below and discuss the following questions with your
partner.

1.Identify the topic paraphrase and thesis statement of the model introduction.

2.Underline phrases that express the notions of “advantages” and “disadvantages”. The first one has been
done for you

3.Based on the context of the model introduction, can you guess what bolded phrases mean?

MODEL PROMPT

Famous people get to enjoy wealthy and luxurious lifestyles but often have their privacy intruded upon.

Do the advantages of a luxurious lifestyle outweigh the disadvantages?

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 MODEL INTRODUCTION

The life of a celebrity is often one of wealth and extravagance, and many make the most of the special
privileges that accompany fame and fortune. However, such a lifestyle comes at a cost, in that celebrities
must endure intrusive journalists and photographers who strip them of their personal space. s I see it,
being rich and famous is not worth losing one’s privacy. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks
of a glamorous lifestyle, and my opinion will be presented with supporting evidence.

WRITING PR CTICE

USEFUL PHR SES FOR THESIS ST TEMENTS

1. This essay will discuss/examine the benefits and drawbacks of [TOPIC -noun phrase] and my
opinion will be presented with supporting evidence.
2. There are both benefits and drawbacks to [TOPIC – noun phrase], but I believe that advantages
far outweigh the disadvantages.

In pairs, read the main prompt below. Discuss and decide on the view you and your partner support.
Then write the introduction.
M IN PROMPT
lthough for most people it takes a long time to become successful, for some, it happens at a very young age.
re the disadvantages of being a young celebrity greater than the advantages?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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THE BODY P R GR PHS

N LY SING MODEL BODY P R GR PHS

Below are the body paragraphs of a response to the MODEL PROMPT.
BODY P R GR PH 1
The most advantageous aspect of being a celebrity is clearly the money. The affluence of most celebrities
affords them not only lifelong financial security, but also the means to lead exciting lives and experience
things that ordinary people can only dream of. For example, Leonardo Di Caprio, a prominent actor, is
well known for throwing decadent parties and traveling the world on his private yacht. Likewise, other
celebrities show off their wealth by purchasing lavish homes, as well as sporting the latest and most
expensive fashion trends. In addition, celebrities are usually showered with praises and adulation from
fans which may do wonders for their self-esteem. Their special social status sometimes also means they
are eligible to special treatments such as gifts or booking priorities. ll in all, it cannot be denied that
celebrities enjoy many privileges that are not available for the average person.
BODY P R GR PH 2
While being a public figure has many perks, a far more significant consequence is the overwhelming and
indefinite loss of privacy. This is especially true for those who have attained prestige through the
entertainment industry, such as actors and actresses. Their personal lives are perpetually scrutinized by
tabloid reporters, and the minutiae of their daily routines are openly displayed by disrespectful paparazzi
who are in constant search of anything that might catch the public’s eye. While this superficial attention
may have some appeal, the reality is that it is the prime disadvantage of fame, and can have debilitating
effects on an individual’s mental state, causing them to develop depression or anxiety disorders. In
addition to public scrutiny, celebrities also are subjected to the threats of stalkers. These obsessive fans
can harass their idols via phone calls, emails or even follow them around. These actions can put
tremendous mental pressure on their targets and sometimes even put them in harm’s way.

Read the paragraphs above and discuss the following questions with your partner.
1. Which paragraph discusses the view the writer supports?
2. Underline the sentence that expresses the writer’s opinion in that paragraph.
3. Underline the phrases that express the notions of “advantages” and “disadvantages” mentioned in the
two paragraphs. The first one has been done for you.
4. Based on the context of the model paragraphs, can you guess what bolded phrases mean?

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 TEMPL TES FOR BODY P R GR PHS

Body 1: The side you don’t support

 Sentence 1: State that there are pros/cons to the TOPIC

 Sentence 2: State the first key idea (pro/con)
 Sentence 3-4: Support the 1 st key idea with explanations/examples
 Sentence 5: State the second key idea (pro/con)
 Sentence 6-7: Support the 2 nd key idea with explanations/examples

Body 2: The side you support

 Sentence 1: State clearly that the side you support outweigh the other side
 Sentence 2: State the first key idea (pro/con)
 Sentence 3-4: Support the 1 st key idea with explanations/examples
 Sentence 5: State the second key idea (pro/con)
 Sentence 6-7: Support the 2 nd key idea with explanations/examples

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR TOPIC SENTENCES

Body paragraph 1

1. The main/primary drawback/benefit of [TOPIC- noun phrase] is….

2. One of the most positive/negative aspect of [TOPIC- noun phrase] is...

2. There are many drawbacks/benefits to… [TOPIC- noun phrase] ..., the first of which is …….

Body paragraph 2

1.Despite these drawbacks, it can’t not be denied that there are huge benefits to [TOPIC- noun
phrase]

2. While [TOPIC- noun phrase] has many benefits, a far more significant drawback/consequence is
……...

3. Having said that………...

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WRITING THE BODY P R GR PHS

BR INSTORMING
In pairs. Brainstorm ideas for the M IN PROMPT.

DV NT GES DIS DV NT GES

Key idea 1: Child stars are able to develop their Key idea 1:
careers early on.
Support (explanation/example)
- they get valuable experience (especially
entertainers)
- they can make connection/network
- Example: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) /Emma
Watson (Hermione) /Justin Bieber/Scarlet
Johansson all have successful career as adults. Key idea 2:
Key idea 2:

WRITING PR CTICE
In pairs, use the ideas in the outline above to write the body paragraphs. Each student should write
ONE body paragraph.

BODY P R GR PH 1

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THE CONCLUSION

N LYSING MODEL CONCLUSION

Read the conclusion for the model prompt below and discuss these questions with your partner.

1.How does the conclusion relate to the introduction?

2.What phrase is used to signal the conclusion?

3.Based on the context of the model conclusion, can you guess what the bolded phrases mean?

MODEL CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I strongly believe that personal space, along with at least some degree of anonymity, is
essential to a person’s overall well-being. Therefore, the benefits of a life of luxury and fame are heavily
outweighed by the negative effects of sacrificing one’s privacy.

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 TIPS FOR THE CONCLUSION
good conclusion should meet the following requirements:
 It restates the opinion put forward in the thesis statement.
 It summarizes the main arguments presented in body paragraphs. (optional)
Common conclusion signals:
 To conclude/In conclusion/In short/ In summary, .................
 ll in all, /Overall, ...................

WRITING PR CTICE
Work in pairs to write the conclusion for the main prompt.
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WRITING HOMEWORK
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

It is common these days to see celebrities advertising different products.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Write at least 250 words.

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