A student asked me the following useful question:
I am confused about the question "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?". Is this an opinion question or discussion + opinion question?
Here's my answer:
Strictly speaking, "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" is asking for your opinion (do you think there are more advantages or disadvantages?). Technically, you could give a one-sided "opinion" answer e.g. you could argue that there are many advantages and almost no disadvantages.
However, I think the examiner would expect and prefer to see a balanced discussion of both sides as well as your opinion. Therefore, I think it's best (and easiest) to write a discussion + opinion essay.
Hi dear IELTS test takers,
If anyone wants to swap methods, strategies, tips and techniques about any module of IELTS, you're welcome. In addition to that, if you are incurring difficulties in any task, you can ask for it. I'd be happy to help you. Therefore, feel free and share your ideas and tricks, i'll share mine. Thanks
Arslan Saeed
[email protected]
Posted by: Arslan | February 08, 2014 at 09:20
Could we:
1- write the introduction on the first paragraph.
2-write the discussion on the 2nd and 3rd paragraph.
3- write our opinion and conclusion on the 4th paragraph.
Posted by: khoory | February 08, 2014 at 10:41
Simon
I have a question about one kind of topic.
As for the topic of reasons and measures.
'To what extent do you think are consumers influenced by advertisements? What measures can be taken to protect them?
How can i write the beginning part?
Is it okay to end the beginning by using the sentence which is like 'there are reasons in next paragraph or 'there are some reasons and measurements'?
Thank you so much!
Posted by: Connie | February 08, 2014 at 14:16
i have a big problem in writing and speaking i want to improve that for ielts
Posted by: asghar ali | February 08, 2014 at 18:27
Khoory
This is a 'classic' way to answer this question and it's fine.
Connie
This is a '2 question' essay and it's best to refer to both questions in the introduction so that the examiner knows you are going to answer them, and also, to remind you to answer them. Here is a sample introduction:
Advertising is a major industry and many companies spend enormous sums using it to promote their image and products. In this essay I will nevertheless argue that consumers are heavily influenced by advertising and outline some measures to prevent them being misled.
Posted by: sjm | February 09, 2014 at 11:58
HI SIMON,
I HAVE A QUERY ABOUT "DISCUSSION+ OPINION QUESTION".
IN WHAT WAYS WE CAN CHANGE THE EXPRESSIONS IN OUR TONE WHILE WRITING MAIN-BODY PARAGRAPH,WHEN WE WANT TO SAY THAT IT IS PEOPLE VIEWS BUT I AM NOT AGREEING OR IT IS PEOPLE OPINION AND I AM ALSO SUPPORTING IT.IT WOULD BE MORE HELPFUL IF SAME TIME YOU COULD GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF "DISCUSSION WITHOUT OPINION" ON SAME TOPIC .CAN YOU EXPLAIN IT BY USING SOME EXAMPLE TOPIC?
REGARDS
Posted by: Anamika | February 09, 2014 at 14:51
Anamika
Try these phrases
- Some people believe that it is better for students to take a year off before studying at university. While the possible beneficial aspects of this step are important, personally, I think that there are many drawbacks, which should be considered seriously.
-While some people argue that students should pay their tuition fees, I feel that we should make an exception for those who come from poor backgrounds.
-I agree with the fact that cars should be banned from entering city centre, but we should take into account that people who are disabled cannot use public transport.
Posted by: MG CASHA | February 10, 2014 at 13:28
Hello Simon
Plz, write me back. I am a bit confused.
According to the structure you have mentioned above HOW MANY PARAGRAPHES WORK OUT?
Regards,
Posted by: Harun | February 11, 2014 at 07:33
thank you so much,Simon!
Posted by: Connie | February 11, 2014 at 10:51
Simon
Sorry I have some other questions.
1.Is it okay to use quotes by famous people in the beginning and ending part? If it is okay, then which part is better for that?
2.And as for the 'both view+opinion' essay, such as 'some people think zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. Some think zoos are useful to protect rare animals.' If my point is zoos are cruel but don't have to close all the zoos.
Is it reasonable to write the second some opinion then argue the first to add my agree in some degree? I mean change the order to discuss the two 'some people think...'
Is it okay?
Thank you so much!
Posted by: Connie | February 11, 2014 at 13:04
MG CASHA,
thanks a lot for your help.Can you suggest me if they are better go with introduction or I can use it as topic sentence for main-body paragraph as well.How to write it,if I am agreeing with the these,specially the first example in main-body?
Thanks in advance
Posted by: Anamika | February 11, 2014 at 14:07
Hi Simon,
Does it mean that the structure of the essay for this part should be:
1st par: Introduction+Opinion
2nd par: Advantages
3rd par: Disadvantages
4th par: Conclusion w/ Opinion?
I'll appreciate it much if you could clarify this. Thank you!!
Posted by: Sheila | April 24, 2014 at 06:47
Hi Simon
when question ask "discuss in both views and give your opinion ",can i give the solution to the problem after i discussed both sides?
thx in advance
Posted by: Aaron | August 04, 2014 at 11:14
Hi Simon, I am bit confused about what to focus on the main bodies for 'whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages' essay. If I agree with advantages>disadvantages, does that mean the supporting ideas for advantages need to be more than supporting ideas for disadvantages?
thanks in advance :)
Posted by: ellie | April 04, 2015 at 16:11