Task 2 - Module 11
You should attempt to answer these questions without looking at the answers first.
These questions are designed to test your understanding of the module. If you get them
all correct, you have understood everything in the module. If you get any of them wrong,
you have not understood the module and should watch it again.
Answers are on the last page.
1. All advantages and disadvantages questions are the same.
A. True
B. False
2. How many different types of advantages and disadvantages question are
there?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
3. There are two types of advantages and disadvantages question. Which of the
following is an example of a Type 1 question?
A. Some people think that computer games are bad for children, while others
believe that they are useful. Do you think that the advantages outweigh
the disadvantages?
B. Some people think that computer games are bad for children, while others
believe that they are useful. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
computer games.
C. Some people think that computer games are bad for children, while others
believe that they are useful. Does this situation have more advantages or
more disadvantages?
4. Which of the following is an example of a Type 2 question?
A. Some teachers think that international student exchange would be
beneficial for all teenage school students. Do you think its advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?
B. Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are
difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic. What are the benefits
and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?
C. In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if
they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of
giving children this message?
Task 2 - Module 11
5. Choose the correct structure for the following Type 1 question (A or B).
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try
hard enough.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
A. PARAGRAPH 1 - Introduction:
Paraphrase question /
Although + side you disagree with +
your position + main reason.
PARAGRAPH 2 - Disagree side (Weak): Topic sentence - State main idea for
disagree side /
Explain /
Example.
PARAGRAPH 3 - Agree side (Strong):
Topic sentence - State main idea for agree side /
Explain /
Example.
PARAGRAPH 4 - Conclusion:
Summarise main points + state position clearly.
B. PARAGRAPH 1 - Introduction:
Paraphrase question /
Outline advantages and disadvantages.
PARAGRAPH 2 - Advantages:
Topic sentence - State first advantage /
Explain first advantage /
State second advantage /
Explain second advantage /
Example of second advantage.
PARAGRAPH 3 - Disadvantages:
Topic sentence - State first disadvantage /
Explain first disadvantage /
Task 2 - Module 11
State second disadvantage /
Explain second disadvantage /
Example of second disadvantage.
PARAGRAPH 4 - Conclusion:
Summarise main points.
6. Choose the correct structure for the following Type 2 question (A or B).
Some teachers think that international student exchange would be beneficial for
all teenage school students.
Do you think its advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
A. PARAGRAPH 1 - Introduction:
Paraphrase question /
Although + side you disagree with +
your position + main reason.
PARAGRAPH 2 - Disagree side (Weak):
Topic sentence - State main idea for disagree side /
Explain /
Example / Opinion sentence.
PARAGRAPH 3 - Agree side (Strong):
Topic sentence - State main idea for agree side /
Explain /
Example / Opinion sentence.
PARAGRAPH 4 - Conclusion:
Summarise main points + state position clearly.
B. PARAGRAPH 1 - Introduction:
Paraphrase question /
Outline advantages and disadvantages.
PARAGRAPH 2 - Advantages:
Topic sentence - State both advantages /
Explain first advantage /
Explain second advantage /
Task 2 - Module 11
Example of second advantage.
PARAGRAPH 3 - Disadvantages:
Topic sentence - State both disadvantages /
Explain first disadvantage /
Explain second disadvantage /
Example of second disadvantage.
PARAGRAPH 4 - Conclusion:
Summarise main points.
7. Attempt the question below on a piece of paper and compare your essay with the
sample answer.
Many students choose to study at colleges and universities that are far away from
the places where they grew up. Do the benefits of this outweigh the drawbacks?
Task 2 - Module 11
Answers:
1. B
2. B
3. B
4. A
5. B
6. A
7. The example answer below is just one of many possible answers that could get
a very high score. Do not worry if your answer is not exactly the same as this
essay. The purpose of showing you this essay is only to give you an idea of how
to approach the question.
Many students choose to study at colleges and universities that are far away from
the places where they grew up. Do the benefits of this outweigh the drawbacks?
Nowadays it is common for young people to travel to far-flung places to study. This
essay will argue that despite the fact that it often leads to financial difficulties, it is far
more advantageous to study in places that are far away from one’s parents because it
leads to independence.
Young people frequently face financial problems if they decide to enrol in a degree
course in a distant town. This is because it is no longer possible for them to live in their
parents’ house, and they therefore have to pay for their own accommodation as well as
utilities and food. For example, in this country, it is common for young people in this
situation to take on part-time jobs so that they can pay their expenses while at
university. I believe that this shows that it is possible to survive financially in this
situation and that this is not a significant drawback.
The great advantage of studying in a far-off place is that it allows young people to
experience what it is like to be independent of their families. Leaving the family home
allows them to choose whatever lifestyle they want and not be under the influence of
their elders. For instance, at universities in the UK, it is noticeable that students who are
Task 2 - Module 11
no longer living in their parents’ houses mature more quickly than those who are still
living at home, and this is clearly because they cannot depend on their parents and
must instead embrace their newfound independence. Therefore, I would argue that the
benefits of studying away from home are more significant than the drawbacks.
In conclusion, travelling to a distant place to study might be financially challenging for
those who have just left their childhood home, but the advantages of being independent
far outweigh that drawback.
