level 4 writing & grammar · studying abroad means parents have less control over their...

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1 4.1 Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Organization Grammar: 4.2 gerunds 4.3 although/despite (sentence structure) 4.4 Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Model 2 Grammar: 4.5 verb patterns 4.6 reflexive pronouns (themselves) & each other 4.7 Speaking Practice with Gerunds and Verb Patterns 4.8 Linkers Reference Writing about Advantages and Disadvantages 4 a Level 4 Writing & Grammar

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4.1 Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Organization

Grammar:

4.2 gerunds

4.3 although/despite (sentence structure)

4.4 Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Model 2

Grammar:

4.5 verb patterns

4.6 reflexive pronouns (themselves) & each other

4.7 Speaking Practice with Gerunds and Verb Patterns

4.8 Linkers Reference

Writing about Advantages and Disadvantages 4 a

Level 4

Writing & Grammar

Level 4 Writing 2

Example:

Some people say that the best way to learn a foreign language is to study it in a

country where it is the native language, rather than in their own country. Do the advantages of studying a foreign language in its native country outweigh the disadvantages of studying a language in one’s home country?

For this essay question, you must write about the advantages and disadvantages

of a topic and give your opinion about it. There are three possible approaches:

1 2

4.1 - Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

3

The following words have the same meaning as advantages or disadvantages.

Match the words that go together.

Topic introduction paragraph +

Advantages paragraph +

Disadvantages paragraph +

Conclusion with your opinion:

more adv. than disadv.

1) advantages and a) negative effects 2) benefits and b) minuses 3) pros and c) disadvantages 4) plusses and d) drawbacks 5) positive and e) cons

Vocabulary for Advantages & Disadvantages

Topic introduction paragraph +

Advantages paragraph +

Disadvantages paragraph +

Conclusion with your opinion:

more disadv. than adv.

Topic introduction paragraph +

Advantages paragraph +

Disadvantages paragraph +

Conclusion with your opinion:

equal disadv. and adv.

Level 4 Writing 3

Grammar: ‘that’ clause

Read the essay questions below. Decide what your opinion is, then write it under the question.

1. These days, many schools and universities are using e-books instead of traditional paper text books.

Do the advantages of e-books outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Because of globalization many of the same products can be found anywhere in the world, and many traditional products are being lost.

Do the advantages of globalization outweigh the disadvantages?

What information would you put in your body paragraphs?

You need to write your opinion in an advantage/disadvantage essay. You will put

your opinion at the end of the essay.

Function Phrase + Clause

agree

I agree that… the benefits of learning a language abroad outweigh

the drawbacks.

I agree with the idea that…

I support the idea that…

disagree

I disagree that…

I do not believe that…

I do not share the view that…

partly agree

I partly agree with the idea that…

I agree to a certain extent that…

I agree up to a point that…

S + V

Level 4 Writing 4

Advantages Disadvantages

Model Essay Pre-reading

Study Abroad What does “study abroad” mean? Choose all the answers that apply:

A) Studying part-time, so the student has more personal time.

B) Going overseas to study.

C) Going to school during the evenings and weekends.

D) Studying in a foreign country.

Do you think studying abroad would be a good experience? Why or Why not?

Watch the short video about the pros and cons of studying abroad. What advantages

and disadvantages do they mention? Take notes on the T chart below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-M_869XIRU

Can you imagine any other advantages or disadvantages of studying abroad? Add your

ideas to the T chart.

5

Model Essay Pre-reading

Read the sentences. Decide if the ideas are pros (P) or cons (C) of studying abroad.

1. Studying abroad means parents have less control over their children.

2. There is a better chance of learning a foreign language successfully if you study abroad.

3. Students abroad will form relationships with people from other cultures.

4. Students who study abroad may become irresponsible because they do not have enough guidance.

5. Students abroad may feel insecure and alone.

6. Students abroad will learn to become independent and responsible.

7. There might be more job opportunities for students who study abroad when they return to their country.

8. The foreign country may be unsafe or dangerous.

Working with Vocabulary: Rephrasing the Question

In your essay, you should use your own words to rephrase the topic, and you should also

try not to repeat the important words and phrases related to the topic.

Look at the prompt about studying a language abroad with underlined words and phrases:

1. What do you think the word outweigh means?

2. Write synonyms for the words and phrases below:

These days, many students choose to study a language abroad instead of learning it in

their home country

Do the advantages of learning a foreign language abroad outweigh the disadvantages?

Term Synonyms, related/similar words and phrases

These days

many

choose to

study a language abroad

instead of

learning it

their home country

6

Advantages & Disadvantages Essay Organization

These days, many students choose to study a language abroad instead of learning it in their

home country. Do the advantages of learning a foreign language abroad outweigh the

disadvantages?

Label the parts of the essay with their function.

1 Knowing a second language is important in today’s world. 2

Nowadays, some students go abroad to learn their second language.

3 I believe that this can be beneficial, although it may also cause

problems. The following essay will discuss the advantages and

disadvantages of studying a foreign language overseas and my opinion

about it.

1 General Background

2

3

4 On one hand, learning a second language abroad has some

important benefits. 5 The most important one is that it gives students

experience with the language in a natural setting. 6 For example,

students will hear native speakers use the language throughout their

time abroad. 7 If students constantly hear native speakers, they will

acquire important vocabulary and good pronunciation. 8 Therefore,

they will learn more natural language. 9 Another advantage is that

students will learn to rely on themselves.10 This is because the

students will need to take care of themselves and their daily needs.

11 As a result, the students will develop self-confidence and personal

responsibility.

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12 On the other hand, studying a language abroad may have

some negative aspects. 13 The main one is that the students may feel

alone and insecure. 14 Consequently, they may not be motivated to

study the language well and may avoid making contact with people.

15 If that happens, the students waste their time abroad and their

money. 16 In addition, some students actually become less

responsible when they study abroad. 17 This is because they are away

from their parents and family and do what they want, with no one there

to control them. 18 In contrast, at home, they would be under the care

of their parents.

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19 In conclusion, there are benefits and drawbacks of students

studying a language abroad. 20 It gives the students a better chance

to learn the language naturally, and it allows them to develop

responsibility. However, students may feel alone as well as possibly

become irresponsible. 21 In the end, I think the advantages outweigh

the disadvantages because good second language skills are essential

nowadays, and those skills are better developed abroad.

19

20

21

Level 4 Writing 7

1 Analysis of the Model Essay: Style and Vocabulary

1. What is the writer’s opinion about studying a language abroad?

2. Does the writer discuss the advantages or disadvantages of studying a language abroad?

3. How many advantages does the writer state? What are they?

4. How many disadvantages does the writer mention and what are they?

5. What are some of the connecting and linkers you see in the essay? Circle them.

2 Putting your opinion in the conclusion:

Notice how you can put your opinion at the end of the advantage/disadvantage essay.

Look at sentence 21 below from the model essay:

“In the end, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because good second language skills are essential nowadays and those skills develop better abroad.”

In the end, I believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because….. (and say why)

In the end, I believe that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages because…. (and say why)

In the end, I feel that the advantages and disadvantages are equal. This is because…(and say why)

3 Speak and write about advantages, disadvantages, and your opinion:

Discuss the following topics in pairs. Talk about both advantages and disadvantages. Use the

language from above to write your final opinion.

Examples:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of students using e-textbooks?

(students discuss both pros and cons)

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

(students tell each other their opinion then write it).

In the end, I believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because….. (say why)

In the end, I believe that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages because…. (say why)

In the end, I feel that the advantages and disadvantages are equal. This is because…( say why)

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of living in rural areas? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Explain some of the pros and cons of developing personal robots with artificial

intelligence? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

3. What might be the benefits and drawbacks of having flying taxis and buses? Would the advantages of using such vehicles outweigh the drawbacks?

4. Space exploration and development programs can cost a country’s government a huge

amount of money. What are the positive and negative aspects of countries having space

programs?

Model Essay Analysis

Level 4 Writing 8

4.2 Grammar: Gerunds (verb + ing forms as nouns)

Look at sentences 1 to 6 below and underline the subjects, verbs, and objects.

The first one has been done for you as an example.

1. Studying abroad is becoming more popular nowadays. (Subject -Gerund) (Verb -Present Continuous)

2. Feeling homesick will make students sad.

3. Using e-books helps students and schools to save money.

4. I sometimes think about changing jobs.

5. Some teachers don’t agree with using video games to teach.

6. Living in a global world has advantages and disadvantages.

Look at the following sentences and decide if the gerund is in the subject position or

object/object of a preposition position.

1. This essay will discuss the pros and cons of using e-books.

2. On the other hand, having an interconnected, globalized world has disadvantages.

3. In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages of developing personal robots with artificial intelligence.

4. Video games are beneficial for learning in some situations, but not in all of them.

5. He improved his sports skills everyday by practicing for two hours.

6. Developed countries have a better chance of succeeding with space programs.

Grammar: A gerund is a noun. It can be in the subject or object position of a sentence. It can be

one word or a group of words. To make a gerund, use verb + ing. It may look like a verb, but it is

a noun!

Examples: 1. Living abroad may give students more confidence.

(subject-gerund) (v) (object)

2. Some parents don’t agree with * giving young children mobile phones. (subject) (v) (object-gerund) *When the gerund is in the object position it is often preceded by a preposition: of, with, for, at, by, etc.

We sometimes say the gerund is the “object” of the preposition. In other words, the gerund is after it.

Note: Some special verbs like enjoy, avoid, imagine, consider, mind, suggest, and others, use a gerund after them, not the infinitive.

3. We should avoid consuming a lot of sugar. (subject) (v) (object-gerund)

Level 4 Writing 9

Gerunds can be useful for writing about the essay topic of your essay. The sentence below

show examples of sentences with and without gerunds.

1. Essay Question: Studying a language abroad is very common among students these days. Do

its advantages outweigh its disadvantage?

1st possibility: The following essay will discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of studying a language abroad and my opinion about it.

2nd possibility: The following essay will discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of language study abroad and my opinion about it.

2. Essay Question: Some people get married at a young age. Do the benefits of early marriage

outweigh the drawbacks?

1st possibility: The following essay will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of

people getting married at a young age and my opinion about it.

2nd possibility: The following essay will discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of marriage at a young age and my opinion about it.

Practice writing the essay topic with a gerund.

Example:

Nowadays, many women join the army. Do the advantages of women in the army outweigh the

disadvantages?

The following essay will discuss some pros and cons of women joining the army and my opinion about it.

1) What are the advantages and disadvantages when students work on group projects at school?

Do the advantages of them outweigh the disadvantages?

The following essay will discuss some of the negative and positive aspects of __________________

________________________________________________________________________________

2) Many countries utilize nuclear energy for power. Do the advantages of nuclear energy outweigh

the disadvantages?

The following essay will discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of _______________________

________________________________________________________________________________

3) In some countries, young people work or travel for a year between finishing high school and

starting university studies. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

The following essay will discuss some of the pros and cons of ______________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

4.2 Grammar: Gerunds (verb + ing forms as nouns, continued)

Level 4 Writing 10

Look at how the writer used although in the essay:

I believe that this can be beneficial although it may also cause problems.

4.3 Grammar: use of although, even though, even if, and despite/in spite of

I love living in a big family in spite of the noise.

(I love living in a big family although it is noisy.)

In spite of his hard work, Bob didn’t pass the exam

In spite of working hard, he didn’t pass the exam

(Although he worked very hard, he did not pass the exam.)

Despite the advantages of smartphones, I prefer my old Nokia.

Despite the smartphone having advantages, I prefer my old Nokia.

(Although there are advantages, I prefer my old Nokia to the smartphones.)

The meaning of in spite of and despite is like although, but we use the words in a different

way. After in spite of and despite we use a noun or a pronoun (or verb + ing = noun/gerund)

although (even though/even if) is always followed by a subject and verb (= a clause)

• I don’t agree with using video games for education although they may have some benefits.

Although video games for education may have benefits, I do not agree with using them.

• Even though speed car racing is dangerous, many people risk their life to do it.

Many people risk their lives in speed car racing even though it can be dangerous.

• I believe that technology has greatly improved our world even if there are problems with it.

Even if there are problems with technology, I believe that it has greatly improved our world.

Complete the sentences:

a. My sister loves living in a small town although sometimes___________________________.

b. Although a personal robot can help with many tasks, ______________________________.

c. There are many advantages to e-textbooks even though ___________________________.

d. Even though the UAE has a huge amount of sunlight, _____________________________ .

11

Rewrite these sentences. If the sentence uses “although/even though”, rewrite it with

“despite/in spite of”. If the sentence uses “despite/in spite of”, rewrite it with

“although/even though”. 2. In spite of reducing paper, I think traditional textbooks have more than

advantages than e-books.

3. Many people don’t support using nuclear energy even though it is more economical than other types of energy.

4. Although robots can save us work and time, they will never be the same as humans.

Complete the sentences:

a. Walid went on his holiday in spite of _______________________________ b. In spite of _____________________, Mahra couldn’t find her SmartPhone. c. Despite _____________________, Bill found out he had three speeding tickets. d. A lot of people continue to smoke despite _________________________

Fill in the blanks with “despite” (in spite of) or “although”.

1. _________ she didn’t understand the lesson in class, she understood it later at home. 2. __________ not having any money, Robert went shopping with his friends. 3. The movie was boring and we fell asleep__________ its loud volume. 4. __________ she speaks Hindi and German well, Jane doesn’t feel confident about her English skills. 5. __________the world news is very depressing, I try to be optimistic that it will improve. 6. __________ being good at photography, Bernard doesn’t have many other talents. 7. Aretha could not study medicine at university ___________ dreaming about it since childhood. 8. __________ he was 75, Saeed walked faster than his son who was 45. 9. __________ his age, Saeed walked faster than his son. 10. We managed to smile __________ our misfortune.

Level 4 Writing 12

4.4 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Model 2

What are the benefits and drawbacks of living in rural areas? Do the advantages outweigh

the disadvantages?

Read the essay. What do you notice about the grammar in the underlined sections?

Many people decide to live in a city because of the availability of jobs. However, other people

prefer to reside in a rural area for other reasons. I believe that living in the countryside can be

beneficial although it may be challenging. The following essay will discuss the pros and cons of living in

rural areas and my opinion about it.

On the one hand, living in the countryside has some major benefits. The most important one is

that it allows people to live in an environment which is cleaner. For example, because the countryside

does not have as many vehicles and factories, the air is cleaner. As a result, people tend to be

healthier. Another advantage is that there is less crime in the countryside. This is because the

population is smaller and most residents in country villages know each other. Therefore, it is difficult to

commit a crime because people in small towns usually notice things that happen around them.

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 do not have access to as many facilities as people in cities. For

instance, in many big cities, there are numerous entertainment facilities, such as shopping malls, movie

theatres, restaurants and cafes. These are not available in the countryside. Therefore, people living in

rural areas may get bored easily. In addition, there are not many good jobs outside the cities which pay

a high salary. For example, most businesses in the countryside are small, so they cannot afford to pay

a high salary. As a result, if people choose to stay in the countryside, it can be hard to earn a lot of

money.

In summary, there are advantages and disadvantages of living in rural areas. People can live in

a healthier environment and the crime rate is not as high as in cities. However, there are limited

facilities in the countryside and there are also fewer jobs which are well-paid. In the end, I believe the

advantages and disadvantages of rural life are equal. To make the right choice requires each person

and family to consider their own individual situation.

4.5 Grammar: Verb patterns with infinitives

Look at the four ways the infinitive form of the verb is used in the sentences:

1. Many people decide to live in a city because of the availability of jobs.

subject verb infinitive

2. It allows people to live in an environment which is cleaner.

subject verb object infinitive

3. It is difficult to commit a crime because...

form of “be” adjective infinitive

4. To make the right choice requires each person and family to consider their own situation.

infinitive as subject verb

Level 4 Writing 13

1. The infinitive form of the verb is used after many verbs:

A lot of people decide to live in a city because of the availability of jobs.

subject verb infinitive

Many verbs follow this pattern: afford, agree, arrange, choose, decide, forget, hope, learn, mean, intend, manage, offer, promise, refuse, tend, refuse, etc.

2. An object goes after the first verb and is followed by an infinitive for other verbs: …a small town allows people to live in an environment that is cleaner.

subject verb object infinitive

Verbs which follow this pattern: tell, force, advise, want, remind, help, allow, teach, encourage, persuade, invite, warn, etc.

3. After an adjective you may use an infinitive:

... it is difficult to commit a crime…..

form of “be” adjective infinitive

Common adjectives used this way are: easy, hard, cheap, interesting, exciting, etc.

4. Sometimes you can use an infinitive as a subject, but it is not common. (It would be more natural to use the gerund as the subject.)

To make the right choice requires each person and family to consider their own situation.

infinitive as subject verb

Write 2 paragraphs about how you decided to choose your major.

In the first paragraph, write about what your family wanted you to do and study after high school and what they encouraged you to choose as a major. Explain why they wanted you to study that, giving reasons.

In the second paragraph, say if you agreed to study what they intended for you, or if you chose to study something else. Explain your reasons and decisions.

o Use a variety of verbs and infinitives as we saw in class.

o Follow your teacher’s guidelines for the writing format and word count.

Online Writing Practice 4

4.5 Grammar: Verb patterns with infinitives (continued)

Level 4 Writing 14

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Make notes about ideas for your essay below:

Advantages/Disadvantages Essay - Practice Topics

Some countries are developing robots with artificial intelligence and hope to gradually

integrate them into their societies.

Would the advantages of utilizing these robots outweigh the disadvantages?

Technology soon might be capable of developing low altitude (low flying) air

transportation systems such as air taxis and buses.

Would the advantages of using such systems outweigh the drawbacks?

Space exploration and development programs can cost a country’s government a

huge amount of money.

Do the benefits of countries having space programs outweigh the disadvantages?

Some teachers prefer to evaluate students with many tests and projects during a

course while others prefer to only give students a few grades during a course.

Do the advantages of many assessments during a course outweigh the

disadvantages?

Many schools and universities are transitioning from traditional paper textbooks to e-

books for their students.

Do the advantages of e-books outweigh the disadvantages?

Level 4 Writing 15

Do you see a difference in the meaning and use between themselves and each other?

Another advantage is that students will learn to rely on themselves.

This is because the students will need to take care of themselves.

…most residents in country villages know each other.

They can help each other if they have problems.

Themselves is a reflexive pronoun and refers to the same subject doing the action.

Each other refers to two or more people interacting and doing an action together.

4.6 Grammar: Use of “themselves” and “each other”

A Personal Interview with….

One student imagines being a famous person and the other student is a journalist. The journalist will ask personal questions to the famous person and the famous person responds as if he/she were that person! Enjoy being famous!

The journalist asks the famous person:

“Thank you for allowing me to interview you today. I’d like to start by asking you about your work.”

Why did you decide to choose your current career?

Would you encourage other people to follow your career path? Why or why not?

What are the parts of your job that you find the most difficult to do?

What do you intend to do in the next year? Do you plan to work on any new projects?

“Let’s continue by discussing your personal life….”

How do you manage to organize your personal time and professional life? Is it hard to find a balance between them?

What activities do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

Are you concerned about living a healthy life?

What do you do to keep healthy, happy, and fit?

“Let’s continue by discussing the future….”

What can you imagine happening to yourself in your career, in say 10 years?

Do you tend to be an optimist or pessimist about the future of our world?

What are your feelings about getting older?

Would you like to make any final comments before ending our interview?

“Thank you so much for letting me ask you these questions today!”

4.7 SPEAKING Pair Practice (with verb patterns and gerunds)

Level 4 Writing 16

Reference: Linking Words & Phrases

For Contrast, Differences, or an Opposite View

S. Connectors However, S + V… On the other hand, S + V… In contrast, S + V…

Middle

of Sentence

S + V, but S + V…

S + V, while S + V…

S + V whereas S + V…

S + V although S + V…

(S + V…, despite/in spite of + noun/noun phrase)

Beginning

of

Sentence

While S + V…, S + V…

Whereas S + V…, S + V…

Although S + V…, S + V…

(Despite/In spite of + noun/noun phrase, S + V…)

For Time and Order of Events

Sentence

Connectors

First, S + V…

Second, S + V…

Third, S + V…

Next, S + V…

Then, S + V…

After that, S + V…

Finally, S + V…

Lastly, S + V…

For Addition of Information

Sentence

Connectors Furthermore, S + V…

Moreover, S + V…

In addition, S + V…

Also, S + V…

Conjunction

Middle

of Sentence

✔️ S + V…, and S + V… (Correct)

❌ S + V…, also S + V… (Wrong)

For Results

Sentence

Connectors Therefore, S + V…

Thus, S + V…

As a result, S + V…

Hence, S + V…

Consequently, S + V…

Because of this, S + V…

Conjunction:

Middle

of Sentence S + V…, so S + V…

For Examples

Sentence

Connectors For example, S + V… For instance, S + V…

Middle

of Sentence S + V… such as…(+ singular or plural noun)

S + V… like…(+ singular or plural noun