TABLE OF CONTENTS UNIT 7: ADVANTAGES – DISADVANTAGES PARAGRAPHS ...................................................3 INTRODUCTORY AND CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS ............................................................3 I. PRE-WRITING .....................................................................................................................3 A. ADVANTAGES – DISADVANTAGES PARAGRAPHS ............................................................3 1. Definition ..........................................................................................................................3 2. Pattern of organization .....................................................................................................3 3. Language for Writing ........................................................................................................4 3.1. Useful language for topic sentence ...............................................................................4 3.2. Useful language for supporting sentences and details ..................................................4 B. INTRODUCTORY AND CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS ........................................................6 1. Definition ..........................................................................................................................6 2. Structures ........................................................................................................................7 2.1. Structure of an introductory paragraph ..........................................................................7 2.2. Structure of a concluding paragraph .............................................................................7 3. Language for Writing - Useful language for paraphrasing ................................................8 II. WHILE-WRITING ..............................................................................................................10 1. Sample paragraphs ........................................................................................................10 2. Brainstorm ideas ............................................................................................................14 III. POST-WRITING ...............................................................................................................16 1. Peer editing....................................................................................................................16 2. Additional topics for writing practice ...............................................................................17 ANSWER KEY ..........................................................................................................................18 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 2 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs UNIT 7: ADVANTAGES – DISADVANTAGES PARAGRAPHS INTRODUCTORY AND CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS I. PRE-WRITING A. ADVANTAGES – DISADVANTAGES PARAGRAPHS 1. Definition An advantages/ disadvantages paragraph shows the benefits (or positive points) and/ or drawbacks (or negative points) of a situation. Advantages focus on positive points. Disadvantages focus on negative points. Example: Write a paragraph to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home. 2. Pattern of organization An advantages/ disadvantages paragraph must follow the structure below: ο· introduces the main topic. Topic sentence ο· mentions the advantages and disadvantages that are going to be discussed. ο· describe the advantages. ο· give examples/ reasons to illustrate each advantage mentioned Supporting sentences above. ο· (describe the disadvantages. ο· give examples/ reasons to illustrate each disadvantage mentioned above.) Concluding sentence ο· summarizes the main points (advantages and disadvantages). ο· gives writer’s personal opinions. [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 3 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs 3. Language for Writing 3.1. Useful language for topic sentence The topic sentence tells the reader if the paragraph is about advantages or disadvantages or both. It may tell them how many points the paragraph will include, such as three advantages or two disadvantages. Focus Example Topic sentences - Working from home can have definite advantages in terms of time and on cost. advantages - There are three main benefits of working from home. - Working from home can have considerable disadvantages. on disadvantages - There are three main drawbacks to working from home. - There are several advantages and disadvantages to working from home. on both - There is a wide range of advantages and disadvantages to working from home. 3.2. Useful language for supporting sentences and details * Useful language to express advantages and disadvantages: Advantages Disadvantages [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 4 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs benefit drawback strength weakness good point challenge positive effect negative effect positive aspect negative aspect * Useful language to connect sentences: Sentences Transitional Expressions Relationship Similarity Also, Likewise, Similarly Example: Companies can now recruit staff from all over the world. Similarly, employees can work for a company from anywhere if they have a stable Internet connection. Exception/Contrast However, Nevertheless, In contrast, On the contrary Example: There are many advantages to working from home. However, it can have great limitations, too. In spite of, Despite Example: Despite a few minor problems, the overall situation is good. Sequence/Order First, Second, Third, … , Next, Then, Finally Example For example, For instance Cause and Effect Because, Since Consequently, Therefore, Thus When working from home, employees often have to spend long hours communicating via a computer screen. Consequently, they may feel disconnected from their colleagues. [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 5 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs Additional Support or Additionally, In addition, Besides, Furthermore, Moreover Evidence Example: Working from home can help people save time and avoid heavy traffic. Additionally, those who do not have to go to the office every day can live in the countryside and save a great amount of money. Conclusion/Summary In brief, In conclusion, To summarize, In summary ((2022). Retrieved 8 March 2022, from https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/) 3.3. Useful language for concluding sentence Summarize (list) the main ideas from your supporting sentences. You might like to include your final thought, opinion, recommendation, or make a prediction about the topic. Example: - Overall, working from home can benefit employees in terms of time and cost. - In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to working remotely, and employees should consider them carefully before opting for the working from home option. B. INTRODUCTORY AND CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS 1. Definition The introductory paragraph (i.e., the introduction) is the first paragraph of an essay. It explains the topic and the writer's purpose. In IELTS essays, the introductory paragraph often includes: ο· background information (or a general statement); ο· a thesis statement. The concluding paragraph (i.e., the conclusion) is the final paragraph. It reminds the reader of what the writer has discussed in the essay and provides a writer's final thought. It often includes: ο· a restatement of the thesis; ο· an insight, an opinion, a recommendation, a prediction, or a call to action. (Aquino-Cutcher, A. (2016). Unit 1. In Final draft 3: Essay, Cambridge University Press.) [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 6 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs 2. Structures 2.1. Structure of an introductory paragraph 2.1.1. Background information: - is information on the topic - sets up the reader for the thesis statement * Types of background information: - a general explanation of the topic - historical information on the topic - relevant data and statistics - a paraphrase of the question prompt/ topic 2.1.2. The thesis statement: tells the reader what ideas will be developed in the body essay. It often includes: - a topic - controlling idea, i.e. point of view that outline what will be discussed in the body essay. Examples: * Thesis statement is not a statement of fact that everyone agrees on. A point of view, or a controlling idea, is debatable. People may not agree with this idea and have a different point of view. (Aquino-Cutcher, A. (2016). Unit 1. In Final draft 3: Essay, Cambridge University Press.) (Alice, O., & Ann, H. (2014). Page 202. In Longman Academic Writing Series 3: Paragraphs to Essays. Pearson.) 2.2. Structure of a concluding paragraph 2.1.1. Restate the thesis statement: [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 7 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs The first sentence of the concluding paragraph restates the thesis statement by using synonyms and changing sentence structures. It often begins with a transitional phrase such as In conclusion, To conclude, To summarize. Example: In conclusion, biking instead of driving has many benefits. 2.1.2. Give a final statement: The final statement is often: - an insight or opinion: I have more respect for people who choose bicycles because it shows that they care about the environment. - a prediction: If everyone bikes or takes public transportation three days a week, most communities would be cleaner and healthier places to live. - a recommendation: Instead of spending money on new roads and buildings, communities should create more parks and green spaces. - a call to action: The city officials should pass laws imposing more tax on private transport. * Like the concluding sentence in a paragraph, the concluding paragraph, or conclusion, restate the topic and controlling ideas, summarize the main points discussed in the body, and/ or present a writer's final statement about the topic. * Never include any new idea in the conclusion. (Aquino-Cutcher, A. (2016). Unit 1. In Final draft 3: Essay, Cambridge University Press.) (Alice, O., & Ann, H. (2014). Page 202. In Longman Academic Writing Series 3: Paragraphs to Essays. Pearson.) 3. Language for Writing - Useful language for paraphrasing 3.1. Use synonyms 3.2. Use the following techniques [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 8 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs Task 1. Paraphrase the following statements. 1. Some unpaid community services should be a compulsory part of high school programs. 2. Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. 3. Some teachers think that international student exchange programs would be beneficial for all teenage school students. 4. Some people do not go directly to college but travel or work for a short time. 5. The world's most urgent problems can be solved by international collaboration. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 9 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs II. WHILE-WRITING 1. Sample paragraphs Task 2. Read the Writing Task 2 question and the three paragraphs below. Then, answer the questions. Writing Task 2 question: In the past, most people used to travel to their place of work. With the increased use of computers, the internet and smartphones, more and more people are starting to work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development? (Source: IELTS Recent Actual Test) Paragraph 1. There are three main benefits of working from home. One of the main advantages is that people do not have to spend a significant amount of time each day going back and forth. For many people, this can be extremely helpful because they can save time and avoid stress from heavy traffic. Another benefit of remote jobs is the broader pool of applicants for companies. Having a team that works from home means that anyone from around the country, or the world, can apply for vacant positions. Similarly, employees can work for a company from any corner of the world if they have the right experience, skills, and qualifications. Moreover, the remote-work option can increase staff motivation. They will feel more trusted by their employer and develop a working routine that suits their timetable. For example, some would find themselves most productive in the middle of the night and complete their tasks quickly during this time. For these reasons, it is a good idea for companies to allow their employees to work from home. Paragraph 2. Working from home can have considerable disadvantages. First, employees can be distracted easily by household noises or other members in the house. Surveys show that it is challenging for working parents to avoid distractions from their babies. Second, working from home can be lonely. Employees may feel disconnected from their colleagues when they have to spend long hours communicating via a computer screen, especially when there is a problem that needs them to sit down and brainstorm ideas. Finally, information security problems could be more likely to occur when staff are working from home. They may forget to perform updates on their antivirus software and home router software, leading to potential cyber-attacks. Therefore, working from home might not be a good choice for everyone. [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 10 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs Paragraph 3. There is a wide range of advantages and disadvantages to working from home. One of the main advantages is that people do not have to spend a significant amount of time each day going back and forth. This can be extremely helpful for many people because they can save time and avoid stress from heavy traffic. Another benefit of remote jobs is the broader pool of applicants for companies. Having a team that works from home means that anyone from around the country, or the world, can apply for vacant positions. Similarly, employees can work for a company from any corner of the world if they have the right experience, skills, and qualifications. Nevertheless, working from home can be difficult for many people. One obvious limitation is that employees can be distracted easily by household noises or other members in the house. Surveys show that it is challenging for working parents to avoid distractions from their babies. Besides, working from home can be lonely. Employees may feel disconnected from their colleagues when they have to spend long hours communicating via a computer screen, especially when there is a problem that needs them to sit down and brainstorm ideas. Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to working remotely, and employees should consider them carefully before opting for the working from home option. ((2022). Retrieved 8 March 2022, from https://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-working-from-home) 1. Underline the topic sentence of the three paragraphs. What does each paragraph focus on? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. How many advantages and disadvantages are mentioned in each paragraph? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. What words or phrases show advantages and disadvantages in each paragraph? Highlight them. 4. What linking expressions are used in each paragraph? Circle them. 5. Double underline the concluding sentence in each paragraph. What idea does each sentence include? ____________________________________________________________________________ [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 11 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs ____________________________________________________________________________ Task 3. Complete the outlines of paragraphs 1&2 above. Paragraph 1. Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Supporting sentences: Advantage 1: __________________________________ Supporting details: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Advantage 2: __________________________________ Supporting details: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Advantage 3: __________________________________ Supporting details: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Concluding sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Paragraph 2. Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Supporting sentences: Disadvantage 1: __________________________________ Supporting details: ____________________________________________________________________________ [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 12 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs ____________________________________________________________________________ Disadvantage 2: __________________________________ Supporting details: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Disadvantage 3: __________________________________ Supporting details: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Concluding sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________ Task 4. Read the sample paragraphs below and answer the questions. Paragraph A The advent of the internet has enabled people to work remotely from home rather than commuting to work daily. Although this offers some significant benefits, it also has some drawbacks, which will be discussed further in the following paragraphs. Paragraph B In conclusion, the freedom of not having to come to the office each day is appealing with various advantages. However, the disadvantages revealed by the above discussion require careful considerations before any decisions are made. 1. Which is the introductory paragraph? Which is the concluding paragraph? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Which sentence is the background sentence in the introductory paragraph? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Which sentence is the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph? ____________________________________________________________________________ [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 13 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. In the thesis statement, underline the topic once and underline the controlling ideas twice. 5. In the concluding paragraph, what kind of final statement did the writer make? ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Brainstorm ideas * Writing task: Many students like to get involved in extra-curricular activities at universities such as social clubs or sports. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? (Rogers, L. (2017). Expert IELTS 5. Pearson Longman.) Write a paragraph of at least 180 words. Task 5. Complete the following table with advantages, disadvantages, and detailed explanations or examples for each advantage and disadvantage. An example has been done for you. Topic: students taking part in extra-curriculum activities at universities Advantages Disadvantages + make friends: share the same interests ___________________________________ Example: Sports clubs ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 14 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs Task 6. Plan an outline for the writing task in While-writing – 2. Brainstorm ideas based on your ideas in the advantages - disadvantages table above. INTRODUCTION Topic: ____________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Thesis statement: __________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2 _____________________________ _____________________________ Main idea 1: __________________________ Main idea 1: __________________________ Supporting ideas: Supporting ideas: - Explanation: _________________________ - Explanation: _________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ - Example: ____________________________ - Example: ____________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ - Other details: _________________________ - Other details: _________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Main idea 2: __________________________ Main idea 2: __________________________ Supporting ideas: Supporting ideas: - Explanation: _________________________ - Explanation: _________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ - Example: ____________________________ - Example: ____________________________ [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 15 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs _____________________________________ _____________________________________ - Other details: _________________________ - Other details: _________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ CONCLUSION Summarize main points: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Author’s opinion: ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ III. POST-WRITING 1. Peer editing Work in pairs. Read your partner’s outline and sentences. Then use the Checklist below to offer feedback that can help your partner improve his/her writing. Content Y/N Comments/ Suggestions Sentences Has correct punctuation been used? Has spelling been checked? Have the verb tenses and subject verb agreement been checked? Have the useful structures been used? Outline Does the topic sentence paraphrase the task question? [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 16 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs Does the thesis statement briefly outline what is going to be discussed? Do the body paragraphs support your points with relevant ideas? Are advantages - disadvantages structures and language used accurately? Do you include a strong supporting sentence (facts, reasons, examples, etc.) for each advantage and disadvantage? Are the ideas organized logically in the body paragraph? Does the conclusion summarize the main ideas? 2. Additional topics for writing practice Brainstorm ideas and make an essay outline for one of the following topics. 1. Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations? 2. Some teachers think that international student exchange programs would be beneficial for all teenage school students. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this program? 3. Some people do not go directly to college but travel or work for a short time. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this situation? (IELTS Writing Recent Actual Test 2018) [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 17 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs ANSWER KEY I. Pre-writing B. INTRODUCTORY AND CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS 3. Language for Writing - Useful language for paraphrasing Task 1. 1. Volunteering work should be made part of the high school curriculum. 2. When entering a university, many students are able to stay with their parents, whereas others rent a separate place because their campus is in a different town or city. 3. Many teachers hold the view that international exchange programs would be advantageous for students. 4. Many students choose to take a gap year after graduating from their high schools. 5. International cooperation can help tackle the world's most pressing issues. II. While-writing 1. Sample paragraphs Task 2. 1. Paragraph 1: There are three main benefits to working from home. => focus on advantages. Paragraph 2: Working from home can have considerable disadvantages. => focus on disadvantages. Paragraph 3: There is a wide range of advantages and disadvantages to working from home. => focus on both advantages and disadvantages. 2. Paragraph 1: 2 advantages; Paragraph 2: 2 disadvantages; Paragraph 3: 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages 3. Paragraph 1: benefit, helpful, increase motivation, productive Paragraph 2: be distracted, challenging, lonely, problems, cyber-attacks Paragraph 3: benefit, helpful, difficult, limitation, be distracted, challenging, lonely, problems [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 18 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs 4. The first advantage is, Another benefit is, Similarly, Moreover, First, Second, Finally, One obvious limitation, Besides. 5. Paragraph 1: For these reasons, it is a good idea for companies to allow their employees to work from home. => suggestion Paragraph 2: Therefore, working from home might not be a good choice for everyone. => opinion Paragraph 3: Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to working remotely, and employees should consider them carefully before opting for the working from home option. => summarize the main idea and offer a suggestion. Task 4. 1. A – introductory paragraph B – concluding paragraph 2. The advent of the internet has enabled people to work remotely from home rather than commuting to work daily. 3. Although this offers some significant benefits, it also has some drawbacks, which will be discussed further in the following paragraphs. 4. Although this (working from home) offers some significant benefits, it also has some drawbacks, which will be discussed further in the following paragraphs. 5. An opinion or recommendation. Task 7. INTRODUCTION Topic: Most universities offer their students several opportunities, such as exchange programs and extra-curricular activities. Thesis statement: While there are various advantages to taking part in these activities, the disadvantages should be considered as well. BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Main idea 1: make friends - expand their Main idea 1: time-consuming social networks. Supporting ideas: [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 19 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs Supporting ideas: - Explanation: - Explanation: to interact with others with + students don’t have enough time to similar interests study or write their assignments. - Example: sports clubs or societies + no time for their families - Other details: build new friendships Main idea 2: students feel exhausted Main idea 2: develop soft skills Supporting ideas: Supporting ideas: - Explanation: tight schedule of academic - Explanation: important for future careers and extra-curricular activities - Example: teamwork, time management, - Other details (Result): demotivate problem-solving. students from their studying. Main idea 3: costly Supporting ideas: - Example: registration fees, equipment, uniforms CONCLUSION Summarize main points: In conclusion, while extra-curricular activities are advantageous in terms of developing relationships and soft skills, they might have an impact on students' time, studying, and financial status. Author’s opinion: Students need to balance between schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. Model answer Many students like to get involved in extra-curricular activities at universities, such as social clubs or sports. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? Most universities offer their students several opportunities, such as exchange programs and extra-curricular activities. While there are various advantages to taking part in these activities, the disadvantages should be considered as well. There are several advantages and disadvantages to doing extra-curricular activities while studying at universities. One of the main advantages is that students can expand their social networks. Sports clubs or societies offer many opportunities for them to interact with others with similar interests and potentially build new friendships. Another advantage is that students can [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 20 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs develop essential soft skills that are important for their future careers. These include but are not limited to teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Nevertheless, engaging in extra-curricular activities can be challenging for students. First, these activities can be time-consuming. This means that students may not have enough time to study or write their assignments. Spending time in societies at the university may also affect students’ bonding time with their families. Second, students may feel exhausted when dealing with a tight schedule of academic and extra-curricular activities at school. This can demotivate them from their studying. Finally, it can be costly to join a club because there are various expenses that students need to cover, such as registration fees, equipment, or uniforms. In conclusion, while extra-curricular activities are advantageous in terms of developing relationships and soft skills, they might have an impact on students' time, studying, and financial status. Therefore, students need to balance between schoolwork and extracurricular activities. III. Post-writing Additional topics for writing practice Sample answer Topic 1. While a number of university students opt to stay with their families when pursuing higher education, some choose to live far away. In this essay, I will analyze both the advantages and disadvantages of the two options. On the one hand, there are several benefits of living with families when going to local universities. One compelling point is that students can minimize their expenditures like rent, utility bills and renovations are no longer concerns. Consequently, students can set aside financial worries and focus solely on their studies and improve their performance. Nevertheless, staying with families also means that students have to face strict supervision and many bindings. Living in their parents' house, undergraduates will have to live by the rules that their parents set, which can be restricting and frustrating at times. On the other hand, living away from home for further education can be a lifetime experience for many students. In fact, living far away from home can teach students invaluable lessons that can assist them when joining the future workforce. When living alone, they will have to take care of themselves as well as learn to tolerate and overcome difficult times, which will not only help [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 21 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs harness their many skills but also provide them with a sense of freedom. However, living on their own means that students will have to shoulder a lot more duties and responsibilities without support from their families, ranging from securing their academic results to balancing their budgets. Constantly experiencing such unpleasant situations can put students under great pressure, which may result in stress-related illnesses. In conclusion, though staying with families can relieve students of financial problems, it can also deprive students of their freedom. In contrast, living in another accommodation, though provides salutary lessons, may cause much discouragement to undergraduates. Topic 2. Many teachers hold the view that international exchange programs would bring benefits to all teenage school students. In my opinion, although such programs can be disadvantageous to students to a certain extent, I believe that the advantages are still more significant. To begin with, the greatest difficulty for students when attending an exchange program is the financial burden on their families. More specifically, many parents whose income is at a low or average level may struggle to cover tuition fees and daily living expenses for their children, especially when students study in a developed country. To make matters worse, students who travel to another country through an educational exchange program would not receive the medical coverage like the local people. Therefore, if an exchange student happens to encounter a serious health problem during their stay, it will cost their family a fortune to cover the cost of healthcare services and medications in a foreign country. However, there are numerous benefits that can be gained from international student exchange programs. Firstly, studying abroad allows students to significantly improve their foreign language skills. In fact, when studying in a new country, students will have the perfect opportunity to engage in conversations with their classmates and teachers, in both academic and general contexts on a daily basis, which is the perfect condition for them to improve their language skills. Furthermore, studying in a developed country often gives students access to more modern and effective facilities and methods of learning. Finally, although studying abroad can be costly, all international students have equal opportunities to apply for scholarships and financial aid from the host country to ease such financial burdens. [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 22 π AVTC4_Unit 7_Paragraphs In conclusion, though financial problems may cause some difficulties for students and their families when participating in international exchange programs, the positive aspects that such programs bring to students are well worth the cost. Topic 3. While some people prefer to go straight to university after graduating from high school, others choose to take a gap year in order to travel or work. From my point of view, the advantages of taking some time off after leaving high school far outweigh any disadvantages that this trend may bring. On the one hand, pursuing tertiary education immediately after finishing high school does have some disadvantages. Firstly, some people know exactly what career path they wish to follow and are highly motivated to undertake the necessary steps needed to achieve their dreams. Taking a gap year could serve as a waste of time and money for such people and may even cause some young people to lose sight of their previous goals. Secondly, some young people may find earning money while working to be much more appealing than going back to study. This could detract them from wanting to pursue further education, which could have significant disadvantages in the long run. On the other hand, taking time off from studying to travel or work has countless benefits to young people. Although some high school graduates know exactly what they want to do in life, I believe that most young people have very little idea. This is largely due to the fact that kids these days live very sheltered lives and do not know much about how the 'real world' actually functions. Taking a gap year is going to allow them to get some real-life experience and broaden their horizons about their possible future career. Furthermore, kids these days are put through twelve years of schooling, which can be exhausting for many. Taking a break to travel or work will help to prepare them for further education. In conclusion, I believe that taking time off to travel or work before attending university would be highly beneficial to most young people today. (ZIM – IELTS Writing 2018 Review) [FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 23
