Practice 10: Argument and Discussion
Fill the gaps in the following paragraph using language from the table above:
Every year millions of students choose to study in a foreign country. This can have considerable benefits, such as the chance to experience another culture, but also involves certain drawbacks, which may include feelings of isolation or homesickness. Another negative aspect may be the high cost, involving both fees and living expenses. However, most students appear to find that the pros outweigh the cons, and that the chance to join an international group of students is a major advantage in developing a career.
What are the advantages of each format (i.e. vertical and horizontal)?
Vertical is easier and it takes less time, it is easy to follow because the structure is very simple. The horizontal format seems more complete and it looks like you have taken more time to do research, it looks more scientific and it is more specific.
Discuss wether some employees should be permitted to work from home. Brainstorm the positive and negative aspects in the box below, and then write an outline using one of the structures (vertical or horizontal) above.
+
No time spent commuting to work. Saves money (gas money or bus fare). It's more comfortable. You can take a break when you want to. You have more free time.
-
You have to pay for electricity and the internet. You might have to use your own technological devices. You don't have a social life with people from work. People, such as your boss, can ignore you online. It might be more difficult to concentrate on work. Being inside all day can make you feel claustrophobic.
Outline. Vertical format:
- Advantages.
- Disadvantages.
- Discussion.
Counter-argument: it can be argued that home-working encourages time-wasting, / My position: nevertheless, it is also true that some people are very good at self-management.
Counter-argument: it is generally accepted that working from home might help you save money, / My position: but they forget that often the resources used are payed by the worker.
The table below shows the structure of the text, but the descriptors have been mixed up. Re-arrange them in the correct order.
- Claims for "digital natives".
- Arguments against.
- Writer's viewpoint.
Write two paragraphs on the topic: "Is the exploration of space worthwhile?" Use the ideas below and make your stance clear.
Many people believe that the huge amounts of money that are spent exploring space are being wasted and spent with littler result. They believe that those resources should be spent on urgent needs on earth, such as disease control, instead. According to Soroka (2000), National space programmes are not being used for good, instead, they are testing potential weapons, such as missiles.
Nevertheless, the evidence suggests that space engineering has produced many useful discoveries, for example, satellite communication. In order better our lives, scientist need to collect information to understand the universe. Donnet-Kammel (2005) believes that exploration promotes healthy co-operation between nations, such as the space station. While some people might think that exploring space is a waste of money, it is also true that the science needed to do it has helped humanity in lots of aspects.