Introduction:
There are two types of Advantage/Disadvantage questions. Getting them confused is a major error. This guide will clarify the difference and provide a strategy for each.
Question Type 1: Discuss Both
Prompt:…Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Your Job: Present both sides equally. You do not need to give an opinion.
Question Type 2: Outweigh
Prompt:…Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Your Job: You MUST state which side is stronger and justify that opinion throughout your essay.
Example Question (Outweigh):
Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Full Band 9 Model Answer:
(Paraphrase) The optimal age for introducing a foreign language into a child’s curriculum is a topic of debate. (Thesis) While there are some drawbacks to early language learning, I am convinced that the benefits significantly outweigh them.
(Advantages – Topic Sentence) The primary advantages are linked to cognitive development and cultural awareness. Young children are linguistically adept, often absorbing new languages with a natural accent and intuitive grasp of grammar that is harder to achieve later in life. Furthermore, learning a language opens a window to another culture, fostering tolerance and a global mindset from an early age. For example, a child learning French might also learn about French food, traditions, and history, making them a more well-rounded individual.
(Disadvantages – Topic Sentence) On the other hand, critics argue that early language instruction could overwhelm pupils and crowd out core subjects. The primary school curriculum is already packed with fundamental skills like literacy and numeracy. Adding complex foreign grammar could lead to confusion, especially if it interferes with first language acquisition, and could come at the expense of more crucial lessons.
(Why advantages are stronger) However, these potential issues can be mitigated through well-designed programmes that focus on fun, interactive learning through games and songs rather than rigorous grammar drills. The cognitive benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills and enhanced memory, provided by early language learning actually support overall academic achievement, including in core subjects.
(In conclusion – restate opinion) In conclusion, although there are legitimate concerns about the workload on young children, the long-term linguistic and cognitive advantages of learning a foreign language at primary school are far more substantial.
Vocabulary for This Topic:
- Cognitive development: (Phrase) The development of thinking skills.
- Linguistically adept: (Phrase) Skilled with languages.
- Fostering tolerance: (Phrase) Encouraging acceptance.
- A global mindset: (Phrase) An understanding of the world.
- Crowd out: (Phrasal verb) To displace something else.
- Mitigated: (Verb) Reduced in severity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not Answering the ‘Outweigh’ Question: If the question asks “outweigh,” you must state your opinion. Not doing so will limit your score.
- Unbalanced Paragraphs: For an “outweigh” essay, spend more time on the side you favour. For a “discuss” essay, make the paragraphs roughly equal.
- Listing Points: Don’t just list advantages and disadvantages. Explain them and provide an example.