HOW TO WRITE ABOUT ADVANTAGES

AND DISADVANTAGES.
 What is an advantages and disadvantages
paragraph?

It is a type of text in wich you discuss the for and against

of a specific topic.
 The purpose of an essay on advantages and disadvantages of a
particular thing is not to persuade the reader but to provide
information about something. An essay on advantages and
disadvantages should be well organized and properly structured to
avoid confusing the reader.
 Instructions
(Steps)

1. Choose The Right Topic

In choosing a topic, try to select one that you
are familiar with. This makes identifying both
the advantages and disadvantages easier.
Your topic can vary from the advantages and
disadvantages of using the internet, watching
the TV, riding the bike or using transportation
etc.
 3. Research

Doing research will help you identify strong points

for each side. Use as many resources as you have at
your disposal to collect the points. Do not miss out
on the most obvious and most presented points.
 2. Make a List
Once you have chosen the desired topic
now make a list of the pros and cons of
the topic. Arrange them in a logical and
sequential manner so that it becomes
easier for you when you begin to write
an essay.
 START WRITING!!!
An advantages and disadvantages essay should
consist of:
an introduction, a main body and a conclusion.
 Introduction
In which you present the topic, making a general remark
about it without giving your opinion. Initiate the writing
process by writing an appealing introduction exploring the
advantages and disadvantages of the chosen topic.
 Main body
In which you present the points for and the points against, in
separate paragraphs, supporting your arguments with
justifications/examples. Write down two paragraphs for both
the advantages and disadvantages. Keep both of them
grouped together.
 Conclusion
At the conclusion, the writer can provide their own opinion or
not. If you choose to state your opinion you can use “In my
opinion/view”, “ I believe/think”, etc. If you do not choose to
give your opinion simply restate in summary the main
advantage and disadvantage of the topic being detailed. The
reader should have formed their own opinion after having
read all the pertinent facts provided in the main body of the
essay.
 TIPS

• You must not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in

the introduction or the main body. They can only be used in
the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the
topic.
• To attract the reader’s interest and make the beginning or
ending of your essay more effective, you can use some of
the following writing techniques:

• A) address the reader directly e.g. If you take the time to

train your dog, it will learn to obey you.

• B) include a quotation (i.e. a sentence or phase taken from

a book, play, etc.) When we use a quotation, it is necessary
to mention the name of the person who said/wrote it. E.g.
As George Orwell wrote, “All animals are equal, but some are
more equal than others.”

• C) include a rhetorical question e.g. Is it true that dog in

man’s best friend?
 Useful expressions and linking words/phrases

To list and add points: In the first place, To start/begin with, Secondly,
Thirdly, Finally, In addition (to this), Furthermore, Moreover, Besides,
etc.

To introduce or list advantages: The main/first/most important

advantage of…, One/Another/An additional advantage of…, It is often
suggested/believed/argued that…, Some/Many people suggest/ feel
argue that…, Some/Many people are in favour of/ are convinced
that…etc.

To introduce or list disadvantages: The main/most important

disadvantage/drawback of…, One/Another/An additional
disadvantage of…, One point/ argument against…, Some/ Many
people are against…, etc.
 To introduce examples/ reasons/ results: for example/ instance, such as,
like, in particular, therefore, for this reason, because, as, since, as a result,
etc.

To Show contrast: On the other hand, However, still, but, Nonetheless,

Nevertheless, Although, Even though, Despite/ in spite of (the fact that),
etc.

To introduce a conclusion : In conclusion, To conclude/ sum up, All in all,

Finally, Lastly, All things considered, Taking everything into account/
consideration, etc.
• “For and against” essays are normally written in a
formal style; therefore you should avoid using
strong language (I know, I am sure, etc.), short
sentences; colloquial expressions or idioms.

• In the next slide you can see an example of an

advantages and disadvantages essay.
 Boats
Did you know the boat was one of the first forms of transport? A hundred years ago, the only way to
make a journey across the sea was by boat. Nowadays, however, when it is possible to fly from one
continent to another in the space of a few hours, is there any reason to travel by boat?
Although the boat is rather old-fashioned way of travelling, it has certain advantages. To begin with,
boats are usually more comfortable than planes or cars. Instead of staying in your seat for the whole
journey, you can go for a walk on the deck, eat in a restaurant, or even go shopping. Having more space
to move around makes a long journey much more pleasant. Furthermore, boats are often cheaper than
other forms of travel. For example, a boat ticket usually cost less than a plane ticket. Finally, boats are
safe alternative to cars and planes. There are fewer accidents at sea than in the air or on the roads.
However, travelling by boats does have its disadvantages. It usually takes much longer than other forms
of travel. As a result, it can be more tiring. In addition, boat trips can be very unpleasant when the
weather is bad or the sea is rough, making journeys uncomfortable or even frightening.
All things considered, although there are some disadvantages to travelling by boat, I believe it is a very
enjoyable experience. Journeys may take longer, but if you have time to spare, you can take advantage
of the many facilities which boats have to offer and enjoy a pleasant voyage.
 Bibliography
O'Neil, R, Duckworth, M & Gude, K (1990). Success at first certificate.

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