The more you read, the more you learn.

The more you write, the more you

develop.

ADVANTAGE & DISADVANTAGE -TRANSITIONS

A… TO INTRODUCE OR LIST ADVANTAGES:

The main advantage of ….. The most important advantage of ….

One advantage of.. An additional advantage of…
One major advantage of…. It is often suggested that …
It is often believed that..., A further advantage of ….

Examples:

• One advantage to/of having parents arrange a marriage is financial security.

• One of the main advantages of using a computer is the fact that you can save time.
• One major advantage of living in a foreign country is that you have better economic conditions.

ADVANTANGES of USING CELL PHONES

The most important advantage of cell phones is that you can use them almost everywhere without cables
or electricity. By using mobile phones, you can communicate with everyone whenever you want and
wherever you are. Beside this, if there is an urgent situation, such as an accident or a meeting with
someone, you certainly need a mobile phone. Furthermore, you can access the internet by using a cell
phone. Recently, the most common way of communication in the world has been the SMS. Cell phones
include this system; in this way you can communicate with someone for cheaper than a normal call.

ADVANTANGES of USING CELL PHONES

The biggest advantage of using a cell phone is that you can reach people easily. Also, when somebody
wants to reach you, he can get in touch with you by touching a few buttons. In addition, you can carry a
cell phone easily. Furthermore, cell phones are not only used for communication, but they can also be
used for taking pictures, listening to music, playing games, getting onto the internet, and so on.

Practice: Now write your own paragraph using the introduced transition signals.
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B… TO INTRODUCE OR LIST DISADVANTAGES:

The main disadvantage of The most important drawback of...,

One disadvantage of..., One major disadvantage of…..
Another disadvantage of..., An additional disadvantage of...
Examples:

• One of the major / main disadvantages of using computers is that staring at a screen
for long periods of time can be harmful to the eyes

DISADVANTAGES of HAVING A CAR

There are certain disadvantages to having your own car. Firstly, you have to maintain and repair your
car regularly. Therefore, you need to spend a considerable amount of money to keep the car in good
condition. Moreover, driving can sometimes be extremely stressful. For example, being caught in a
traffic jam is not only irritating but also time-consuming. As a result, if you want to have a car, you
should consider all the disadvantages.

DISADVANTAGES of USING A COMPUTER

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 The main disadvantages of using a computer is that staring at a screen for long periods can be
harmful to the eyes. Secondly, sitting on a chair for hours at a time is certainly not healthy. Moreover,
computers draw one’s attention away from social interactions* such as conversation. In addition, people
who stay at home to use their computers can become anti-social. Finally, computers do many jobs and
people do the less. Therefore, plenty of people lose their jobs.

Practice: Now write your own paragraph in a similar way.

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C… TO LIST AND ADD POINTS:

In the first place, In addition (to this)

To start with, Moreover,
To begin with Furthermore,
Secondly, Besides
Thirdly, Finally,

Sample paragraphs:
TRAVELING BY A BOAT
1. Traveling by a boat is rather old-fashioned. However, it has certain advantages. To begin with,
boats are usually more comfortable than planes or cars. Instead of staying in your seat 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 costs less than a plane ticket. Finally, boats are a
safer alternative to cars and planes. There are fewer accidents at sea than in the air or on the roads.

TV VIOLENCE
2. Parents can protect children from too much TV violence in the following ways: First of all, they should
be careful about the programs their children are watching. For example, they can watch some of the
programs with them. Second, they can set limits on the amount of time their children spend in front of
the television. Moreover, sometimes characters in movies get hurt or killed. Parents should point out that
this does not always reflect reality. Furthermore, they should not let the children see violent shows, and
change the cannel or turn off the TV set when something unpleasant comes on. Finally, it is better to explain
what is wrong and what is right about the programs the children watch.

Practice: Now write your own paragraph.

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________________________________________________________________________________________________

D… TO ADD MORE POINTS TO THE SAME TOPIC:

What is more, Furthermore,

Also, In addition to this/that
Besides, Apart from this/that

ADVANTAGES of NUCLEAR POWER

The advantages of nuclear power are numerous. First of all, it is cheaper, richer than fossil fuels, and
easier to transport. Secondly, nuclear reactors need little fuel, and they only need refueling
approximately once every three years. In addition, nuclear power is environmentally a lot friendlier than
other alternative types of energy. It produces hardly any air pollution, and it releases less radiation into
the atmosphere than coal-burning power plants. Moreover, the risks of a meltdown or a radiation leak are

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 extremely small. Furthermore, it is a lot safer than most people think. There are many safety features
which make nuclear power one of the safest electricity sources. (Bilal Chukuyev 2003 C-4)

E… TO MAKE CONTRASTING POINTS

On the other hand However

In spite of While
Nevertheless Despite
Even though Although,
In spite of (the fact that), Despite the fact that

Examples:

• Despite big crowds, it is still possible to feel very lonely in a city.

• Kelly loves her husband in spite of the fact that he has some bad habits.
• Even though he's 24 now, he still behaves like a little child.
• Wagner was a Nazi supporter. Nevertheless, he is still an important figure in the history of music.
• Despite the fact that there was almost no hope of finding the missing boy, the search party still went on
the search.
• She went to Spain despite the fact that her doctor had told her to rest at home.
• He refused to help me, despite the fact that I had always helped him whenever needed.

ADVANTANGES of USING CELL PHONES

On the other hand, using a cell phone has some disadvantages. For example, it is a very expensive way of
communication. Moreover, radiation from cell phones is not good for humans’ health. It especially has
bad effects on children and old people. Furthermore, if you have a full system working car, your ABS
system or some electrical equipment in your car can be blocked by cell phone signals.
Practice: Now write own your paragraph.
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F... TO INTRODUCE EXAMPLES

For example For instance Like

Especially Such as In particular
Particularly
Examples:
• Families, especially those with young children, benefit from the programs offered by the local
authorities.
• Pollution has become an unavoidable result of industrial development, particularly in big cities. This
produces some harmful effects, especially to the young and the old.
• Electromagnetic waves cause important health problems like cancer.
• Mary loves most classical music, but Bach and Vivaldi in particular are her favorites.
• We need to rethink the way we consume energy. Take, for instance, our approach to transport.

G… TO INTRODUCE CONCLUSION

To sum up, All in all,

All things considered, In conclusion,
On the whole, Taking everything into account,
As was previously stated, Finally,
Lastly,

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 Sample paragraphs:

1. To sum up, cell phones not only have advantages, but they also have disadvantages. Mobile phones make
our life easier, but on the other hand, they may cause some serious health problems.
2. In conclusion, at the beginning, marriage can be very wonderful, but later on many things may proceed
badly. I believe that if a man wants to marry a woman, he, first of all, should have a good job, a house, and an
adequate income. Then he can marry the girl he loves because he has prepared well enough for the marriage.

H… EXPRESSIONS FOR GIVING OPINIONS

I believe/think/feel (that)... My opinion is that...

I strongly believe... As far as I am concerned,...
In my opinion/view,... I (completely) agree that/with...
The way I see it,... I (strongly) disagree that/with...
It seems/appears to me (that)... I am totally against...
To my mind,... I couldn't agree more that/with...
I (do not) agree that/with ... Overall,
Sample:
All things considered, despite some disadvantages of traveling by boat, I strongly believe
it can be a very enjoyable experience. Journeys may take longer, but if you have time to spare, you
can take advantage of the many facilities that boats offer, and enjoy a pleasant tour.

PRACTICE H/1 Use the word groups below to write sentences, as in the example.

Sample: we / help / elderly …………. their lives be easier

e.g I strongly believe that we should help the elderly. When/if we do this, their lives will be easier.

1. all students / learn / foreign language ………… have better career opportunities
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3. people / give up smoking …………… have fewer health problems
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4. teenagers / get / part-time jobs …………. learn to be more responsible
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PRACTICE H/2 Use the word groups below to write sentences, as in the example.

Use appropriate expressions to expand the prompts below to make sentences expressing an opinion, as in the
example.
Sample:
in order to / protect / environment / people / stop use / plastic bags

It seems to me that in order to protect the environment, people should stop using plastic bags.

1. in order to reduce / pollution / government / ban the trucks / enter / city centre
_________________________________________________________________________________________
2. organic vegetables / be / much / healthy / than / vegetables / grown with chemical fertilizer.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Summary:
PRACTICE 1 : Classify the following linking words / phrases according to list below.

in the first place firstly such as in other words

also although therefore in particular
for example to begin with on the other hand for instance
to sum up all things however in addition
moreover considered apart from this because
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 while furthermore since secondly
taking everything for one thing lastly
into account

1. To List Points: in the first place, _________________________________

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________

2. To add more points: _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

3. To introduce opposing viewpoints

_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

4. To introduce examples / reasons

_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
5. To conclude
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

PRACTICE 2: Fill in the blanks with the given words.

First of all - Firstly

In addition - Moreover - Furthermore
So- As a result – Therefore
However – On the other hand – In contrast
In conclusion – To sum up – On the whole – Overall

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN THE COUNTRY.

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 Living in the country is often the secret dream of certain city-dwellers. ……………(1), in reality it
has both its advantages and disadvantages.

There are many advantages to living in the country. ……………….(2), you are much closer to
nature and can enjoy more peace and quiet. …………(3), life in the country is much slower and people
tend to be more open and friendly. A further advantage is that there is much less traffic, and as a
result it is much safer place to bring up young children.

……………….(4), there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. ……………….(5), because
there are fewer people, one has a smaller number of friends. ……………….(6) entertainment,
particularly in the evening, is difficult to find. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and
services often means that there are fewer employment opportunities. ……………….(7), one may have to
travel long distances to work elsewhere, and this can be extremely expensive.

……………….(8), it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some than others.
……………….(9), it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children,
……………….(10), young, single people who are following a career and who want some excitement are
better provided for by life in the city. (Success at First Certificate-Robert O’Neill)

Country: countryside, countryside; land not in towns, cities or industrial areas which is either used for
farming or left in its natural condition
Related words
Dweller: resident, citizen
Drawback: disadvantage

PRACTICE 2: Read the paragraph below and underline the correct linking word/ phrase.

.
There are many advantages to having children at an early age. 1) To begin with/In addition to this, when
you are young, you have a lot of energy. This means you can cope quite easily with children's demands.
You can constantly care for them and give them your attention. 2) To conclude/Secondly, young parents
can relate to their children and 3) therefore/nevertheless understand them better. 4) Yet/Finally, when
you become a parent at an early age, you are still young enough to enjoy life when your child becomes
independent.

PRACTICE –4: Replace the words underlined with the one of the following. Some may have
more than one alternative.

In spite of pros and cons

Another point is that one advantage is that
All things consider for instance
To sum up In my opinion
Moreover especially
On disadvantage is that finally
On the other hand additionally
In addition lastly

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 However
LIVING in the CITY
Living in a big or small city is usually a hidden dream of certain village-dwellers. 1.
Nevertheless, it has both its 2. advantages and disadvantages /___________.

3.On the plus side/___________, it is often easier to find work, and there is usually a
choice of public transport, so you do not need to own a car. 4. Also______________, there are a
lot of interesting things to do and places to see. 5.For example, /___________ you can eat in a
good restaurant, visit museums, and go to the theatres and to concerts. 6. What is
more/___________, when you want relax, you can usually find a park where you can feed the
ducks or just sit on a park bench and read a book. 7. All in all/___________, city life is full of
bustle (hurry, haste) and variety and you need never feel bored.

8. However/___________, for every ever plus there is a minus. 9.For one

thing/___________, you might have a job, but unless it is very well paid, you will not be able to
afford many of the things that there are to do, because living in a city is often very expensive. It is
particularly difficult to find food and cheap accommodation. 10. What is more, /___________
public transport is sometimes crowded and dirty, 11. particularly/___________ in the rush hour,
and even the parks can become very crowded, especially on Sundays when it seems that every
city-dweller is looking for some open space and green grass. 12. Last of all, despite all the crowds,
it is still possible to feel very lonely in a city.

13. In conclusion/___________, I think that city life can be particularly appealing to (attract,
interest) young people, who like the excitement of the city and do not mind the noise and pollution.
However, many people, when they get older, and particularly when they have young children,
often prefer the peace and fresh air of the countryside. (Success at First Certificate-Robert O’Neill)

ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES

WRITING TOPICS

1. learning a foreign language

2. using mobile phones
3. tourism
4. being wealthy
5. being single
6. computers in the workplace
7. being a famous person
8. getting married
9. technology
10. owning a car
11. living in a big city

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12. credit cards
13. attending summer courses.
14. custom union
15. having a job while attending college
16. shopping by TV.
17. having a boyfriend or girlfriend.
18. using nuclear energy.
19. benefits of being young
20. benefits of watching TV

Sources:
1. Cambridge International Dictionary of English (CD)
2. Longman Dictionary Contemporary English (CD)
3. Success at First Certificate-Robert O’Neill
4. Virginia Evans Books – Express Publishing
a. Successful Writing Intermediate Page: 83
5. 2003 Academic Term C-4 Students Homework
6. http://slimak.sciaga.pl/prace/praca/15587.htm
7. Fatih Universitesi Prep School .. Exam Questions

to me, marriage is a very sacred thing. it should not be taken lightly. we should wait until the
right time comes. right time means you are emotionally and financially ready. when young people
rush to get married they have no idea how big is the responsibility. marriage is for keeps and there is
no turning back.

sometimes though, marriage don't work you have no choice but to get a divorce. in the philippines,
where divorce is not legalize it is abosolutely hard for young married couple to start a new life. they
are attached to their partner for life even if they can't get along.

some people remain single because they are not emotionally and financially ready. they'd rather stay
single than having a partner for life and children they cannot support. some wants to get married
because they are tired of being single and want a companion. some get married for a wrong reason.
some get married because they found the right one. for whatever reason you have i hope it is good
one.

Beingmarried come s　with great responsibility. Your freedom is curtailed and your
plans no longer focus on your own but includes your family. In this, many men and women finds
fulfillment. Being married :lighter side

you have someone to walk with you;strolling in the park, go shopping

talk to when you are down,listen to your complaints
go to movies with,
clip your bracelet and your necklace when you go to functions,
pull your chair when in public(morag wala na ni ron)
you have somewhere to put your head when you watch tv( and this is usually his/her shoulders ot

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lap) ,
a face to see when you wake up in the morning
a voice to hear when you call home
someone to hug and kiss who would respond
A love one to make love with
Someone to grow old together, plan for future together
Someone who would laugh at your old jokes

Thats for the couple...

When you have kids,
Sacrifice your times for the kids, tutor them, wake up in the middle of the night to make their milk
train them,attend to their needs, PTAs, plan for vacations,
plan for birthdays with their friends
ensure that they have balanced diets, take care when they are sick
listen to their complaints and school stories

advantages of being single:

You are a free agent.......

You can pursue your career to the fullest
you can travel and go anywhere you want
You have no kids to feed at home that will prompt
you to cut your outing short
You have no jealous husband to worry about
You don't have to thinkof your husband dating his
secrtary or colleague
You don't have any sick children to worry about
You don't have to worry about children lagging
behind at school
Don't have to worry about children taking drugs
Don't have to worry about daughters getting
pregnant before marriage
You can do volunteer jobs without sacrificing the
needs of the family
You have the better chance to help other less
privilege children
You can go back to school and pursue another
degree
You have less financial problem.....
So you can buy jewelries, designer shoes and bags
and clothes,
Wine and dine in style
Go to beauty salon without feeling guilty of the
price of the facials
You have no curfew.........

ida Posted: Mon Aug 30,

2004 6:47 pm Post
subject:
Joined: 11 PS..... get your own
Feb 2004 apartment without having to
Posts: 714
worry about
family food, family
budget,family laundry....
you can sleep longer on your
off days........

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 Single blessedness.........

Growing old, there are many

homes and having children
will NOT guarantee that they
will take care of you when
you are old.

Wow! This is an interesting question.

Advantages: you'll grow faster, you'll meet very interesting people, you'll be economically independet, you'll choose the right guy

when appears, you'll be an example to many other girls, you'll manage your time, you'll get enough sex, you'll travel a lot.

Disadvantages: you may not have kids, you may not fit in some social reunions, you may have to spend many nights alone, you

may not have your husband take your breakfast to bed, you may not talk about that romantic film you just saw, you may not be

attended like a Queen at home, you may not find anyone to give your love and passion to.

But it all depends on what you want.

For the residents of Bowling Green, single life has its benefits and its problems. There are many advantages to
being a Bowling Green single, and many people who are in committed romantic relationships long for the freedom
that single Bowling Green women and men take for granted. There are, of course, many things that make life as a
Bowling Green single very difficult, and many single people in this Kentucky town wish that they had the sometimes
enviable lifestyle that people in couples enjoy. It can be difficult to tell if it is easier to be a Bowling Green single or
to be part of a Bowling Green couple.

One thing that makes being a Bowling Green single great is the fact that as a single person you are the master of
your own time. You do not have to engage in the kind of careful negotiation that couples need to work through when
they are making plans. As a single person, it is perfectly easy to spend a day hanging around the house without
worrying about meeting a partner at a specific place, and it is equally easy to head out of town on a spontaneous
trip. Life in Bowling Green, Kentucky is as exciting as you make it, and many single people find that they have an
easier time making their lives interesting and varied than they would have if they were linked with a partner and
needed to consider their partner's needs and desires all of the time. Being single means that you have a certain
level of freedom that even people who are part of the most secure and ideal couples do not enjoy.

However, the freedom that Bowling Green women and men who are single enjoy comes at somewhat of a cost.
There are many aspects of being in a relationship that provide other kinds of safety and freedom that are difficult if
not impossible to achieve outside of a committed romantic couple. For example, many single people worry that they
will never meet a love match in Bowling Green, or anywhere else in Kentucky. Many single people are afraid that
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they will spend their entire lives alone and will never find a partner with whom they are emotionally and sexually
compatible. This can be a very frightening prospect to face, and a lot of single people find themselves in this
potentially scary position. People who are part of Bowling Green relationships do not have to worry about this
aspect of life.

Once a Bowling Green single has met their ideal match, they are set for the rest of their lives together and never
need to feel lonely again. This can inspire people to have more self-confidence and higher self-esteem than they
would have if they did not have the daily emotional, and sometimes financial, support of their mate. Often, people
really begin to blossom once they meet their long-term romantic partner. Although being single in Bowling Green,
Kentucky has a lot of advantages, most people feel that the security and stability of being in a committed romantic
partnership more than makes up for the loss of freedom that sometimes comes with settling down with a mate or
spouse. However, not everybody agrees, and some people decide to remain single for the duration of their lives in
order to avoid compromising their freedom.

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