Discussion essay
What is the main requirement of a discussion essay ?
discussing both views and giving your opinion
What is the typical structure of "adv and diasdv essay"?
Introduction
Body paragraph 1 - advantages
Body paragraph 2 – disadvantages
Conclusion
TRUE FALSE
Number of advantages and disadvantages can be not equal
FALSE
Number of adv and disadv must be equal
Children imitate their parents. Although, they also learn from teachers.
Mistake: "Although" cannot stand alone after a full stop; it must introduce a dependent clause.
Correct: Children imitate their parents, but they also learn from teachers.
(Alternative: Although children imitate their parents, they also learn from teachers.)
Social media effects children’s mental health.
Mistake: Confusing effect (noun) with affect (verb).
Correct: Social media affects children’s mental health.
Explanation: Affect = verb (to influence), effect = noun (a result).
Where should you introduce both sides of the argument in a discussion essay?
Introduction
What mistake do many candidates make when writing disadvantages?
"listing disadvantages without explaining their impact or consequences"
WHY the use of linking words like “also”, “so”, “but”, “and” at the beginning of a sentence = mistake.
informal style
Art helps children express emotions. In spite of, some schools cut art programs.
Mistake: "In spite of" must be followed by a noun phrase, not a comma.
Correct: Art helps children express emotions. Nevertheless, some schools cut art programs.
(Alternative: In spite of its benefits, some schools cut art programs.)
This problem is very actual in modern society.
Mistake: "Actual" (Russian "актуальный") ≠ "relevant/topical" in English.
Correct: This problem is very relevant in modern society.
Why: False cognates are a common trap for Russian speakers.
True or False
You must state your opinion in the third passage of a discussion essay.
"True" (you are expected to include your opinion on the topic)
True or False
You must always give your opinion in an advantages and disadvantages essay.
"False" (you are not expected to include opinion in this type of essay)
Can I use “Sum up” in conclusion?
No. Some experts consider it a mistake
Excessive screen time harms child development. Provided that, parents should limit it.
Mistake: "Provided that" means "only if" (for conditions), but here the meaning is causal.
Correct: Excessive screen time harms child development, so parents should limit it.
(Alternative: Parents should limit screen time provided that they want to protect their child’s development. – if a condition is intended.)
Art is a good way to develop creativity in kids.
Mistake: A good way is too informal for academic writing.
Correct: Art is an effective means of fostering creativity in children.
Explanation: Replace vague phrases (good way) with precise academic terms (effective means).
What is a common structure for a discussion essay?
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1: First View,
Body Paragraph 2: Second View,
Body Paragraph 3: Your Opinion,
Conclusion
What linking phrase can be used to introduce a disadvantage while maintaining a neutral tone?
"Nevertheless, one potential drawback is…" or "However, a downside to consider is…"
How to formulate the purpose of the essay? Where should I write it?
This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of...
This essay will discuss both these points of view and argue in favour of..
INTRODUCTION
Creative activities boost cognitive skills. Notwithstanding, many schools prioritize STEM over art.
Mistake: "Notwithstanding" is a preposition and should not be used like "however."
Correct: Creative activities boost cognitive skills. However, many schools prioritize STEM over art.
(Alternative: Notwithstanding the benefits of creative activities, many schools prioritize STEM over art.)
Explanation: "Notwithstanding" must precede a noun phrase (e.g., "the benefits"), not act as a standalone connector.
Despite technology has advanced, many children lack digital literacy.
Mistake: Despite must be followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause.
Correct: Despite advancements in technology, many children lack digital literacy.
(Alternative: Although technology has advanced, many children lack digital literacy.)
Explanation: Despite + noun (e.g., advancements), while although + clause.
Name one linking phrase used to introduce the opposing argument in a discussion essay.
"On the other hand" / "Conversely" / "However"
What is the typical structure of each PASSAGE (advantages/disadvantages)
statement - argument - example
What are the consequences of AI use?
Violation of HSE rules that brings 0 points.
Art education fosters creativity. As a matter of fact, it is often undervalued in curricula.
Mistake: "As a matter of fact" emphasizes agreement, but this sentence contrasts ideas.
Correct: Art education fosters creativity. Yet, it is often undervalued in curricula.
(Alternative: As a matter of fact, art education is crucial for creativity, yet it remains undervalued.)
Explanation: "As a matter of fact" reinforces a statement (like "indeed"), while "yet" introduces a contrast.
The question is how much important is this theory?
Correct: The question is how important this theory is.
Explanation: In indirect questions, use statement word order (no inversion).