Technology on the move

Writing task: Give advantages and disadvantages

An online technology website has asked readers to write a short article giving the Useful language
advantages and disadvantages of being connected to the internet all the time. Useful phrases
Think about the way it affects work, communication, relationships, and finding To introduce arguments for
information. • To start / begin with,
• Firstly, / Secondly, /
Use the Useful language and the notes you made in the Engage task to help you Thirdly, / First of all, /
prepare. Write 200–250 words. Finally, / Lastly,
To introduce arguments
against
Here at Technoblog we want to hear your thoughts on using the
• On the other hand, /
internet when you’re out and about. Do you think it’s a good idea to be Alternatively, / however /
connected all the time? Or are there occasions when it’s better not to although
be online? Tell us what you think in a short article. We’ll post the most To give more information
interesting ones on our website. • Moreover, / Furthermore,
/ What’s more, / In
Tip  An article has a neutral style so you shouldn’t use particularly formal or informal addition,
language. Use contractions and try to link your ideas effectively within the paragraphs To give reasons
and between the paragraphs. • That’s why / For this
reason / Because of this
Follow this structure:
To come to a conclusion
• Paragraph 1: Give a short introduction to the topic.
• To sum up, / On balance,
• Paragraph 2: Give three advantages of being connected all the time. / On the whole, / All in
• Paragraph 3: Give three disadvantages of being connected all the time. all, / To conclude,
• Paragraph 4: Give a short conclusion explaining your opinion. To express opinions
Check it!  Read the article and check it’s organized clearly and makes sense. Then • I think / I believe / In my
read it again and check for grammar, vocabulary and spelling errors. opinion, / As far as I’m
concerned,

Useful vocabulary
• work from home
• work irregular hours
• antisocial
• rude
• social networking sites
• online chat rooms
• online friends
• ignore someone
• look something up on
the internet

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Skills Program