Structuring Discursive Writing - Answers
1A
The care of old people is an issue all over the world as it is no longer clear who has the responsibility for looking after old people. There are two main choices: the government or the family.
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2A
If the government pays for the care of old people this usually means that the old people go into old people’s homes. In these all people are given equal and high quality care. Countries such as Sweden operate this system very efficiently.
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2B
The problem is that this solution is very expensive. The money comes from tax and many countries simply can’t afford it. It also often means that old people go into homes where they know no one and have nothing to do.
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2C
The alternative is for families to support their elderly relatives. In theory this provides loving care and means the old person can be an active member of the family.
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2D
In practice, it often does not work out, as families don’t have enough money, and so, much bitterness is created, and the old people are neglected. I can see this happening all around me in my country where there is no government support for old people.
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3
It is clear that neither of these solutions is good. Therefore, it seems to me that a mixture of the two is the best solution. The government should provide money to families to look after their elderly relatives. But I also think that old people should save up money during their working lives to look after themselves in old age. |
Structures for second topic:
Some people believe that children’s leisure activities must be educational, otherwise they are a complete waste of time.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
1. Introduction
General statement about the topic
2. Body
A. |
First argument agreeing with topic (+ supporting evidence)
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B. |
First argument disagreeing with topic and refuting 2A
(+ supporting evidence)
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C. |
Second argument agreeing with topic (+ supporting evidence)
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D. |
Second argument disagreeing with topic and refuting 2C (+ supporting evidence)
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E. |
Etc. with further arguments |
3. Conclusion giving writer’s final opinion based on above arguments
NB |
There may be fewer arguments in favour than against or vice versa. This does not matter. The number of arguments on both sides does not need to be equally balanced. |
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Another possible structure for this kind of essay would be:
1. Introduction
General statement about the topic
2. Body
A. |
First argument agreeing with topic (+ supporting evidence)
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B. |
Second argument agreeing with topic (+ supporting evidence) |
C. |
Third argument agreeing with topic (+ supporting evidence) |
D. |
Etc. for further arguments in agreement |
E. |
First argument disagreeing with topic (+ supporting evidence) |
F. |
Second argument disagreeing with topic (+ supporting evidence) |
E. |
Etc. with further arguments in disagreement |
3. Conclusion giving writer’s final opinion based on above arguments
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