Joy English · Nivel B2 · Ensayosjoy-english.com

Un ensayo de pros y contras

Nombre:Fecha:

Escribe un ensayo equilibrado que presente los argumentos de ambas partes de un tema antes de llegar a tu propia conclusión.

Should homework be banned in primary schools?

Homework has long been a standard part of school life, yet an increasing number of parents and teachers are questioning its value for younger children. There are strong arguments on both sides of this debate.

On the one hand, banning homework could have several benefits. Young children who spend six hours a day in the classroom need time to play, rest and develop interests outside school. Moreover, homework can create tension at home, particularly when parents are too busy or lack the knowledge to help. Some researchers also suggest that, at this age, homework has little measurable effect on achievement.

On the other hand, regular homework can teach children valuable habits such as organisation and independent study. In addition, short tasks like reading with a parent help families stay informed about what their children are learning. Critics of a ban argue that abolishing homework entirely might make the transition to secondary school, where workloads are heavier, more difficult.

In conclusion, while excessive homework is clearly unhelpful for young learners, a complete ban may go too far. In my view, a limited amount of enjoyable, practical homework offers the best balance.

Contraste y equilibrio

Elige la mejor palabra, frase u oración.

___ the high cost, many families choose to send their children to summer camps.
- a) Although
- b) Despite
- c) However
___ online learning is flexible, some students find it hard to stay motivated.
- a) Despite
- b) In spite
- c) Although
Electric cars produce less pollution in cities. ___, they are still too expensive for many drivers.
- a) On the other hand
- b) Despite
- c) Whereas
Some people prefer to work alone, ___ others are more productive in a team.
- a) despite
- b) whereas
- c) moreover
___, the advantages of a four-day school week outweigh the disadvantages.
- a) On balance
- b) On the one hand
- c) Despite
Which sentence is the most suitable for the main body of a for-and-against essay?
- a) I totally hate this idea!
- b) It is often argued that tourism can damage local traditions.
- c) Everybody knows tourism is terrible.
A major ___ of working from home is the lack of contact with colleagues.
- a) drawback
- b) benefit
- c) advantage

Planifica el ensayo

Lee cada frase de un ensayo titulado 'Should schools replace printed textbooks with tablets?'. Elige la parte del ensayo a la que pertenece.

Many schools are deciding whether to replace printed textbooks with tablets, and opinions are divided.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Critics claim that looking at screens for hours can cause tiredness and headaches.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Supporters argue that tablets can hold hundreds of books, so students carry less weight.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
A major drawback is that tablets are expensive to buy and repair.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Furthermore, digital textbooks can be updated instantly when information changes.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
On balance, a mix of printed books and digital resources seems the most sensible approach.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion

Tarea de escritura

Tu profesor te ha pedido que escribas un ensayo de pros y contras con este título: 'Should teenagers have a part-time job while they are still at school?' Presenta los argumentos de ambas partes y da tu propia opinión en la conclusión.

180–260 palabras

Revisa tu texto

Mi introducción presenta el tema de forma neutral.
Escribí un párrafo con los argumentos a favor y otro con los argumentos en contra.
Cada argumento está apoyado por una explicación o un ejemplo.
Usé palabras de enlace como On the one hand, Moreover y On the other hand.
Usé un estilo formal e impersonal en los párrafos principales.
Di mi propia opinión solo en la conclusión.

Respuestas

Contraste y equilibrio

b) DespiteDespite va seguido de un sintagma nominal (the high cost). Although necesita una oración completa con verbo.
c) AlthoughAlthough va seguido de una oración con sujeto y verbo: online learning is flexible.
a) On the other handOn the other hand empieza una frase nueva e introduce la parte contraria.
b) whereasWhereas une dos hechos contrarios en una frase.
a) On balanceOn balance introduce un juicio final después de considerar ambas partes.
b) It is often argued that tourism can damage local traditions.It is often argued that ... es impersonal y equilibrado. Las otras frases son emocionales o exageradas.
a) drawbackA lack of contact es un punto negativo, así que drawback (una desventaja) es correcto.

Planifica el ensayo

a) IntroductionPresenta el tema de forma neutral y dice que las opiniones están divididas, así que pertenece a la introducción.
c) Arguments againstCritics claim introduce un argumento en contra del uso de tabletas.
b) Arguments forSupporters argue introduce un argumento a favor de las tabletas.
c) Arguments againstA major drawback introduce una desventaja.
b) Arguments forFurthermore añade otra ventaja de los libros de texto digitales.
d) ConclusionOn balance introduce el juicio final del autor después de sopesar ambas partes.

Respuesta modelo

In many countries, it is common for teenagers to combine their studies with a part-time job, for example in a shop or a café. However, opinions differ as to whether this is a good idea.

On the one hand, a part-time job can teach young people important lessons that school cannot. They learn to manage their time, deal with customers and take responsibility for their own money. Moreover, earning a wage can increase their independence and help them understand the value of hard work. Work experience may also make their CVs more attractive to future employers.

On the other hand, there are serious concerns about the effect on education. Students who work long hours in the evenings or at weekends may have less time for homework and revision, and their results could suffer as a consequence. In addition, tiredness can affect their health and leave little time for friends, sport or hobbies.

In conclusion, a part-time job clearly has both benefits and risks. On balance, I believe it can be a positive experience, provided that teenagers work only a few hours a week and their studies remain the priority.