TOEFL WRITING TASK 2 (ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES) Body paragraph 2

In the previous post, you learned how to write Body paragraph 1 (advantages). In this post, we will look at how to write for body paragraph 2, where we will discuss the disadvantages.

The question:

Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Main topic for body paragraph 2:

The main ideas that we will discuss in body paragraph 2 (as mentioned in the introduction) will be:

Distracting the child from their studies

Pushing the boundaries of commitment and perseverance.

These are also the same ideas that some of you suggested on my Facebook page (leilaswritinglab), which is why I included them in the introduction and hence, body paragraph 2, thank you!

Synonyms for 'disadvantage':

Also on my Facebook page (leilaswritinglab) some of you provided me with synonyms for the word 'disadvantage'. I will be using a selection of these words, which were:

drawback

criticism

argument against

downside

Structure of body paragraph 2 in an advantage & disadvantage essay:

1. Write a disadvantage

2. Explain and give reasons

3. Give examples (if there is more than one point, steps 1 - 3 will be repeated)

4. Write a concluding sentence for the paragraph

We will be using Transition words / linkers to inform our examiner / reader of our intention in our writing. We will also be using appropriate phrasal verbs and idioms to illustrate our range of vocabulary. See the notes below for further clarification of the underlined words.

Body paragraph 2:

On the other hand, allocating too long a time to playing sports can also have harmful affects. (singling to the examiner / reader that this will be the paragraph about disadvantages)

Rather than focusing attention on their studies and school assignments, these youngsters instead devote a significant amount of their valuable time to playing sports. (disadvantageous point)

This is possibly due to the immensely competitive nature of the world of sports. (reason)

In other words, their marks and grades at school might suffer, influencing the possible opportunities of developing vital information needed at this stage in their lives. (example)

A further drawback to going too far in playing sports is that a significant amount of strain i.e. over commitment may be put on other family members in order to facilitate the child's achievement. (another disadvantageous point)

Evidently, something will have to give in order for the child to maintain maximum participation in the sports program and illustrate true perseverance. (reason / explanation)

As an example, regardless of family celebrations, custom traditions or possible weather related factors, a responsible adult will have to ensure that the child is present and ready to take part in all segments of the lesson at all times. (example)

Thus, one can appreciate the abovementioned barriers that might negatively impact a child's life and therefore future. (concluding sentence)

Notes:

Allocating too long a time: allocating / spending too much time (allocating to, spending on)

Rather than + gerund, instead + simple tense

Go too far = go overboard / do too much of something (bad thing)

Strain = pressure

Something will have to give / something has got to give = there has to be a compromise for this to work / something will have to change.

Regardless + of + noun

or

Regardless + of + gerund

Therefore, this is body paragraph 2 for this TOEFL writing task 2. I hope you find it useful. The next post will be the Conclusion for this question.

Please feel free to visit my Facebook page @leilaswritinglab if you have any questions or comments.

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