Band 9 Essays: Advantages & Disadvantages – Open Spaces

Some people believe that modern designs for schools and offices with more open spaces are necessary. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such spaces? Give your opinion.

GENERAL POINTS –

  1. You must address all parts of the question. In this example, this means writing about both sides (advantages and disadvantages) and using schools and offices as examples.
  2. Link paragraphs with appropriate transition vocabulary, such as “On the other hand”, “In addition” etc.
  3. Try to give each paragraph ONE clear main idea.
  4. Don’t forget to give YOUR opinion. You can give it in the introduction and restate in the conclusion OR just give it in the conclusion after discussing both sides.

open-space

Some people believe that modern designs for schools and offices with more open spaces are necessary. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such spaces? Give your opinion.

1. INTRODUCTION

2-3 sentences. Paraphrase the topic. Mention you will discuss the advantages AND disadvantages. Give your opinion [optional]

EXAMPLE – “It is considered by many that contemporary designs for educational and work spaces should focus on making these areas more open and spacious. While there are a range of advantages to creating more open spaces, they also have some drawbacks that must be noted.

TIP – The second sentence can be adapted to use for ANY advantages/disadvantages topic.

2. BODY

Try to mention TWO points for each side. You can use 2-4 paragraphs to do this. Normally, it’s easier to have ONE idea per paragraph. Keep a clear structure: (1) Main idea (linking?) (2) Explain (3) Example OR more explanation

EXAMPLE – “One of the biggest benefits of open spaces is that it creates a more natural environment (How?) Humans are social creatures, so being able to communicate directly with each other makes people happier than being in a small cubicle (include some topic vocabulary like “cubicle”). (More details – school) In a school situation, open spaces provide children with a place to build their social skills. In my country, students just sit in rows and learn information by heart (relevant idiom), which just makes them bored and does not help their social development (“social development” synonym for “build social skills“)

Moreover, working out in the open can make it easier to share ideas and learn new things. (how?) In an open work or study area it is easier to ask questions and get feedback on what you are doing than it is if you are stuck behind a desk in a closed off space.

TIP – If you can only think of one idea for one side, it’s okay. Try to provide as much explanation as you can. Try to think of a specific example.

“In contrast (linking), open spaces can cause some problems (synonym for “disadvantages”). A major one is excessive noise (good vocabulary). (How?) When a large number of people are sharing an office or classroom, the noise generated can make it difficult to concentrate. (Specific example for “difficult to concentrate”). If a student is trying to read a book or an employee is trying to make a business call, they will not be able to do it effectively (Try to give specific examples and ones that cover both parts of the question – work and school)

TIP – This essay is already over 200 words without a conclusion so no more ideas are needed for the body. The ideas mentioned are well-developed and supported with details and examples.

3. CONCLUSION

Restate the advantages and disadvantages. Use some synonyms for your main ideas. Clearly state YOUR opinion.

“Overall, more open spaces are advantageous for work and school because they create a positive environment. However, if these spaces are not controlled they can become too noisy and unsuitable for productive output (“output” for “study and work”)

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FULL ANSWER

It is considered by many that contemporary designs for educational and work spaces should focus on making these areas more open and spacious. While there are a range of advantages to creating more open spaces, they also have some drawbacks that must be noted.

One of the biggest benefits of open spaces is that it creates a more natural environment. Humans are social creatures, so being able to communicate directly with each other makes people happier than being in a small cubicle. In a school situation, open spaces provide children with a place to build their social skills. In my country, students just sit in rows and learn information by heart, which just makes them bored and does not help their social development.

Moreover, working out in the open can make it easier to share ideas and learn new things. In an open work or study area it is easier to ask questions and get feedback on what you are doing than it is if you are stuck behind a desk in a closed off space.

In contrast, open spaces can cause some problems. A major one is excessive noise. When a large number of people are sharing an office or classroom, the noise generated can make it difficult to concentrate. If a student is trying to read a book or an employee is trying to make a business call, they will not be able to do it effectively.

Overall, more open spaces are advantageous for work and school because they create a positive environment. However, if these spaces are not controlled they can become too noisy and unsuitable for productive output. (272 words)

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