discursive writing - term 3 - computers are a blessing in disguise what are your views

II.

Identifying the various viewpoints 

Read the discursive essay below



Complete the Discussion Web 

Date : HW on 2 July 2014

List down the evidences to support a “yes” position and a “no” position

 Come

up with the conclusion

computers in the present world is a blessing in disguise.” What do you think? “The existence of

I n t r o d u c t i o n : 

The computer is a ubiquitous feature of modern life. Whether it is at a  Acknowledging  Acknowledging restaurant paying the bill or going to the Automated Teller Machine to a balanc ed withdraw money, we see the presence of computers. Yet there are many who d i s c u s s i o n o f warn that our increasing dependence on it bodes ill for the world. On the given topic. other hand, hand, the benefits of the computer cannot be disputed. Firstly, Firstly, the computer is useful because useful because it offers us a window to the world. world. Unlike the TV that merely offers passive programmes, the computer allows authentic communication with people around the world. The internet chat lines offer us the experiences and lives of so many people of different ages, nationalities and occupations. We make friends through this service, which is more immediate and cheaper than any other forms of communication.

Para 2:   1 A d v a n t a g e 1

Also/ Next, Next, the computer is a real blessing  blessing  when it comes to the storage and retrieval of information. information. Gone are the days when records had to be retrieved from dusty storerooms and moth-bitten files. Instead, the computer stores so much information and is so user-friendly that space and time are saved. Thus, we have at our fingertips a wealth of information, the latter being of great importance in today’s knowledge explosion.

Para 3: Advantage 2

However , the computer is an easy machine to get addicted to. to. There are many complaints from parents and teachers that students are so addicted to their computer games, internet chatlines and internet surfing that they neglect their schoolwork and even meals. This is a very unhealthy trend that must be stopped before it gets worse.

Para 4:

Another  drawback (disadvantage) is difficulty in policing what is available on the games and in internet makes it a dangerous riot of information and entertainment. If there are no effective controls, the young people could have access to unhealthy materials like pornography and excessive violence, which could in turn create social problems. On the whole, the computer _______________________________________  ___________________  ____________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ _______________ _____  ___________________  ____________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ _______________ _____  ___________________  ____________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ _______________ _____

Disadvantage 1

Para 5:

Disadvantage 2

Para 6: Conclusion.

Paragraph structure Topic sentence: The computer is useful because it offers us a window to the world. Elaboration/Explanation: Unlike the TV that merely offers passive programmes, the computer allows authentic communication with people around the world. Example: The internet chat lines offer us the experiences and lives of so many people of different ages, nationalities nationalities and occupations. occupations. Conclusion: We make friends through this service, which is more immediate and cheaper than any other forms of communication. The above model essay taken from: O Level English Model Compositions (SAP)

DISCUSSION WEB Computer is not all Good

Disadvantages of Comp:

 YES

Conclusion

Computer is a blessing in disguise.

NO

Some Advantages of Comp: - Cheaper and immediate way to make friends.