Brain Storm

Question 0

Some people think that it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles.
Other people feel that it is important to rest the mind during leisure time.

Answer 0

Q

Question 1

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages

Answer 1

Introduction: Topic = best age to learn a foreign language. Our opinion = better to learn at primary school age.
Disadvantages of learning languages at primary age: other subjects are more important at that age (maths, mother tongue language, science), learning a new language is confusing and wastes time, could delay development of child’s first language.
Advantages of learning languages at primary age: young children learn faster, they are less self-conscious or shy, they pick up the pronunciation better, they enjoy copying and learning through games, nowadays languages are just as important as maths etc.
Conclusion: repeat / summarise our answer.

Question 2

Do the following questions ask for your opinion or not?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Is this a positive or negative development?
What are the benefits and drawbacks?

Answer 2

• Numbers 2 and 6 are discussion questions. Discuss both sides of the issue, but don’t give an opinion about which side you agree with.
• Numbers 1 and 5 are opinion questions. Give your opinion and support it. If you have a strong opinion, you don’t need to mention the other side of the argument.
• Numbers 3 and 4 can be called discussion + opinion questions. Discuss both sides and make your opinion clear too.