You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is true that, although some university students are able to live with their families while studying in their home town, others are forced to live away from home in order to pursue their studies. There are advantages and disadvantages of both these situations.
If university students are able to live with their families, there are both benefits and drawbacks. Firstly, one major advantage is that they are able to economize, since they do not have to pay for accommodation. Secondly, they enjoy family support in terms of sharing meals, heating costs, possibly even sharing a room with a brother or sister. However, the home situation may also have its disadvantages. Family routines are often disruptive for students who have to concentrate on their studies in a quiet atmosphere. Without a dedicated space in which to study, for example in the evenings or at weekends, it is hard to keep up with a study schedule.
On the other hand, when students live away from home, they also face challenges. One disadvantage is having to find accommodation. Universities are often located in major urban centres, where rents are high if students have to find a room with even the basic facilities. However, there are benefits of learning to study independently in another city. Students are able to escape the distractions of family life, and thereby establish study routines and form friendships with other students who find themselves in the same situation. These factors may help them in their studies.
In conclusion, while there will clearly be differences in the personal circumstances of individual university students, some potential advantages and disadvantages of living at home or away from home can be identified.
280 words
Vocab Highlights
to pursue their studies : to continue studying
to economize : to use less money than you normally use
disruptive : causing problems, such as noise, so that something cannot continue normally
dedicated : used for one particular purpose only
to keep up with : to make progress at the same rate as something
to face challenges : to have to deal with situations which may be difficult
facilities : equipment provided for a particular purpose
distractions : things that take your attention away from what you are doing
to form friendships [expressions]: to start to create and develop friendships
circumstances : the facts and conditions which affect a situation