Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic and advances in technology have made remote work increasingly common around the world. While some argue that working from home primarily benefits employees by improving work–life...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
This guide deconstructs a model essay on whether working from home benefits employees or employers more, providing you with the analytical tools and structural understanding needed to write a high-scoring discussion essay for the English subject.
Below is a well-structured discussion essay answering the prompt. We will use this text as our primary example to explore the components of a successful argumentative piece. Pay close attention to its structure, language, and the way it balances different viewpoints.
The COVID-19 pandemic and advances in technology have made remote work increasingly common around the world. While some argue that working from home primarily benefits employees by improving work–life balance, others claim that it is employers who gain the most through cost savings and increased productivity. This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that, when managed effectively, remote work can benefit both employees and employers equally.
Working from home offers numerous advantages for employees. The most obvious benefit is flexibility — people can organize their schedules to suit personal needs and family responsibilities. This flexibility reduces stress, saves commuting time, and allows for a better balance between professional and personal life. For example, parents can spend more time with their children while maintaining their careers, and workers can avoid the exhaustion associated with long daily travel. Additionally, remote work often improves job satisfaction and concentration by allowing employees to work in comfortable and personalized environments. With fewer distractions and greater autonomy, many individuals feel more motivated and productive.
From the employer’s perspective, remote work also brings clear advantages. Companies can reduce operational costs by saving on office space, utilities, and equipment. Furthermore, allowing employees to work remotely often leads to higher efficiency and lower absenteeism, as workers can better manage their time and avoid burnout. Employers can also recruit talent from a global pool without geographical limitations, making it easier to find the best candidates. For instance, many technology companies now employ remote teams from different countries, cutting expenses while maintaining high productivity. In this way, remote work can boost both performance and profitability.
However, remote work is not without drawbacks. Employees may struggle with isolation, lack of motivation, or difficulty separating work from personal life. Without regular in-person interaction, team communication can suffer, leading to misunderstandings or weaker collaboration. From the employer’s point of view, managing remote teams requires trust and effective digital tools. Some managers worry about reduced supervision and accountability, which may lead to lower performance. Therefore, both employees and employers must adapt their strategies — through clear communication, goal-setting, and time management — to ensure remote work remains effective.
When implemented properly, remote work can benefit both sides equally. Employers can establish hybrid systems, combining remote and in-office days to maintain teamwork while giving employees flexibility. Investing in digital communication platforms and providing mental health support can also help overcome the challenges of isolation. Employees, on the other hand, should set clear boundaries between work and home life and take responsibility for maintaining discipline. This balanced approach can create a healthier, more efficient, and mutually beneficial work culture.
In conclusion, working from home offers significant advantages to both employees and employers, although each side faces certain challenges. Employees gain flexibility and comfort, while employers benefit from lower costs and improved productivity. The key to success lies in balance and cooperation — when both sides adapt responsibly, remote work can lead to a more efficient and satisfying future for the modern workplace.
A prompt like "Discuss both views and give your opinion" is a cornerstone of the English Vg3 written exam. It tests your ability to engage with a complex, contemporary issue, structure a balanced argument, and articulate a reasoned personal stance. Examiners are not looking for a "correct" answer on the topic of remote work; they are assessing your command of the English language and your ability to build a logical, persuasive text. This task requires you to move beyond simple description and into the realm of critical discussion, weighing pros and cons systematically. Similar prompts might ask whether government spending should prioritize arts or public services, demonstrating that this essay structure is highly transferable to various topics.
Understanding the building blocks of an argumentative essay is crucial. The model text effectively uses these concepts to create a coherent and persuasive piece.
| Concept | Definition | Example from the Model Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | A clear, one-sentence summary of the essay's main argument, usually found at the end of the introduction. It acts as a roadmap for the reader. | "This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that, when managed effectively, remote work can benefit both employees and employers equally." |
| Topic Sentence | The first sentence of a body paragraph that introduces the main idea of that paragraph. It supports the overall thesis statement. | "Working from home offers numerous advantages for employees." (Paragraph 1) and "From the employer’s perspective, remote work also brings clear advantages." (Paragraph 2) |
| Cohesive Devices (Linkers) | Words and phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, creating a smooth logical flow. | "Furthermore," "For instance," "However," "Therefore," "On the other hand." |
| Counterargument / Rebuttal | Acknowledging a contrasting viewpoint (counterargument) and then explaining why it is less persuasive or how it can be addressed (rebuttal). Paragraph 3 on "Challenges" acts as a counterargument to the initial positive claims. | "However, remote work is not without drawbacks. Employees may struggle with isolation..." |
| Synthesis | Combining different ideas or arguments to form a new, more complex understanding. This is crucial for a strong conclusion. | "The key to success lies in balance and cooperation — when both sides adapt responsibly, remote work can lead to a more efficient and satisfying future..." |
Many students struggle to achieve the balance and depth required for this essay format. Here are three common mistakes and how to avoid them. …