advantages and disadvantages essay ielts task 2

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IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Sample Essay Questions

Below is a list of IELTS sample essay questions for advantage / disadvantage essays in writing task 2. These essay types are often taught together with discussion essays but I think it is worth studying them separately to be better prepared.

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips

spend time planning the benefits and drawbacks of the statement given
make sure you have relevant supporting points
put your advantages together in one body paragraph and the same with the disadvantages
follow a safe advantage disadvantage essay model

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Questions

It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Some people think that it would be better for large companies and industry to move to regional areas outside large urban centers. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

With the rise of e-books comes the decline in paper books. Some people see this as a good step forward while others do not. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

The rise of convenience foods has helped people keep up with the speed of the modern life style. What are the advantages of this trend? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

There seems to be an increasing trend towards assessing students through exams rather than continual assessment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exams as a form of assessment?

Space exploration costs tax payers an exorbitant amount of money each year. What are the advantages and disadvantage of spending money on space exploration?

Many elderly people are no long looked after by their families but are put in care homes or nursing homes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

It is often considered that change is more beneficial to people than trying to avoid it and have everything remain the same. Do you think the advantages of change outweigh the disadvantages?

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

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Updated On Jun 12, 2024

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

IELTS Writing Prediction Questions & Answers : Free PDF

We have all made a list of pros and cons when faced with a difficult decision. An advantages disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing is kind of like an organized pros and cons list.

In this article, we will go over the structure of Task 2 advantages and disadvantages, how to write an advantages and disadvantages essay and go over a few IELTS sample essays of this type.

Understanding the Question and Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

The IELTS advantages disadvantages essay is a question type you will come across in IELTS Writing Task 2 .

You will be asked to write about the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. It can be worded in different ways. Let’s see some examples.

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones in our daily lives.
Some companies and organizations require their employees to wear uniforms. What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a uniform?
A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?
What are the pros and cons for children watching television? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience.
Globalization has both advantages and disadvantages. Discuss both and give your opinion.

Discussing the Question of Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS

In some questions of Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages essay, you will be asked to share your opinion. However, in most cases, discussing the pros and cons/benefits and drawbacks/advantages and disadvantages is enough.

The first part of the question for advantage and disadvantage essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 will always be a statement. In the second part, you will get to know whether you have to discuss only the benefits and drawbacks or add your opinion along with it. So, no need to worry!

As you can see in the image above, the first question asks you to share your opinion, whereas in the second, you will have to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

The IELTS Essay writing task is quite challenging as it requires you to write an essay on an unseen topic from any walk of life – it can range from social issues to environmental discourse. To make it easy, you can practice advantage and disadvantage essay topics based on the following structure breakdown.

Paraphrase the question statement.
State what the following paragraphs will discuss.
Mention your viewpoint (if asked in the question)
Discuss the advantages.
Explain the benefits with examples in 2-3 sentences.
Discuss the disadvantages.
Explain the drawbacks with examples in 2-3 sentences.
Summarize the benefits and drawbacks discussed in the essay.

Remember that there is no right or wrong structure for advantages and disadvantages writing task 2 . However, if you use this, it will enable you to plan your essay in no time during the exam.

Join us in our IELTS webinars to learn tricks to handle IELTS Writing Task 2 essays! Explore Now!

How to Plan Your Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay?

The planning for writing any essay type in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires around 5 minutes.

The process covers essential aspects such as analysis of the question, organization of the points to be included, identifying relevant vocabulary, and understanding the marking criteria to obtain a good band score .

The following points will provide a concise guide on how to plan your answer for the advantages and disadvantages of essays in IELTS academic writing task 2 and save some time to revise your response.

To answer the advantages disadvantages essay questions in IELTS Writing Task 2, first you have to identify the keywords and instructions in the question to discuss the positives and negatives of the statement.
Plan your structure, including your main arguments, advantages, and disadvantages, to present your answer in a well-structured manner.
Take at least 10 minutes to analyze and understand the given statement and evaluate its pros and cons.
Organize your thoughts and provide a clear and concise response.
Using appropriate writing task 2 vocabulary and phrases (lexical resource) is important. But avoid stuffing too many words into irrelevant places.
Ensure that your response remains relevant to the given topic.
Understand the IELTS writing band descriptors like Task Response, Coherence and cohesion, Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy to obtain a high band score .

How to Write an Advantages Disadvantages Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Once you have planned your advantage and disadvantage essay for Writing Task 2, it is time to write down your answer.

Writing The Essay Introduction

The first thing that you have to do is to write an introduction for an advantages disadvantages essay.

Your introduction should paraphrase the topic of the essay and try to use different vocabulary/synonyms for the words in the topic, wherever possible.
Then, give a brief idea about what could be expected in the essay, i.e. the advantages and the disadvantages of the concerned topic.
Finally, state which side you think weighs the most (when asked for an opinion.)

Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages Essay IELTS

Although there is no strict rule about the number of paragraphs forIELTS essays, it is better to limit the number to two. It will not only help you to follow the word count but also keep your essay concise.

Body Paragraph 1

It should state the advantage/s of the topic.
This should be backed by practical points, and the examples would be even better.
Day-to-day incidents and instances can be brought to notice.

Body Paragraph 2

It should state the disadvantage/s of the topic.
This as well should be supported by valid points, and the daily incidents and examples can be highlighted to back your points.

How To Write An Essay Conclusion?

You should conclude the topic by providing a summary of the points put forth in the entire essay and how the advantages or disadvantages of the topic outweigh the other (if applicable).

Make sure to end the essay with a well rounded conclusion.
Link your ideas discussed in the essay to ensure cohesion and coherence.
The question/s along with the essay statement should be answered.

To help you to understand this type of essay better, given below are some essential essay vocabulary you must know as well as a sample essay with a detailed outline. We’ve provided you with ample IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay topics to help you hone your essay writing skills.

IELTS Essay Vocabulary

A strong command of vocabulary is crucial for writing an effective advantages disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Your proficiency in English language vocabulary will be evident in how expertly you can select the most suitable expressions to convey precise meanings. Diversifying your vocabulary will enable you to incorporate a greater variety of words in your essays. However, it is important to note that overusing uncommon words and phrases can reduce the relevance of your answer.

Wondering the Trick to Score a Band 8 in Writing Task 2? Know the Secret!

Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Writing an essay on IELTS advantage disadvantage essay topics needs careful preparation and planning. Here are some tips that you can use to write a high quality essay:

Understand the Question: Make sure you understand the question and what is expected of you before you begin writing. Decide which advantages and disadvantages you need to talk about and if you need to share your opinion.
Generate Ideas: Spend a few minutes identifying the benefits and drawbacks of the selected subject. List the main ideas and instances you’ll utilize to support your claims.
Structure Your Essay: Write your essay with a logical and obvious structure. Begin with an introduction that briefly summarizes your key points and states the subject. After that, give each benefit and drawback a paragraph of its own, and then wrap up by summarizing your points in the conclusion.
Use Linking Words: To connect your thoughts and create a smooth writing flow, use a range of linking words and phrases, like “furthermore,” “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in conclusion.”
Support Your Points: Give particular instances, figures, or anecdotes to back up each benefit and drawback you discuss. This will improve the persuasiveness of your arguments and raise your score.
Plan your Time Effectively: During the exam, manage your time well. Plan your essay for a few minutes, then concentrate on creating paragraphs that are precise and to the point. At the conclusion, give yourself some time to review and make any required changes.
Practice is the Key to Success: It is the ultimate truth. The more you practice, the more you will become efficient in planning, organizing and structuring your advantages disadvantages essay for IELTS Writing Task 2. So, take up more writing practice tests and make the best use of them.

Ensure you’re using the right structure for IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays!

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Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Questions and Sample Answers

Given below are some sample questions for the advantages and disadvantages type of essay and band 9 methodologies of answering them.

Sample Question 1

Sample answer.

Foreign education has become one of the most sought-after ventures in this day and age. A majority of students plan on pursuing higher education in a foreign nation, especially when it comes to a master’s degree. One of the reasons why studying abroad has become such a popular phenomenon is the relaxation of travel laws and procedures across the world. However, there are pros and cons to studying abroad and the following paragraphs will explore the topic and elaborate on why the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the primary reasons for studying abroad is the presence of a more refined and sophisticated education system in several first-world countries. It is common for students from underdeveloped or developing countries like Brazil, China, India, Argentina and other countries to look for better opportunities than the ones available in their native country in terms of academics. Also, residing in a foreign country helps individuals to gain international exposure and also helps them develop social and interpersonal skills, which are extremely important for being eligible for lucrative job opportunities.

Nevertheless, there are numerous drawbacks to travelling abroad for education. First of all, from the beginning of applying to a foreign university to staying in the host country for the entire duration of your degree, it is an exorbitant affair. Such a costly endeavour is often unaffordable for the household of many people. That being said, becoming accustomed to the norms and conventions of an unfamiliar country can be a tough ordeal for many due to differences in culture and social traditions.

Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that foreign education can be a blessing if it is financially feasible for aspiring students. That being said, the benefits of studying abroad surpass the drawbacks for the same.

Check Out – How to Plan an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay (Best Strategy)

Sample Question 2

Globalization has been one of the most significant phenomena in the last few decades, and it has changed several aspects of human society both economically and socially. There has been remarkable progress in terms of economic and financial development for developing countries due to the expansion of global organizations. However, there are several drawbacks to this rapid progress that need to be addressed. Evidently, globalization has more advantages than disadvantages and the following paragraphs will elaborate on the topic and justify these views.

First of all, the most advantageous aspect of globalization is the advent of numerous international companies and franchises in developing countries. Ever since global brands and corporations have expanded their operations in countries such as India, China, Sri Lanka and many more, there has been a notable increase in employment in these countries. Additionally, due to the remarkable rise in the number of imports and exports, people from third world countries now have access to a vast catalogue of products and services that were previously unattainable.

That being said, there are drawbacks to globalization that create concerning issues for a sizable portion of the global population. One of the most disturbing consequences faced is the exploitation of labour. Many corporations are known to outsource their operations to developing countries due to cheap labour costs. This enables them to accomplish their manufacturing operations without having to provide proper remuneration. Also, due to the use of inexpensive labour, the quality of products is diminished, and customers receive inferior products.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the effects of globalization are not entirely positive or negative. Nonetheless, the benefits brought by this occupation outweigh the drawbacks.

Practice Advantages Disadvantages Essays IELTS with IELTSMaterial

There is no doubt that you are preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2. So, we would recommend you to take up advantage and disadvantage essay topics regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at solving the IELTS Writing test and answers within the dedicated timeframe.

Check out our well-reviewed IELTS Writing study guide , which includes self-explanatory lessons and sample answers. If you need more guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our IELTS specialists . Make the necessary preparations to improve your score on the IELTS Speaking test and get a Band 8+.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an advantage/disadvantage essay? How do you identify that the essay falls under this category?

Is it mandatory to put advantages and disadvantages separately in two paragraphs or can I club them?

In case of questions where advantages outweigh disadvantages, I might have to write disadvantages first. Will it affect my score?

Do I have to write more than one point for advantages and disadvantages essays for IELTS Writing?

When can I note down the voc

What will happen if I write the exact question statement of the advantages disadvantages essay topic?

What is the importance of the topic sentence of an advantages disadvantages essay?

Is it mandatory to follow the word limit given with the IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay?

What can I do if my IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay is less than 250 words?

Is there any upper limit for word count for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay?

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Post your Comments

10 comments.

Ashlin Devi

Posted on Oct 5, 2023

Nowdays, technologies are in high demand. People are possessed with their own computers and cell phones, so it is quite easy for them to do their job at home. Even though it is acknowledged with several points that working from home is quite easier, the essay will argue that the drawbacks of working from home will outweigh its strength. The main disadvantages are ineffective communication and the relationship amongst people becoming distant. First of all, people need internet to communicate. The internet connectivity is very poor at times, especially in the remote areas. Furthermore, during virtual meetings, discussion gets difficult due to connection issues where meeting is not worthwhile since no voice or no video. Moreover, working from home gives distance amongst people where you will not be able to have interact with colleague. Face-to-face discussion is very important where you get to work more effectively and efficiently. On the other hand, working from home is indeed benefit. People do not have to travel to reach work. The time which are spend on travelling, can be utilized on other activities such as house cores, leisure activities or even can work extra hours to meet the given deadline. Furthermore, people get flexibility in working hours, since there are no superior workers supervising employee. To conclude, there are some strengths on working from home but drawbacks overweigh strengths since working from home is not as easy task as people think since ineffective communication and people interaction is very important.

ria mahajan

Posted on Oct 6, 2023

Overall Band 5.5 Main ideas are relevant, but some are insufficiently developed and lack clarity, while some supporting arguments and evidences are missing for the question.Simple vocabulary is used accurately but the range does not permit much variation in expression.A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used but flexibility is limited. For detailed analysis,you can avail a Free trial class Find the link below: https://ieltsmaterial.com/signup-1/ or you may reach out to us: +91 8929053019

Posted on May 15, 2023

More students prefer foreign colleges and universities. Although studying abroad is costly, a concerning drawback, the global exposure a student gets is the primary benefit that outweighs any disadvantage. On the one hand, pursuing education abroad is quite expensive, which is the primary concern. The tuition fee in the universities of developed countries is relatively high, and it is challenging for a student from an average financial background to afford it. Furthermore, people need to find part-time jobs to handle their daily expenditures. For example, a study by the University of Dubai revealed a drop of 25% in the enrolment of international students in the year 2023 compared to 2022 among the Gulf nations due to an increase in college fees. However, many universities provide scholarships to merit students, and youth can get global exposure which is of considerable significance. The primary benefit of choosing foreign universities is that the pupils get excellent global exposure. In many developed nations, the education system is quite advanced and leans towards practical knowledge than textbook learning. Moreover, people can build a strong network with locals which helps them in their professional careers. For instance, one of my friends, Ravi, who runs a garment business, is able to expand his work abroad due to the exposure he got while pursuing his master’s in abroad and the network he built during his education period. This is why youth prefer foreign universities. In conclusion, although studying abroad is quite expensive, the undisputed benefit of getting global exposure surpasses any hindrance.

Posted on Dec 3, 2022

“Nowadays online shopping becomes more popular than in-store shopping. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your reasons and examples.” Isn’t this an opinion question though you have categorized it under advantages and disadvantages? I believe we have to describe only one aspect in our body paragraphs rather than describing both positive and negative aspects?

Posted on May 29, 2022

Nowadays, studying abroad is a new trend among students. Undoubtedly, there are positive and negative aspects of studying in a foreign country. However, the benefits of attending colleges and universities in a foreign country outweigh the drawbacks. The next couple of paragraphs will explain the topic and justify these viewpoints.

To begin with, studying abroad has several advantages for students. For instance, a student who is studying in a foreign country will probably improve language skills better than others. Learning a foreign language is extremely significant in a global environment. Moreover, living outside of a home country will enhance students’ worldview thanks to the culture of the host country. Therefore, it can be said that studying abroad paws the way for great career options.

However, there are undesired sides to education in a foreign state. One of them is education expenditure. Studying abroad might be expensive. Thus, it might lead to a huge economic burden for both student and his family. When a student moves to another country for education, he must face several challenges caused by living alone. For instance, some students might have some psychological problems during the first couple of weeks following their move. It can be claimed that being homesick is a common problem among young students.

In conclusion, having a graduate degree from a foreign country has both negative and positive sides. Although there are significant advantages, the benefits of studying abroad surpass the drawbacks for the same.

Posted on May 30, 2022

Band Score – 6

Concentrate on the correct usage of quantifiers and subject-verb agreement.

In some places words are used incorrectly, pay attention to them.

Use C2 level of words.

Purnima Koli

Posted on Oct 25, 2021

Parents tend to give the children better resources as compared to their own childhood. This way they also feel compensated in the process while bringing up their own child. While having a huge collection of toys to play with is not all that bad, at the same time can lead to some issues.

Firstly, having a diversity in the range of toys have multiple benefits. The child can learn how to manage or organize better. Varied exposure to different themes of toys makes one more aware.

Secondly, sharing can also develop social skills among the child’s friend circle. To get hands-on-experience with toys such as Rubix’s cube, puzzles hone mental capacity of the kid. Similarly, educational and infotainment toys help shape likes and dislikes, opinions, communication skills. Thus, caters to holistic development which is often a cause of worry for parents.

On the other hand, if the child is given more and more, this may result in losing the value of individual toy. Not only is this expenditure wasteful but also teaching consumerist tendencies to the child. Perhaps unconsciously the child stops valuing his toys and takes them for granted in desire for more.

To have enough needs to be inculcated rather than frivolous costs being incurred. The parents need to be also mindful of teaching holistic habits like outdoor games, reading, painting apart from playing with toys for all round development.

Having many toys is also burdensome when it comes to maintenance. If that could be sorted then it’s much easier to assemble and play as per the child’s convenience. Gifting once in a while is a good option to keep the spirits of the child happy.

Posted on Nov 13, 2021

If you would have presented this same as a 4 paragraph structure and added the conclusion you would have score 7 easily.

Overall band: 5

Coherence: It is better to follow a 4 paragraph structure so that it is easy for the examiner to mark you for coherence. Conclusion is missing in your essay. Conclusion is where you sum up and restate points.

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Essay Task 2

Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type

Essay Types
Double Question
Advantage Disadvantage
Problem Solution
Essay Length

IELTS advantage/disadvantage essays ask you to write about the benefits and drawbacks of a topic as well as (sometimes) asking for your opinion. This guide covers everything you need to know to complete an Academic IELTS advantage/ disadvantage essay. Let’s start preparing with Benchmark IELTS!

1.1 understanding the question, 1.2 example advantage/disadvantage questions, 2.1 essay structure 1, 2.2 essay structure 2.

3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion, 5.1 complete the sample advantage/disadvantage essay, 5.2 advantage/disadvantage sample essay, 1. advantage/ disadvantage essay overview.

This section of the guide will show you how to identify an IELTS advantage/disadvantage question.

Remember, there are five main types of writing task 2 questions:

Advantage/disadvantage
Double question
Problem/solution

It is very important to understand what type of question you are given in the exam so you can respond in an appropriate way: different question types will require different responses.

Advantage/disadvantage essay questions can be presented in several different ways.

Here are some examples of the way an advantage/disadvantage question may be worded:

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of _____ and give your opinion.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of _____?

You may also see questions using synonyms for advantage and disadvantage, for example:

What are the benefits and drawbacks of…?

Be careful, the question itself might not always use words or phrases relating to advantage/disadvantage and they could be hidden in the statement, as seen here:

Some people believe that using a bicycle as your main form of transport has a lot of advantages , whereas others believe that it has many disadvantages . Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Here is another example of a question where you are asked to give your opinion:

Do the advantages of … outweigh the disadvantages

After you have identified the essay type , you need to understand what you are being asked to do. To do well in the Task achievement marking component, you need to ‘ address all parts of the task’ .

This type of essay question will always be split into two parts:

The IELTS statement
The question

You must always write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the given topic. As we can see in example questions 1-6, sometimes you are asked to give your opinion on the question, and sometimes you are not. Let’s compare the following questions:

You are not being asked to give your opinion

Here are some example advantage/disadvantage essay questions:

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have more of an opportunity to study abroad.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Today children spend a lot of their free time watching TV.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this practice?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

IELTS Discussion Type Questions
Double Question IELTS Essay Topics
Opinion-based Task 2 IELTS Guide
Problem Solution IELTS Writing Task Statement

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy.

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

More and more people prefer to read news online rather than on paper.

Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

2. Essay Structures for Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

There is more than one way to structure your advantage/disadvantage essay. You could take a thesis-led (opinion in the introduction) or an evidence-led (opinion in your conclusion).

You could also choose to focus on one or more than one advantage/disadvantage in each of your main body paragraphs.

The next two sections will give you two possible ways that you could structure your essay using four clearly organized paragraphs.

Thesis-led approach

Evidence-led approach

3. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Before you start writing your essay, you should give yourself 5 minutes to analyze the question and organize your ideas . Follow the tips below to create a well-planned essay!

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

It sounds simple, but it is very important that you read the question carefully and understand what you are being asked to write about. To analyze the question, first, identify any keywords and phrases .

You should first identify the topic of the essay. If you do not write about the correct topic, you will score poorly in Task achievement . The general topic can always be found in the IELTS statement.

Let’s take a look at one of the previous examples:

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace . Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy .

The topic words are underlined and show the general topic of this essay question in nuclear weapons/power/technology .

After you have identified the general topic, you need to locate other keywords that give you more detail about the topic. In this question, the words world peace and cheap and clean energy in bold give you more information about the general topic. Therefore, your essay should only relate to these aspects of nuclear weapons/power/technology .

Now take a look at the question for our model answer at the end of this guide. Can you identify the general topic?

This is an important step that is often skipped by test-takers. By quickly writing down your key ideas, you will avoid repeating or missing any points and improve your score in both Task achievement and Coherence and cohesion .

You could use bullet points , columns , or another preferred method of writing down ideas . Here is an example for our sample essay:

Take a look at our Master Guide for a more in-depth look at idea generation and organizing your ideas.

Taking a moment to write down more uncommon vocabulary related to the essay topic will not only make you feel more relaxed in the exam but will also help you to improve your score in Lexical resources .

This doesn’t have to be a long list, just a few ideas that come into your mind. Here are some examples of the topic of studying abroad:

Culture shock
Language barrier
Broaden one’s horizons

4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

Your introduction should be the shortest paragraph in your essay (about 40-60 words is perfect).

You need to rephrase the IELTS statement in your own words. This is known as paraphrasing (a key skill to develop for the IELTS exam).

Take a look at our example:


In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

You can also briefly state what your essay will be about in one clear sentence. For instance:

This essay will discuss both points of view and then I will give my opinion.

If you are taking a thesis-led approach, you can use one of the following sentence starters to briefly give your opinion:

I believe that…
It is my belief that…
In my opinion,…

A note on the use of the first person ‘I’: Unlike writing task 1, it is appropriate to use the first person in your writing task 2 essay. In fact, it is unavoidable when giving your opinion. But , you should not overuse ‘I’ in your essay and we recommend you limit your use to your introduction and conclusion.

Topic sentences Usually, the first sentence of your main body paragraph will be a topic sentence . The purpose of your topic sentence is to introduce the main idea of your paragraph .

You should include one topic sentence for each advantage/disadvantage . This means that, if your main body paragraphs focus on two advantages/disadvantages , then you should have two topic sentences per paragraph.

Here’s an example: One advantage of studying abroad is that students can improve their language skills.

Here are some other sentence starters you can use for your essays (you can replace the underlined words with vocabulary linked to your topic):

One advantage of studying abroad is that ….
Another benefit of studying abroad is that…
One downside of studying abroad is that…
Another downside of studying abroad is that…

Supporting sentences You should then expand on your topic sentence with a supporting sentence/sentences . Your sentence(s) could either describe a result of the advantage/disadvantage, go into more detail , or explain the reason(s) why these benefits/drawbacks occur.

Our example supporting sentence describes a result of the advantage given in the topic sentence.

Topic sentence – One advantage of studying abroad is that students can improve their language skills.

Supporting sentence – This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities.

Here are some sentences starters you can use to begin your supporting sentences:

This is because…
The result/consequence/reason is that…
This means that…
As a result/consequence,…
In other words,…

Giving examples For all writing task 2 essay types , you must support your response with examples. Do not personalize your examples and link them to your life instead, Keep your examples more general . Also, do not refer to made-up statistics .

Here are some instances of suitable and non-suitable examples:

Suitable For example, many young people who study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home.

Not suitable My cousin spent three years in an English-speaking country and they got an excellent job with an international country when they came back to Spain. ( this example is too personal as it refers to the writer’s family ) ❌

According to statistics, international students are 30% more likely to get a job in an international company when they study overseas. ( this example contains a made-up statistic )

You must include a conclusion to achieve a good score in Task achievement . Your conclusion does not have to be very long, but it needs to be clear and do two main things:

Paraphrase yourself : summarise the key points in your body paragraphs
Give your opinion : It depends if you have taken an evidence-led or thesis-led approach, you will either be re-stating the opinion given in your introduction or giving your opinion for the first time.

Make your conclusion easy to identify for the examiner by starting with linking phrases such as:

To sum up,…
To summarise,…
In conclusion,…

When you are paraphrasing the main points of your essay, you need to state that you have examined both sides of the argument (as that is what the question has asked you to do). To do this, consider using a phrase like:

In conclusion, having looked at this topic in detail, it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad .

You would need to replace the underlined section with your essay topic.

To give your opinion, you need to use a range of cohesive devices to introduce each example such as:

From my perspective,…
In my view,…

You then need to clearly state which side of the argument you agree with (advantage or disadvantage). Remember, your actual opinion does not matter, it is how you present your opinion using English that is important.

Here are some example sentences to do this effectively:

In my opinion, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
From my perspective, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits .

5. Example Advantage/Disadvantage Essay and Exercise

Now you’ve taken a look at how to write an advantage/disadvantage essay, let’s look at a model answer.

We have removed some of the words so you can put your knowledge to the test.

Select the correct missing words and complete the model answer.

years, it has become much more common for to complete their degree overseas instead of their country. Many believe that there are significant of doing this, while others argue that there are also connected to studying abroad. This essay will discuss both points of and then I will give my opinion.

One advantage of abroad is that students can improve their skills. This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities. , many young people study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home. benefit of studying abroad is that you can develop a better understanding of other cultures, for , learning about a country's customs, traditions and cuisines. The consequence of this is that people become more open-minded.

, there are some disadvantages of studying abroad. One is that students may miss their friends and family and feel . They may also find it difficult to connect with other students and make friends due to a . Another disadvantage is that students can experience a real culture shock when moving to another country. This is because the culture and language may be different which could lead to frustration for the student and with their study experience.

To , it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. In my , the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Although it is true that the experience may be challenging at first, on , if you study abroad you will have an enriching experience that will broaden your horizons and increase your future prospects.

/ 21

In recent years, it has become much more common for students to complete their degree overseas instead of their house country. Many persons believe that there are significant benefits of doing this, while others argue that there are also drawbacks connected to studying abroad. This essay will discuss both points of mind and then I will give my opinion.

One advantage of study abroad is that students can improve their employee skills. This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities. An example, many young people who study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home. On the other hand benefit of studying abroad is that you can develop a better understanding of other cultures, Example , learning about a country’s customs, traditions and cuisines. The consequence of this is that people become more open-minded.

In the other hand, there are some disadvantages of studying abroad. One backdraw is that students may miss their friends and family and feel homesad. They may also find it difficult to connect with other students and make friends due to a language barrier . Another disadvantage is that students can experience a real culture shock when moving to another country. This is because the culture and language may be different which could lead to frustration for the student and dissatisfaction with their study experience.

To overall , it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. In my thought, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Although it is true that the experience may be challenging at first, on balance , if you study abroad you will have an enriching experience that will broaden your horizons and increase your future prospects.

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IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages with Sample Answer

Ielts task 2 writing – advantages and disadvantages essay, types of ielts advantages and disadvantages essays, type 1 – ielts task 2 writing topic, ielts task 2 writing sample, type 2 – ielts task 2 writing topic, more help with ielts essay writing.

Are you wanting to find out how to do well in IELTS Task 2 Writing? If so, you need to become familiar with the IELTS essay ‘Advantages and Disadvantages’ as this is a task type in both IELTS Writing Task 2 for Academic and IELTS Task 2 General Writing. This guide will share some IELTS Task 2 Writing topics, how to structure your response, and an IELTS Task 2 Writing sample. These will help you achieve success in this task on exam day. You should also go to E2 Test Prep and sign up for free. There, you can practise writing this essay type and every other part of your IELTS exam.

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The IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay task ( IELTS Writing Task 2) tests your ability to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of a particular phenomenon or issue. There are two types of Advantages and Disadvantages essays:

Type 1 asks that you simply discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
And Type 2 asks that you discuss the advantages and disadvantages AND give your opinion on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

IELTS Writing Task 2 sample with the following topic / question: The internet has made knowledge immediately available to people through computers and smartphones all around the world. Much of this knowledge is also free. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

For IELTS essay writing for an advantages and disadvantages essay, you need to use the following structure:

Introduction

Paragraph 1 (Advantages)
Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

Before you begin to write your IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay, you should make a brief plan. In your plan, be sure to include two advantages and two disadvantages, along with specific evidence or support for those ideas. Here is an example for this essay topic:

Plan for IELTS Writing Task 2 showing two advantages, two disadvantages and evidence or support for each.

Creating a good plan like this will mean that, rather than panicking about coming up with ideas mid-way through the test, you’ll be able to concentrate more on the actual writing of the essay.

In the introduction, you should:

first make a general background statement connected to the topic
then make a specific statement , e.g. by paraphrasing the exam question in your own words
finally, provide an answer by saying what you are going to write about in the essay

Sample introduction

(background statement:) The internet is a massive repository of human knowledge and it continues to accumulate more everyday. (specific statement:) At the click of a button, one can access information on just about any topic, from the abstract to the mundane. Not only is the information immediate, but it is also free. (answer:) This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this trend.

To write your main body paragraphs, you should:

use topic sentences
link your ideas
use clauses of contrast
conclude with a final statement

Begin Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 with a topic sentence . This sentence introduces the paragraph and indicates to the reader what you intend to talk about in the paragraph.

Sample topic sentences

(paragraph 1) There are numerous advantages to internet-based learning. (paragraph 2) Readily available knowledge is not without its disadvantages, however .

Tip : It is a good idea to memorise some topic sentences such as these, as you can apply them to most advantage/disadvantage essays. e.g. There are numerous advantages to … shopping online / taking a gap year / assessing students through exams. Shopping online/ Taking a gap year/ Assessing students through exams is not without its disadvantages, however.

After your topic sentence, you can then communicate the ideas in your plan.

You will also need to link your ideas within your paragraphs. This shows that you have thought about structure and sequencing .

Use phrases like ‘In addition’ and ‘What’s more’ when introducing your second example.

Sample linking ideas

(paragraph 1) In addition to the speed at which one can find out some form of knowledge, the depth of the knowledge available is also more substantial. (paragraph 2) What’s more, we are at the mercy of electronics. While a book can last a century, the internet may be susceptible to failure.

You also have plenty of opportunities in the advantages/disadvantages essay to use clauses of contrast , which are introduced through words such as ‘although’, ‘while’ and ‘despite’. We use these clauses to show that we are contrasting and weighing up the advantages and the disadvantages.

Sample clause of contrast

Although the internet is effective in delivering us information at high-speed, we cannot always rely on computers in the same way that we can with books.

Remember the grammar needed with these structures:

Although + full clause (Although the internet is effective …)
While + full clause (While the internet is effective …)
Despite + verb-ing (Despite being effective …)
Despite the fact that + full clause (Despite the fact that the internet is effective …)

You should also conclude your paragraphs with a final statement .

Sample final statements

(paragraph 1) Overall, online knowledge nowadays is both efficient and broad. (paragraph 2) In short, there are drawbacks to the expanse of knowledge on the internet.

In the conclusion, you should:

say what the essay focused on
write a broad statement about the topic

Sample conclusion

(what the essay focused on:) This essay discussed both the advantages and the disadvantages of free and immediate information available on the internet. (broad statement:) In short, while the benefits are enormous, the drawbacks should not be overlooked.

Learn even more about this type of essay by watching this video with expert IELTS teacher Jay.

Sample Answer

The internet is a massive repository of human knowledge and it continues to accumulate more everyday. At the click of a button, one can access information on just about any topic, from the abstract to the mundane. Not only is the information immediate, but it is also free. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this trend.

There are numerous advantages to internet-based learning. Firstly, it makes finding information much quicker. For example, using search engines such as Google, we can simply type in whatever we want information about, and the results are generated instantly. In addition to the speed at which one can find out some form of knowledge, the depth of the knowledge available is also more substantial. For instance, tools such as Wikipedia are much more comprehensive than traditional, paper-based encyclopedias. Overall, online knowledge nowadays is both efficient and broad.

Readily available knowledge is not without its disadvantages, however. One such disadvantage is that internet-based information may be inaccurate. Many people use online forums to share information, but there is no fact checking within these, which can lead to misinformation. What’s more, we are at the mercy of electronics. While a book can last a century, the internet may be susceptible to failure. In short, there are drawbacks to the expanse of knowledge on the internet.

This essay discussed both the advantages and the disadvantages of free and immediate information available on the internet. In short, while the benefits are enormous, the drawbacks should not be overlooked.

For more practice of this type of essay, go to E2testprep.com and sign up for free.

This type of question requires that you do more than simply state the advantages and disadvantages. You are also required to give an opinion on whether you think there are more advantages or more disadvantages. This means that you will need to change the content of your essay slightly, as you need to present a clear position.

The introduction that we looked at above would need to be extended to include a clear statement of your position .

The internet is a massive repository of human knowledge and it continues to accumulate. At the click of a button, one can access information on just about any topic, from the abstract to the mundane. Not only is the information immediate, it is also free. This essay will discuss how (statement of your position:) the benefits of this trend clearly outweigh the drawbacks.

Your first paragraph should be the opinions of others, and the second paragraph should be your position. This can create a stronger argument for your position. You also need to make your position clear in the topic sentences of your first and second paragraphs.

(paragraph 1 – opinion of others) Some commentators have noted the disadvantages of readily available knowledge (paragraph 2 – your position) However, despite the apparent drawbacks, it is clear that there are also significant advantages to internet-based learning.

Using extreme vocabulary such as ‘significant advantages’ demonstrates a strong stance.

You also need to restate your position in the conclusion.

(broad statement:) This essay discussed both the advantages and the disadvantages of free and immediate information available on the internet. (restate position:) Based on this information it is clear that the advantages of free and immediate information available on the internet far outweigh the disadvantages.

For more practice of this type of essay, go to our IELTS course and sign up for free.

Need more help with your IELTS essay writing? We have you covered! For help with IELTS Writing Task 2 for Academic, head to our IELTS Academic page and sign up for free to access method lessons, practice items, live classes with expert teachers and more. Or for IELTS Task 2 General Writing, click here . We have everything you need to help you quickly achieve the band score you desire.

Looking for help with IELTS Writing Task 1? Read our blog article on how to do well in Task 1, and see our free IELTS Task 1 Writing sample here .

Author Bio: E2 is the world’s leading test preparation provider. Our expert teachers are fully accredited English teachers, with TESOL, British Council or IELTS certification, and years of IELTS examiner or IELTS teaching experience.

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IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Advantages and Disadvantages

by Dave | Understanding Task 2 Writing | 2 Comments

I have collected a variety of advantages and disadvantages essays from the real IELTS test.

Enjoy and consider signing up for my Patreon Ebooks here .

In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other.

Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?

Read my essay here.

Young people are often influenced in their behaviors by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages.

Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?

Nowadays, most countries can improve the standard of living through economic development, but some social values are lost as a result.

Do you think the advantages of this phenomenon outweigh the disadvantages?

Many people argue that restaurants should be required to disclose the nutritional information of the dishes they serve.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Get the full EBook here on Patreon.

Around the world, people are now living longer than ever before in the past. Some say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Others believe there are benefits to society having more elderly people.

To what extent do the advantages of possessing an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?

Read my sample here.

New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time.

Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

It has been suggested that primary children should learn how to grow vegetables and keep animals.

It is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives.

Do the advantages of taking these risks outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people say patriotism causes problems and is negative overall. Others feel that it is beneficial for society at large.

Do the advantages of patriotism outweigh its disadvantages?

In many cities, problems related to overpopulation are becoming more common. Some governments are now encouraging businesses and individuals to move out of cities to rural areas.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Nowadays, a lot of offices employ open-space designs instead of separate rooms for work.

Read my sample answer here.

The world should have only one government rather than a national government for each country.

People these days watch TV, films and other programmes alone rather than with other people.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers.

Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

People nowadays tend to have children at older ages.

Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less evident because people follow the same media.

Do the advantage of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Fewer and fewer children are willing to look after their parents as they get older these days.

It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as the South Pole.

Machines are taking over more and more jobs previously done by humans.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

The personal information of many individuals is held by large internet companies and organisations.

Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

It is sometimes suggested that primary schoolchildren should learn how to grow vegetables and keep animals.

Do you think that the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

In the past, knowledge was contained in books. Nowadays, knowledge is uploaded to the internet.

In the past, most people worked for small businesses, while more people now work for large businesses.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working for large businesses?

In many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies.

Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

In many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to-face meetings.

Many large supermarkets are being built today while the number of small shops is decreasing.

The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas.

In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available.

Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?

Many retired people today are choosing to live in other countries.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

Many schools today require students to work without pay for companies as part of their education.

Is this more advantageous to students or companies?

Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication.

These days people spend more and more time at work and less time at home.

The use of social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among many people in society.

Many museums charge for admission while others are free.

Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people.

Do the advantage of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

Recent research has shown that business meetings and training are increasingly taking place online.

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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

Transport: ielts advantage/disadvantage essay sample.

IELTS Writing Task 2 advantage/disadvantage essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Some people believe that using a bicycle as your main form of transport has a lot of advantages whereas others think it has many disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Take a look at the sample answer

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Ielts advantage/disadvantage essay sample 4 – communication, ielts advantage/disadvantage essay sample 3 – transport, ielts advantage/disadvantage essay sample 2 – environment, ielts advantage/disadvantage essay sample 1 – work.

Ebooks & Courses
Practice Tests

How to Plan & Write IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

Questions for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays can be worded in several different ways. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.

It is also common for synonyms of ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ to be used, such as ‘benefits’ and ‘drawbacks’, as can be seen in this sample question.

A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world? Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?

I’ll be using this question to guide you through the process of planning and writing an IELTS advantage and disadvantages essay later on in this lesson.

Here’s what the lesson covers:

Understanding IELTS advantages & disadvantages essay questions
Essay structures
How to plan
How to write an introduction
How to write main body paragraphs
How to write a conclusion

Want to watch and listen? Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics.

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay questions fall into two main categories:

Questions that ask for your opinion.
Questions that do not require you to state your opinion.

The first part of the question will always be a statement. You will then be asked to write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the idea stated. You may also be required to state your opinion.

Here are two more sample questions for illustration. For the first one, you must give your opinion but in the second, you should not.

1. Small businesses are disappearing and being replaced by large multinational companies.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Most career choices demand vocational skills or specialist knowledge. However, despite this, most schools still teach academic subjects such as history or social studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Essay Structures

Now let’s look at two simple structures you can use to write IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays. They're not the only possible structures but are ones I recommend because they are easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

I’ll explain later why I’m giving you two slightly different structures.

These structures will give you a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

One Advantage and Disadvantage or Two?

The question will state 'advantages' and 'disadvantages' in the plural, that is, more than one. However, it is acceptable to write about just one.

This should give you an essay of just over the minimum 250 words. To write about two advantages and disadvantages will require you to write nearer 400 words which are a lot to plan and write in the 40 minutes allowed.

It is better to fully develop one advantage and one disadvantage than ending up with your second idea missing an explanation or an example because you run out of time, but you can write about two if you feel able to or more comfortable doing so.

Having said that, using essay structure 2, where you start with the examples, will enable you to easily add more than one advantage and disadvantage without having to write many more words.

It will be more suitable for some questions than others so bear this in mind when you're writing practice essays and try out both structures.

I’m going to use essay structure 2 to show you step-by-step how to write an IELTS advantage and disadvantages essay. I’ll also give you a model answer using essay structure 1 so that you can compare the two.

How To Plan IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

The planning process only takes around 5 minutes but it is essential as it will save you time overall and will result in a far better essay and thus, higher marks. Th ere are the 3 things you need to do:

Analyse the question
Generate ideas
Identify vocabulary

# 1 Analyse the question

Analysing the question will ensure that you answer it fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

Topic words
Other keywords
Instruction words

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

Here is the question we’re going to be working on. I’ve highlighted the topic words in blue.

So, this question is about ‘ tourism’ .

Many people do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of tourism we're being asked to write about.

The other keywords in the question tell you the specific topic your essay must be about.

A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income . Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write about the conflicting issues of tourism being ‘a main source of income’ in many places, yet also being ‘a source of problems’.

Your essay must only include ideas relevant to this aspect of tourism.

The instruction words are the question itself. They tell you exactly what to include in your essay.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world? Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks ?

Here, we are required to write about:

The advantages of tourism in relation to income generation.
The disadvantage of tourism in relation to problems it can cause.
Our opinion as to whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Note the use of the synonyms ‘ benefits ’ and ‘ drawback ’ in the second sentence of the question.

# 2 Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the IELTS Essay Planning page.

I’m going to demonstrate two of them for you here – the ‘friends technique’, which is suitable for most IELTS essays, and the ‘example method’, which perfectly fits essay structure 2.

The ‘ friends technique ’ is the method I generally prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are chatting with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

Here are my ideas using the friends technique:

There are far too many ideas here to include in an essay of just over 250 words. Think up a few then pick one advantage and one disadvantage that you think you can develop well.

With the ' example method ', on the other hand, you start by thinking of specific examples related to the question. They can come from your own experience or be something you’ve read or heard about. These examples will generate ideas that will become the main points of your essay.

It works particularly well for the model question I’ve selected for this lesson which is why I’ve included the second essay structure.

Here are my ideas using the examples technique:

Now that we have some ideas, we’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay, but first, we have one more task to do.

# 3 Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide what you're going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

Writing an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

We’re ready to begin writing our essay. For the first model answer, I’m going to take you step-by-step through essay structure 2. I’ll then give you a model answer for essay structure 1.

Here’s a reminder of the question and the essay structure.

We’ll now start work on the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

The introduction to an IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay should have a simple 2 or 3 part structure:

Paraphrase the question
Outline the main ideas
State your opinion (if required)

Our tourism question asks for our opinion so our introduction will have 3 parts.

1) Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question statement.

Question: A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income.

Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

Paraphrased question:

Although holidaymakers contribute hugely to the economies of many popular destinations, the influx of tourists can also cause serious issues.

Note my use of synonyms for some of the key words. It’s fine to repeat one or two words if you can't think of suitable synonyms. Above all, your language must sound natural.

2) Outline statement

Now we need to add a statement where we outline the main points that we’ll be covering in the rest of the essay, that is, an advantage of tourism and a disadvantage of tourism.

Here are the two main ideas I’ve chosen to write about:

Advantage – Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts
Disadvantage – Displacement of local people

Outline statement:

This essay will demonstrate how tourism can transform the economy of poor areas but will also show that this can lead to such problems as the displacement of local people.

3) Opinion statement

The question also asks for our opinion and it’s essential that we include it in the introduction.

Opinion statement:

Whilst acknowledging that there are drawbacks, the essay will argue that the advantages of the tourist industry outweigh the disadvantages.

So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1 – Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts

Main body paragraph 2 – Displacement of local people

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays written using structure 2, should contain 3 things:

Topic sentence – give an example
Explanation – explain the benefits/advantages
Consequence – state the result

Main Body Paragraph 1

The topic sentence summarises the main idea of the paragraph. It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

In this instance, the topic sentence will introduce our first example, for which I’ve chosen Thailand.

Main idea – Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts
Example – Thailand

Topic sentence:

One country that has experienced a significant economic boost from tourism is Thailand.

Next, we must write an explanation sentence that states the main point of our example.

Explanation sentence:

Over the past 50 years, many of its small fishing villages, where people often struggled to make a living, have been developed into thriving holiday destinations.

Finally, we explain the consequence or result of the situation. This is where we give an example of one specific advantage. It is better to pick one and develop it than to just add a long list.

Consequence:

With all the hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities that have been developed, there are now enough jobs for everyone and the general standard of living has greatly increased. Many local people have spotted new business opportunities and become entrepreneurs which has further diversified the economy.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We’ll now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea – Displacement of local people

Example – Venice

First, we write the topic sentence to summarise the main idea.

Topic sentence:

In Venice, on the other hand, the huge popularity of the beautiful canals and stunning architecture with visitors from around the world has had a negative impact on local residents.

Now for the explanation sentence that states the main point of our example.

Explanation sentence:

The growing need for tourist accommodation, places to eat and shops has forced many people from their homes to make way for this new development.

Finally, a specific example to explain the consequence .

Not only have these people suffered by having to move away from their family and friends but the situation has also resulted in a lost sense of community in the worst affected areas.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can generally be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay is already near the minimum word limit so we don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

Neatly end the essay
Link all your ideas together
Sum up your argument or opinion
Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS a dvantages and disadvantages essay with the words:

In conclusion

To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction.

Introduction:

Here's the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our advantages and disadvantages essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay for Structure 1

Now, here’s a model answer for essay structure 1. First, a reminder of the structure and the ideas I generated using the friends technique.

Ideas generation - Friends technique

I’ve underline the ideas I’ve chosen to write about in this second essay:

Advantages of tourism – source of income:

Provides jobs for local people
Opportunities for local entrepreneurs
Tourist spending boosts both national & local economy
Brings improvement in local infrastructure & facilities which benefit whole community
Helps maintain traditions & culture

Disadvantages of tourism – the problems:

Money goes to wealthy business owners not local people
Increased crime
Illegal activities, e.g. drugs
More pubs & clubs – changes the local culture
Increase in property values
Destruction of the natural environment to build hotels, airports & other facilities
Displacement of indigenous people

See if you can identify the different parts of the essay and how I have developed them.

That's it. Now it's time for you to get practicing.

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More help with ielts advantages and disadvantages essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

Opinion Essays

Discussion Essays

Problem Solution Essays

Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

IELTS Writing
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Advantages and Disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2

A common question in IELTS Writing Task 2 is the advantages and disadvantages essay . As the name suggests, you will be provided with a topic on which you have to present an essay highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of the situation.

a 3d model holding the checkmark and the cross mark

The IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay should present a balanced evaluation of the subject matter without taking sides . Never present your personal opinion regarding whether there are more merits or demerits. Since, we have to remain neutral, do not write a one-sided essay.

Some questions do ask you whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or not. To learn about such essays, click here »

Examples of Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS essay

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay format

There is a clear-cut IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay structure. Obviously, the first and the last paragraph of the essay will be for Introduction and Conclusion respectively. Two paragraphs in the body, one for advantages and the other for disadvantages, works best for this type of question in IELTS Writing Task 2 .

Paragraph	Format
1	Introduction
2	Some advantages
3	Some disadvatanges
4	Conclusion

While brainstorming for ideas, we need to come up with at least two advantages and two disadvantages to write about. You can write more than two each, but the essay might get unnecessarily lengthy, and some ideas may lack proper development.

Introduction for an Advantages and Disadvantages essay

There are two elements to include in the Introduction paragraph of IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay.

Rewrite the statements from the question in your own words
Briefly mention the advantages and disadvantages

Introduction:
There are people who like to spare no expense when celebrating important occasions in life. While throwing lavish parties ensures fun and entertainment for everyone involved, we should bear in mind the negative consequences as well. Apart from draining our hard-earned income, this trend might result in a decadent society obsessed with material indulgence instead of spiritual fulfilment.

We can see in the sample above for the advantages and disadvantages essay that the Introduction paragraph begins with a paraphrase of the sentence in the question. Then, the second sentence introduces that idea of “ fun and entertainment ” as the advantages, while the third sentence hints at the disadvantages of holding such celebrations like being unreasonably expensive and possibly giving rise to a hedonistic lifestyle.

Introduction:
Reality shows, where singing, dancing, or other forms of performances are evaluated by public voting, have become ubiquitous in mainstream television. In my opinion, this has helped many deserving individuals to showcase their talents and make a career. However, this might present a wrong message to people that success is a result of popularity and luck instead of hard work.

Body paragraphs for IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay

Whatever advantages and disadvantages have been alluded to in the Introduction paragraph have to be elaborated in the next two paragraphs.

For the advantages and disadvantages essay in the IELTS test, it is best to write about the pros in one paragraph and the cons in the next. Include at least two positives and at least two negatives of the situation. These points have to be explained in the body paragraphs with the help of examples.

Example:
There are people who like to spare no expense when celebrating important occasions in life. While throwing lavish parties ensures fun and entertainment for everyone involved, we should bear in mind the negative consequences as well. Apart from draining our hard-earned income, this trend might result in a decadent society obsessed with material indulgence instead of spiritual fulfilment. The obvious reward of lavish celebrations is fun and merriment. I believe that people should not underestimate the importance of enjoying time with family, friends, and neighbors in order to strengthen our relationships and accumulate pleasurable memories. For this, more expenditure translates into a more splendid party. On top of this, organizing posh Gatsbyesque parties might boost the social reputation of the hosts. Not only will the invitees have a great time, they will view the hosts as wealthy and generous. On the other hand, going above and beyond one’s means to hold over-the-top festivities is not sustainable in the long run. In today’s economy, organizing a grand event with food, alcohol, and entertainment costs an arm and a leg. We have heard many stories of how families have become bankrupt trying to keep up with the Joneses. In addition, as a result of this lifestyle, there is a risk of creating a depraved and profligate culture where people yield to their base desires rather than focusing on self actualization. This can be exemplified by comparing the societies of big cities, where ostentatious celebrations are a norm, to rural communities, where people seem to have stronger interpersonal bonds in spite of meagre social functions.

Example:

There are people who like to spare no expense when celebrating important occasions in life. While throwing lavish parties ensures fun and entertainment for everyone involved, we should bear in mind the negative consequences as well. Apart from draining our hard-earned income, this trend might result in a decadent society obsessed with material indulgence instead of spiritual fulfilment.

The obvious reward of lavish celebrations is fun and merriment. I believe that people should not underestimate the importance of enjoying time with family, friends, and neighbors in order to strengthen our relationships and accumulate pleasurable memories. For this, more expenditure translates into a more splendid party. On top of this, organizing posh Gatsbyesque parties might boost the social reputation of the hosts. Not only will the invitees have a great time, they will view the hosts as wealthy and generous.

On the other hand, going above and beyond one’s means to hold over-the-top festivities is not sustainable in the long run. In today’s economy, organizing a grand event with food, alcohol, and entertainment costs an arm and a leg. We have heard many stories of how families have become bankrupt trying to keep up with the Joneses. In addition, as a result of this lifestyle, there is a risk of creating a depraved and profligate culture where people yield to their base desires rather than focusing on self actualization. This can be exemplified by comparing the societies of big cities, where ostentatious celebrations are a norm, to rural communities, where people seem to have stronger interpersonal bonds in spite of meagre social functions.

Example:
Reality shows, where singing, dancing, or other forms of performances are evaluated by public voting, have become ubiquitous in mainstream television. In my opinion, this has helped many deserving individuals to showcase their talents and make a career. However, this might present a wrong message to people that success is a result of popularity and luck instead of hard work. From my perspective, since talent shows are platforms where competent participants can get much-needed exposure to sustain a career, they are a boon to such individuals. Otherwise, getting a break in the entertainment industry might end up being a life-long struggle or even an impossible dream. Moreover, reality shows based on performance and public judgement may lead to a meritocratic society because only those contestants who are able to win the hearts of the people succeed in such shows. An individual’s journey from obscurity to stardom in televised shows is relatively transparent compared to how other artists rise in show business. We can look at Susan Boyle, an elderly singer from the UK whose singing prowess was discovered and brought to light by the reality show Britain’s Got Talent, as the right kind of talent to benefit from such programs. Nevertheless, it is often claimed that talent shows reduce the assessment of artistry to a popularity contest. Often, rather than the most gifted candidate, the one with better physical appearance or backstory rises to the top. As a result, participants concentrate on optics as a replacement for honing their skills and improving their performance. While individually this hurts the competent but naïve participants, socially this trend disseminates a dangerous message against the need of effort and perseverance for artistic achievement.

Example:

Reality shows, where singing, dancing, or other forms of performances are evaluated by public voting, have become ubiquitous in mainstream television. In my opinion, this has helped many deserving individuals to showcase their talents and make a career. However, this might present a wrong message to people that success is a result of popularity and luck instead of hard work.

From my perspective, since talent shows are platforms where competent participants can get much-needed exposure to sustain a career, they are a boon to such individuals. Otherwise, getting a break in the entertainment industry might end up being a life-long struggle or even an impossible dream. Moreover, reality shows based on performance and public judgement may lead to a meritocratic society because only those contestants who are able to win the hearts of the people succeed in such shows. An individual’s journey from obscurity to stardom in televised shows is relatively transparent compared to how other artists rise in show business. We can look at Susan Boyle, an elderly singer from the UK whose singing prowess was discovered and brought to light by the reality show Britain’s Got Talent, as the right kind of talent to benefit from such programs.

Nevertheless, it is often claimed that talent shows reduce the assessment of artistry to a popularity contest. Often, rather than the most gifted candidate, the one with better physical appearance or backstory rises to the top. As a result, participants concentrate on optics as a replacement for honing their skills and improving their performance. While individually this hurts the competent but naïve participants, socially this trend disseminates a dangerous message against the need of effort and perseverance for artistic achievement.

Advantages and Disadvantages essay: The Conclusion

The final paragraph in the advantages and disadvantages essay questions in IELTS is the Conclusion paragraph . It is customary to write a summary of the main points made in the essay in the Conclusion paragraph.

Example:
There are people who like to spare no expense when celebrating important occasions in life. While throwing lavish parties ensures fun and entertainment for everyone involved, we should bear in mind the negative consequences as well. Apart from draining our hard-earned income, this trend might result in a decadent society obsessed with material indulgence instead of spiritual fulfilment. The obvious reward of lavish celebrations is fun and merriment. I believe that people should not underestimate the importance of enjoying time with family, friends, and neighbors in order to strengthen our relationships and accumulate pleasurable memories. For this, more expenditure translates into a more splendid party. On top of this, organizing posh Gatsbyesque parties might boost the social reputation of the hosts. Not only will the invitees have a great time, they will view the hosts as wealthy and generous. On the other hand, going above and beyond one’s means to hold over-the-top festivities is not sustainable in the long run. In today’s economy, organizing a grand event with food, alcohol, and entertainment costs an arm and a leg. We have heard many stories of how families have become bankrupt trying to keep up with the Joneses. In addition, as a result of this lifestyle, there is a risk of creating a depraved and profligate culture where people yield to their base desires rather than focusing on self actualization. This can be exemplified by comparing the societies of big cities, where ostentatious celebrations are a norm, to rural communities, where people seem to have stronger interpersonal bonds in spite of meagre social functions. To summarize, as celebrations are important parts of life, some suggest that they should be enjoyed with fervor and opulence so as to build relationships as well as status. However, caution should be adopted to not let things become hedonistic and futile.

Example:

Example:
Reality shows, where singing, dancing, or other forms of performances are evaluated by public voting, have become ubiquitous in mainstream television. In my opinion, this has helped many deserving individuals to showcase their talents and make a career. However, this might present a wrong message to people that success is a result of popularity and luck instead of hard work. From my perspective, since talent shows are platforms where competent participants can get much-needed exposure to sustain a career, they are a boon to such individuals. Otherwise, getting a break in the entertainment industry might end up being a life-long struggle or even an impossible dream. Moreover, reality shows based on performance and public judgement may lead to a meritocratic society because only those contestants who are able to win the hearts of the people succeed in such shows. An individual’s journey from anonymity to stardom in televised shows is relatively transparent compared to how other artists rise in show business. We can look at Susan Boyle, an elderly singer from the UK whose singing prowess was discovered and brought to light by the reality show Britain’s Got Talent, as the right kind of talent to benefit from such programs. Nevertheless, it is often claimed that talent shows reduce the assessment of artistry to a popularity contest. Often, rather than the most gifted candidate, the one with better physical appearance or backstory rises to the top. As a result, participants concentrate on optics as a replacement for honing their skills and improving their performance. While individually this hurts the competent but naïve participants, socially this trend disseminates a dangerous message against the need of effort and perseverance for artistic achievement. It should not be overlooked that most of the winners of the biggest shows like American Idol or America’s Got Talent revert back to obscurity when the show is over. Overall, there are both values and costs to people as well as society of reality-based talent shows on television. On the one hand, hidden gems in the field of art are being discovered day-by-day and the public can appreciate their journeys. On the other hand, while the most deserving artists may never thrive in such environments, television viewers might be indoctrinated to a false sense of how success is achieved.

Reality shows, where singing, dancing, or other forms of performances are evaluated by public voting, have become ubiquitous in mainstream television. In my opinion, this has helped many deserving individuals to showcase their talents and make a career. However, this might present a wrong message to people that success is a result of popularity and luck instead of hard work.

From my perspective, since talent shows are platforms where competent participants can get much-needed exposure to sustain a career, they are a boon to such individuals. Otherwise, getting a break in the entertainment industry might end up being a life-long struggle or even an impossible dream. Moreover, reality shows based on performance and public judgement may lead to a meritocratic society because only those contestants who are able to win the hearts of the people succeed in such shows. An individual’s journey from anonymity to stardom in televised shows is relatively transparent compared to how other artists rise in show business. We can look at Susan Boyle, an elderly singer from the UK whose singing prowess was discovered and brought to light by the reality show Britain’s Got Talent, as the right kind of talent to benefit from such programs.

Nevertheless, it is often claimed that talent shows reduce the assessment of artistry to a popularity contest. Often, rather than the most gifted candidate, the one with better physical appearance or backstory rises to the top. As a result, participants concentrate on optics as a replacement for honing their skills and improving their performance. While individually this hurts the competent but naïve participants, socially this trend disseminates a dangerous message against the need of effort and perseverance for artistic achievement. It should not be overlooked that most of the winners of the biggest shows like American Idol or America’s Got Talent revert back to obscurity when the show is over.

Overall, there are both values and costs to people as well as society of reality-based talent shows on television. On the one hand, hidden gems in the field of art are being discovered day-by-day and the public can appreciate their journeys. On the other hand, while the most deserving artists may never thrive in such environments, television viewers might be indoctrinated to a false sense of how success is achieved.

Next lesson:

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? – A reliable essay format

The government should control the amount of violence on television in order to decrease the violent crimes in society. to what extent do you agree or disagree, nowadays technology is increasingly being used to monitor what people are saying and doing (for example through cellphone tracing and security cameras). in many cases the people being monitored are unaware that this is happening. do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages, ielts essay format: solving writing task 2 easily, a 3-step process for powerful ielts essay introduction paragraph.

Advantages–Disadvantages Essay Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2

Learn how to answer Advantages–disadvantages essay questions in IELTS writing Task 2 with an overview, recommended approach and practice question. by Tim Martyn

workers sitting at computers in an office

Example question

Recommended approach, practice question.

Advantages–disadvantages essay questions are a common question type in IELTS writing Task 2. You’ll be presented with a statement about some kind of trend or phenomenon. You’ll either be asked what the advantages and disadvantages are, or whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Here are some key points about Advantages–disadvantages essay questions:

You should spend no more than 40 minutes on the task.
You should write at least 250 words – you’ll be penalised if your answer is too short.
Task 2 is worth two thirds of your total writing mark; Task 1 is worth one third.
You must write in full sentences, not bullet points or note form.

Here’s an example Advantages–disadvantages essay question.

Write about the following topic: Some people choose to be self-employed rather than work for an employer. Do you think the advantages of being self-employed outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Here’s my recommended approach for answering Advantages–disadvantages essay questions. We’ll use the example question to go through the steps you need to take.

IMPORTANT: The overall approach is the same for all Task 2 question types (i.e. discussion, opinion, advantages–disadvantages and two-part essay questions). This is important because, on test day, you could get a question that doesn’t fall neatly into any of these categories. However, if you learn and practise applying the overall approach, you should be able to respond flexibly to any question you’re presented with. Also, while I generally recommend writing 4-paragraph essays, there are other structures you can use to write an effective essay.

Step 1 > Analyse the question

The first step is to analyse the question. This is crucial – if you don’t take the time to analyse the question properly, you may misunderstand what it’s asking you or fail to respond to key parts of the question. Here’s our question prompt again.

You can see that we’ve been presented with a straightforward statement about being self-employed, and we’re being asked whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The phrase Do you think and the verb outweigh are important here. They make it clear that the question is asking for our opinion. We need to make it clear to the examiner whether we think there are more advantages or more disadvantages. If we don’t do this, our score for Task Response will be affected.

IMPORTANT: Some Advantages–disadvantages essay questions don’t require you to give your opinion. These questions are usually worded like this: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed?

Step 2 > Think of ideas

Once you fully understand the question and what you’re required to do, the next step is to spend a few minutes thinking of ideas for your essay. Don’t try to brainstorm as many ideas as you can – all you need is a few good ideas. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try asking yourself these questions:

What are the most obvious ideas?
If you asked 100 people for their ideas, what do you think most of them would say?

For Advantages–disadvantages essay questions, you need to think of ideas for both sides (i.e. advantages and disadvantages). Because the words advantages and disadvantages in the question are in the plural form, you need to think of more than one advantage and more than one disadvantage. If the question asks you whether there are more advantages or more disadvantages, you also need to make a decision about that.

Step 3 > Make a plan

Once you’ve thought of some ideas, it’s time to make a plan. I’d recommend that you spend about 5 minutes on your plan. It doesn’t need to be very detailed, but it’s important to think about what examples you’ll use and how you’ll explain your points. If you think of these things in advance, you’ll be able to connect your ideas more effectively when you’re writing your essay. Don’t try to write in full sentences – you can use symbols and abbreviations. The important thing is just to get your ideas down on paper. The plan for this essay might look something like this.

	both advantages + disadvantages, but disadvantages > advantages
	benefits – free to set own schedules (i.e. don’t need to work 9–5) – can choose clients and projects, don’t need to do things they don’t want to = sense of control
	disadvantages – irregular income, can’t pay themselves consistent salary, can’t apply for mortgage, etc. – don’t have benefits (e.g. sick pay and annual leave), reluctant to take time off – lack of structure in workday = less motivated
	both advantages + disadvantages, but signif. disadvantages mean not the right choice for most ppl.

Step 4 > Write the introduction

Now that you’ve thought of ideas for your essay and made a plan, it’s time to write the introduction. IELTS doesn’t specify what you need to include in your introduction, but for Advantages–disadvantages essay questions, I recommend that you include:

a paraphrase of the statement given in the question;
a statement about whether you think there are more advantages or more disadvantages.

Let’s look at each of these parts one by one.

1. A paraphrase of the statement given in the question

An easy and effective way to start your introduction is to paraphrase the statement given in the question. At this stage, don’t state whether you think there are more advantages or disadvantages – we’ll do that in the second part of the introduction. Keep in mind that you mustn’t copy the exact wording used in the question. Instead, you need to use synonyms and other forms of paraphrasing. You won’t be able find synonyms for everything. In fact, some words shouldn’t be replaced because doing so would change the meaning. Our paraphrase could be something like this: The vast majority of people work as employees in a company, but a growing number of people are making the decision to work for themselves.

2. A statement about whether you think there are more advantages or more disadvantages

In the second part of the introduction, you should clearly state whether you think there are more advantages or more disadvantages. An easy way to introduce this opinion is to use a conjunction such as While to introduce the side (i.e. advantages or disadvantages) that you think is less strong, and then make your opinion clear by using a phrase like I believe and the verb outweigh to introduce the side that you think is stronger. Here’s how we could write this statement: While being self-employed does have its benefits, I believe that they are outweighed by the drawbacks.

If we put the two parts of the introduction together, this is what we have.

The vast majority of people work as employees in a company, but a growing number of people are making the decision to work for themselves. While being self-employed does have its benefits, I believe that they are outweighed by the drawbacks.

Step 5 > Write the body paragraphs

The next step is to write the body paragraphs. Your first body paragraph should be about the side (i.e. advantages or disadvantages) that you think is less strong. Your second paragraph should be about the side you think is stronger. Note that your second body paragraph may be longer than your first body paragraph. This is fine because you’re likely to have more reasons to support the side you think is stronger. A linking word such as While , Despite or However can help you introduce the stronger side. Make sure it’s clear that you’re giving your opinion. Don’t be afraid to use phrases such as I believe that and I am of the view that . Here are some possible body paragraphs for our example.

There are clear benefits to being self-employed. First of all, those who run their own businesses are usually free to set their own schedules. Unlike employees, there is no requirement for them to work 9 to 5, so those who are more productive in the afternoon, for example, can simply start their workday later. In addition, the self-employed can pick and choose the projects they want to work on and the clients they want to work with. For instance, if a client is fussy or otherwise difficult to work with, business owners can opt not to work with them again. This can give self-employed people a sense of control over their work lives. However, I am of the opinion that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. A significant drawback is the fact that people who work for themselves tend to have irregular income. Their business earnings inevitably fluctuate month to month, which means they are unable to pay themselves a consistent salary. This can have a detrimental impact on many aspects of their lives, including their ability to make long-term plans and apply for a mortgage. In addition, those who run their own businesses do not enjoy the same benefits as their traditionally employed counterparts. For example, employees are entitled to annual leave and sick pay. Even though self-employed people can take annual leave and sick days if they wish, in practice they rarely do because of fear of losing clients and income. This situation can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being. Finally, many self-employed people find that the lack of structure in their workday makes it difficult to stay motivated. This sometimes means that they end up working longer hours each day to get their work done because of their lack of productivity.

Step 6 > Write the conclusion

The next step is to write the conclusion. All you need to do here is summarise the statement in the question and, again, make it clear what your own opinion is. Don’t just copy the words you used in other parts of the essay – use synonyms and paraphrasing as much as you can. Start your conclusion with In conclusion or To conclude . Here’s a possible conclusion for our example.

In conclusion, even though there are no doubt advantages of being self-employed, I believe that the significant disadvantages make traditional employment the right choice for most people.

Step 7 > Check your work

The final step is to check your work. At this stage, you won’t have time to make any major changes, but it’s still an important step. Things to check for:

whether you’ve used an adequate range of grammar and vocabulary;
your word count.

Now it’s your turn to practise. Try the Advantages–disadvantages essay question below using the approach outlined above.

Write about the following topic: Many parents encourage their teenage children to get a part-time job while they are still in high school. Do you think the advantages of high school students having a part-time job outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

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Click below for a sample answer.

High school students are often encouraged by their parents to work part-time while they are still at school. Despite the fact that part-time employment has some downsides for students still in high school, I do feel that these are outweighed by the benefits.

A part-time job can come with a number of disadvantages for high school students. Firstly, balancing a part-time job and school commitments can lead to time management challenges, potentially impacting the student’s ability to focus on their studies, complete assignments and perform well academically. The pursuit of a part-time job can also limit a student’s ability to do sport and exercise and reduce the amount of time they have available to spend with family and friends. This can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being.

Despite these challenges, I feel that, on balance, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Firstly, a part-time job provides practical exposure to the world of work, helping students develop important skills such as time management, responsibility and teamwork. This hands-on experience can contribute to their personal growth and preparation for future careers. Additionally, a part-time job can teach financial literacy. High school students with a part-time job learn to manage their earnings and make informed decisions about spending and saving. It also gives them a sense of independence as they no longer have to fully rely on their parents for money. This is an important part of becoming an adult and a first step towards eventually leaving the family home.

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How to Write Advantages & Disadvantages Essay Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2?

The first step to scoring well in IELTS writing task 2 general is to correctly identify the type of essay being asked to write. In advantages and disadvantages essay type , IELTS examiners want you to discuss both advantages and disadvantages separately and at the end, you need to write conclusive statements for the latest IELTS writing task 2.

Therefore, you must find out relevant points of advantages and disadvantages respectively after reading the question.

Example Question:

Below is an example question which you can refer to and learn more about this section easily.

Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, people can work and live anywhere they want.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages –

With this type of essay, you have two points to be discussed:

The positive impact of working and living anywhere.
Negative effects of working and living anywhere.

You must discuss both of them by giving reasons and support them with examples.

If you do not discuss any of the above two points in the essay, you will lose marks in the IELTS writing task 2 general. So, in this type of essay, you must explain both the points.

How to Structure IELTS Writing?

There are 3 types of advantages and disadvantages essay questions that require a different approach to solve them.

Essay Type 1:

Nowadays, with the advancement of technology and transportation facilities, people can work and live anywhere they want.

Discuss its Positive Impacts and Negative Effects:

This type of question requires you to describe the positive impacts in one paragraph while the negative effects in the other paragraph. In the latest IELTS writing task 2, you should not mention your personal opinion on this question.

The Best Structure you can use for this type of Essays:

Introduction.

Paraphrase the question
Outline the sentence
The topic of the sentence (advantage 1)
Explain how it is an advantage
Write an example

Disadvantages

The topic of the sentence (disadvantage1)
Explain how it is a disadvantage

Write a summary of the main points

Four paragraphs are sufficient to explain your point of view.

You may use any other structure you are comfortable with but this structure is approved by the IELTS examiners for the latest IELTS writing task 2 to help the students write effectively and cohesively.

Also Read: Model Answer for Previous IELTS Writing Task 2 Test: Copying Famous People

Essay Type 2:

Do the positive impacts of this advancement outweigh its negative effects.

This type of question requires you to describe the advantages in one paragraph while disadvantages in the other paragraph, but you need to explain which of the two, advantages or disadvantages, is stronger than the other. You should not mention your personal opinion on this question for IELTS writing task 2 general.

The Best Structure you can use for this Type of Essays:

Paraphrase the Question
Write a thesis statement (which one outweighs the other)

Body Paragraph 1 (The Strong Side)

The topic of the sentence
Explain how it is a strong side

Body Paragraph 2 (The Weak Side)

Explain how it is not a strong side

Write a summary of the main points and restate the position.

Essay Type 3:

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this essay.

Give your own opinion.

This type of question requires you to describe the advantages in one paragraph while disadvantages in the other paragraph. Furthermore, you should mention your personal opinion also in this question.

Write a thesis statement (your opinion)

Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

Explain your opinion
Explain or give an example

Sentence 1- Write a summary of the main points.

Vocabulary and Phrases for IELTS Writing Task 2 General:

Useful vocabulary for joining supportive ideas.

In addition
What is more
Furthermore
Besides this

Useful Vocabulary for Joining Opposite Ideas

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless

H2- Sample Question for the Latest IELTS Writing Task 2:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write About the Following Topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer for IELTS Writing Task 2 General:

Over the past few decades, it has become possible to commute and work in different parts of the world due to the convenient transportation modes provided by modern technological methods. Advantages of this advancement are comparatively more as compared to the disadvantages.

To embark upon, there are various advantages of technological advancements. By travelling to other countries, people get the opportunity to visit new places and discover other parts of the world.

Insert Your Example

For example, people travelling from East to the Western part of the world can come to know various aspects of culture, tradition, values, language and many more. This can enhance their knowledge and experience when meeting new people.

In addition to this, it would also benefit other countries in terms of meeting the shortage of skilled professionals. If there is a requirement of professionals with specific skills in a country, it can hire skilled and experienced professionals from another country.

Provide Example

For example, health professionals such as doctors and nurses are often relocating to other countries for meeting the skill shortage in those countries.

Again Continue

On the other hand, one of the disadvantages of modern means of communication and technology is that it has widened the distance between family relationships. If a person has travelled far from his home, it is not possible for him to meet his family members face to face. Due to this reason, he can only talk to them using software such as Skype via video calling or through the phone.

It can be argued that though there are disadvantages of working and living in other countries, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages since this benefits both the person who is moving and also the country which is hiring that person.

(287 words)

Also Read: 7 Tips to Solve True, False, Not Given Questions: A Guide for IELTS Reading Test

Exercise for the Latest IELTS Writing Task 2

Write an essay 250 words on the following topics. Use the vocabulary and phrases mentioned above.

According to some people, it would be better if industries are established in regions outside the urban area. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages.
Elderly people are nowadays being sent to old aged homes rather than being looked after by family in homes. Do the advantages of old aged homes outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people think that e-books are better to be used for education in order to go paperless. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Give your own opinion.

Hopefully, now you have got all your answers regarding the answer writing pattern for the advantages and disadvantages of essay. Now work on the exercise and make yourself prepared for the latest IELTS writing task 2. All the best!

The exercise questions given in the blog provide great practice for me, and I was able to use the tips given and saw the improvement in my writing skills.

Thank you for providing such an useful blog with the questions and answers, what do you guys think about it?

Writing High-Scoring IELTS Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide

Common IELTS Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Describe Something Important that has been Kept in Your Family: A Cue Card Sample Topic for IELTS Speaking

Other stories, ielts academic/ general writing task 1: complete guide for vocabulary and grammar, 7 tips to solve true, false, not given questions: a guide for ielts reading test.

IELTS discuss the advantages and disadvantages

IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages and Disadvantages

Discuss advantages and disadvantages, plan – the prewriting stage, determine your position. , brainstorm for ideas, introduction.

Example introduction:

Introduce your first main advantage.

Should a company require room for more employees, whether temporary or permanent, these open interiors allow for various configurations that will accommodate all staff appropriately.

Task Response

Coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, sample task 2 essay.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Advantages / Disadvantages Essay – Structure and template

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Advantages / Disadvantages Essay – Structure and template

Questions for this type of IELTS essay might look like this:

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? What are the advantages and drawbacks?

For instance:

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?

HERE WE NEED SYNONYMS:

Advantages – Benefits – Positive Sides

Disadvantages – Drawbacks – Negative Sides

1) If you think that there are more ADVANTAGES:

1§ Introduction: Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion: more benefits (2 SENTENCES) 2§ The first advantage + Explanation + Example 3§ The second advantage + Explanation + Example OR result 4§ One drawback: On the other hand, … + Explanation + Example OR result 5§ Conclusion: sum up the benefits + My Opinion: more benefits (2 SENTENCES)

2) If you think that there are more DISADVANTAGES

1§ Introduction: Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion: more drawbacks (2 SENTENCES) 2§ The first disadvantage + Explanation + Example 3§ The second disadvantage + Explanation + Example OR result 4§ One benefit: On the other hand, … + Explanation + Example OR result 5§ Conclusion: sum up + My Opinion: more drawbacks (2 SENTENCES)

3) If you think that there are ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES at the same time. (Both)

1§ Introduction: Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion: benefits and drawbacks (2 SENTENCES) 2§ The first advantage + Explanation + Example. Moreover, + the second benefit + Explanation + Example. In addition, the third benefit + Explanation + Example. 3§ The first disadvantage + Explanation + Example. Moreover, + the second drawback + Explanation + Example OR result. In addition, the third negative side + Explanation + Example OR result

5§ Conclusion: sum up + My Opinion: benefits and drawbacks (2 SENTENCES)

1) and 2) structures are easier than 3) BUT this is all individual. Choose what suits your own ideas best. ALL 3 OPTIONS OF THE STRUCTURE WORK.

How to master IELTS Writing: Task 1 & Task 2

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IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Lesson

IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions normally give you a statement and ask you to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of that statement.

The problem is that there are 2 different types of advantages and disadvantages essays, each requiring a different approach. If you answer them differently, you risk losing many easy marks.

This lesson will look at each of the three question types and suggest a standard sentence-by-sentence structure for each of them. There will also be sample answers for each of the three questions to help you compare and understand the two approaches.

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary schools rather than secondary schools.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 1 simply asks us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages. It does not ask for our opinion or says which side is better or worse, so we should not include this information in our answer.

This requires a simple structure in which the student will look at the advantages in one paragraph and the disadvantages in the other.

Question 2 is different because we have to say if the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages. Notice I didn’t say ‘if there are more advantages than disadvantages’. The question is not asking you to talk about numbers but comment on the overall weight of the advantages or disadvantages. For example, there are many advantages to travelling by private jet, but there is one huge disadvantage (the cost) that stops most people from flying that way, and therefore the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

In this example, we will have to decide which side (advantages or disadvantages) is stronger, affecting our structure. If you choose advantages, you will have to say why these are much stronger than the disadvantages and why the disadvantages don’t hold much weight. You would also have to make this clear in your thesis statement.

Structure for Essay 1

Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

Sentence 2- Outline sentence

Supporting Paragraph 1 (Advantages)

Sentence 3- Topic sentence (2 Advantages)

Sentence 4- Explain first advantage

Sentence 5- Explain second advantage

Sentence 6- Example of second advantage

Supporting Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

Sentence 6- Topic sentence (2 Disadvantages)

Sentence 7- Explain first disadvantage

Sentence 8- Explain second disadvantage

Sentence 9- Example of second disadvantage

Sentence 9- Summary of main points

Structure for Essay 2

Sentence 2- Thesis statement (state which one outweighs the other)

Sentence 3- Outline sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1 (Stronger Side)

Sentence 4- Topic Sentence

Sentence 5- Explain why it is strong

Sentence 6- Example

Sentence 7- Topic Sentence

Sentence 8- Explain why it is strong

Sentence 9- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2 (Weaker Side)

Sentence 10- Topic Sentence

Sentence 11- Explain why it is not strong

Sentence 12- Example

Sentence 13- Summary of main points and restate position.

Question 1 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Answer

Before college, many young people are advised that a year of working or travelling may be a good option. This essay will suggest that experience gained and money saved are the biggest advantages of this, but delaying careers and reducing motivation to study are the primary disadvantages.

The main advantages of a gap year are learning more about the world and earning money. For students who have just finished secondary school, working or travelling for a year will allow them to learn what life is like outside of the education system. Also, third-level education is very expensive, and many students decide to work for 12 months and save money before they begin their studies. The average student at a UK university requires over £10,000 per annum to survive, and many drop out because they cannot afford to stay.

Despite these advantages, students lose a year that could have been used to advance their future careers, and they often get used to working or travelling and don’t want to return to a life of study. As job markets are very competitive, an extra year of experience can make a massive difference when applying for jobs, and those who took a gap year are at a disadvantage. Moreover, some decide to bypass university altogether and go straight into a job that is beneath their capabilities or may not offer the same prospects their future career might have. For instance, jobs in the service industry are easy to get without a third-level education, and many gap students fill these roles only to be stuck in them for the rest of their lives.

In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows people to accumulate savings or learn more about the world. However, they should also be careful that it does not delay the start of their careers and lead to disillusionment with education.

Question 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Answer

Some authorities think that it is more favourable for pupils to begin studying languages at primary school instead of secondary school. This essay will argue that the advantages of this outweigh the drawbacks. The essay will first demonstrate that the earlier someone learns an additional language, the more likely they are to master it and that it brings added cognitive benefits, followed by an analysis of how the primary disadvantage, namely confusion with their native tongue, is not valid.

The main reason to start kids off with foreign languages early is that this increases the likelihood they will achieve fluency in adulthood. That is to say that they will have far more years to perfect their skills, and speaking bilingually will seem perfectly normal. For example, in countries such as Holland and Norway, where English is taught from a very young age, most adults speak it at an advanced level. Learning a second language also helps to improve overall cognitive abilities. In other words, it benefits the overall development of a child’s brain. It is well known that bi-lingual children are significantly more likely to score higher in Mathematics and Science.

Those opposed to this say that it causes the child to become confused between their mother tongue and the other language. However, there is actually no evidence to support this view and children from bilingual families do just as well in both languages. My son was brought up speaking both Vietnamese and English and outperforms most of his classmates in both.

On balance, the fact that early foreign language learning leads to higher fluency and improved brain function clearly outweighs the flawed argument that it impairs the uptake of native languages.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Next Steps

Now that you are more confident about IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays, you can practice and reach the level you need.

Do you need me to correct your essays and give you feedback on them? Check out our VIP Course .

I hope this has been of help to you, and please let me know if you have any questions or feedback.

The British Council and IDP also have some useful resources for IELTS preparation.

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Writing Samples Band 9

Nowadays, many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or oganisation. why might be the case what could be the disadvantages of being self-employed, at the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages, some schools are very strict about their school uniforms and the appearance of their pupils, while other schools have a very relaxed dress code. what are the advantages and disadvantages of children of having a school uniform, in some countries, more and more adults are living with their parents after graduating from college, university or even after finding a job. do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, 2.it is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going university. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend, many people work long hour, leaving very little time for leisure activities. does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages, at the present time the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages, it is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives. do the advantages of taking these risks outweigh the disadvantages, in the past lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students. nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching, international tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. at the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. do the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages, nowadays, as a part of the educational process, students work at a company for a short period of time without pay. do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, as global trade increase, many goods including those we use in daily basis are produced in another country and have to be transport long distance. do benefit of this trend outweigh disadvantages, at the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the numbers of older people. do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages, nowadays, a lot of offices employ open-space designs instead of separate rooms for work. do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, some people believe that life in a big city is difficult while others say that it is more convenient. what are the advantages and disadvantages of living in big cities, in some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your people who decide to do this, many retired people today are choosing to live in other countries. what are the advantages or disadvantages of this, 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, in many countries, teenagers are encouraged to do part-time jobs. what's the situation like in your country what do yout think are the advantages and disvanatges of doing part-time jobs, with the rise of e-books comes the decline in paper books. some people see this as a good step forward while others do not. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend..

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Advantages--disadvantages (templates for ielts essays, writing task 2).

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)

Question type: Advantages--Disadvantages (Template)

Possible Question(s)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ______?

1. (One paragraph) Introduction (General statement; paraphrasing; thesis statement)

2. (One or two paragraphs) Advantages (Topic sentence; at least 2-3 advantages)

3. (One or two paragraphs) Disadvantages (Topic sentence; at least 2-3 disadvantages)

4. (One paragraph) Conclusion

Thesis statement templates

This essay shall discuss the positives and negatives of _______
In the following paragraphs, I intend to explore the merits and demerits of _______
There are a plethora of positives of ________.
There are many obvious advantages of ________
The topic sentence can be combined with the first point. E.g., One of the (major) benefits of _______ is that _______
On the positive side, _______
Advantages of _______ are that _______. Also, _______
However, _______ does have a few drawbacks as well.
On the negative side, _______
Disadvantages of _______ are _______. Also, _______
To begin with; Firstly
Secondly; Thirdly...
Also; Moreover; Furthermore; Additionally; In addition
Then (E.g, Then another possible benefit of _______ is that _______.)
Last but not the least
The same is true for
If _______, _______
Therefore; So; Hence; Thus; As a result
For example For instance To exemplify
The first (major) benefit/drawback of ________ is that
One of the major benefits/drawbacks of ________ is that ________
One way in which ________ is beneficial/disadvantageous is that ________
It is also ________
________ is also important for ensuring ________
Furthermore, another merit/demerit of ________ is that it ________
How ________ is done is important. Therefore, ________ is advantageous as it ensures ________
How ________ is done is important. Therefore, ________ could be disadvantageous as it leads to ________
There are a number of advantages responsible for ________ such as ________ and ________. However, in some ways, ________ can be problematic too.
In conclusion, it is obvious that ________ is very essential nowadays. In contrast, the negatives are negligible (very few) as compared to the positives.
If you are writing many advantages and very few disadvantages, you could write in a single sentence how the disadvantages can be easily avoided/reduced. For example, There are very few disadvantages to making sports compulsory in school. These disadvantages can, however, be easily avoided or reduced by ensuring that the medical history of every student is considered. (This is the ending of an Advantage--Disadvantage essay about making sports compulsory in school. There are many advantages. But the only disadvantage is that some students may not be deemed medically fit for certain kinds of sports.)
Another possibility is that the disadvantages are conditional, that is, only in some situations or conditions, there are problems. So, this can be mentioned either in the 'disadvantages' paragraph or in the conclusions or in both.
This is largely advantageous (to both -- and --) but has a few disadvantages as well.
________ has pros as well as cons but definitely the advantages have an edge over the disadvantages.
________ has both merits as well as demerits but the pros certainly outweigh the cons.

IELTS advantage disadvantage essay

Model answer for an ielts advantage disadvantage (outweigh) essay..

Updated: February 2024

One of the most difficult essay types for many band 6 students is the ‘outweigh’ essay, which is an advantage disadvantage essay that is asking your opinion about which side you think is stronger.

The keyword in the task is ‘outweigh’. So you must cover the advantage and the disadvantage in this essay and clearly state your opinion. Do not only write about the advantages. you will need to cover both sides for a higher score in task response.

If you believe the advantage is stronger you must give your opinion on that in the thesis statement, but also make sure you show what a possible downside is. Have a look at the structures below for this type of essay.

Note that these are just guidelines. There is nothing mentioned in the marking criteria about the correct structure to use.

IELTS advantage disadvantage essay structure

Check this blog post on the 3 types of advantage disadvantage essays.

Model answer.

People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

In recent times people have the choice of any location worldwide to live and work because of advances in communication technology and transport. Although there are downsides, this essay argues that the advantages are stronger as this has positively changed work life because people can work remotely via the internet from anywhere in the world.

One considerable advantage of technological innovation in transportation and communication is that it has revolutionised the way people work, bringing new opportunities and employment that did not exist before. In my view, this has had a positive impact on peoples lives due to the flexibility of combining work with travel. For instance, reliable Wi-fi networks and cloud computing, cheaper flights and high-speed trains allow people to live anywhere in the world while working online. Additionally, employees can participate in video conference calls and international forums, while entrepreneurs can run their businesses online from any location worldwide.

Admittedly, there are drawbacks in that some individuals have issues while living and working in different countries. In particular, culture shock and motivational problems while living outside their home country. This tends to lead to frustration for many remote workers who are relocated to offices in other countries. For example, multinational companies often neglect to train employees to deal with culture shock, as they assume that a positive experience on vacation in a new country will lead to easy cultural integration abroad. I believe communication technology has a positive role to play here, such as online coaching, which could help employees with motivation and cultural adjustment.

To conclude, despite the downsides, I believe that the benefits of communication technology and transport are greater because of new opportunities to travel and work online globally.

As you can see, I’m going with one advantage and one disadvantage here. This is ok for a Band 7+ but the essay must be well developed. If you have 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages, you may run out of time and end up with a very long essay at well over 300 words. Keep the essay concise.

You will notice in the thesis statement that I state:

‘Although there are downsides, this essay argues that the advantages are stronger as this has positively changed work life because people can work remotely via the internet from anywhere in the world.’

This shows balance as I have referred to the fact that there is a downside. In main body one, I cover the advantage and give my opinion on this. ‘ In my view, this has had a positive impact on people’s lives… .’

In main body two, I stated: ‘Admittedly, there are drawbacks….’ this shows the examiner that I’m covering the downsides now.

In the conclusion I refer to the disadvantages again briefly then restate my opinion… ‘ To conclude, despite the downsides, I believe that….’

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary

When you turn to IELTS Writing Task 2 (the formal essay) on test day, you may encounter an “advantage and disadvantage” essay. This type of essay asks you to evaluate both sides of an issue. Having the right vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays is one key to increasing your band score. This is essay is no different. In this article, we’ll look at IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay vocabulary.

What is an Advantage/Disadvantage Essay on the IELTS?

An advantage/disadvantage essay is any essay that requires you to share both good and bad sides of an issue. They’re pretty easy to spot, because they almost always use the phrase “advantages and disadvantages” in the prompt.

With those ideas in mind, here are a few things you should keep in mind while writing an advantages/disadvantages essay.

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When you’re writing an advantage/disadvantage essay, you want to present both sides of the issue. Sometimes, but not always, the prompt will ask you to pick which side is stronger. Don’t make a recommendation about which side is better unless the prompt says to! In other words, don’t overthink this: if the prompt doesn’t ask you to pick a side, don’t. Just focus on describing the pros and cons of the issue.

The structure of an IELTS advantages/disadvantages essay should be simple, with four paragraphs:

Introduction
Advantages (OR disadvantages, whichever you have better ideas for)
Disadvantages (OR advantages, if you wrote about disadvantages first

The main thing to keep in mind is that you should separate advantages into their own paragraph and disadvantages into their own paragraph. It doesn’t matter which one comes first, but they should be distinct.

It can be easy to get caught up in using the IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay vocabulary you’ve learned and forgetting to focus on the ideas. However, you should brainstorm ideas carefully at the beginning of your time to make sure that you have something to write about! Aim to share two advantages and two disadvantages in your essay.

With that in mind, I’ll take a look at some words and phrase you can use for this essay type.

Before we get into specifics, though, let’s look at some basic terms for this section: synonyms for “advantages” and “disadvantages”:

Benefits/drawbacks
Positives/negatives

With those in mind, take a look at vocabulary words and phrases you can use to present each side!

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary: Advantages

One advantage of X is…
A primary advantage of X is…
The positive aspects of X include…
A/Another benefit of X is…
An/Another advantage of X is…

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary: Disadvantages

A disadvantage of X is…
One drawback of X is…
A negative aspect of X is…
A negative consequence of X is…
A/another drawback of X is…

Vocabulary and Phrases for Opinions ( ONLY if Required by the Prompt )!

The benefits of X far outweigh/exceed the drawbacks.
The disadvantages of X far outweighs/exceeds the advantages.

Example of an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

So what does this look like in practice? Take a look at a sample IELTS advantages/disadvantages prompt and a high-scoring essay written in response. If you want, you can use an IELTS essay response sheet and try your own response before checking the answer below!

The Response

One major advantage of streaming films in the home is that it removes barriers between customers and the films. Couples with children do not need to find babysitters to enjoy new cinema. Another benefit of streaming services is that, in many cases, the price of new films is already included in the monthly subscription cost. This means that more people are likely to watch the film at home, even if they were not interested enough to pay money directly to see it in the theatre.

Conversely, a negative consequence of streaming services’ popularity is that, if they reach a certain tipping point of popularity, cinemas may go out of business. Consumers have no incentive to go to the theatre to see the same films they can see in the comfort of their homes. This means that those employed by cinemas, from ushers to those working at concessions stands, may lose their jobs, which could have a knock-on effect on the economy. Another disadvantage of streaming services’ ubiquity is that some films may not be as easy to appreciate artistically on a small screen. By watching these films at home, consumers may be missing out on the director’s artistic vision.

On balance, there are both benefits and drawbacks to the recent rise in streaming services. The effects this trend has are primarily economic (on both individual and societal levels) and artistic.

Word count: 272

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

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One response to “IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary”

the question is about the trend that people are till going to cinema ,eventhoug ott platforms are available.so aforesaid essay written about pros & cons of streaming platform .it is clear that the deviation from the question.

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Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2: Popular Topics List

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The IELTS writing task 2 is the most crucial aspect of the IELTS writing module as it holds the maximum band weightage, and often students are seen searching different essay topics, however, IELTS writing preparation should lay special emphasis on the common essay topics that are asked and the students should be ready with the vocabulary associated with these essay topics. All students preparing for the IELTS writing task 2 are expected to showcase a clear way of presenting and articulating ideas, presenting arguments, and supporting their ideas with proper explanation and evidence. Some simple essay writing topics also sound complicated as the students are sometimes unaware of the topic.

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IELTS latest common essay topics with subtopics for 2024

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Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2: Popular Topics List

In this article, we will highlight some IELTS writing task 2 common essay topics and the IELTS writing task 2 questions associated with the IELTS essay topics. We will also highlight some of the useful IELTS vocabulary words that may be used under each topic, we highly recommend that to retain the words and use them in your IELTS essay, you should maintain your book, and write the words in the book on each IELTS essay topic along with their meaning, synonym, antonym and also frame sentences. All the important paragraph writing topics associated with IELTS writing task 2 are also given. These exam topics can be very beneficial to the candidates. A collection of twelve current essay topics with the most essential IELTS vocabulary are compiled in this article.

1:- Types of IELTS essay topic - education

Education is one of the most frequently asked IELTS common essay topics due to the fact that IELTS academic writing task 2 is attempted by students who wish to pursue their education from abroad. Hence, it is always beneficial that the candidates are aware of the common IELTS topics under education. The topic education is a simple essay topic in the IELTS but one of the most repeated essay writing topics in English.

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Example questions:

Opinion-based: Some people want the main purpose of television should be education while others think that TV should be for entertainment only. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Advantages and disadvantages: In some countries around the world, there has been an increase in the number of parents choosing to educate their children themselves instead of sending them to school. Do the advantages of homeschooling education outweigh these advantages?

Problem - solution: What problems are associated with traditional classroom education, and how can they be solved?"

Vocabulary to be used for IELTS essay topic - education:

1. Curriculum

2. Pedagogy

3. Assessment - Practice Now (Refer to Question 1)

4. Literacy

5. Syllabus

6. E-learning

7. Interactive

8. Extracurricular

9. Academia - Practice Now

10. Scholarship

11. Bilingual

12. Vocational

13. Cognitive

14. Discipline

15. Matriculation

2:- IELTS essay writing task 2 topic for academics - environment

The environment is also another hot IELTS common essay topic due to its relevancy and broad range of possible questions. The candidates can regularly expect an IELTS essay question on this topic. Apart from IELTS, environment is one of the major essay writing topics in English language making it an essential topic to write about.

Example Questions:

Opinion-based question: Some people argue that individuals can do nothing to improve the environment. Therefore, only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Two-point question: Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?

Problem- solution: Environment pollution has become one of the most serious in today's world. What are the causes of environmental pollution? What measures can be taken to tackle this issue?

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Vocabulary:

The words given below can also be practised in the form of dictation words for IELTS to retain them, we suggest that you add the words to your personal dictionary and frame sentences on the same.

1. Sustainability

2. Conservation- Practice Now

3. Biodiversity

4. Emissions

5. Ecosystem

6. Renewable

7. Pollution

8. Deforestation

10. Carbon footprint

11. Habitat

12. Degradation

13. Organic

14. Contamination

15. Climate change

3:- IELTS essay writing task 2 topic - health

Health is one of a interesting topics to write about . When it comes to IELTS common essay topics, the topic of health cannot be discarded. Often, a lot of IELTS writing task 2 questions are asked about this topic and the candidates must be aware of a few vocabulary words related to the topic, health. It is one of the important English essay topics to be taken care of. They are discussed below:

Opinion-based question: In many countries, obesity among children has drastically increased. Parents should be held responsible if their children are obese. What are your views on the subject?

Advantages and disadvantages: Studies show that people with good habits are more likely to live long and fulfilling lives. What are the merits and demerits of a long life?

Problem- solution: Many people like to eat unhealthy food even though they know that it is bad for them. Why is the case? What measures can effectively improve people’s unhealthy eating habits?

Vocabulary — Dictation words for IELTS: Health

We suggest that you practice the words given below as IELTS dictation words as these are also found to be misspelt by many students, dictation will help you to retain them in your mind.

1. Nutrition

2. Immunization

3. Wellness - Practice Now

4. Epidemic

6. Sedentary

8. Malnutrition

9. Vaccination

10. Obesity

11. Mental health

12. Rehabilitation

13. Fitness

14. Diagnosis

15. Therapy

4:-IELTS essay topic - technology

Technology is a new and trendy topic. Hence, it is normal that the candidates can expect a question or two from the topic technology and hence placing them under the category of IELTS common essay topics is justified. Bring regarded one of the current essay topics, technology questions were repeatedly observed in the recent writing task 2 of the IELTS examination.

Opinion-based question: The reason that most people are in debt is the overuse as well as irresponsible use of credit cards. Banks ought to do a background check and only issue credit cards to individuals who can pay back their debts. What is your opinion?

Advantages and disadvantages: Nowadays, parents are allowing their children to use tablets and smartphones to enhance learning. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Two-Point question: Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make? Has this been a positive or negative development?

Vocabulary: Dictation words for IELTS: technology

1. Innovation - Practice Now

2. Automation

4. Cybersecurity

5. Artificial intelligence

6. Connectivity

7. Software

8. Algorithm

9. Big data

10. Virtual reality

11. Blockchain

12. Robotics

13. Internet of Things

14. User-friendly

15. Encryption

5:- IELTS essay writing topic - society and culture

While analyzing the previous year's papers on the IELTS examination, it can be concluded that a lot of questions are asked from the topic, 'Society and Culture' because it is one of the very strong essay topics for students due to the potential of creating diverse viewpoints making it one of the IELTS common essay topics.

Opinion-based question: Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth rather than for their achievements, and this sets a bad example for young people. To what extent do you agree on this?

Advantages and disadvantages: People should follow the customs and traditions when people start to live in a new country. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Two-Point question: There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

Vocabulary— Dictation words for IELTS: society and culture

1. Multiculturalism

2. Ethnicity

3. Heritage

4. Traditions

5. Social norms

6. Assimilation

7. Cultural diversity

8. Subculture

9. Globalization

10. Integration

13. Tolerance

14. Urbanization

6:- IELTS essay topic - work and employment

Work and employment is one of the best essay topics for IELTS examination. The candidates are often asked IELTS writing task 2 questions on the topic 'work and employment' because a lot of questions are centred on this topic and due to this, often at times questions on work and employment' have increased. The candidates should be aware that 'work and employment' is a repeated IELTS common essay topic.

Opinion-Based Question: Due to the rapid development and expansion of supermarkets in some countries many small, local businesses are unable to compete. Some people think that the closure of local businesses will bring about the death of local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Problem and Solution: In recent years a large number of highly skilled professionals like doctors, engineers and IT professionals from poorer companies are leaving their countries for developed countries for better-paying jobs. What are the possible problems of this and what solutions can you suggest to deal with this issue?

Problem- Solution: Studies have shown that in many countries the income gap between the rich and poor is ever-increasing. What problems can arise from this situation and what could be done to address this situation?

Vocabulary- Dictation words for IELTS: work and employment

1. Occupation - Practice Now

2. Workforce

3. Employer

4. Productivity

5. Entrepreneurship

6. Freelance

7. Unemployment

8. Internship

9. Compensation

10. Career path

11. Job satisfaction

12. Work-life balance

13. Promotion

14. Job market

15. Recruitment

7:- IELTS essay writing topic - globalization

This is the age of globalization and thus the candidates are asked a lot of questions on the advancements and prospects of globalization and so on. Due to the surge in globalization and it's subtopics, it has become a latest IELTS writing task 2 essay. Hence, it is absolutely necessary that the candidates have a good understanding of the topic and to help them, the important questions and dictation words on the topic are given below:

Opinion-based question: International tourism is now more common than ever before. Some feel that this is a positive trend, while others do not. What are your opinions on this?

Advantages and Disadvantages: In the future, it seems it will be more difficult to live on Earth. Some people think more money should be spent on researching other planets to live on, such as Mars. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this research?

Problem- Solution: Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by a very small number of people. What are the problems associated with the extinction of languages and what are the possible solutions?

Vocabulary— Dictation words for IELTS: globalization

2. Outsourcing

3. Multinational

4. Cross-cultural

8. Global Economy

9. Localization

10. Free market

11. Economic integration

12. International relations

13. Market Access

14. Trade barrier

15. Supply chain

8:- IELTS essay topic - media and advertising

Media and advertising are frequent topics in IELTS common essay topics because they're part of everyday life. Many people use various forms of media such as newspapers and social medias, so knowing about these subtopics of common IELTS topics for media and advertising is helpful for the writing test. So. it can be rightfully said that a lot of paragraph writing topics can be based on media and advertising.

Opinion-Based Question: Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news. Do you agree or disagree?

Advantages and Disadvantages: Some people think that it is good for a country's culture to import foreign movies and TV programs. Discuss the merits and demerits of this.

Two-Point Question: These days many advertisements are aimed at children. What effect do you think they have? Should advertising to children be more controlled and regulated?

Vocabulary– Dictation words for IELTS- Media and Advertising

1. Propaganda

2. Journalism - Practice Now (Refer to Question 1)

3. Broadcast

5. Censorship

6. Endorsement

7. Sponsorship

8. Publicity

9. Mass media

10. Sensationalism

11. Persuasion

12. Viral marketing

13. Social media

14. Brand awareness

15. Consumer behavior

9:- IELTS essay writing topic - crime and punishment

Crime and punishment is an important and popular IELTS common essay topic due to its relevance in society. It's crucial for candidates to be well-prepared for questions on this significant IELTS topic. Crime and punishment can be a decisive IELTS exam topic.

Opinion-Based Question: Some people believe that a crime is a result of social problems and poverty, while others think that crime is a result of a bad person’s nature. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Problem- Solution: In many countries, crime rates amongst younger people have been rising. Discuss the causes and solutions for this problem.

Vocabulary: Dictation words for IELTS: Crime and Punishment

1. Rehabilitation

2. Incarceration

3. Recidivism

4. Deterrent

5. Jurisdiction

7. Misdemeanor

8. Probation

9. Restitution

10. Sentencing

13. Offender

14. Law enforcement

15. Juvenile delinquency

10:- IELTS essay topic - family and relationship

A lot of previous year's IELTS writing task 2 questions revolve around the topic, 'family and relationship' which shows the relevancy of the topic. Being one of the most repeated IELTS common essay topics, having a clear idea of the different questions asked under this topic and its subtopics is really helpful for the candidates. Family and relationship is one of the simple essay topics asked in the IELTS writing task 2.

Opinion-Based Question: Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Young people are often influenced in their behaviours and situations by others of the same age. This is called “peer pressure”. Do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?

Two-Point Question: Nowadays, more and more people have children later in their life. What are the reasons? Does this have a positive or negative influence on the young ones?

Vocabulary: Dictation words for IELTS- Family and Relationship

2. Nuclear family - Practice Now (Refer to Question 3)

3. Extended family

4. Cohabitation

7. Guardianship

8. Parenthood

9. Sibling rivalry

10. Domestic

11. Foster care

12. Matrimony

13. Parenting

14. Elderly care

15. Family dynamics

11:- IELTS essay writing topic - food and nutrition

Food and nutrition are common IELTS essay topics because food and nutrition is a necessity for any person. When a candidate prepare for the IELTS test, it's smart to learn about these common topics related to food and nutrition. Food and nutrition is a examiner's favourite essay writing topic in English and yet a relatively simple essay topic.

Opinion-Based Question: Everyone should become vegetarian because they do not need to eat meat to have a healthy diet. Do you agree or disagree?

Advantages and Disadvantages: Populations in developing nations are rapidly growing, and people now believe that we should turn to GM crops to increase the production of food grains. Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages of this approach.

Problem-Solution: The number of people suffering from health problems caused by a modern lifestyle which cannot be treated with modern medicines. Some people believe that alternative medicine can help. What are the problems associated with alternative medicines and what are the solutions to them?

Vocabulary: Dictation Words for IELTS: Food and Nutrition

2. Nutrients

4. Processed food

5. Calories

6. Superfood

7. Vitamins

8. Minerals

10. Malnutrition

11. Vegetarian

13. Protein

14. Carbohydrates

12:- IELTS essay topic - sports and recreation

Sports and recreation are also considered hot IELTS common essay topics because they're widely discussed. When studying for the IELTS test, it's beneficial to be knowledgeable about these common subtopics and questions on the topic 'sports and recreation'. It is one of the important topics to write about in English language.

Opinion-Based Question: Some people think that schools should reward students who show the best in sports activities, while others believe that it is more important to reward students who show improvements in academics. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Many sports players advertise sports-related products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Problem- Solution: People in the current generation are not fit and active. What are the problems? What can be done to encourage people to participate in sports activities?

Vocabulary – Dictation Words for IELTS: Sports

The words mentioned below can also be used to practice in the form of dictation for better retention and usage.

1. Athletic

2. Endurance

3. Competition

4. Teamwork

5. Sportsmanship

7. Training

8. Recreation

10. Spectator

11. Coaching

12. Tournament

13. Performance

14. Physical activity

15. Wellness

IELTS Writing Task 2 is essay writing, the essay can be on any topic and the students here must be aware of the type of essays commonly asked in IELTS Writing Task 2. Some common types are:

Opinion-based questions - Remember to read the question statement properly and have a correct analysis of the opinion that you share, you just have an opinion that is well explained along with an example.

Advantages and Disadvantages - You must state the merits and demerits of a topic and share your opinion if it's asked, otherwise simply write the merits and demerits.

Problem- Solution Essay - In this type of essay, you should share the problem related to the question stance and must explain it well, in the next paragraph, write the solution of the same problem that is discussed.

Causes and Effects Essay - Under this type of question, do not get confused and be careful that you have been asked to write the causes (reasons) of a particular aspect and then the effects of that particular issue.

Two different questions - This is a very clear type of essay, just read the question statement and write what is asked.

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The candidates must indulge themselves in abundant IELTS preparation before the IELTS examination. Therefore, to help the candidates in this regard, we at Careers360 have designed these IELTS Mock Tests so that the candidates will have a competitive advantage over their counterparts.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

A typical structure for IELTS essays includes:

Introduction: Present the topic and your thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs: Develop your main points with examples and explanations.

Conclusion: Summarise your arguments and restate your position.

An ideal essay should have a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 290 words. The contents of the essay must be written with good articulation skills supported by data. It is essential that the candidates follow the word limit and if not, they would be penalised.

Common mistakes include:

Not answering all parts of the question.

Writing off-topic.

Poor organization and coherence.

Insufficient examples and explanations.

Grammar and spelling errors.

Repetition of ideas.

To improve coherence and cohesion:

Use clear topic sentences.

Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas.

Ensure each paragraph focuses on one main idea.

Use synonyms to avoid repetition.

Using complex sentences is important for demonstrating a higher level of grammatical range and accuracy. However, ensure that your sentences are clear and not overly complicated.

The most common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2 are usually related to society, like education, technology, environment, and health. These topics are often chosen because they are relevant to people's lives and allow for a wide range of discussion and opinions. Few other topics may include Society and Culture, Work and Employment, Globalization and so on.

Yes, IELTS writing topics can repeat sometimes. That's why it's helpful to know common topics like education, technology, environment, and health. If you're prepared for these topics, you'll be ready to write about them no matter what specific question you get. But you must also note that the chances of an exact question repeating in the IELTS examination is very low.

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Questions related to IELTS

Since you're currently in the first year of your Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), planning ahead for your MBA abroad is a wise decision. The ideal time to take your IELTS exam is during your third year of B.Com. This timing ensures that your IELTS score, which is valid for two years, will still be valid when you apply for MBA programs. I recommend reaching out to a reputable abroad education advisor, as they can assist you throughout the entire process from start to finish. One such company is Invicta Career Consultancy, which offers specialized training, guidance, and support for studying abroad. You can visit their website at icclearning.com to learn more and make an informed decision. Best of luck!

It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.

Hope this helps you ,

The difficulty of the IELTS General Training and Academic modules depends on individual strengths and backgrounds. Generally, if you are more comfortable with everyday English and practical tasks, you might find the General Training module easier. Conversely, if you are accustomed to academic English and have experience with academic tasks, you might find the Academic module more manageable.

Hope this helps you,

Hello aspirant,

Opinions on the E-GMAT course vary. Some find it beneficial for improving GMAT skills, especially in verbal sections, while others may prefer different resources. It's essential to explore reviews, consider your learning style, and maybe try a trial or sample to see if it aligns with your preferences before making a decision.

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Hope this information helps you.

Many candidates ask whether their IELTS certificate is real or fake. To know if your IELTS test report is real or not, check the following points:

Check the certification stamp on the certificate if it matches the centre of registration and your selected IELTS test centre .

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Talk to the agent directly on the phone to verify his identity.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Most popular 50+ Essay Topics of 2024

Updated On May 28, 2024
Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) writing section is a 1-hour test that comprises two questions: task 1 and task 2, which assess your vocabulary, grammar, word count, collocations, and ability to construct complex sentences with moderation and without repetition.

Table of Contents

To begin, it is pivotal to understand that the IELTS essay topics vary for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Tasks. In Task 1 of IELTS Academic, you must write a report on a graph, diagram or chart, whereas, for IELTS General Training Task 1, you must write a letter. Task 2 of the General and Academic modules is essay writing; while the topics for essays in both modules may differ, the essay writing strategy remains the same.

Examiners use the following criteria to calculate Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 scores: Task Achievement, Task Response, Coherence, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Lexical Resource.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 for Academic

The IELTS Academic Writing section consists of two tasks that must be completed in one hour:

Writing Task 1

In Task 1, you are assigned a graph, visual information, table or chart, which you are required to describe in your own words. You must write a report in 150 words, accurately describing what the information in the graph or picture represents. The IELTS writing task 1 marking criteria accounts for 33% of the total IELTS writing evaluation score, and you should try to finish this part in 20 minutes or less because IELTS writing task 2 is more difficult and will take at least 40 minutes to complete.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Most popular 50+ Essay Topics of 2024

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Writing Task 2

IELTS writing task 2 marking criteria has a 66% weightage, where you must complete a 250-word essay in 40 minutes. Candidates must respond to a problem, a point of view, or an argument in this task, with a curated response. The essay’s content should be written with perfect grammar and focused solely on the topic. As task 2 holds more weight, candidates should devote significant time to it and ensure a properly curated essay for a good band score.

Let us now review some fundamentals of IELTS essay structure that you can apply to this task. A typical writing piece includes an introduction, the main body consisting of a few paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you should write the context of your issue and a thesis statement representing the main idea of your text.

The central section of your essay will discuss various facts and arguments that support or oppose the thesis statement. Finally, restate the thesis statement, bolstering it with new details from the main body.

Here’s a list of the latest IELTS essay topics and sample questions to help you efficiently prepare for task 2 of the IELTS Writing section.

Latest IELTS Essay Topics for 202 4

IELTS essay writing topics are usually based on current events and world affairs. You will find a series of essay writing topics for IELTS in the following listicles. Also, one of the most effective ways to prepare for answering essays in the Writing section of IELTS is to work on the sample essay questions. The topic categories and essay writing samples to help students looking for the latest IELTS essay topics are stated below:

Environment

Environmental Crisis: One of the most common topics in IELTS is the environment essay IELTS band 9. Many students, however, do not see the need to prepare for this because it is one of the most specific topics resulting in a loss of marks.

Click here for the Environmental Crisis essay sample and answers for practice.

Global Warming: It is common for IELTS speaking and writing sections to include questions about broad discussion topics, such as climate change, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and deforestation.

Click here for the Global Warming essay format, sample and answers for practice.

Sustainable Energy: If you are unfamiliar with the framework and concepts of an essay, it can be a daunting task. All of the sentences must be related and formed in such a way that they provide a clear view and information. You may be penalised if you veer off-topic while writing your essay. Sustainable energy and nuclear power topics are debated topics; hence practising them will give you an edge over your peers.

Click here for the Sustainable Energy essay structure, sample and answers for practice.

Fossil Fuels: The IELTS essay topics for writing task 2 are usually based on common themes frequently discussed in the average aspirant’s daily life. One such theme is the use of renewable energy sources in place of nonrenewable resources such as fossil fuels.

Click here for the Fossil Fuels essay sample and answers for practice.

Personality

Importance of First Impression: IELTS examiners have a short attention span and read hundreds of essays daily. Hence, it is pivotal for you to get the start right and make a good first impression in your First Impression is Important IELTS essay.

Click here for the Personality essay sample and answers for practice.

Hobbies: ‘Hobbies’ is a common theme in both the IELTS Writing Task 2 and the Speaking section. This is a simple, mark-fetching topic with few challenges for students taking the exam.

Click here for the Hobbies essay sample and answers for practice.

Fashion: Fashion is a recurring topic with global themes and one of the best topics to practise your public speaking skills.

Click here for the Fashion essay sample and answers for practice.

Importance of Leisure Activities and School Values: The IELTS Essay on Education is one of the most challenging tasks, with unpredictable questions in the exam. These education essay topics, like the Importance of leisure activities, are opinion-driven and assess students’ ability to express their knowledge and skills thoughtfully.

Click here for the Education essay sample and answers for practice.

Government and Society: As an IELTS exam candidate, you should review as many common topics for Writing Task 2 as possible. One such common IELTS test theme is government and society, with which you should be well-acquainted.

Click here for the Government and Society essay sample and answers for practice.

Ideal Society: Candidates should practise sample questions and answers for the Ideal Society IELTS essay to gain a firm grasp on writing and vocabulary and improve their overall band score.

Click here for the Ideal So c iety essay sample and answers for practice.

Social Media: Social media essays are a popular topic in IELTS writing task 2. For a social media IELTS essay band 9 and similar topics, the most straightforward approach is maintaining the proper word count and being aware of various approaches to the topic.

Click here for the Social Media essay sample and answers for practice.

Business & Global Consumerism

International Trade: Over the years, one of the topics covered in the IELTS exam has been global business. Your answer for such topics should contain everything; your responses, solutions, arguments, reasons, opinions, and evidence are critical to answering the question.

Click here for the International Trade essay sample and answers for practice.

Management and Leadership: In any organisation, leadership and management are critical roles. Your essay for such topics should always be pertinent to the question.

Click here for the Management and Leadership essay sample and answers for practice.

Foreign Languages: Foreign languages and language barriers are recurring themes in the IELTS writing task 2. Express your own opinions on such topics.

Click here for the Culture essay sample and answers for practice.

Sports and children: Sport is a recurring theme, and the essay content should not deviate from the main points at any point in the essay.

Click here for the Sports essay sample and answers for practice.

Covid impact: The topics of IELTS Writing task 2 are usually drawn from current events worldwide, making Covid-19 an anticipated topic.

Click here for the Covid 19 essay sample and answers for practice.

Obesity: Overweight essays are among the most common topics in IELTS writing task 2. Obesity, recent trends in health among children and adults, and other similar topics may also be discussed in relation to overweight.

Click here for the Health essay sample and answers for practice.

Types of IELTS Essays

IELTS essay writing topics are usually classified under various sections. You can expect essays in the IELTS exam from any of the following types:

1. Opinion Essays

In this essay category, you must discuss your opinion on the given topic. Naturally, the best way to score high in such essays is to have prior knowledge of common topics that are popular in the IELTS exam.

Sample Questions:

Most teenagers today own a smartphone. Provide your opinion to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Crime novels and TV series have become quite popular in recent years. What is your opinion about these crime dramas?
Developing nations often require international assistance. Many believe that this assistance should be monetary, while some think practical help and advice would be more beneficial. Discuss both these views along with your opinion.
Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas, while some believe industries are responsible for it. Explain both views and provide your opinion.
Many people believe individuals involved with creative arts should be financially supported by the government. Some others believe they should find separate resources. Discuss each of the views and give your opinion.
Some believe success in life comes from hard work, dedication, and motivation. While many believe success depends on other important factors like money and appearance. Discuss both views and provide your opinion.
Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets. However, others believe governments should focus on unresolved issues on the planet. Provide your opinion and discuss both views.

You can also check out this detailed guide on Opinion Essays to learn the appropriate structure for maximum scores!

2. Discussion Essays

In the case of discussion essays, the candidates need to put forward an explanation for or against any given topic. Such essays are the most common to appear in the IELTS exam.

Sample Questions:

Many believe living in big cities comes with more advantages than residing in the countryside. Do you agree or disagree with this?
The shopping habits of people depend more on their age group than on any other factors. Do you agree or disagree with this?
More and more children and minors are becoming overweight in developed nations. This is a major problem for most wealthy countries. Explain the causes and impacts of this issue.
The internet is a great invention that brings a host of advantages for the world population. However, there are several issues in terms of security and control of personal data. Do you agree or disagree with this?
Advertising prevents originality in people and makes them look the same and do the same. Do you agree or disagree with this?
Parents today often tend to organise extra classes on weekends or even after school. Do you believe this is at all useful? Or do you think the education provided in school is sufficient?
Some people believe that capital punishment should be done away with. Do you agree or disagree with this?

We have covered valuable tips & tricks to attempt Discussion Essays that can come in handy in your exam.

3. Solution Essays

For solution essays, you will have to provide a solution to a particular issue. At times, questions might be provided as to why a specific issue has occurred, and candidates have to provide their opinion on the answer.

The massive movement of people from agricultural areas to cities in search of employment can lead to serious problems in both places. What are the problems, and how can these be solved?

Check out our sample question and answer on Solution Essays for a more thorough explanation.

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays

In this type of essay, students have to write about a particular topic’s positive and negative sides. Such essays test your argument construction skills and how well you can use English to communicate your views as clearly and coherently as possible.

International tourism has greatly benefited many places. However, there have been major concerns about its impact on the local environment and inhabitants. Do the negative impacts of international tourism outweigh the benefits?
Some countries have recently passed laws to restrict the daily working hours of employees. Explain whether this will have a positive or negative impact.
More and more people today are visiting extreme places such as Antarctica or the Sahara desert. What are the advantages or disadvantages of such travels?
Social media is gradually replacing in-person face-to-face contact with many people worldwide. Do the benefits of social media outweigh the disadvantages?

Use the sample questions from the Advantage/Disadvantage Essay type to practise your writing skills.

Direct Question Essays

For this type of essay, the topics will be provided as direct questions, which students have to answer based on their experiences and thoughts.

Shopping used to be a routine domestic task in the past. However, today, it has become more of a hobby. Is this a positive trend?
You can get more information on these rare essay-type questions on our Direct question essay structure blog.

Preparation Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

Many students believe they don’t need to prepare much because they speak English reasonably well. Well, the IELTS exam is not that easy. In fact, even native English speakers may find the test difficult. As a result, candidates should prepare for this section rigorously and methodically and start early preparation.

Begin your IELTS preparations at least 6 months before your intended test date , and ensure to devote some time daily to all 4 sections.
Choose writing topics for both tasks, especially writing task 2, and try to write about them daily. Time yourself; remember that you must complete both tasks in one hour.
Spend significant time learning new vocabulary and brushing up on your grammatical skills. Following that is structured thinking, allowing you to convey your ideas logically. While writing, pay close attention to lucidity, logic, and clarity.
You should expand your ideas because the IELTS writing task 2 could cover any topic. Go through all the resources like magazines, books, and online materials to expand your knowledge and vocabulary. Additionally, practice as many mock tests as possible.

As mentioned above it’s only practice that can get you the desire scores. But along with it you also need the best preparation materials and guidance. And the best solution we suggest is to register for the LeapScholar IELTS courses .

Along with live classes from the best IELTS tutors, you’ll also have access to mock tests, speaking and writing evaluations and comprehensive study materials. As a reward you’ll also receive a course completion certificate.

How to Answer Task 2 Essays in IELTS Writing Section?

Students can employ the following steps to successfully enhance their ability to answer essays in the Writing section:

Step 1: Read and Understand the Question

The first step to nailing task 2 essays is to read and understand the question carefully. Most of the time, candidates answer the question without understanding what it demands. Candidates should carefully analyse the question, identify the question type and try to identify the keywords. Finally, they should clearly understand the instructions and then attempt to answer.

Step 2: Plan the Answer

Once students have understood the question, they need to plan the structure of the answer. This will allow candidates to organise their ideas and produce a clear and coherent response.

Step 3: Write a Solid Introduction

The introduction of the essay should give an idea of what the essay is all about. Make sure to write an appropriate introduction conveying the gist of the essay.

Step 4: Carefully Curate the Main Body

The main body is the essential part of the essay, where you must provide the necessary details. State your points accordingly and substantiate them with explanations, examples, and other relevant data. Once done, you need to give a proper conclusion.

Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

You can use the following tips to ace their IELTS Writing test:

Although IELTS is a difficult test to master, one can achieve a good score with systematic and consistent preparation. If you require assistance in acing your IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2, our Leap Scholar experts will provide the necessary guidance, tips, and tricks to help you pass your IELTS test with flying colours. If you are planning to prepare for the essay task in the Writing section, you can go through this comprehensive guide to get an idea about the latest IELTS essay topics. You can prepare for the essay task accordingly with the help of sample essay topics and questions provided in the above sections.

Still unclear about some portions of IELTS, then enrol for IELTS professional coaching. IELTS Prep app by Leap Scholar is a one-stop solution for your study abroad dream. You can access specially crafted lessons by experts accredited by IDP, British Council, and Cambridge. About 1M + students have trusted us with their IELTS prep journey. Join us, download our IELTS prep app and get access to the best resources!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. how can you score well in ielts writing task 2.

Ans. IELTS Writing Task 2 mainly has four performance descriptors: Task Response, Cohesion & Coherence , Lexical Resource, and finally Grammatical range and accuracy. The scoring happens on four parameters, so follow these and prepare with the correct books and practice questions.

Q. What are the most popular questions asked in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Ans. The different types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2 include: Problem/ Causes questions, Opinion questions, Advantage/ Disadvantage questions, Discussion of views, etc.

Q. What are the main themes on which IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are based on?

Ans. Some of the broad themes include Environment, Food, Health, Art, Business, Communication, Crime & Punishment and more. Ideas and topics are taken under these broad themes for question framing.

Q. Is it necessary to use complex words in IELTS Writing section?

Ans. Having a good vocabulary is an added advantage. However, difficult words should not be forcefully put in sentences. Your sentences should be organic and should fit the meaning and the context of your essays.

Q. How to develop ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 2024?

Ans. The easiest ways to generate ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 are by analysing model essays, finding ideas on google, talking to experts, watching movies, asking yourself some questions about the topic, generating main ideas from specific examples.

Q. How many mistakes are acceptable in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Ans. Making one or two mistakes is overlooked by the examiner if the overall essay is good. However, making more mistakes than that can lead to lower IELTS band score.

Q. What are the basic topics in IELTS writing task 2?

Ans. Some of the common IELTS topics for Writing Task 2 are Art, Environment, Education, Health, Jobs and Employment, Sport, Science and Technology Friends and Family, Government and Society etc.

Q. How can I prepare for IELTS essay writing?

Ans. To prepare for IELTS essay writing, practice writing essays on a variety of topics to improve your writing skills. Focus on structuring your essays with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Familiarise yourself with different types of essay questions (e.g., opinion, discussion, problem-solution) and practice organising your thoughts coherently. Additionally, seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify and work on your weaknesses.

Q. Where can I find sample IELTS essay topics for practice?

Ans. You can find sample IELTS essay topics on official IELTS websites such as the British Council and IDP. Many educational websites and IELTS preparation books also offer a wide range of practice topics. Online forums and study groups often share essay questions from recent exams, providing a good source of up-to-date practice material.

Q. What are the typical requirements for IELTS essay word count and structure?

Ans. The IELTS essay (Task 2) requires a minimum of 250 words. It is typically structured with an introduction that presents the main idea, body paragraphs that develop this idea with supporting arguments or examples, and a conclusion that summarises the key points. It’s important to write clearly and coherently, ensuring each paragraph flows logically into the next.

Q. What are some common IELTS essay topics?

Ans. Common IELTS essay topics include education, technology, environment, health, and society. For example, you might encounter questions about the benefits and drawbacks of online education, the impact of technology on communication, environmental conservation efforts, public health issues, or social issues like the aging population. Practicing essays on these topics will help you become familiar with the kinds of questions you may face in the exam.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Home

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

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Related Essays on Hometown

Many ask, "what does home mean to you?" For me, home is not just a place…it’s a feeling. “What I love most about my home is who I share it with.” “There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.” “Home is [...]

The concept of "home" extends far beyond the physical structure where one resides. It is a multifaceted symbol that encompasses a variety of meanings, from a shelter providing safety and comfort to a profound emblem of personal [...]

Moving to a new home is often a transformative experience, filled with excitement, anticipation, and a hint of anxiety. My new home is not just a structure of bricks and mortar; it is a sanctuary that embodies my aspirations, my [...]

Home is a word that holds immense meaning and significance in people's lives. It is more than just a physical structure; it is a place of comfort, security, and belonging. The concept of home can vary from person to person, but [...]

I grew up in a town that holds barely six thousand people. While I enjoyed growing up in Hope, British Columbia, it was far from easy. People who struggle with having no chance at a private life, having to make fun out of [...]

Philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato pointed out that education is central to the moral fulfilment of individuals and the well-being of the society in which they live. Regarding this idea, I returned to Korea wanting to [...]

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IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Sample Essay Questions
Below is a list of IELTS sample essay questions for advantage / disadvantage essays in writing task 2. These essay types are often taught together with discussion essays but I think it is worth studying them separately to be better prepared. Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips. spend time planning the benefits and drawbacks of the statement given.
Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays
IELTS Essay Vocabulary. A strong command of vocabulary is crucial for writing an effective advantages disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2. Your proficiency in English language vocabulary will be evident in how expertly you can select the most suitable expressions to convey precise meanings.
IELTS Essay Structure
4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay 4.1 Introduction. Your introduction should be the shortest paragraph in your essay (about 40-60 words is perfect). You need to rephrase the IELTS statement in your own words. This is known as paraphrasing (a key skill to develop for the IELTS exam). Take a look at our example:
IELTS Task 2 Writing
The IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay task ( IELTS Writing Task 2) tests your ability to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of a particular phenomenon or issue. There are two types of Advantages and Disadvantages essays: Type 1 asks that you simply discuss the advantages and disadvantages. And Type 2 asks that you discuss the ...
IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Sample Essay
This IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages sample essay is held to the same standards as any other Writing Task 2 essay. These standards are listed in the official rubric for IELTS Writing Task 2. If you read the level 9 description carefully and compare it to this essay, you should see the reasons it has a top score.
IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Advantages and Disadvantages
I have collected a variety of advantages and disadvantages essays from the real IELTS test. Enjoy and consider signing up for my Patreon Ebooks here. Dave. IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Advantages and Disadvantages. In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other.
100 Band 7, 8 + 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Samples
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for couples who decide to do this. ... How To Use IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays. IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays can be a great resource for students preparing for the test. However, it's important to use them correctly in order to get the most out of them. Here are some steps students can take ...
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 advantage/disadvantage essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Social media has replaced the traditional methods of communicating and people use more and more of social media in communicate and to follow news and events. Some people think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays
More Help With IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays & Other Task 2 Essays. Task 2: IELTS Writing Task 2 - T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know. The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay - How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample ...
IELTS Sample Task 2 answers: Advantages and Disadvantages Questions
2.In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this. 3.The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of ...
Advantages and Disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2
3. Some disadvatanges. 4. Conclusion. While brainstorming for ideas, we need to come up with at least two advantages and two disadvantages to write about. You can write more than two each, but the essay might get unnecessarily lengthy, and some ideas may lack proper development.
Advantages-Disadvantages Essay Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2
Advantages-disadvantages essay questions are a common question type in IELTS writing Task 2. You'll be presented with a statement about some kind of trend or phenomenon. You'll either be asked what the advantages and disadvantages are, or whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Here are some key points about Advantages ...
How to Write Advantages & Disadvantages Essay Questions in IELTS
5 Min Read. The first step to scoring well in IELTS writing task 2 general is to correctly identify the type of essay being asked to write. In advantages and disadvantages essay type, IELTS examiners want you to discuss both advantages and disadvantages separately and at the end, you need to write conclusive statements for the latest IELTS ...
IELTS Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Topics 2024 2024
The list of Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages topics that were added by IELTS student in 2024.These Advantages and Disadvantages questions could be repeated from previous months. Keep in mind that the provided Advantages and Disadvantages questions are not predictions. The collection of Advantages and Disadvantages questions is updated every hour. . Choose one of the topics and start ...
IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages and Disadvantages
IELTS essays frequently focus on the advantages and disadvantages of an issue but the question types may vary. Discuss advantages and disadvantages One of the most common IELTS writing task 2 essay types is: Discuss advantages and disadvantages. many test-takers also find it one of the easier question types because what it asks for is […]
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Advantages / Disadvantages Essay
1) If you think that there are more ADVANTAGES: 1§ Introduction: Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion: more benefits (2 SENTENCES) 2§ The first advantage + Explanation + Example. 3§ The second advantage + Explanation + Example OR result. 4§ One drawback: On the other hand, … + Explanation + Example OR result.
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Lesson
IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions normally give you a statement and ask you to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of that statement. The problem is that there are 2 different types of advantages and disadvantages essays, each requiring a different approach. If you answer them differently, you risk losing many easy marks.
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Writing Samples Band 9
This essay will argue that the advantages of this outweigh the drawbacks. The essay will first demonstrate that this shift comes with a more competitive workforce and that it brings added benefits to social welfare, followed by an analysis of how the primary disadvantage, particularly the shortage of craftsmen, is not valid. 9. band.
Advantages--Disadvantages (Templates for IELTS Essays, Writing Task 2)
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay) Question type: Advantages--Disadvantages (Template) Possible Question(s) ... Even though this (Advantages--Disadvantages Essay) is a discursive essay (that is, it only requires you to discuss the positives and negatives of something), some things can improve your essay. ...
IELTS advantage disadvantage (outweigh) essay model answer
The keyword in the task is 'outweigh'. So you must cover the advantage and the disadvantage in this essay and clearly state your opinion. Do not only write about the advantages. you will need to cover both sides for a higher score in task response. If you believe the advantage is stronger you must give your opinion on that in the thesis ...
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary
in. IELTS Vocabulary. When you turn to IELTS Writing Task 2 (the formal essay) on test day, you may encounter an "advantage and disadvantage" essay. This type of essay asks you to evaluate both sides of an issue. Having the right vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays is one key to increasing your band score. This is essay is no different.
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
26 July 2021. IELTS Essay # 308 - Advantages and disadvantages of living in a house compared with an apartment. 03 August 2022. IELTS Essay # 38 - Advantages and disadvantages of establishing educational institutions in residential areas. 29 March 2023. IELTS Essay # 1237 - In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. 28 June 2023.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 33
IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. ... Compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city to living in the countryside.Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience. Essay Sample Answer: The suitable place to live in and what types of life to ...
Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2: Popular Topics List
1:- IELTS Writing Task 2- Types of IELTS Essay Topic - Education Types of Questions: Opinion-based: Some people want the main purpose of television should be education while others think that TV should be for entertainment only. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. Advantages and disadvantages: In some countries around the world, there has been an increase in the number of parents ...
60+ IELTS Essay Topics 2024: IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples & Tips
IELTS writing task 2 marking criteria have a 66% (⅔) weightage, where you must complete a 250-word essay in 40 minutes . You must respond to a problem, a point of view, or an argument in this task with a curated response. The essay's content should be presented with perfect grammar and focused solely on the topic.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Most popular 50+ Essay Topics of 2024
IELTS writing task 2 marking criteria has a 66% weightage, where you must complete a 250-word essay in 40 minutes. Candidates must respond to a problem, a point of view, or an argument in this task, with a curated response. The essay's content should be written with perfect grammar and focused solely on the topic.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Home
Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. In conclusion, owning a home offers a range of advantages, including equity building, stability, tax benefits, and a sense of community. However, these benefits come with significant disadvantages, such as financial burden, reduced flexibility, maintenance responsibilities, and market risks.

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Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type

Table of Contents

3.2 Organise your ideas

2. Essay Structures for Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

3. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

5. Example Advantage/Disadvantage Essay and Exercise

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IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Advantages and Disadvantages

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people.

Recent research has shown that business meetings and training are increasingly taking place online.

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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

How to Plan & Write IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

The Question

Essay Structures

One Advantage and Disadvantage or Two?

How To Plan IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

# 1 Analyse the question

# 2 Generate ideas

# 3 Vocabulary

Writing an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

How To Write an Introduction