ielts essay on technology advantages and disadvantages

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IELTS Writing Task 2: New Technologies have Changed the Way Children Spend their Free Time

Updated On Jan 18, 2024

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Achieving proficiency in the Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing module for questions, ‘IELTS Writing Task 2: New Technologies have Changed the Way Children Spend their Free Time’ poses a difficulty for numerous test-takers. Hence, it is essential to enhance your essay writing abilities before undertaking the IELTS to ensure success.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a crucial part of both the General Training and Academic versions of the IELTS exam. It assesses your ability to write a well-structured and cohesive essay in response to a given topic.

In this task, you will be presented with an Opinion Essay prompt, where you are presented with a statement or opinion, and you are asked to either agree or disagree with it.

To effectively prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2, it is highly recommended to practice with a variety of sample essays. IELTSMaterial.com offers a comprehensive collection of IELTS writing task 2 practice tests , that can help you hone your essay writing skills and achieve a high score in the exam.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? 

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

You should write at least 250 words.

Structure Breakdown

Band 7 sample answer for ielts writing task 2: new technologies have changed the way children spend their free time.

Currently, it is true that the way children spend their leisure time has been changed by new technology. While this has several benefits, In my opinion, the the drawbacks far outweigh them.

To begin with, computer games tend to be enjoyable for many kids and can potentially enhance their cognitive abilities. Strategic video games, for instance, compel players to hone their problem-solving aptitude and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. As a result, children who regularly play such games are likely to sharpen their logical reasoning and problem-solving prowess. Furthermore, the vast trove of easily accessible information online can benefit young people through early internet exposure. When children are able to surf the web from a young age, they can embark on the learning process sooner and accelerate their knowledge acquisition as they mature.

However, I would argue that the advantages discussed above are outweighed by the disadvantages. One main drawback is that children who enjoy spending time in front of the computer screen are often reluctant to do exercise. Low physical activity levels are likely to result in children becoming overweight, and in turn, they would end up being obese. In addition, some games tempt people to continue playing for hours, which could lead to gaming addiction. In role-playing games, for instance, people might need to stay in front of the computer for several hours in order to progress to higher levels, and therefore children may spend an excessive amount of time on games.

In conclusion, while there are some advantages to children spending time on advanced technologies, it seems to me that the disadvantages are more significant. Technology has been triumphant over sundry verticals nowadays which has modified the leisure time spent by the children around. (285 words)

Band 7 Vocabulary

• Cognitive :

Meaning : Related to mental processes such as thinking, learning, and remembering.

Example : Engaging in chess or other strategic board games can enhance children’s cognitive development by stimulating critical thinking.

• Strategic :

Meaning : Involving a plan or strategy to achieve a specific goal.

Example : Playing strategic sports, like chess or soccer, encourages children to think strategically and make quick decisions on the field.

• Reluctant :

Meaning : Unwilling or hesitant to do something.

Example : Children who prefer indoor activities may be reluctant to participate in outdoor adventures like hiking or camping.

Meaning : Extremely overweight, often to the point of negatively affecting health.

Example : Unhealthy eating habits, combined with a lack of physical activity, can lead to children becoming obese over time.

• Addiction :

Meaning : A compulsive and harmful dependence on a substance or activity.

Example : Excessive engagement in social media can lead to addiction, where individuals find it challenging to disconnect from online platforms.

• Excessive :

Meaning : Going beyond what is necessary or normal.

Example : Spending an excessive amount of time on video games may result in children neglecting other important aspects of their lives.

• Triumphant :

Meaning : Having achieved victory or success.

Example : The local soccer team was triumphant in the championship, celebrating their hard-earned victory.

Meaning : Various or diverse.

Example : Outdoor activities offer sundry options for children, from hiking and biking to exploring nature and playing team sports.

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Band 8 Sample Answer for IELTS Writing Task 2: New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time

In today’s digital era, children’s leisure activities have undergone a profound transformation due to the pervasive influence of innovative technologies. While concerns about potential drawbacks are valid, I contend that the benefits derived from these technological advancements far outweigh any associated disadvantages for today’s youth.

The ubiquity of screens and digital interfaces has redefined how the younger generation engages with their free time, marking a paradigm shift in childhood experiences. Despite concerns about adverse effects, particularly excessive screen time, a judicious approach to technological integration, coupled with parental guidance, can effectively navigate these challenges. Concerns include potential hazards to physical and mental well-being, with research linking extended screen usage to decreased physical activity and an increased risk of obesity among children. Overexposure to digital interfaces is associated with potential setbacks in cognitive development, academic performance, and social skills. However, responsible technological use can mitigate these risks.

On the positive side, technology significantly benefits child development and learning. Educational applications and interactive games offer captivating alternatives to traditional learning methods, making subjects like math, science, and language more engaging. Video games, when approached responsibly, facilitate the development of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Social media platforms and messaging applications serve as invaluable tools for maintaining connections in an interconnected world.

In conclusion, while adopting technology in children’s leisure activities raises concerns, the transformative potential for development and education cannot be overlooked. By carefully navigating risks through parental guidance and responsible usage, we can harness the myriad benefits that technology brings to the lives of today’s tech-savvy youth. (258 words).

Band 8 Vocabulary

Meaning : Having deep significance or impact.

Example : The digital revolution has had a profound effect on how children experience leisure.

• Pervasive :

Meaning : Spread widely and consistently throughout an area or group.

Example : Technology has become pervasive, influencing every aspect of children’s daily lives.

Meaning : The state of being present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Example : The ubiquity of smartphones highlights their integral role in contemporary society.

• Paradigm Shift :

Meaning : A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.

Example : The advent of digital technology represents a paradigm shift in how children engage with entertainment.

• Judicious :

Meaning : Showing wisdom and good judgment in decision-making.

Example : A judicious approach to screen time involves balancing technology use with other activities.

Meaning : Harmful or unfavorable.

Example : Excessive screen time can have adverse effects on a child’s physical and mental well-being.

Meaning : To lessen the severity or impact of something.

Example : Parental guidance can help mitigate the potential risks associated with technology use.

• Interactive :

Meaning : Involving communication or action between people or things.

Example : Educational apps provide an interactive learning experience for children.

• Captivating :

Meaning : Attracting and holding the interest or attention.

Example : Video games with captivating storylines can engage children in constructive ways.

• Invaluable :

Meaning : Extremely useful or indispensable.

Example : Social media has become an invaluable tool for staying connected with friends and family.

Practice & Prepare with IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Questions and Answers

Band 9 Sample Answer for IELTS Writing Task 2: New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time

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Technology has been triumphant over sundry verticals nowadays which has modified the leisure time spent by the children around. Although that comes along with the pace digitization has been moving ahead with and could prove advantageous in the same regard, however, it has its major share of drawbacks that supersedes its advantages in the long marathon. In the forthcoming paragraphs, this essay will analyze both sides.

There are a few pros to children putting their hours of free time in learning the advancement of the technologies and the modus operandi of the same as that keeps them moving and aligning with the dynamic world, especially, during current times. It enhances their digital knowledge that somehow has become the need of the hour in every walks of life. Using technology not only improves children’s technical skills, but also keeps them engaged and focused, enhancing their expertise in this area. For example, learning coding, programming, and web development expands their knowledge and prepares them for future job opportunities.

However, there are also significant downsides to children’s technology use. Exposure at a young age can be harmful to children’s development and thinking. Teens are more vulnerable to cybercrimes and phishing. Inappropriate content and sites can also do more harm than good. Heavy technology use has health risks. Violent graphics in games are another major concern. Certain dangerous games like “Bluewhale” have been banned after being linked to youth suicide. Overall, while technology has benefits, uncontrolled use at a young age poses risks of crime, inappropriate content, and physical and mental health issues.

All in all, it could be concluded that although technical expansion is a requirement right now, the pitfalls of children spending their free time on the same often overtakes its advantages and is riskier in the long run. (297 words)

Band 9 Vocabulary

Example : The team was triumphant in the championship, celebrating their hard-fought victory.

Example : The museum displayed a sundry collection of artifacts from different cultures and time periods.

• Digitization :

Meaning : The process of converting information into digital format.

Example : The rapid digitization of historical documents has made them more accessible to researchers.

• Advantageous :

Meaning : Beneficial or favorable.

Example : Regular exercise is advantageous for maintaining good health and overall well-being.

• Modus Operand i:

Meaning : A particular way of doing something; method or procedure.

Example : Detectives carefully analyzed the criminal’s modus operandi to solve the mysterious case.

• Drawbacks :

Meaning : Disadvantages or negative aspects.

Example : Despite the benefits of remote work, there are drawbacks, such as potential feelings of isolation.

Meaning : Advantages or positive aspects.

Example : Pursuing a higher education degree has numerous pros, including expanded career opportunities.

• Discernment :

Meaning : The ability to judge or understand things clearly.

Example : Developing discernment is crucial when evaluating the reliability of information in the age of misinformation.

Meaning : Skill or expertise in a particular area.

Example : A successful entrepreneur often possesses financial acumen, enabling them to make wise business decisions.

• Proliferation :

Meaning : Rapid and widespread growth.

Example : The proliferation of social media platforms has changed the way people communicate and share information.

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Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers of IELTS Writing Task 2: New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time

Connectors , also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• Furthermore
• In addition
• On the flip side
• On the positive side

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Nafia Zuhana is an experienced content writer and IELTS Trainer. Currently, she is guiding students who are appearing for IELTS General and Academic exams through ieltsmaterial.com. With an 8.5 score herself, she trains and provides test takers with strategies, tips, and nuances on how to crack the IELTS Exam. She holds a degree in Master of Arts – Creative Writing, Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has worked with The Hindu for over a year as an English language trainer.

Explore other Advantage Disadvantage Essays

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Janice Thompson

Post your Comments

Posted on Nov 8, 2021

Throughout the last decade, the digital age has arise with every child spending most of their time watching videos or playing games. I believe, advanced technologies has a detrimental impact on children’s quality of time spent. First of all, no one can deny the beneficial effects of technology and its progression over time and how it facilitated many processes. For instance, it enabled the children to receive additional online courses in times as the pandemic. Secondly, novel technology now provides evolution of some games that work on the IQ and mind-developing skills for children. On the contrary, nowadays families hardly have the opportunity to spend time with their offspring because of the endless series of games which highlights a lack of family time ritual. Adding to this, studies has shown that in the last decade autism and other psychological issues cases have sharply increased with regard to the excessive use of technology rather than spending time with real people. Also, spending more time indoors will be likely to increase obesity rate amongst children due to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. In conclusion, modern technologies has benefits to some extent but many disadvantages. Children do not become enthusiastic with to spend time with their parents at the playground as they would be to receive a new iPad, for instance.

Gina Saavedra Mancipe

Posted on Oct 25, 2021

The whole world has been changing through the years as a consequence of multiples factors. Clearly, one of them is technology. Everyone is affected by this, especially children, who have found a new way to spent their free time. I agree with the fact that there are more disadvantages than advantages to this statement.

Studies have revealed that the young population is more vulnerable nowadays. They prefer to be at home playing online games or using social media on their phone instead of going out and meet their friends. So, the physical and mental conditions are affected. As a kid, it is essential to make a face to face friendships to develop social skills. In time, it helps them to build strong bases in their identity. Also, mental health can be more balanced and stable. Additionally, practising outdoor sports such a football or basketball improve physical condition, growing healthy youth. Severe sickness can be prevented, such as diabetes or obesity, by instilling training habits at early ages.

On the other hand, there are also several advantages. When parents know what kind of technology or content by the meticulous selection, technology can improve cognitive development. There are plenty of video games that require particular strategies to reach goals. The brain is stimulated through diversion, and the kids do not realize it. They can learn other languages, interact with other children on the other side of the world, mathematics or abstract reasoning. As a consequence, other diverse skills are introduced to their lives. In conclusion, excessing the use of technology brings more disadvantages than advantages. Kids with excellent physical and mental health are more important than sick and antisocial but strategic creatures.

Overall band: 5.0

Grammar: Concentrate on tenses. You have used “spent” in place of “spend”. Collocations: “growing healthy youth” is wrong usage. Lexical Resource: The word “technology” has been used many times.

Maimuna Zaman

Posted on Aug 21, 2021

The development of new technologies has drastically changed the way children spend their free time. This fact has both advantages and disadvantages and in this essay, I will discuss both. In my opinion, I firmly believe the disadvantages outweigh the advantages and that is because the emergence of these new technologies have had bad effects on children’s health and turned them into lazy sloth bears. To begin with, the arrival of this modern machinery has been beneficial for the little ones. Machines like computers, laptops, tablets, i-phones provide an open window for these little ones to grasp more knowledge and broaden their horizons. In their free time they can read articles, books apart from their academic guides on computers, laptops and learn about geography, astronomy and other things. With the advancement of science, they can socialise with kids from other countries and learn their cultures and languages. On the contrary, the development of this modern automation had an immense amount of bad effects on kids’ lives. For instance, in their spare hours, they stay indoors playing video games instead of going out and participating in outdoor activities. As a result, young ones are falling prey to obesity and laziness at a very young age. According to some recent reports and studies in the US heart problems, obesity and other ailments have become common in teenagers now. To put it more simply, in the past teenagers used to be more active and their life expectancy rates used to be higher as they used to spend their spare hours playing outdoor games like football, cricket and many different sports. To conclude, like the two sides of a coin there are both benefits and downfalls to the emergence of modern automation. As mentioned earlier in the essay, I hold the view that the disadvantages of this contemporary machinery outweigh the advantages as they have awful effects on children’s well-being.

Adithya Sridhar

Posted on Aug 18, 2021

Yes, I agree to the fact that the spare time of children are easily influenced by the modern technological advancements. However, these evolving technologies help them stay updated to the digital world, still it is a wolf under the skin of a sheep as its negative impacts outweigh the benefits. On one hand, the digitalization of the world has demanded the parents and the society to make their kids indulge with techs which would help them survive in the modern world. The gaming sector has also started evolving targeting the younger generation with survival and strategy games that help in unlocking the logical and aptitude thinking in children. There are games and applications that are developed even for the newborns that would enhance their cerebral activity with multiple colors and patterns. On the other hand, I would have to lend my voice to the fact that the digital era has totally disrupted the physical growth and activities of the children. Before the technical advancements, children would step out and play their favorite sport along with their real friends whatsoever the weather be. But the kids of these generation are deprived of the fun from outdoor and indoor games as they spend their leisure time in playing virtual games with virtual people who may be real or could be a bot. These have lead to medical and mental health problems like childhood obesity, retinal damage, syndromes. In conclusion, even though the modern technology has improved the way and the pace in which a child learns and spend its free time, it also has its own adverse effects on the factors that are beyond our imagination.

Sunil Chaudhary

Posted on Jul 31, 2018

Nice blog. Thanks for sharing

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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!

Table of Contents

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:

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.

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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Technology Essay Titles

Essay questions for the topic of technology. A common topic in both IELTS speaking and writing.

Many things that used to be done in the home by hands are now being done by machines. Does this development bring more advantages or disadvantages? (Reported 2017)

Some people argue that technological inventions, such as mobile phones, are making people socially less interactive. Do you agree or disagree? (Reported 2017, GT Test)

Modern technology is now very common in most work places. How do you think this has changed the way we work? Do you think there are disadvantages to relying too much on technology?

Some people think that the range of technology currently available is increasing the gap between rich people and poor people. Others think that it is causing the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Reported 2017, Academic Test)

New household appliances have resulted in more free time for women and has enabled them to both work and run a home with dependent children. What are the advantages for a family when the mother works? Do you think the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?

With the development of technology children are now living in a world that is completely different to what it was 50 years ago. What problems does this cause for society and the family?

An increasing number of people are now using the internet to meet new people and socialise. Some people think this has brought people closer together while others think people are becoming more isolated. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

More and more children as accessing the internet unsupervised and at a younger age. This can sometimes put children at risk. What problems do you think parents face when dealing with their children using the internet? How can this problem be solved?

Nowadays children watch a lot of TV and play video games. However, some people think that these activities are not good for a child’s mental health. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Reported 2017, Academic Test)

It is common nowadays for each member of the family to have their own piece of modern technology. Some people think this will lead to a break down in family relationships and communication. To what extent do you agree?

Reported essay questions are from students who have taken their IELTS test. These questions may vary slightly in wording from the original question. 

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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

        or

• 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.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Sample Essay

In this post, we’re going to look at an IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages sample essay. In this type of Task 2 question, you will read a description of a common situation or practice. From there, you’ll describe the advantages and disadvantages of the idea you were presented with. For more background info and advice on this particular question type, you can go to my post on the Task 2 question types in IELTS Writing.

In this article, I’ll show you a sample advantage/disadvantage prompt and a model essay that responds to the prompt. The model essay is an example of band 9 level writing—this is the highest score you can get on the Writing section. I’ve patterned the essay after this IELTS Writing Task 2 template , which was created by Magoosh IELTS expert Rachel Kapelke-Dale.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay

Before we get started, you should of course first read the sample prompt.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay Question

With modern transportation, workers and students are increasingly mobile, and have more and more opportunities to study and work abroad. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Model Essay (Band 9)

Nowadays, both work and study can easily take a person out of their home country. This can be good because people can explore new cultures now more than ever. At the same time, world travelers may become disconnected from their own home countries. In this essay, I will take a closer look at the aforementioned key advantage and key disadvantage.

To be sure, ordinary people now have unprecedented access to life abroad. It is easier than ever to work or study in a foreign land for months and even years. Many large international corporations offer overseas work to their employees, just as nearly all universities provide study abroad options at partner campuses overseas. Ultimately, nearly any adult anywhere in the world can potentially immerse themselves in another language or culture, with support from their bosses or teachers.

The problem is that international workers and students sometimes become unconcerned with the affairs in the nations they are from. This kind of apathy can prevent people from doing their civic duty. As one example, people from countries with compulsory military service may spend years abroad and even renounce their citizenship to avoid protecting their homeland. Even more commonly, people who go abroad may choose not to vote in elections back home, failing to make their voice heard on important matters. So modern mobility can undermine one’s ability or desire to make a difference back home.

Learning about other cultures by actually living abroad is a powerful tool for better intercultural understanding. However, as valuable as this is, sometimes going abroad can cause people to ignore the importance of their own culture and country. Not all students and workers should go abroad, and the ones that do should not forget their role in their country of origin.

Word count: 294

Scoring Rationale

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. But I’ve also included scorer commentary immediately below.

Scorer Commentary (Advantage/Disadvantage IELTS Essay Sample, Band 9)

The score report below is based on the official IELTS Writing Task 2 rubric . This report also looks very similar to the Magoosh IELTS essay scoring service .

Overall Band Score: 9

What was done well in the essay:

• This essay has over 250 words. This is a small but important way to avoid needlessly losing points due to the IELTS Writing word count penalty .
• The essay does a good job of covering both the advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of easy access to foreign experiences is explored in the first body paragraph. The disadvantages of becoming too distant from one’s home community is similarly explored in the second paragraph.
• Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, followed by supporting details, examples, and a concluding sentence that wraps things up nicely.
• Transitional phrases such as “to be sure” and “even more commonly” are used to clearly link ideas between paragraphs and within paragraphs.
• Vocabulary and grammar are used very fluently; this essay is free of any serious errors in this aspect of English.

More IELTS Writing Task 2 Example Responses

If you found this example essay helpful, you’ll love the rest of them. Click the links below to access model responses for the other common Task 2 question types.

• Two-Part Question Essay
• Causes/Solutions Essay
• Discussion Essay
• Agree/Disagree Essay

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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2 responses to “IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Sample Essay”

will it be correct to include brain drain and the problem of excessive number of immigrants in the disadvantage part?

Hi Paromita,

If you can support these ideas in the essay and explain why they are disadvantages, then that could work if your reasoning is sound.

Hope that helps! 😀

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IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Lesson

This lesson is about IELTS advantage disadvantage essay questions when you are told to assess whether the benefits of something outweigh the drawbacks.

The topic of the essay which is used as an example is about the trend to live and work abroad.

Take a look at the essay question we are going to analyse:

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?

Understanding the Task

When you have this type of advantage disadvantage essay it is important to distinguish between this and one that asks you to discuss advantages and disadvantages but does  not  ask your opinion.

If you are asked “ What are the advantages and disadvantages of….. ” you are not being asked your opinion. You simply have to discuss the benefits and drawbacks.

You could do this in  two body paragraphs:

• Body One: The positive points
• Body Two: The negative points

However, if you have the word “ outweigh ” or “ Will this trend have more positive or negative effects? ” then you are being asked for  your opinion  and you must say which there are the most of – positive or negative impacts. 

If you do not do this then you may get your score reduced on ‘ Task Response ’ for not fully addressing the question.

If you look at the  IELTS   public band descriptors  (available to download if you do an internet search or available from your local IELTS centre), you will see that this could reduce your band to a 5 for this criteria (it would not necessarily affect the other three criteria).

(Check this lesson on  IELTS Band 7  for an overview of the criteria for getting a band 7 if you are unsure of what the criteria are).

Take a look at these examples:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

This advantage disadvantage essay is not asking for your opinion. You could simply write one paragraph on the advantages and another on the disadvantages.

However, this one does:

Will this have more positive or negative impacts?

What does 'Outweigh' mean?

Another point to be careful of is using the word ‘ outweigh ’. It is common for IELTS students to get mixed up when they write the thesis statement, and actually say the opposite to what they write in the essay!

For example, they will say the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, but then give more benefits in the essay. This makes no sense. 

So if you are not sure you can use the word correctly, I would recommend  not  using it in this type of IELTS advantage disadvantage essay. You can just say what your opinion is, as in the thesis in the model answer:

I believe that this has more benefits than drawbacks.

This will avoid any mistakes. 

Writing your Thesis

You then need to think of  3 supporting ideas . One for one side and two for the other side.

So you will then have three body paragraphs, one with the drawback / benefit and two with the advantages / disadvantages.

It is common academic practice to  start with the opposing opinion to yours, so you can start with the point that you have one idea for.

As explained above, it is very important, especially if you are looking for a band 7 or higher, that your opinion reflects what is in your essay. So if you have said there are more benefits, then you would have two benefits and one drawback.

Now take a look at the advantage disadvantage essay model answer.

Model Advantage Disadvantage Essay 

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 experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Advantage Disadvantage Essay Model Answer

These days many people choose to live or work in other countries, which has been made possible because of the convenience of air travel and modern communications. I believe that this has more benefits than drawbacks. 

The disadvantage of this development is the distance that is put between family members. If a person moves away it is true that air travel and devices such as skype mean that communication and contact can be maintained. However, it is likely that a person will only be able to return one or two times a year during holidays, and speaking on skype or via email is not the same as face-to-face contact. 

Despite this, there are significant advantages it can bring to people’s lives. Firstly, it means that people have the opportunity to see other parts of the world and the way people live. For example, people from the West often go to work in Asia or the Middle East and visa-versa. This enriches many people’s lives as they get to learn about other languages, traditions, cultures and different ways of working from their own country.  

In addition to this, on a wider level it may also benefit other countries. If someone moves abroad for work, it is usually because their skill is required there. To illustrate, nurses and Doctors often move to work in hospitals in other countries when there is a shortage, so this is very valuable to the place they move to. 

I would therefore argue that although there are disadvantages of the current trend to live and work abroad, they are outweighed by the advantages. It can enrich people’s lives and lives of the people in the countries that they move to.  

( 283 Words )

As you can see in the essay, the writer believes there are more benefits so the essay is biased towards this opinion, giving more advantages than disadvantages.

The opinion is very clear, and repeated in the conclusion, and the body of the essay reflects this opinion so there will be no confusion when someone reads it.

Other Ways to Answer the Question

This is not to suggest that this method is the only way to answer this type of question. There could be other ways.

For example, some people advise to write two body paragraphs - one on the advantages and another on the disadvantages, then in the conclusion state which one outweighs the other.

You can do this, but it can look at bit odd if you write about them equally, but then say there are more of one than the other! A conclusion can be cleverly worded to make this work, but that is a high level skill that many candidates do not have.

You could write only about the advantages or only about disadvantages and argue that one vastly outweights the other. However, the fact that the question uses 'outweigh' or 'more' is suggesting that there are both benefits and drawbacks.

The benefit of organising your advantage disadvantage essay as illustrated in this lesson is that by looking at both sides, you will have  more ideas to brainstorm . And importantly, your  opinion is clear and this is  reflected in the essay , which is balanced to reflect and support your opinion.

A model answer for this essay will be posted shortly so watch this space, or  sign up using the form on the right  to be notifed when there are updates to the site.

Now you can have a practice.

Try to answer this advantage disadvantage essay question:

More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and universities in foreign countries.

Do the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

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The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

IELTS opinion essays in IELTS can be placed into three types. This lesson explains the different types and how to analyse these essay questions.

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

The IELTS Task Response criteria in the scoring makes up 25% of your band score for your essay.

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In IELTS you must identify the topic of your essay as this is a key to making sure your essay is on topic.

Tips on How to Score IELTS Band 8 in Writing and Speaking

To score IELTS Band 8 you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first.

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Find out how to use pronouns to improve your coherency for IELTS task 2 essays.

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You can use substitution in your IELTS essays in order to improve coherency and coherence.

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In IELTS problem solution essays you have to discuss a particular issue and present ideas to solve that problem.

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

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Learn transitional phrases for essays to get a band 7 or higher in your IELTS writing for coherence and cohesion.

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

Brainstorming and planning is a key step in developing your IELTS essay. This lesson has tips on how to coming up with ideas and organising them.

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

An IELTS essay about music is used to show you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a clear 'task' given to you.

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

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Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

25% of the writing grade is on how you organise your essay so this lesson shows you how to improve your writing coherence.

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

Getting to an IELTS Band 7 is a struggle for many candidates. This lesson explains exactly what you have to do to reach this band score.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Topics/Questions 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 practicing answering this type of question to prepare for the IELTS exam and to get a good grade.

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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 very straightforward. Nonetheless, proper planning and organization must go into your essay to ensure the highest band score possible.

Nowadays, a lot of buildings such as offices have open-space design instead of separate rooms. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Plan – the prewriting stage

Analyze the question – make sure you totally understand what you are supposed to answer. Spend a couple of minutes reading and underlining the key words. 

Determine your position. 

In this essay type, stating your position is relatively simple. Since the question does not ask for your opinion, you can merely write that there are advantages and disadvantages to the issue.

Position:  While there are practical advantages to open-space interiors, there are also disadvantages worth mentioning.

Brainstorm for ideas

Aim for at least one well developed idea for each paragraph

Body paragraph 1 - advantages

• Open interiors allow companies flexibility as their staffing changes
• No walls means open communication among colleagues
• light, airy feeling

Body paragraph 2 - disadvantages

• No walls means no privacy
• too many distractions - difficult to focus
• not optimal for all types of businesses

Brainstorm for support for your advantages and disadvantages.  Support can be an example, further explanation, a definition, or any statement explaining why or how your main idea is true.

Support: If a company expands in terms of its personnel suddenly, open-space offices provide space for everyone without the need to search for offices.

Introduction

Start by rephrasing the prompt.   Make sure you include all the sides of the topic that the writing task 2 addresses.

State your position.  

Your introduction should be 3 or 4 sentences.   Do not waste time getting into details in the introduction – save these for your body paragraphs.

Example introduction:

Around the world it is a growing trend to see open-space offices rather than closed, individual spaces.  While there are practical advantages to open-plan interiors, like the flexibility they provide, there are also disadvantages worth mentioning including a lack of privacy.

Start with a topic sentence that introduces the central idea of the paragraph.

Open-plan offices provide companies and their employees numerous advantages.

Introduce your first main advantage.

One such advantage is the flexibility that these spaces afford the company.

Follow this with support .

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.

Add a second main idea for the advantages in communication and include support for this as well.

Another point worth mentioning is that open plan offices facilitate communication among colleagues. An employee does not have to wonder if a colleague is available to speak; he or she simply needs to look across the room. Furthermore, having people around to speak to fosters creativity and problem solving. Rather than searching for solutions alone, employees can convene with their office mates easily to brainstorm.

Create a summary statement that is essentially a rephrasing of your topic sentence.   Begin this with therefore, thus, or consequently.

Therefore, it is clear that open-space offices benefit both the employer and employee.

Task Response

An IELTS writing task 2 that scores well on task response answers the question directly and develops the topic fully. 

A band 9 answer leaves no further questions for the reader. The band descriptors state that a Band 9 essay:

... provides a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas

In the example body paragraph 1, the advantages of open space offices on communication was fully developed; two aspects of this were included in the supporting sentences.

Coherence and Cohesion

Test takers are scored on their ability to appropriately organize their paragraphs and show a logical progresion of ideas. For this reason, both body paragraphs need to have:

• clear topic sentence which introduces the central idea
• main idea which explains the central idea
• evidence or explanation which further develops the main idea and explains how or why it is true.

Sometimes, an IELTS writing task 2 may require a second main idea and piece of support, especially if the test taker is aiming for a higher band score.

Lexical Resource

Unless you have personal knowledge of architecture, it may be difficult to come up with synonyms for words and expressions like open space offices. For this reason, it is important to focus on showcasing your IELTS vocabulary in other ways.

• configurations
• accommodate

These are all high level words that, while not topic specific, show precision and high level lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Show flexibility with advanced grammar.

If- then statements

These are advanced grammatical structures that many IELTS test takers avoid but impress examiners when they see them. Their combination of tenses make them a bit overwhelming for some, but for higher level candidates, these should be used.

Even within these statements, called Conditionals, there are varying degrees of difficulty. You could write:

If a company requires room for more employees, these open interiors allow for various configurations that will accommodate all staff appropriately.

This is a standard conditional statement. However, you could use a conditional statement without if like this:

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

Make it even m o re complex but including a little extra information like this:

Keep it brief – 2 sentences should be enough. Start by restating your position. Leave your reader with a

general, thought-provoking statement.

In conclusion, office interiors without walls are more than likely here to stay. They provide a flexible, economic solution at the cost of privacy and sometimes efficiency.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

This is another common IELTS essay type which is somewhat different than the above. Here, you must clearly state your opinion, as it is assumed that one side is stronger than the other. You will need to make your position clear throughout the essay.

Nowadays tourists and scientists are allowed to travel to remote natural environments. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.

Analyze the question – make sure you totally understand what you are supposed to answer. Spend a couple of minutes reading and underlining the key words.  There are multiple elements to write about so make sure you organize the task 2 essay in a way that covers all of them.

There are definitely important benefits to scientists traveling to remote regions and less important advantages for tourists. Despite this, the advantages outweigh any disadvantages.

In this essay, the body paragraphs must address tourists and scientists and both the advantages and disadvantages of them traveling to remote areas.

Think of areas you believe are remote. Why would it be good for scientists to go there? What would they - and science - gain? What about tourists? How would tourists benefit? The region? Any people living there?

Ask yourself similar questions for disadvantages.

Paragraph 1 - advantages

• Scientists can research flora and fauna that might hold cures to deadly disease
• tourists can bring a boost to the economy of these regions, positively affecting local people

Paragraph 2 - disadvantages

• Scientists may cause harm to the region in their efforts to uncover its mysteries
• tourists may also destroy the environment as well as alter the surroundings for their comfort, negatively affecting local people

Brainstorm for support for your ideas.  For each of your ideas, find additional explanation, examples statistics or proof.

Support: Scientists would have new areas to study for cures to diseases or to answer other questions of nature.

Start by rephrasing the task.   Make sure you include all the sides of the topic that the task addresses.

State your opinion.  

Your introduction should be 3 or 4 sentences. 

Advances in travel technology have made it possible for people, including scientists and tourists, to travel to areas that were previously impossible to reach. While there are some clear disadvantages associated with this issue, on the whole the advantages are greater.

Start your task 2 with a topic sentence that introduces the central idea of the paragraph.

Travel to remote areas carries with it numerous disadvantages.

Introduce your first main idea.

One such disadvantage is that tourists tend to taint natural areas, not only with waste they leave behind, but with all the infrastructure required to support tourism.

When a remote area requires restaurants, hotels and wifi cables, among other amenities, it ceases to be a virgin area. This may have a negative impact on the local people living there, affecting their livelihood or way of life.

Add a second main idea for the disadvantages of travel by scientists and include support for this as well.

Similarly, scientists may affect a pristine environment as well by setting up laboratories and tampering with the native flora and fauna. The development required to support scientific inquiry may compromise the environment, causing it to lose the very essence of what made it initially appealing.

Thus, travel to remote areas may bring numerous drawbacks.

Some candidates struggle with finding ideas that are relevant. There are a number of ways to develop this task. You could have advantages of tourists and scientists in one paragraph, with disadvantages of both groups in another.

Alternatively, you could describe disadvantages of tourists in one paragraph and advantages of scientists in another. Other combinations are possible as well. When you brainstorm, see which ideas are stronger and organize your essay around those.

Part of the Coherence and Cohesion criteron examines if your paragraphing is accurate and if the order of ideas is appropriate.

Many IELTS examiners recommend leaving your strongest argument for last, closer to your conclusion. In this essay, that would mean that the first body paragraph would address disadvantages and the second advantages.

This gives the advantages paragraph more weight and it remains in the mind of the reader more strongly. It also links to the conclusion better.

The introduction and body paragraph 1 contain both general and topic specific vocabulary that is high level:

• infastructure

Sample Task 2 essay

Travel to remote areas carries with it numerous disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that tourists tend to taint natural areas, not only with waste they leave behind, but with all the infrastructure required to support tourism. When a remote area requires restaurants, hotels and wifi cables, among other amenities, it ceases to be a virgin area. This may have a negative impact on the local people living there, affecting their livelihood or way of life. Similarly, scientists may affect a pristine environment as well by setting up laboratories and tampering with the native flora and fauna. The development required to support scientific inquiry may compromise the environment, causing it to lose the very essence of what made it initially appealing. Thus, travel to remote areas may bring numerous drawbacks.

 Although there are clear disadvantages to remote travel, the advantages it provides cannot be overstated.  Areas far removed from urban centers frequently suffer from a weak economy, therefore interest from tourists in these regions could give a much needed economic boost.  Additionally, with the development of necessary infrastructure, new jobs would be created for people of the area.  More importantly, however, is what research in such regions could give to the world of science.   Opening an uncharted world to scientists could bring about new knowledge that would help mankind, or even perhaps cure heretofore untreatable diseases. A recent report from the New York Times indicated estimated that 22% of diseases with no cure could find treatments from plant life in areas such as deserts and rainforests. Therefore, the advantages to investigating these regions are innumerable. 

In conclusion, no gain is without costs.   Similarly, the advantages of travel to remote areas comes at a price.  However, all told, the benefits to humanity are too great to ignore. 

Reduced relative clauses

Areas far removed from urban centers = areas THAT ARE far removed from urban centers

The development required to support scientific inquiry = the development THAT is required to support scientific inquiry.

The position is restated and a thought-provoking, dramatic statement leaves the examiner with a strong impression.

Want to see how you do? You can write this essay and submit it to the team at IELTSPODCAST.COM as part of our Single Essay Correction. Get feedback from expert ex-examiners and be on your way to succeeding at IELTS.

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IELTS 2023 Task 2 Advantages And Disadvantages Essay: Topics, Model Answers

Looking for Task 2 Advantages And Disadvantages Essay Click here for everything you need to know format, tips, vocabulary, examples structure Check now!

8/19/2023 3 min read

In the world of language proficiency assessments, the IELTS exam holds a prominent place, and among its various tasks, Task 2 of the Writing module is a pivotal component. This task challenges candidates to delve into the advantages and disadvantages of a given topic, providing a balanced view on a subject. In this article, we will explore the nuances of IELTS 2023 Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay, unraveling its topics, presenting model answers, and offering valuable tips to excel in this segment of the IELTS exam.

Introduction to IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay is designed to assess a candidate's ability to present a balanced argument. In this task, candidates are given a statement or question related to a contemporary issue, social phenomenon, or technological development. The candidates are then expected to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the given topic in a coherent and structured manner. This task assesses not only language proficiency but also critical thinking and analytical skills.

Choosing the Right Topics

Understanding the Significance of Topic Selection

Selecting an appropriate topic is the first step towards crafting a compelling essay. The chosen topic should be relevant, debatable, and have a clear scope for discussing both advantages and disadvantages. Candidates should consider their familiarity with the topic, as well as the potential to provide well-rounded arguments on both sides.

Structuring the Essay

Understanding the essay structure.

A well-structured essay significantly enhances readability and coherence. The IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay follows a specific structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs discussing advantages and disadvantages, and a conclusion.

Introduction

In the introduction, candidates introduce the topic and provide background information. They should also present a clear thesis statement that outlines the main advantages and disadvantages to be discussed in the essay.

Advantages Paragraphs

In this section, candidates enumerate the advantages of the given topic. Each advantage is discussed in a separate paragraph, providing explanations, examples, and possibly personal experiences to support the points.

Disadvantages Paragraphs

Conversely, candidates present the disadvantages of the topic in this section. Similar to the advantages section, each disadvantage is elaborated upon in separate paragraphs, substantiated by relevant examples.

The conclusion wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points discussed in the advantages and disadvantages sections. Candidates should restate their thesis and offer a balanced final thought on the topic.

Model Answers for Various Topics

Technology advancements in education.

The integration of technology in education has brought forth numerous advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, technology enhances engagement and access to information, enabling personalized learning experiences. However, it also raises concerns about screen time, privacy, and the potential for reduced face-to-face interaction.

Urbanization and Its Impact

Urbanization offers improved employment opportunities and access to amenities, contributing to economic growth. Conversely, it leads to issues like overcrowding, pollution, and strained resources. Balancing urbanization's benefits and challenges is crucial for sustainable development.

Online Shopping: Pros and Cons

Online shopping offers convenience and a vast array of choices to consumers. Yet, it diminishes the sensory experience of traditional shopping and poses risks related to cyber threats and fraudulent activities. Striking a balance between the ease of online shopping and the value of in-store experiences is a contemporary challenge.

Tips for Crafting a High-Quality Essay

To excel in the IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay, candidates can follow these tips:

Clearly outline advantages and disadvantages before writing.

Maintain a clear essay structure with distinct paragraphs.

Provide specific examples to enhance the credibility of arguments.

Use linking words for smooth transitions between ideas.

Avoid biased language and present a balanced perspective.

Enhancing Vocabulary and Coherence

Candidates should aim to employ a diverse range of vocabulary to convey ideas effectively. Synonyms, idiomatic expressions, and precise terminology can elevate the quality of the essay. Additionally, maintaining coherence through logical flow and organization enhances the readability of the essay.

Addressing Common Mistakes

Candidates often fall into the trap of focusing excessively on one side of the argument. To avoid this, ensure that both advantages and disadvantages are explored equally. Additionally, avoid vague statements and provide specific examples to illustrate points.

Time Management Strategies

Managing time effectively is crucial during the IELTS exam. Allocate a specific amount of time to each section of the essay—planning, writing, and revising. A well-structured essay with clear points is more valuable than a rushed one.

Dos and Don'ts in Task 2

Address all parts of the task question.

Provide a balanced view in advantages and disadvantages.

Maintain clarity and coherence in writing.

Overwhelm the essay with irrelevant details.

Present only one side of the argument.

Neglect proofreading and editing.

In the realm of IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay, mastering the art of balanced argumentation is essential. By selecting suitable topics, structuring essays coherently, and presenting model answers, candidates can enhance their writing skills. The ability to analyze and articulate advantages and disadvantages thoughtfully reflects not only language proficiency but also critical thinking prowess.

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How to Write An IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay?

Are you aiming to achieve a high band score in the IELTS exam? Do you find yourself puzzled by the task of writing an 'IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay'? Then you've landed in the perfect place!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll unlock the secrets to acing this challenging yet rewarding part of the IELTS writing exam. We'll take you step-by-step through understanding the structure of an 'IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay', crafting an effective outline, and using a practical template to write a well-balanced essay.

Whether you're a seasoned IELTS test-taker or new to the game, our guide is packed with actionable tips and examples to help you shine in the exam. Our aim is to make your IELTS preparation journey as smooth as possible.

So, sit back, grab your notepad, and let's dive into the world of IELTS writing. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to write an outstanding IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay. Let's start the journey towards IELTS success together!

IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Structure

Introdu ction

An effective introduction is vital for setting the tone of your essay. It should introduce the topic in a clear and concise manner, provide some context, and outline the structure of the essay. The intr oduction should be designed to pique the reader's interest, prompting them to read on. Here's a sample introduction for an essay on "The Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning":

"With the rapid advancement of technology, online learning has become a prevalent mode of education. This essa y will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this modern educational approach."

Advantages and Disadvantages

The body of your essay will consist of two main sections: the advantages and the disadvantages. Each of these sections should contain one or two paragraphs explaining the relevant points.

For each advantage or disadvantage, start with a topic sentence that clearly states the point. This should be followed by supporting details and examples. A balanced view is crucial here; try to give equal attention and depth to both sides of the argument.

Here's an example for the aforementioned topic:

Advantages:

"One significant advantage of online learning is its flexibility. Unlike traditional classroom settings, online courses allow students to learn at their own pace, making education more accessible for people with busy sc hedules. For instance, working professionals can take up online courses to upskill themselves without compromising their job commitments."

"Another benefit is the vast amount of resources available online. Students have access to a plethora of learning materials like videos, eBooks, and online forums, thereby diversifying their learning experience."

Disadvantag es:

"Despite its numerous benefits, online learning also has its drawbacks. One major disadvantage is the lack of face-to-face interaction. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can also hinder the development of essential social skills."

"Additionally, not everyone has reliable internet access or the necessary technological devices, which can exclude some individuals from accessing online education, thus widening the digital divide."

The conclusion is the final section of your essay. It should not introduce any new information but rather summarise the main points discussed in the essay. It should also reiterate the significance of the topic and provide a clear and compelling concluding statement.

Here's a sample conclusion for our example:

"In conclusion, online learning presents numerous advantages, including flexibility and vast learning resources. However, it also has its pitfalls such as lack of personal interaction and potential exclusion of those without adequate technology or internet access. Thus, while online education is a powerful tool in the modern world, these considerations should be addressed to make it more effective and inclusive."

Remember that the structure outlined here serves as a general guide. The specific requirements might vary depending on the given essay prompt, so it's essential to read the instructions carefully. Keep practicing, and soon you'll master the art of writing an excellent IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay.

Exploring the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Outline

An effective outline is your roadmap to a successful essay. It helps organise your thoughts, ensuring a logical flow of ideas from start to finish.

Introduction

Introduce the topic: Your introduction should set the stage for your essay. Begin with a general statement about the topic, then narrow it down to the specific issue you'll be discussing. For example, if you're writing about online learning, you might start by discussing the role of technology in education.

Give a brief overview of what will be discussed in the essay: Following the topic introduction, your next sentence should preview the points you'll discuss - the advantages and disadvantages of the issue. Using our online learning example: "This essay will explore the advantages, such as flexibility and access to vast resources, along with disadvantages like potential isolation and technology disparities, of online learning."

Topic sentence outlining the first advantage: The first sentence of this paragraph should clearly state the advantage you're discussing. For instance: "A key advantage of online learning is its unprecedented flexibility."

Explanation and examples supporting the advantage: Next, explain this advantage in more detail, providing relevant examples or evidence. You could say, "Online courses allow learners to engage with materials at their convenience. For example, a working professional might study after work hours, something not possible with traditional, scheduled classes."

Disadvantages

Topic sentence outlining the first disadvantag e: Like the advantages section, begin with a clear topic sentence stating the disadvantage. Example: "Despite its benefits, online learning also presents challenges, notably a lack of personal interaction."

Explanation and examples supporting the disadvantage: Explain this disadvantage further, again providing examples or evide nce. You could explain, "In online classes, students miss out on face-to-face engagement with peers and teachers, which can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of essential communication skills."

Summarize the main points: The first part of your conclusion should briefly recap the main points of your essay. Avoid introducing new information here. Using our example, "Online learning, while offering flexibility and a wealth of resources, also presents challenges in terms of personal interaction and technological disparities."

Restate the significance of the topic: Reiterate why your topic is important. You might say, "As technology continues to evolve, understanding the pros and cons of online learning is crucial for educators and students alike."

Provide a clear and compelling concluding statement: Finally, end with a powerful statement that ties your essay together. For instance: "Thus, while online education is a powerful tool in the modern era, its challenges must be addressed to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience."

Remember, an outline is a flexible tool. It should guide your writing, but don't be afraid to deviate from it if your essay's flow requires it. Use it as a roadmap, not a strict rulebook.

Utilizing the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Template

The IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Template is a powerful tool for shaping your thoughts and ideas into a coherent and persuasive piece of writing. Let's delve into the specifics using an example topic: "The rise of electric vehicles".

Your introduction should succinctly introduce your topic and provide an overview of what the essay will cover. For our example, this might look like:

"The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is a significant trend in today's automotive industry. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this growing shift towards electric transportation."

Now it's time to discuss the benefits. Each advantage should be addressed in its own paragraph, beginning with a topic sentence, followed by an explanation, and then an example.

Advantage 1:

Topic sentence: "One notable advantage of EVs is their contribution to environmental sustainability."

Explanation: "Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing the amount of harmful pollutants released into the environment."

Example: "For instance, replacing a conventional car with an electric one can save approximately 1.5 million grams of CO2 per year."

Advantage 2:

Topic sentence: "Another b enefit of EVs is their potential for cost savings in the long run."

Explanation: "Although the upfront cost of EVs can be higher, their lower operating costs over time can offset this initial investment."

Example: "Research shows that EVs can be 2-3 times cheaper to run per mile compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, depending on electricity prices and driving habits."

Next, outline the drawback s of th e topic, again devoting one paragraph to each point.

Disadvantage 1:

Topic sentence: "Despite their benefits, EVs also have drawbacks, including the current limitation s of battery technology."

Explanation: "EV batteries often have a limited range and can take a considerable amount of time to charge, which can be inconvenient for users."

Example: "For instance, a typical EV may need to be recharged after 150-200 miles, and full charging can take up to 12 hours, depending on the charger type and battery size."

Disadvantage 2:

Topic sentence: "Another disadvantage is the insufficient charging infrastructure, particularly in remote or rural areas."

Explanation: "The lack of widespread, accessible charging stations can make long-distance travel with EVs more challenging."

Example: "In certain rural regions, charging points can be over 100 miles apart, making EV usage less feasible."

Conc lusion

The conclusion shou ld recap the main points, restate the topic's significance, and provide a clear concluding statement.

"In conclusion, the rise of electric vehicles brings substantial benefits, including environmental sustainability and potential long-term cost savings. However, challenges such as battery limitations and insufficient charging infrastructure remain. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, addressing these challenges will be crucial to fully realize the potential of electric transportation."

Remember, the template provided here is a guide, and should be adapted based on the specifics of your essay prompt and the ideas you want to convey. With understanding, practice, and perseverance, you'll be well-equipped to master the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay.

10 key tips How to write a High Band Advantages Disadvantages Essay

Understand the Structure: Familiarize yourself with the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Structure. Your essay should have an introduction, two body paragraphs (one for advantages, one for disadvantages), and a conclusion.

Create an Outline: Before you start writing, make an outline. This will help you organize your thoughts, ensure a logical flow of ideas, and make sure you don't miss any crucial points.

Use the Right Template: Use the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Template as a guide to structure your essay appropriately. This template ensures you don't miss any crucial elements in your essay.

Balance Your Arguments: Make sure to present a balanced view. You should provide an equal amount of information for both the advantages and disadvantages. This shows the examiner that you can objectively discuss a topic.

Use Examples: Include relevant examples to support your points. Examples make your points more concrete and persuasive.

Mind Your Language: Use clear, precise, and formal language. Avoid slang and contractions, and make sure your grammar and punctuation are correct.

Stay on Topic: Stick to the topic throughout the essay. It's easy to go off on tangents, but staying focused on the topic ensures you address the question effectively.

Use Transition Words: Transition words like "However", "Moreover", "Additionally", and "On the other hand" can help your essay flow better. They guide the reader through your thoughts, making your essay easier to follow.

Practice and Review: Regular practice is key to improving your essay writing skills. After each practice, review your essay to identify areas where you can improve.

Manage Your Time: You will have a limited amount of time to write your essay during the IELTS exam. Practice writing essays within a set time frame to ensure you can effectively manage your time during the actual test.

Remember, writing a compelling essay takes practice and patience. Keep refining your writing skills, and you'll be well on your way to achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay?

An IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay is a type of essay that appears in the writing section of the IELTS exam. It requires candidates to discuss both the pros and cons of a given topic, displaying a balanced and objective understanding.

2. How do I use the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Template?

The IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Template is a guide to help structure your essay. It typically includes an introduction, separate paragraphs for advantages and disadvantages, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, followed by explanation and examples.

3. What is the best way to structure an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay?

The best way to structure an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay is by following the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Structure, which includes four main sections: introduction, advantages, disadvantages, and conclusion. Ensure to maintain balance in your arguments, providing equal attention to both pros and cons.

4. How can I create an effective IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Outline?

To create an effective IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Outline, start by listing the main points you plan to discuss in your essay. Break down each section into smaller parts, including topic sentences, explanations, and examples for each advantage and disadvantage.

5. How important is it to use examples in an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay?

Using examples in an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay is very important. Examples provide solid evidence to support your points, making your arguments more persuasive and relatable.

6. What are some tips for writing an excellent IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay?

Key tips for writing an excellent IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay include understanding the structure, creating an outline, using the right template, balancing your arguments, using examples, sticking to the topic, using transition words, practicing regularly, and managing your time effectively.

7. What are the common mistakes to avoid while writing an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay?

Common mistakes to avoid include straying off-topic, presenting unbalanced arguments, skipping the conclusion, failing to use examples, and not using transition words to link ideas. Additionally, using informal language, not managing time effectively, and not reviewing your work for errors can negatively impact your score.

Please note, if you want to boost your IELTS Writing score, check these comprehensive eBooks   and personalised Essay Feedback by an experienced IELTS examiner.

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IELTS Practice Tests and Preparation Tips

• Sample Essays

IELTS essay sample: The advantages and disadvantages of the internet

by Manjusha Nambiar · Published February 20, 2016 · Updated April 27, 2023

Essay topic

The Internet has brought many changes into our day to day life. Nowadays we can do things such as mailing, contacting, banking and communication much faster. Is this a positive or negative development?

Sample essay

The internet has revolutionized our lives. It has changed the way we connect with our friends and family. It has changed the way we access information and buy things. It has enabled people to work from their home. In my opinion, the internet has more positive impacts than negative impacts on our lives.

The internet has made information accessible to everyone. Much of the content on the internet is free. Anyone who has an internet connection can access it from any part of the world. Having an internet connection is a bit like having access to all the books in the world. In my opinion, this is the biggest advantage of the internet. Because of it, people can now get medical and financial advice online. Students can prepare for their tests online.

Internet also allows us to buy and sell things online from the comfort of our home. Online transactions save time and money. Another advantage of the internet is its ability to facilitate communication. Thanks to technologies such as video conferencing, people living in different parts of the world can now participate in online conferences at the same time. This eliminates the need for them to travel to another country just for the sake of attending a conference.

The internet has its fair share of disadvantages too. Plenty of obscene and offensive content is available online. While surfing the internet, children might stumble upon this content accidentally. In recent times, anti-social elements have started using the internet to recruit youngsters. This has become a major threat to the security of nations.

To conclude, the internet has both positive and negative impacts; however, in my opinion the positives outweigh the negatives. It has connected the world and made opportunities available to everyone. In fact, today, it is impossible for us to imagine a life without the internet.

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10 March 2023 IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay on Technology

Find answer to IELTS Writing Task 2 question as reported by Academic test takers.

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About the article

This IELTS Academic Question Appeared on 10 March, 2023 in India.

Question: New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Modern technology unquestionably plays a significant role in our lives. It has impacted the pastime  activities of children and has increased their reliance on gadgets for killing time. While there are some advantages to this, in my opinion, they are greatly outweighed by the disadvantages.

On the one hand, using gadgets is the simplest way for the younger generation to communicate with friends, which is the main benefit of new technology for them. For instance, there are several smartphone applications such as Line, Facebook, Instagram, and others that enable children to engage with each other. Additionally, it has made learning easier, convenient and innovative.  Children, for instance, can improve their English language proficiency by playing games like scrabble and solving crossword puzzles on their smartphones.

However, using modern technology has certain clear drawbacks, one of which is the increased risk of attention deficit disorder in children. Youngsters who spend too much time using smartphones and tablets find it difficult to focus for extended periods of time and get easily irritable. Additionally, it also results in health issues like shortsightedness. Lastly, it negatively impacts their social interactions. For instance, children who spend a lot of time on their electronic devices tend to live in their own worlds and rarely connect with others in the real world.

Although there is no doubt that  a balanced use of technology can contribute to child development, I believe that the negative consequences of technology might actually stunt a student's development and its repercussions are far worse than the benefits accrued.

In conclusion, although there are many benefits for youngsters who use technology for leisure, in my opinion, the drawbacks far outweigh the benefits.

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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.

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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.

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IELTS writing task 2 online course

General overview.

• Types of essay in IELTS writing task 2
• Main topics of IELTS essay
• How to generate ideas on IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Write Examples in IELTS Writing Task 2?
• How Many Paragraphs Should I Write in IELTS Essay?
• How many points or examples should I write in an IELTS essay?
• How to Write a Conclusion on IELTS Writing Task 2?
• Where to Take Notes in IELTS Writing Task 2?
• How to Manage Time on IELTS Writing Task 2?
• Tips for preparing for IELTS essay writing task 2
• IELTS 8+ band essay Everyone wore clothes according to their culture IELTS 7 band essay

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The form of questions about advantages and disadvantages is considered to be the easiest type of test in IELTS Writing, but in reality, many candidates still lose points with this type of test.

The following article will point out the most common mistakes candidates make when doing the IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and disadvantages essay, and provide the most reasonable strategy to approach this type of test.

Don’t forget that at the end of the article, Simply IELTS will provide you with a sample essay “super big” standard 8.0 for your reference more about this type of article

Types of questions in the form of Advantages and disadvantages Writing Task 2

Advantages and disadvantages IELTS Writing Task 2 can be divided into two sub-categories: Dạng 1: What are the advantages and disadvantages? With this type of IELTS test , candidates only need to list 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages to ensure the requirements. Candidates do not need to compare the pros and cons, or give their own opinion.

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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.

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….’

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👋 Nhắn cho DOL để tìm hiểu chi tiết về các khóa học IELTS nhé!

IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages and disadvantages of Technology IELTS Writing

Bài viết này sẽ tập trung chủ yếu vào 2 nội dung chính là dạng bài Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology IELTS essay và chủ đề Technology, một chủ đề thiên biến vạn hóa. Bạn sẽ có cơ hội phân biệt chất lượng một bài band 6.5 và một bài band 9.0. Để từ đó rút ra dược nhiều vocabulary và cấu trúc câu hữu ích.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad

1. Cấu trúc bài advantages and disadvantages of technology IELTS essay

Trong bài viết lần này, DOL sử dụng đề sau đây để minh họa:

New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages

Introduction

Paraphrase lại topic: Đây đã là cách introduce concise nhất, mình tránh viết theo kiểu mở bài dài dòng văn tự nha.

Thesis statement: Nêu rõ quan điểm rằng outweigh hay không. Có thể sử dụng cấu trúc câu:

Although this (doing this) has several beneficial impacts, the drawbacks of it are far more significant

Paragraph 1: Discuss ý bạn không support (ý yếu hơn), ở đây DOL sẽ lấy Disadvantage.

Nêu disadvantage 1

Giải thích, nêu ví dụ

Antithesis: Một disadvantage counter lại thesis statement

Paragraph 2 : Discuss ý bạn support - Advantage

Advantage 1

Advantage 2

Conclusion: Paraphrase lại answer và tuyệt đối không thêm new idea.

Một điều cần nhớ là bạn không nên nói quá nhiều . Hãy nhớ rằng đối với IELTS, bạn chỉ có 40 phút để viết 250 từ và nếu bạn chỉ nhồi nhét càng nhiều ý tưởng vào bài luận càng tốt, bạn sẽ hết thời gian trước khi kết thúc hoặc bài luận của bạn sẽ thiếu nghiêm trọng về tính mạch lạc và tính liên kết. https://ted-ielts.com/advantages-and-disadvantages/

Cùng đến với các ví dụ để hiểu hơn cấu trúc qua 2 samples: band 6.5 và band 9.0.

2. Bài mẫu cơ bản advantages and disadvantages of technology IELTS essay

Advantages and disadvantages of technology ielts essay band 6.5

Modern technologies have given the youthful generation a new sense of style. Computer games are becoming increasingly popular as a way for youngsters to spend their leisure time. This type of development, in my opinion, would have a strong influence on the overall development of young people. 

First, modern technologies have demonstrated significant advantages in child life. The internet gives many venues for children to study languages, establishing a linguistic environment in their spare time. Also, the revolutionary automation delivers different amusement, such as computers and cellphones, allowing a teenager to have a digital childhood. Because these modern technologies are so new and are updated every hour, the options for free time entertainment are really limitless.

But, I believe that if children are allowed to spend too much time with modern technology, they will get addicted to it, since some youngsters lack self-control. The effect of gadgets not only has an effect on their mental health, but it also has a negative impact on their physical body, such as their eyes and appearance. Also, modern technology is a soulless piece of equipment that lacks emotional engagement. If the computer frequently isolates youngsters, their social skills will suffer. As a result, when a teenager has spare time, he or she should participate in more outside activities. For example, research has shown that participating in more physical activities as a youngster rather than using technology helps build young personalities as outgoing individuals.

In a nutshell, while modern technology has aided in many parts of children's life, mental and physical wellness should be valued in childhood. They would suffer difficulties as a result of going too modern.

Nhận xét: Như bạn thấy, thesis statement của bài không nói rõ là support ý nào, hay trả lời đề là advantages có outweigh disadvantages hay không. Ngoài ra từ vựng sử dụng không quá uncommon, không có nhiều câu phức được sử dụng, và các linking words hoặc cách nối các câu không đủ đa dạng.

Đọc tiếp để so sánh với 1 bài 9.0 bạn nha.

3. Bài mẫu band 9.0 tham khảo

Advantages and disadvantages of technology ielts essay band 9.0.

Some believe that modern technologies have a significant influence on how youngsters spend their spare time. Personally, the advantages of technology overshadow its disadvantages as children can be tremendously benefited in terms of childhood essential skills and linguistic abilities.

On the one hand, the overuse of technology may have a detrimental impact on children's social skills as well as their academic success. Children playing video games excessively may get disconnected from real life. Youngsters who do not communicate, connect, or share with their surroundings will attempt to satisfy all of these demands in a virtual world. It is, therefore, understandable why children frequently prefer technology to unwind, however, it also simultaneously reduces real human connection and intimacy. Technology may also be a major source of distraction which is detrimental to children’s academic performance. As they become more familiar with it, most of them access inappropriate information. This behavior would later spill over from their leisure time to study time impairing their academic abilities.

On the other hand, technology can facilitate the development of core competencies such as fine motor abilities and language proficiency. One example is online games, many of which rely on hand-eye coordination and movement quickness. Many computer games also teach attention to detail and the ability to piece together information to solve a task. These critical thinking abilities might be useful later in life while conducting research, producing literary evaluations, and performing other educational and workplace tasks. Early childhood video games can also help children develop their linguistic abilities. By following game instructions, children learn not only to read but also how to pronounce words and grasp the complexities of language.

In conclusion, despite the aforementioned negative effects of technology on children's social skills and academic achievement, technology is still significantly more favorable since, when used appropriately it may substantially increase children’s core abilities.

Nhận xét: Khác với bài 6.5, bài 9.0 nói rõ advantages outweigh disadvantages. Từ vựng, cấu trúc câu sử dụng đa dạng cộng với cách liên kết các ý với nhau rất đa dạng. Bạn xem kỹ bài và note lại các cấu trúc câu cùng các từ vựng xịn xò nhé.

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Câu hỏi thường gặp:

Gợi ý bài luận IELTS: Những nhược điểm chính của công nghệ là gì?

Ngoài những ưu điểm nổi bật thì công nghệ cũng tồn tại 1 số hạn chế nhất định. Đó là:

Tạo ra sự cô lập xã hội và khiến con người trở nên cô đơn hơn

Làm giảm giá trị của người lao động, tăng khả năng mất việc làm

Tạo ra những tác động tiêu cực đến thế hệ học sinh

Công nghệ phát triển dễ trở thành thứ vũ khí huỷ diệt hàng loạt đối với con người và môi trường tự nhiên

Sự phát triển của công nghệ đôi khi tạo ra tính trì hoãn ở con người

Là nguyên nhân gây thiếu hứng thú học tập ở nhiều người

Dẫn đến tình trạng ô nhiễm tiếng ồn

Gây ra các vấn đề sức khỏe ở con người

Xuất hiện các vấn đề về bảo mật trong quá trình sử dụng công nghệ

Công nghệ là nguyên nhân gây lãng phí tiền

Tội phạm công nghệ hiện đại ra đời

Tạo ra sự phụ thuộc của con người vào công nghệ hiện đại

Gợi ý bài luận IELTS: 5 lợi thế nổi bật của công nghệ là gì?

Công nghệ sở hữu rất nhiều ưu điểm. Tiêu biểu là:

Công nghệ giúp con người giao tiếp dễ dàng hơn

Thúc đẩy kỹ thuật sản xuất trở nên tốt hơn

Tăng năng suất làm việc, hạn chế sự hao phí tài nguyên

Hoạt động mua bán, giao dịch trở nên chính xác, nhanh chóng hơn

Công nghệ hỗ trợ những người khuyết tật để họ sinh hoạt dễ dàng hơn

Gợi ý bài luận IELTS: Lợi ích lớn nhất của công nghệ là gì?

Một trong những thành tựu lớn nhất của công nghệ là hỗ trợ con người giao tiếp hiệu quả hơn. Theo đó, rất nhiều hệ thống đã được đổi mới để giúp người dùng liên lạc tốt hơn trong suốt 2 thập kỷ qua.

Gợi ý bài luận IELTS: Lợi ích của công nghệ trong giáo dục là gì?

Ứng dụng công nghệ vào giáo dục đem lại rất nhiều lợi ích. Cụ thể là:

Nâng cao khả năng thích ứng nhanh chóng của học sinh với bài giảng

Thúc đẩy sự hợp tác giữa các học sinh trong và ngoài lớp

Gia tăng niềm vui giải trí cho học sinh trong quá trình học tập

Tăng cường sự phản hồi, tương tác giữa học sinh và giáo viên

Nâng cao kỹ năng sử dụng công nghệ của học sinh cũng như giáo viên

Tiết kiệm thời gian, chi phí chuẩn bị cho các bài giảng

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