format of advantages and disadvantages essay in ielts

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

11 min read

Updated On Apr 12, 2024

format of advantages and disadvantages essay in ielts

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

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

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

Understanding the Question and Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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

Discussing the Question of Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS

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

Question of Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS

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

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

Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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

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

How to Plan Your Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing The Essay Introduction

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

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

Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages Essay IELTS

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

Body Paragraph 1

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

Body Paragraph 2

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

How To Write An Essay Conclusion?

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

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

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

IELTS Essay Vocabulary

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

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

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

Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Questions and Sample Answers

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

Sample Question 1

Sample answer.

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Question 2

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

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

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

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

Practice Advantages Disadvantages Essays IELTS with IELTSMaterial

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

When can I note down the voc

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

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

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

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

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

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Kasturika Samanta

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Post your Comments

10 comments.

Ashlin Devi

Posted on Oct 5, 2023

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

ria mahajan

Posted on Oct 6, 2023

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

Posted on May 15, 2023

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

Posted on Dec 3, 2022

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

Posted on May 29, 2022

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

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

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

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

Posted on May 30, 2022

Band Score – 6

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

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

Use C2 level of words.

Purnima Koli

Posted on Oct 25, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on Nov 13, 2021

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

Overall band: 5

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

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Essay Task 2

Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type

Essay Types
Double Question
Advantage Disadvantage
Problem Solution
Essay Length

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

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

3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

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

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

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

Advantage/disadvantage
Double question
Problem/solution

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

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

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

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

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

What are the benefits and drawbacks of…?

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

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

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

Do the advantages of … outweigh the disadvantages

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

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

The IELTS statement
The question

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

You are not being asked to give your opinion

Here are some example advantage/disadvantage essay questions:

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

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this practice?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

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

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

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

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

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

2. Essay Structures for Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

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

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

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

Thesis-led approach

Evidence-led approach

3. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

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

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Culture shock
Language barrier
Broaden one’s horizons

4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

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

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

Take a look at our example:

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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How to Plan & Write IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what the lesson covers:

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

Want to watch and listen? Click on this video.

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

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

The Question

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

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

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

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

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

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Essay Structures

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

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

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

One Advantage and Disadvantage or Two?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Plan IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

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

Analyse the question
Generate ideas
Identify vocabulary

# 1 Analyse the question

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

Topic words
Other keywords
Instruction words

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

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

So, this question is about ‘ tourism’ .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, we are required to write about:

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

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

# 2 Generate ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are my ideas using the friends technique:

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

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

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

Here are my ideas using the examples technique:

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

# 3 Vocabulary

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

Writing an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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

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

We’ll now start work on the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

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

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

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

1) Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question statement.

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

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

Paraphrased question:

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

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

2) Outline statement

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

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

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

Outline statement:

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

3) Opinion statement

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

Opinion statement:

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

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

Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

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

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

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

Main body paragraph 2 – Displacement of local people

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

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

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

Main Body Paragraph 1

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

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

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

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

Topic sentence:

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

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

Explanation sentence:

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

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

Consequence:

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

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

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

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea – Displacement of local people

Example – Venice

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

Topic sentence:

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

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

Explanation sentence:

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

Finally, a specific example to explain the consequence .

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

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

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

How To Write a Conclusion

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

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

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

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

A good conclusion will:

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

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

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

In conclusion

To conclude

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

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

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

Introduction:

Here's the same information formed into a conclusion:

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

Finished IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay.

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

Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay for Structure 1

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

Ideas generation - Friends technique

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

Advantages of tourism – source of income:

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

Disadvantages of tourism – the problems:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

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

Opinion Essays

Discussion Essays

Problem Solution Essays

Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

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

IELTS Writing
Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
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Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay: tips, mistakes, questions & essays

In this lesson we are going to look at how to answer an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages essay.

You will learn about this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, using authentic IELTS essay questions , plus the most common mistakes. And I will finish with an IELTS model essay written by me in response to a sample IELTS essay question . So let’s get started!

What Is Your Task?

In this IELTS question type, you are presented with a situation, a development or a trend. Your task is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages related to this situation, development or trend.

In some tasks, you may also be asked to give an opinion on whether the advantages are more significant than the disadvantages. These “outweigh” questions are more common in the IELTS Academic Writing Test, but they can also appear in the IELTS General Training Writing Test.

In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.

Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

Cambridge IELTS 15 General Training Test 4

How To Plan An IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

If you are aiming for a high band score (band 7 and above) it is absolutely vital that you plan your essay. A good plan will help you to see if you have answered the question, developed your ideas and organised them BEFORE you start writing.

We’re going to plan an essay using my 4 Step Planning Process .

Step 1: Understand The Task

First, you need to make sure you understand exactly what you need to write about. So you need to read the question carefully, not quickly!

Think about these three questions:

What is the topic about?

What is the topic NOT about?

How should you respond to the topic?

Let’s go back to this essay question, and answer those 3 questions:

The topic is about mobile phone payments, such as digital wallets, payment apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay, and QR code payments.

The task is NOT about mobile phone apps in general, so don’t discuss the advantages of mobile phones or mobile apps. The task is specific to payment apps.

The question “does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?” tells you how to respond to the topic. You simply need to answer that question.

Step 2: Decide Your Position

Next, you need to decide your position. In other words, you need to decide what you think.

In an advantages disadvantages essay, your position is your answer to the question .

So in the example question above, your position is your answer to the question: “does this development (i.e. paying for things using mobile phone apps) have more advantages or more disadvantages?”

Step 3: Extend Your Ideas

When you decided your position, you may have started thinking about the reasons for your position, the reasons for your answer. In other words, WHY are you taking this view?

Giving reasons for your view is essential in an IELTS essay. In fact, all IELTS questions tell you to “give reasons for your answer”. So in Step 3, you need to think about your reasons a little more.

However, just presenting your reasons is not enough. You need to develop them.

The two best ways of developing your ideas is by:

giving explanations of what you mean
giving specific examples which illustrate what you mean

Together, these add more detail to your answer.

You MUST do this to get Band 7. If you fail to develop your ideas in detail, your band score for Task Response may be limited to Band 6.

Read more about how to develop your ideas in an IELTS essay.

Step 4: Structure Your Essay

The final step in the planning process is to structure your essay. This simply means deciding which main ideas to put in which paragraphs.

I suggest you use almost exactly the same structure, regardless of whether you are taking the Academic or General Training Test:

Paragraph 1: introduction
Paragraph 2: discuss what you think are the advantages
Paragraph 3: discuss what you think are the disadvantages
Paragraph 4 (Ac): explain if you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
Paragraph 4 (GT): summarise your views

IELTS advantages disadvantages essay questions are usually on topics where there are both advantages AND disadvantages. In other words, if you argue that there are only advantages, the IELTS examiner might decide your essay lacks balance, and this could limit your band score for Task Response.

How To Write Your IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

Let’s go through how to write the different parts of the essay.

How To Write The Introduction To an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

In the introduction to an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages essay, you need to do one or two things.

If you are asked “what are the advantages and disadvantages?” , then just briefly introduce the topic of the essay.

If you are asked for an opinion – e.g. “ do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages”, or “does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?”, then also add a second sentence where you present your answer to this question.

Introduce The Topic

You should begin with a background sentence which introduces your reader to the topic of the essay. The best way to do this is to paraphrase the topic statement.

How To Paraphrase

Think about the meaning of the topic statement, and briefly rewrite it using your own words. Try not to use the same grammatical structures as in the essay question, and try to move language around. In other words, be flexible. This is important if you are aiming for a Band 7 or higher.

In the example essay question above, the topic statement said:

“In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.”

Here is one way of paraphrasing this:

“Purchasing goods with apps on mobile phones has grown in popularity over recent years.”

This sentence has the same general meaning as the original sentence, but uses different vocabulary and different grammatical structures.

How NOT To Paraphrase

When you paraphrase, do NOT just change individual words with synonyms, or you will get some very strange sentences, e.g.

“In a lot of nations, buying items using portable communication software is becoming more customary.”

DON’T DO THIS! It sounds unnatural and can be confusing for your reader.

Give Your Opinion

If you are asked questions like:

“do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages”, or
“does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?”

then you are being asked for your opinion, in addition to a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages.

So write a 2nd sentence in which you clearly answer this question. e.g.

“In my view, this development has significant drawbacks overall.”

There’s little point in adding a scope sentence: “This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development.” This kind of sentence doesn’t add much to your essay and the language is quite basic.

Just start writing the body.

How To Write The Body Paragraphs

In an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages essay, you need to present the advantages and disadvantages in the body paragraphs.

Write the advantages and disadvantages in separate paragraphs.

Each main body paragraph should contain:

An advantage (or disadvantage) – your main idea
A more detailed explanation of this
An example which illustrates this
You can also include a 2nd advantage or 2nd disadvantage in the same paragraph.

This structure is what is meant by developing your ideas, and it is essential for a Band 7.

You can read more about developing your ideas here .

How To Write The Conclusion

In the conclusion to an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages essay, what you write depends on the question.

If you are asked “what are the advantages and disadvantages?” then just write a summary of your ideas.

If you are asked for your opinion – e.g. “do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” – then answer this question in the conclusion.

Do NOT write any new ideas in your conclusion. If you think of new ideas while writing your conclusion, forget them! It’s too late

Common Mistakes in an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

These are the most common mistakes made by Test Takers when writing an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages essay:

presenting too many advantages and disadvantages: you MUST develop ALL of your ideas to get a high band score, so it’s best to present 3 or 4 advantages / disadvantages in total and explain them all
not answering the “do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” question. This question does not appear in all advantages disadvantages essays, but when it does, you must answer it
writing an overly general statement about the topic in the introduction (e.g. Education is a topic of hot debate)
The advantages / disadvantages are not explained and illustrated in enough detail. You need to develop all of your points to get a Band 7.
Not fully understanding the essay question. This is often caused by reading the question quickly, not carefully.
Using memorised phrases (e.g. “a hot topic”, “in a nutshell”, “pros and cons”)
Using “research studies” as examples: examples should illustrate your ideas, not prove them. Read about how to use examples in IELTS essays .
Trying to use rare or “novel” language: examiners are looking for groups of words used naturally, not rare words.

Sample IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Questions

In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

(Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Test 4)

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

( Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Test 4 )

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic. What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?

(Cambridge IELTS 12 General Training Test 5)

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

(Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Test 6)

Model IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

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

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

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

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

For instance:

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

HERE WE NEED SYNONYMS:

Advantages – Benefits – Positive Sides

Disadvantages – Drawbacks – Negative Sides

1) If you think that there are more ADVANTAGES:

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

2) If you think that there are more DISADVANTAGES

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

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

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

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

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

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IELTS Writing: advantages & disadvantages essay

In this lesson you will learn how to produce a band 9 answer for advantages & disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing. As an example, we will use a topic of tourism in modern world . Basically, in all advantages and disadvantages essays your task is to describe positive and negative sides of a given topic + give your opinion.

In this lesson you will:

see a question sample
learn effective ways to quickly produce ideas for your answer
learn band 9 answer structure

for advantages and disadvantages essay in IELTS.

IELTS advantages & disadvantages question sample

For example, you can get this question for IELTS writing task 2:

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

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do you think that benefits of tourism outweight its drawbacks?

This essay topic is related to tourism. Of course, topics for questions will vary, but ideal answer structure is the same for all advantages & disadvantages essays in IELTS.

Producing ideas for your answer

Before you start writing your essay, you should always spend 1-2 minutes on producing ideas for your answer . This way, you’ll know what to write about and your answer will be more coherent and well-structured. In case of advantages & disadvantages essay , you need to think of 2-3 advantages and 2-3 disadvantages of the given issue.

Let’s think about advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world.

Advantages of tourism :

boost in country’s economy due to increased spending
new job opening for local people
opportunities to discover new places for individual travelers

Disadvantages of tourism :

destruction of popular tourist destinations by large numbers of tourists
development of illegal economic activities
local people can experience loss of privacy

Now, after we’ve collected some ideas, it’s time to use them in our essay.

Band 9 answer structure for causes & solutions essay

Though there are many ways to structure your IELTS essay, we’ll use this time-tested band 9 essay structure:

Introduction
Body paragraph 1 – advantages
Body paragraph 2 – disadvantages

Tip : before starting to write your essay, decide what you think: does tourism have more advantages or disadvantages? You’ll need to make accent on your opinion in one of the body paragraphs.

We’ll use the opinion that tourism has more advantages .

Introduction Write the introduction in 2 sentences:

Sentence 1 - paraphrase the question (restate the problem):

Nowadays tourism generates a significant portion of national income for many countries, but it has certain drawbacks too.

Sentence 2 - tell the examiner what you’re going to describe in your essay:

This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of tourism and provide a logical conclusion.

Body paragraph 1 - advantages

Sentence 1 - state 2 main advantages:

The two main advantages of developed tourism industry are boost in country’s economy and a large number of new job openings for the local people.

Sentences 2-4 - explain the first advantage + give an example (if possible):

Firstly, tourists spend money on a wide range of services, including hotels, amusements, transportation, food and medical services. This way, tourism yields an additional income, greatly supporting the countries’ economies.

Sentences 5-7 - explain the second advantage + give an example (if possible):

Secondly, tourism increases the level of employment by bringing new jobs. For instance, the influx of tourists results in a larger demand in restaurant workers, tour guides, hotel staff and employees of retail services, exhorting business owners to hire more people for these positions.

Sentence 1 - state 2 main disadvantages:

However, tourism also has some major disadvantages like destruction of popular tourist destinations and development of illegal economic activities.

Sentences 2-4 - explain the first disadvantage + give an example (if possible):

Ancient buildings, temples and monuments struggle to cope with a vast amount of visitor’s traffic and get damaged. Also, the large number of tourists can cause environmental problems. For instance, when places of interest are overcrowded, natural resources often become overexploited.

Sentences 5-7 - explain the second disadvantage + give an example (if possible):

What’s more, tourism can create more serious situations where criminal issues are involved. The presence of a considerable number of tourists with a lot of money to spend, and often carrying valuables such as cameras and jewelry, increases the attraction for criminals and brings with it activities like robbery and drug dealing.

Sentences 8 - make an accent on your opinion (we’ll use the opinion that tourism has more advantages ):

However, proper hospitality management and correct usage of tourism revenue by the local government can eliminate these disadvantages.

Sentences 1-2 - briefly restate the advantages and disadvantages

To conclude, although tourism has certain disadvantages like destructive effects and growth of crime rate, it has an extremely positive impact on country’s economy and provides a large number of new jobs for the local people.

Sentence 2 - give your final opinion

I believe that these benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks.

Band 9 answer sample

Nowadays tourism generates a significant portion of national income for many countries, but it has certain drawbacks too. This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of tourism and provide a logical conclusion.

The two main advantages of developed tourism industry are boost in country’s economy and a large number of new job openings for the local people. Firstly, tourists spend money on a wide range of services, including hotels, amusements, transportation, food and medical services. This way, tourism yields an additional income, greatly supporting the country’s economy. Secondly, tourism increases the level of employment by bringing new jobs. For instance, the influx of tourists results in a larger demand in restaurant workers, tour guides, hotel staff and employees of retail services, exhorting business owners to hire more people for these positions.

But tourism also has some major disadvantages like destruction of popular tourist destinations and development of illegal economic activities. іAncient buildings, temples and monuments struggle to cope with a vast amount of visitor’s traffic and get damaged. Also, the large number of tourists can cause environmental problems. For instance, when places of interest are overcrowded, natural resources often become overexploited. What’s more, the presence of a considerable number of tourists with a lot of money to spend, and often carrying valuables such as cameras and jewelry, increases the attraction for criminals and brings with it activities like robbery and drug dealing. However, proper hospitality management and correct usage of tourism revenue by the local government can eliminate these disadvantages.

To conclude, although tourism can have certain negative effects like destructive impact and growth of crime rate, it has an extremely positive influence on country’s economy and provides a large number of new jobs for the local people. I believe that these benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks.

(299 words)

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IELTS Writing Task 2
Advantage Disadvantage Essay

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.

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps

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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.

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

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

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

This paragraph writing lesson provides tips on constructing the best paragraphs for your IELTS essay.

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

Tips on how to write an introduction for an IELTS essay introduction in a quick and easy way.

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

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IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

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

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

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Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

Your thesis statement in an IELTS essay should be written quickly and concisely. Use these tips to do that.

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.

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.

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2 can be difficult but complex ideas are not expected.

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

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

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

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

Transitional Phrases for Essays

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.

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

The IELTS essay conclusion is the final part of your IELTS essay. This lesson guides you on how to write a conclusion quickly but effectively.

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Advantages and Disadvantages [IELTS Writing]

Posted by David S. Wills | Feb 25, 2020 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

In task 2 of the IELTS writing test, you may be given a question that asks you about the advantages and disadvantages of something. It is a pretty common question type, and so you should be very familiar with how to answer it.

In today’s article, I will try to show you everything you need to know about writing this sort of essay. First, though, keep in mind a golden rule of IELTS: there is no one perfect way to give an answer! IELTS is just a test of your English skills and there are lots of ways to succeed.

Anyway, I’m going to show you the following:

A Sample Question for Advantages and Disadvantages
Two Possible Essay Structures
A Model Essay

An Overview of Advantage/Disadvantage Questions

First of all, let’s look at the basics. Some of you may never have done IELTS before or may be relatively new to it. If you are an experienced candidate or teacher, you may want to skip this section.

In the IELTS writing test, there are two parts (usually called “tasks”). The first will ask you to describe some sort of visual data like a line graph or bar chart , while the second will be a more traditional essay-type question. It will be about a common IELTS topic such as environment , society, technology , and so on.

You can generally break these question types into five categories:

Agree or Disagree
Advantages and Disadvantages
Causes and Solutions
Discuss Both Views
Two-Part Questions

These all require slightly different approaches, but generally you can write at least 250 words, divided into 4 or 5 paragraphs , and end up with a pretty good answer.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the second item in that list: advantages and disadvantages .

Sample Questions

In order to show you what an “advantages and disadvantages” question is, we shall look at a sample question. Here is one from the Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS :

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development? You should use your own ideas, knowledge, and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

In an IELTS writing task 2 question, you often find a sentence or two that introduces an idea, and then another sentence that gives you the task either as an instruction or a question. In this case, it is a question: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?”

Here, “the development” refers to the change in the previous lines (people now having the opportunity to study abroad). Your task, then, is to think of both advantages and disadvantages to this situation and then explain them. I will show you how to do this in the next section.

If you really want to get better at IELTS writing, take a look at my books .

How to Structure an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

When you are given this sort of question, you need to brainstorm your answer carefully. That means thinking about the question and generating ideas for what you will say in your answer.

Of course, one thing to remember is that you shouldn’t say too much . Remember that for IELTS you only have 40 minutes to write 250 words and if you just cram as many ideas into the essay as possible, you will either run out of time before you are finished or your essay will seriously lack in terms of Coherence and Cohesion . (This is one of the four components in which you will be marked by the examiner. It is worth 25% of your grade. You can see the marking rubric here .)

I’m going to suggest two structures here for your essay. These are the most common ones, but there are others that are possible.

Example Structure #1

This is by far the most common type of structure used for this sort of question and it is definitely very effective. It is easy to use and you could write a really fantastic essay with these 4 paragraphs.

Example Structure #2

You can see that this is basically the same as the previous one but with an extra paragraph. Some people might find this slightly harder to do, but others might find it easier to separate and explain their ideas. It depends on you. You will not be given a higher score for writing more paragraphs, and in fact having more paragraphs often leads to less cohesion. Still, this is fine and can produce an excellent answer.

You can learn more about how to structure an IELTS essay here . I also have information specifically about introductions and conclusions . Finally, you might be interested in how to write a good essay outline .

Advantage and Disadvantage Model Essay

ielts question advantages and disadvantages

Now that I have shown you a sample question and discussed how to structure the answer, I want to show you an answer that I wrote for this. Here it is:

In the twentieth century, it became more common for people to move about the world for various reasons, including education. Now it is reasonably common for students to go abroad to study for a few weeks or even a whole semester on programmes like the Erasmus in Europe. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this sort of arrangement. The advantages of international study are numerous and obvious. To begin with, studying abroad can give students more opportunities for academic advancement, language acquisition, and even networking to help them find jobs when they graduate. This sort of experience helps break down cultural barriers between people of different backgrounds, and also allows for the exchange of knowledge and skill between different institutions. In short, there are many different reasons why it is advantageous for this sort of exchange programme to be established. The disadvantages, on the other hand, are few and comparatively minor. Of course, students who go to live abroad may experience homesickness and culture shock. They may also find that, if their language skills are subpar, they may learn little from their lectures and perform poorly in examinations compared to if they had studied in their home country. From a very different perspective, it is also quite possible that international student exchange could be used in programmes of espionage, as countries may send spies abroad in the guise of students to investigate the research programmes at major universities. In conclusion, there are many advantages to studying abroad from the perspective of students, and also from the standpoint of society and the institutions themselves. The disadvantages are fewer, more minor, and in some cases a bit far-fetched.

Features of the Sample Essay

Here, I have used the 4 paragraph essay because I think it is the best structure in most situations. I will make some notes about each paragraph in this table:

A Slight Variation

In addition to the questions above, which all require us to simply describe advantages and disadvantages, there is also one last question type. In this case, we are asked very subtly for our opinion:

In some countries, criminal trials are shown on television so that the public can watch them. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

As such, when answering this type of question you cannot just state the advantages and disadvantages. You must also include your opinion about whether there are more of one than the other.

Doing this may require a different structure although you can certainly include your opinion in the introduction and conclusion of the 4 paragraph structure mentioned above. However, some people like to do this:

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Advantages and Disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2

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

a 3d model holding the checkmark and the cross mark

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

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

Examples of Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS essay

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

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

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay format

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

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

Introduction for an Advantages and Disadvantages essay

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

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

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

Body paragraphs for IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay

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

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

Advantages and Disadvantages essay: The Conclusion

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

Next lesson:

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

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

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Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated on Apr 02, 2024, 12:10

Did you know that the Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS is one of the most common questions asked in the test? Preparing for it is essential to secure a good score.

The Advantages and Disadvantages Essay the IELTS writing task requires you to discuss a particular topic's pros and cons or advantages and disadvantages. You need to present your ideas in a clear and organised manner and support them with relevant examples and evidence.

This task assesses your ability to express your opinion, analyse information, and use various vocabulary and grammatical structures. Understanding the question, brainstorming ideas, planning your essay, and proofreading your work before submitting it is important. With the right preparation and practice, you can master this task and achieve a high score on the IELTS exam.

On This Page

1. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS: How to Answer?

Advantages and Disadvantages essay topics are some of the most commonly asked question types in IELTS.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS: Sample Answer

Below is a sample essay to help you understand the IELTS Writing Task 2, advantages and disadvantages essay type.

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Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS: How to Answer?

While you’re answering the advantages and disadvantages essay in IELTS writing, you should ensure your essay provides attention to either advantages or disadvantages, avoiding bias or one-sided arguments. Maintain a formal tone, adhere to grammatical rules throughout your essay and use a mix of vocabulary.

The task typically presents a topic or statement requiring you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
The word limit for the task is 250 words.
Your aim should be to examine the topic's positive and negative aspects.
Use cohesive devices and appropriate linking words to connect ideas within paragraphs and between sections.

When tackling an advantages and disadvantages essay in the IELTS exam, it's essential to structure your response effectively and present a balanced argument. Here's how to answer:

Introduction:

Start with a clear topic statement.
Provide a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages you'll discuss in your essay.
Finish with a thesis statement that outlines your overall opinion or stance on the topic.

For Example, “ The exponential growth of the e-commerce industry has revolutionised the way we shop, work, and interact with businesses. While it brings numerous benefits, it also presents certain drawbacks that impact our society in various ways.”

Advantages Paragraphs:

Begin with a topic sentence introducing one advantage.
Provide specific examples or explanations to support your point.
Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas logically.
Conclude the paragraph by summarising the advantage and its significance.

For Example, “ One of the primary advantages of e-commerce is its unparalleled convenience. Online shopping allows consumers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. This convenience particularly benefits individuals with busy lifestyles or limited mobility, enhancing access to a wide range of goods and services.

E-commerce also fosters competition and innovation in the marketplace. With numerous online retailers vying for customers' attention, businesses are incentivised to offer competitive prices, diverse product selections, and superior customer service. This competition drives continuous improvement and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers with better-quality products and services.

Disadvantages Paragraphs:

Follow the same structure as the advantages paragraphs.
Start with a topic sentence introducing one disadvantage.
Support your argument with relevant examples or explanations.
Use cohesive devices to maintain coherence in your essay.
Conclude the paragraph by summarising the disadvantage and its implications.

For Example , “ Despite its advantages, e-commerce presents several challenges, including privacy and security concerns. Online transactions involve exchanging sensitive personal and financial information, making consumers vulnerable to identity theft, fraud, and cyberattacks. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and protecting consumer data are critical for maintaining trust and confidence in e-commerce platforms.

Another drawback is the impact of e-commerce on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. The rise of online shopping has led to the decline of physical stores, particularly small businesses that struggle to compete with large e-commerce giants. This shift in consumer behaviour can result in job losses, economic disparities, and the decline of local communities.”

Conclusion:

Summarise the main points discussed in the essay.
Restate your thesis statement, highlighting your opinion on the topic.
Provide a balanced final thought that considers both the advantages and disadvantages.

For Example , “ In conclusion, while e-commerce offers unparalleled convenience, promotes competition and globalisation, and drives economic growth, it also raises concerns related to privacy and security, disrupts traditional retail models, and poses environmental challenges. Addressing these issues requires a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of e-commerce while mitigating its negative impacts on society and the environment.”

Tips for Success:

Maintain a balanced approach throughout your essay, acknowledging both sides.
Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency.
Ensure coherence and cohesion by using appropriate transition words and phrases.
Proofread your essay carefully to correct any grammatical or spelling errors.

Following these guidelines, you can effectively structure and answer an advantages and disadvantages essay in the IELTS exam. Practice writing essays on various topics to improve your skills and confidence.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS: Sample Answer

Question: The growth in technology has made things accessible for everyone. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of technology in our lives?

Sample Answer: Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Our Lives

Technology's rapid growth has revolutionised how we live, work, and interact with the world around us. While technology brings many benefits, it also introduces certain challenges and drawbacks that impact individuals and society.

One of the most significant advantages of technology is its ability to enhance communication and connectivity. With the advent of smartphones, social media, and instant messaging platforms, individuals can easily stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues regardless of geographical barriers. This increased connectivity fosters collaboration strengthens relationships, and facilitates the exchange of ideas on a global scale.

Moreover, technology has transformed education by making learning more accessible and interactive. Online resources, e-books, and educational apps provide students with opportunities for self-paced learning, personalised instruction, and access to a wealth of information beyond traditional classroom settings.

Despite its numerous advantages, technology also presents several challenges and drawbacks. One of the most pressing concerns is the impact of technology on mental health and well-being. Excessive use of digital devices, social media addiction, and constant connectivity have been linked to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among individuals, particularly young adults and adolescents.

Moreover, technology-driven automation and artificial intelligence (AI) pose job displacement and economic inequality challenges. Automating routine tasks and adopting AI-driven technologies in various industries threaten to eliminate traditional jobs, exacerbate unemployment, and widen the gap between skilled and unskilled workers. Addressing these challenges requires proactive measures to reskill workers, promote job creation in emerging sectors, and ensure equitable access to opportunities in the digital economy.

In conclusion, while technology offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced communication, improved education, and better healthcare outcomes, it also introduces mental health, privacy, data security, and socioeconomic inequality challenges.

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Q. What is essay writing for the IELTS?

A. Essay is a part of the Writing section of the IELTS exam. Here, you will be given academic topics on which you must write an impactful essay. You need to structure your essay correctly, which makes the user walk through the core concept and then give some valuable outcomes as a conclusion.

Q. How do you write an essay in IELTS?

A. There are some of the things you should mind to write an essay in IELTS:

You should gather your ideas and thoughts around the topic. Do not deviate from the essential subject of your essay.
Follow a standard format that can be meaningful for the audience.
Enrich your essay with examples that can make valid points.
Always give your own opinions and end the essay with a valid conclusion.

Q. How do I get more 7.5 in IELTS Writing?

A. Practice is more important in getting good marks in IELTS writing. You should start practising different question types to develop ideas quickly and complete your task within the timeframe. Remember there is a limited time to complete tasks like the advantage and disadvantage writing task 2, which is 40 minutes only!

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of essays in IELTS?

A. It is one of the question forms asked in the Writing Task 2 of the IELTS exam. Here, various questions are covered around academic topics like education, economy, health, technology, etc. In all these topics, you need to focus on the benefits and the drawbacks of the particular situation and then give your concluding opinion.

Q. Are IELTS essay questions repeated?

A. The IELTS essay questions are not repeated. But yes, the topics are usually repeated in many tests. For example, there have been many questions in the past about education, technology, etc. These topics are so vast that so many questions can come around them. But each has a different question, which has to be written with a different perspective.

Q. What should I do if I run out of time during the exam?

A. Practising time management to tackle the questions better is highly advisable. However, if you feel you are running out of time, write the conclusion part of writing task 2 because the point of essay writing will be meaningless without a valid conclusion. For Task 1, try to cover the central key theme of the visuals if unable to cover the full.

Q. Why is IELTS writing difficult?

A. The IELTS Writing task is not difficult, if you prepare for it. It consists of simple writing tasks such as writing a report or an essay. The writing section of IELTS may seem complex as a wide range of topics might be asked in the question and because of the time constraints while dealing with the questions. But there’s nothing to panic about. With continuous practice, it's possible to overcome the difficulties and become efficient in dealing with them.

Q. What are the writing tasks for IELTS?

A. The writing section includes the 2 tasks:

Task 1 is based on visual representation, which you must describe in 150 words and within 20 minutes.

Task 2 will ask you to write an essay on a particular topic, requiring you to give your opinions, discussion, arguments, and problems/solutions approach. You can also get advantages and disadvantages essay topics that will require you to focus on the positive and negative aspects of the particular topic.

Q. Can I write Task 2 first in IELTS writing?

A. Yes, you can choose to write the Task 2 first. It’s totally up to you how you want to write the whole test. But always consider that there is always a limited time to cover the questions. So, only do that if you can complete them before the timeline. And remember that writing Task 2 is double the marks of Task 1.

Q. How can I succeed in IELTS writing?

A. Practice and direction are integral to the success of IELTS writing tasks. You need to do continuous practice in dealing with questions like the advantages and disadvantages writing task 2, opinions-based essays, etc. The right mentorship will provide guidance and feedback to improve your writing skills and achieve better results.

Q. Are all the modules of the IELTS test held on the same day?

A. No, the IELTS test is conducted in two parts. The first part includes the Listening, Reading, and Writing section, which is done on the same day. The second part includes the Speaking section. It can occur the same day or 7 days before/after the examination. As it is an uncertain aspect, you should prepare the speaking modules together with the other three.

Q. Should I prioritise one task over the other in IELTS Writing?

A. Yes, you can. And always give priority to Task 2 as it has double the weightage of Task 1. You need to cover Task 2 in 250 words, which should not take more than 40 minutes. So always take care of these limitations. And don’t forget to allocate some time to proofreading and handling the spelling and grammar issues. Because these aspects carry more marks, it becomes essential to take care of them.

Template for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

In this post, we will explore the template that can be utilized for the Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay. It’s important to emphasize that merely having the template isn’t sufficient to achieve high bands in IELTS. This template serves as a basic structure, covering only 50% of the essay aspect. Generating ideas that meet the cohesion and coherence criteria outlined in the IELTS Band Descriptors is equally vital. Remember, practice is key to perfection. Regular practice will help you cultivate unique and cohesive ideas.

Below, you’ll find explanations for some key writing terminology.

Topic Sentence: A sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs.

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Supporting Sentences: The supporting sentences, also called the body of the paragraph, are used to support, explain, illustrate, or provide evidence for the idea expressed in the topic sentence. Supporting sentences should focus on the following:

They should provide the main supporting points for the paragraph’s main idea (topic sentence)
There are usually 2 – 4 supporting sentences in a paragraph.
They should be arranged in a logical order.
They should NOT begin a new topic or introduce a new idea.

Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Template

1. Write an introduction to the topic 2. Think of two advantages to the situation and provide clear examples 3. Think of two disadvantages and write about these with good support 4. Write a short conclusion giving your overall opinion

Plan / Structure:

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction 2. Paragraph 2: 1 Advantage with example 3. Paragraph 3: 1 Advantage with example 4. Paragraph 4: 1 Disadvantage with example 5. Paragraph 5: 1 Disadvantage with example 6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion + Your Opinion

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Nowadays, (Write a general sentence about the topic) . For many people, (Write an extra sentence to support the first sentence) . However, there are both pros and cons to deciding to do this. In this essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why (reword the topic sentence) and some of the challenges to be overcome.

Let’s begin by looking at the advantages of (topic sentence). One of the main positives of (write the first advantage here). What I mean by this is that (explain the advantage further) . For instance, (give an example related to the advantage) . This can make you (conclude the advantage) .

Secondly, (write the second advantage here) . Take (write what your example is about) for an example. In addition, (write a concluding sentence about the advantage) .

Turning to the other side of the argument, (write the first disadvantage in a sentence). To be more precise, (write some more sentences about the first disadvantage) . Let’s use (write what your example is about) as an example. This often leads to (write a concluding sentence about the disadvantage).

Another issue is that (write the second disadvantage here) . In other words, (write one or two sentences to explain the second disadvantage) . This process takes time and can be especially challenging if (write a concluding sentence about the second disadvantage).

All things considered, (Write a general one-sentence summary of the topic) . You need to weigh up the pros of (write two advantages here which you wrote in the second and third paragraph) , and the cons of (write two disadvantages here which you wrote in the third and fourth paragraph). Personally, I believe the benefits in terms of (write the same 2 advantages using different words) eventually outweigh any negatives. IELTSXpress.com

Model Essay Advantages and Disadvantages

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

These days, more and more people are going to other countries for significant periods of time, either to find a job or to study. There are clearly many benefits to doing this, but people who live abroad can also face some difficulties. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Nowadays, taking a here out to live or study abroad is becoming increasingly popular. For many people, especially young adults, the chance to spend an extended period of time overseas is an attractive one. However, there are both pros and cons to deciding to do this. In this essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why moving abroad is so popular and some of the challenges to be overcome.

Let’s begin by looking at the advantages of moving away. One of the main positives of heading overseas is that it broadens your horizons. What I mean by this is that you have the chance to meet people from different cultural backgrounds and learn to cope with foreign customs and food. This can make you more rounded as a person.

Secondly, moving abroad can lead to a better quality of life. Take British people for an example. Thousands of people from the UK move to Spain and Australia every year. These countries have warmer climates and encourage a better work-life balance. In addition, by living Overseas, you can gain qualifications and language skills, which may improve promotion prospects on your return.

Turning to the other side of the argument, culture shock is a major problem. Many people who take a year out find it hard to cope with the language barrier, the food, and general cultural differences. This often leads to homesickness and in some cases a sense of isolation.

Another issue is that it can be difficult to start a new life from scratch. In other words, when you move abroad, you have to make new friends and find your place in the community. This process takes time and can be especially challenging if there is also a language barrier to deal with.

All things considered, starting life in a foreign country is never easy. You need to weigh up the pros of the better lifestyle, weather, and so on, and the cons of culture shock and language barrier. Personally, I believe the benefits in terms of personal growth eventually outweigh any negatives.

Also Check: Gap Year Advantages Disadvantages IELTS Essay

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IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Sample Essay Questions

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

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips

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

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

The four most common IELTS writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problem and Solution Discussion

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.

Nearly all of my Task 2 essays follow this basic structure: The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Problem and Solution
Discussion (Discuss both views)
Two-part Question

Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see the structure in a real essay.

Please note that these are general structures and may vary slightly depending on the question.

Please also note that no ‘one’ Task 2 essay structure will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just some I think are effective and easy to learn.

Please visit the lessons below for more detailed guidance on each type of question. I have provided a link at the end of each section.

Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)

Typical Question Words –

What is your opinion?

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Direct question.

Example Question –

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Essay Structure

Introduction

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Give your opinion and outline the main ideas.

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 2

Conclusion

1- Summary of main points and opinion

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because it help pupils develop soft skills and helps them gain much-needed work experience.

Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits, and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons, including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work, thus enabling us to hone these skills before becoming an adult. For example, many young people from wealthier countries take a gap year and help those less fortunate than themselves to increase their gratitude for what they have and improve their work ethic.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades, and charitable work can help set you apart from other students when making college applications. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students yearly and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom often differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn’t ordinarily learn from their teachers, and it will also boost their chances of getting into third-level education.

For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions, please visit our opinion essay lesson .

Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE .

Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Example Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

Essay Structure

2- Outline Main Points

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State Two Advantages

2- Expand/Explain First Advantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Advantage

1- State Two Disadvantages

2- Expand/Explain First Disadvantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Disadvantage

1- Summary of Main Points

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that technology plays an ever-increasing role in schools and universities. Increased access to information and student freedom are the main advantages, whereas dependency on technology and decreasing levels of face-to-face contact are the main disadvantages.

Access to more information and student autonomy are the principal advantages of increasing the use of electronic devices in education. With the internet, students can access all the information available about any topic, regardless of what books and other resources are available in the school. Furthermore, students can focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth. A prime example of this is the number of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects that, up until recently, were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third-level degrees than ever before at a pace and schedule that suits them.

The main disadvantages associated with the increasing use of technology in education are the dependency on this technology and the decrease in face-to-face interaction between students. With many students now using the internet as their primary source of information, they often struggle to use other academic resources to find what they’re looking for. As well as this, students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other, which is thought to lead to lower levels of emotional intelligence. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.

In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as unrestricted access to information and student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as dependency on this technology and the negative effects on human interaction.

For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions, please visit our advantage and disadvantage lesson .

Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Example Question

Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. This has allowed learners to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Without these soft skills, many people find it difficult to become successful in work and their personal lives. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our discussion essay lesson .

Problem and Solution Questions

Problem and solution.

Cause and solution.

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

2- Outline Sentence

1- State Problems

2- Explain First Problem

3- Explain Second Problem

4- Example of Second Problem

1- State Solutions

2- Explain First Solution

3- Explain Second Solution

4- Example of Second Solution

Learners are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay believes the main problems associated with dependence on computers are the lack of original thought and copying original work from others and suggests critical thinking classes and writing analysis software as the most viable solutions.

The principal problems with over-reliance on technology are people being unable to think for themselves and plagiarism. With access to so much information, students often rely on other people’s opinions instead of forming their own. As well as this, they often use search engines to answer a question and copy the text from a website rather than thinking about the question. This practice is prohibited in schools and universities and stunts students’ intellectual development because they will never truly think for themselves, which is what university is supposed to be for. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.

Solutions to these worrying problems are special classes to focus on critical thinking and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. If teachers create situations where students have to infer meaning and express opinions based on a small amount of information, this will ensure that students have an opportunity to develop these skills. Also, if students know that their assignments are being checked for plagiarism, this will be enough to deter them from doing so. For instance, many universities already use this kind of software to scan coursework for plagiarism, and it could be extended to include all homework by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.

In conclusion, the main problems with the overuse of technology in education are the lack of original thought and plagiarism. These can be solved through special classes that teach students analytical skills and plagiarism detection software.

For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our problem and solution lesson .

Two-Part Questions

There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

1- Answer second question directly

As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being, and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures?

Nobody can give you a Task 2 IELTS structure that guarantees high scores. Your score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary are and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.

You can see how my student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing here:

Next Steps

We hope you found those IELTS Writing Task 2 structures useful. Looking for some more sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.

If you would personalised feedback and guidance until you get the score you need, you can join the Waiting List for my VIP Course here.

About Christopher Pell

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

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

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

Advantages / Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

Ielts Writing Task 2 advantage or disadvantage essay examples. View high band score examples of ielts advantage or disadvantage essays.

Transport: IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample

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

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Agree/Disagree Essays ADVANTAGE / DISADVANTAGE ESSAY CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY IELTS Problem/Solution Essay IELTS Discussion Essay POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE ESSAY Direct Question Essay IELTS Writing Task 2 Student Essay

IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample 4 – Communication

IELTS Writing Task 2 advantage/disadvantage essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Social media has replaced the traditional methods of communicating and people use more and more of social media in communicate and to follow news and events. Some people think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion with example. Take a look at the sample answer

IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample 3 – Transport

IELTS Writing Task 2 advantage/disadvantage essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use their money to improve public transportation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution? Take a look at the sample answer.

IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample 2 – Environment

IELTS Writing Task 2 advantage/disadvantage essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Nowadays, it is possible to move ocean creatures from their natural habitat at sea and have them relocated in amusement parks for the purpose of people’s recreation. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Take a look at the sample answer.

IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample 1 – Work

IELTS Writing Task 2 advantage/disadvantage essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Some employers want to be able to contact their staff at all times, even during the holidays. Does this development have more advantages than disadvantages? Take a look at the sample answer.

Advantage Disadvantage Essay Sample

Transport Work Environment Transportation Communications Additional Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Practise Questions

IELTS advantage disadvantage essay

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

Updated: February 2024

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

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

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

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

IELTS advantage disadvantage essay structure

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

Model answer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

You will notice in the thesis statement that I state:

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

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

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

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

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary

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

What is an Advantage/Disadvantage Essay on the IELTS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits/drawbacks
Positives/negatives

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

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary: Advantages

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

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary: Disadvantages

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

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

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

Example of an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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

The Response

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

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

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

Word count: 272

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

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One response to “IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary”

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

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Ielts writing task – advantage and disadvantage essay.

One of the essential components of the IELTS Writing module is tackling the advantages and disadvantages of essay questions. These types of essays require you to analyse the pros and cons of a particular subject, providing a balanced argument while showcasing your language proficiency.

To help you excel in this task, we have compiled a collection of sample essay questions that explore various topics. Let’s explore the advantage and disadvantages of essays, providing you with valuable insights, useful tips, and sample essay prompts to enhance your IELTS preparation . Whether you're a beginner or an IELTS retake test taker, this guide will assist you in mastering this writing style and achieving success in your exam.

How to approach the advantage versus disadvantage question?

Let's explore an IELTS Task 2 question and analyse how you should approach it.

The rise of international tourism has undeniably brought significant benefits to numerous destinations. However, concerns have also been raised regarding its effects on local communities and the environment. Do the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages?

The key inquiry here is whether the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages. This question demands a comprehensive discussion of both sides, emphasising which one holds greater weight. Simply stating that "the advantages of international tourism unquestionably surpass the disadvantages" and solely elaborating on the benefits in your response would be insufficient. The reader must gain insights into both perspectives and understand the rationale behind your stance on one side outweighing the other.

Common errors to avoid with this question type:

Solely enumerating the advantages
Solely listing the disadvantages
Presenting both sides without making a conclusive judgment on their relative significance
Failing to express your own opinion

Approach to addressing this question:

Determine your position—do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (In this case, there are more advantages)
Present the advantages (three points)
Present the disadvantages (two points), reinforcing your decision that the advantages carry greater weight
Restate your position in the conclusion to ensure the reader understands that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks

IELTS sample advantage and disadvantage essay questions

You can easily achieve your desired score by practicing the IELTS sample test. Here are some sample IELTS advantage and disadvantage essay questions:

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multicultural society.
Analyse the benefits and drawbacks of using social media platforms for personal and professional purposes.
Examine the positive and negative effects of technology on education.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of globalization in terms of economic growth and cultural diversity.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping for consumers and businesses.
Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Examine the positive and negative impacts of tourism on local communities and the environment.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for both employees and employers.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of genetic engineering in agriculture and its impact on food production.
Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car versus using public transportation.

10 tips to answer advantage and disadvantage essay questions

When it comes to tackling advantage and disadvantage sample essay questions in the IELTS exam, there are several tips and strategies you can follow to maximise your score. Below are a few essential factors to remember:

1. Understand the question

Read the question carefully and make sure you understand the topic and the specific instructions. Identify the advantages and disadvantages that need to be discussed.

2. Plan your essay

Spend a few minutes brainstorming ideas and organizing your thoughts before you start writing. Create a clear and logical essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

3. Introduction

Begin your essay with a concise introduction that provides background information on the topic and presents a clear thesis statement. Provide a clear statement indicating your opinion on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa.

4. Body paragraphs

Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific advantage or disadvantage. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting details, examples, and explanations. Use cohesive devices such as linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly.

5. Balanced approach

Even if you believe that the advantages or disadvantages outweigh the other, it's important to present a balanced view. Acknowledge the opposing perspective and provide counterarguments or limitations to your main points. This demonstrates your ability to analyse the topic from multiple angles.

6. Use specific examples

Support your arguments with relevant and specific examples to make your essay more convincing. These examples could be from your personal experience, current events, or general knowledge. Make sure to explain how each example relates to the advantage or disadvantage you are discussing.

7. Vocabulary and grammar

Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency. Avoid repetition and aim for variety in your word choices. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure your essay is clear and error-free.

8. Conclusion

Summarise the main points of your essay in the conclusion and restate your opinion on whether the advantages or disadvantages are more significant. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

9. Time management

Manage your time effectively during the exam. Ensure that you dedicate sufficient time to the planning, writing, and reviewing stages of your essay. It's crucial to leave a few minutes at the end to proofread your work and make any necessary corrections.

10. Practice as much as you can

Familiarise yourself with various advantages and disadvantages of essay topics and practice writing essays within the time limits. This will help you develop your skills in analysing the topic, organising your thoughts, and expressing your ideas effectively.

Remember to follow these tips and strategies while adapting them to your personal writing style. Consistent practice and constructive feedback will improve your essay writing abilities and enhance your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS exam .

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IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Writing Samples Band 9

2.it is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going university. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend, many people work long hour, leaving very little time for leisure activities. does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages, at the present time the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages, it is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives. do the advantages of taking these risks outweigh the disadvantages, in the past lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students. nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching, international tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. at the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. do the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages, nowadays, as a part of the educational process, students work at a company for a short period of time without pay. do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, as global trade increase, many goods including those we use in daily basis are produced in another country and have to be transport long distance. do benefit of this trend outweigh disadvantages, at the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the numbers of older people. do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages, nowadays, a lot of offices employ open-space designs instead of separate rooms for work. do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, some people believe that life in a big city is difficult while others say that it is more convenient. what are the advantages and disadvantages of living in big cities, in some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your people who decide to do this, many retired people today are choosing to live in other countries. what are the advantages or disadvantages of this, some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, in many countries, teenagers are encouraged to do part-time jobs. what's the situation like in your country what do yout think are the advantages and disvanatges of doing part-time jobs, with the rise of e-books comes the decline in paper books. some people see this as a good step forward while others do not. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend., nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organization. why might this be the case what could be the disadvantages of being self-employed, in some countries, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. what are advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message, today people are using the things and throwing or replacing it with latest models or latest fashion. do the advantages of throwing away society outweigh the disadvantages, space exploration costs tax payers’ an exorbitant amount of money each year. what are the advantages and disadvantages of spending money on space exploration.

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays
Understanding the Question and Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay The IELTS advantages disadvantages essay is a question type you will come across in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will be asked to write about the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. It can be worded in different ways. Let's see some examples.
IELTS Essay Structure
4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay 4.1 Introduction. Your introduction should be the shortest paragraph in your essay (about 40-60 words is perfect). You need to rephrase the IELTS statement in your own words. This is known as paraphrasing (a key skill to develop for the IELTS exam). Take a look at our example:
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays
Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essayfor 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:
IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Model Essay
Below is an IELTS advantage / disadvantage model essay about having one language in the world. The essay is estimated at band score 9. The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage 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.
IELTS Task 2 Writing
Sample topic sentences. (paragraph 1) There are numerous advantages to internet-based learning. (paragraph 2) Readily available knowledge is not without its disadvantages, however. Tip: It is a good idea to memorise some topic sentences such as these, as you can apply them to most advantage/disadvantage essays. e.g.
IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay: tips, mistakes, questions
In an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages essay, you need to present the advantages and disadvantages in the body paragraphs. Write the advantages and disadvantages in separate paragraphs. Each main body paragraph should contain: An advantage (or disadvantage) - your main idea. A more detailed explanation of this. An example which illustrates this.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Advantages / Disadvantages Essay
1) If you think that there are more ADVANTAGES: 1§ Introduction: Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion: more benefits (2 SENTENCES) 2§ The first advantage + Explanation + Example. 3§ The second advantage + Explanation + Example OR result. 4§ One drawback: On the other hand, … + Explanation + Example OR result.
Advantages & disadvantages essay in IELTS writing
IELTS advantages & disadvantages question sample. For example, you can get this question for IELTS writing task 2: A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world.
IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies
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.
Advantages and Disadvantages [IELTS Writing]
A Sample Question for Advantages and Disadvantages ; Two Possible Essay Structures; A Model Essay; An Overview of Advantage/Disadvantage Questions. First of all, let's look at the basics. Some of you may never have done IELTS before or may be relatively new to it. If you are an experienced candidate or teacher, you may want to skip this section.
Advantages and Disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2
3. Some disadvatanges. 4. Conclusion. While brainstorming for ideas, we need to come up with at least two advantages and two disadvantages to write about. You can write more than two each, but the essay might get unnecessarily lengthy, and some ideas may lack proper development.
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2
The Advantages and Disadvantages Essay the IELTS writing task requires you to discuss a particular topic's pros and cons or advantages and disadvantages. You need to present your ideas in a clear and organised manner and support them with relevant examples and evidence. ... Sample Answer: Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Our Lives ...
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.
Template for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Template. Formula: 1. Write an introduction to the topic 2. Think of two advantages to the situation and provide clear examples 3. Think of two disadvantages and write about these with good support 4. Write a short conclusion giving your overall opinion. Plan / Structure: 1. Paragraph 1: Introduction 2.
IELTS advantage disadvantage essays
Let's Review. 1. Analyse the question well then paraphrase it. 2. Give one example of the advantages in main body paragraph 1, after that give one example of the disadvantages in main body paragraph 2. 3. Do not give your personal opinion because the question does not ask for it. 4.
IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Sample Essay Questions
Below is a list of IELTS sample essay questions for advantage / disadvantage essays in writing task 2. These essay types are often taught together with discussion essays but I think it is worth studying them separately to be better prepared. Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips. spend time planning the benefits and drawbacks of the statement given.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures + Band 9 Essays
The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Advantages and Disadvantages. Problem and Solution. Discussion (Discuss both views) Two-part Question. Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question.
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 advantage/disadvantage essay example that is a band score 8. The question is: Social media has replaced the traditional methods of communicating and people use more and more of social media in communicate and to follow news and events. Some people think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
IELTS advantage disadvantage (outweigh) essay model answer
The keyword in the task is 'outweigh'. So you must cover the advantage and the disadvantage in this essay and clearly state your opinion. Do not only write about the advantages. you will need to cover both sides for a higher score in task response. If you believe the advantage is stronger you must give your opinion on that in the thesis ...
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Vocabulary
in. IELTS Vocabulary. When you turn to IELTS Writing Task 2 (the formal essay) on test day, you may encounter an "advantage and disadvantage" essay. This type of essay asks you to evaluate both sides of an issue. Having the right vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays is one key to increasing your band score. This is essay is no different.
IELTS Advantage and Disadvantage essay questions
Here are some sample IELTS advantage and disadvantage essay questions: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multicultural society. Analyse the benefits and drawbacks of using social media platforms for personal and professional purposes. Examine the positive and negative effects of technology on education.
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Writing Samples Band 9
Check your IELTS essays right now! Read more ». 9. band. 2.It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? Taking a gap year off between finishing school and starting university has gained popularity in recent years.
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
26 July 2021. IELTS Essay # 308 - Advantages and disadvantages of living in a house compared with an apartment. 03 August 2022. IELTS Essay # 38 - Advantages and disadvantages of establishing educational institutions in residential areas. 29 March 2023. IELTS Essay # 1237 - In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. 28 June 2023.

Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

Understanding the Question and Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

Discussing the Question of Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS

Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

How to Plan Your Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay?

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

Writing The Essay Introduction

Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages Essay IELTS

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

How To Write An Essay Conclusion?

IELTS Essay Vocabulary

Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Questions and Sample Answers

Sample Question 1

Sample Question 2

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Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type

Table of Contents

3.2 Organise your ideas

2. Essay Structures for Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

3. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

5. Example Advantage/Disadvantage Essay and Exercise

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Exam Updates & Tips!

How to Plan & Write IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

The Question

Essay Structures

One Advantage and Disadvantage or Two?

How To Plan IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

# 1 Analyse the question

# 2 Generate ideas

# 3 Vocabulary

Writing an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

How To Write an Introduction

1) Paraphrase the question

2) Outline statement

3) Opinion statement

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main Body Paragraph 1

Main Body Paragraph 2

How To Write a Conclusion

Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay for Structure 1

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IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay: tips, mistakes, questions & essays

What Is Your Task?

How To Plan An IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

Step 1: Understand The Task

Step 2: Decide Your Position

Step 3: Extend Your Ideas

Step 4: Structure Your Essay

How To Write Your IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

How To Write The Introduction To an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

Introduce The Topic

Give Your Opinion

How To Write The Body Paragraphs

How To Write The Conclusion

Common Mistakes in an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

Sample IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Questions

Model IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

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Privacy Overview

1) If you think that there are more ADVANTAGES:

2) If you think that there are more DISADVANTAGES