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.
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.
- Introduction
- Paraphrase the question statement.
- State what the following paragraphs will discuss.
- Mention your viewpoint (if asked in the question)
- Body Paragraph 1
- Discuss the advantages.
- Explain the benefits with examples in 2-3 sentences.
- Body Paragraph 2
- Discuss the disadvantages.
- Explain the drawbacks with examples in 2-3 sentences.
- Conclusion
- Summarize the benefits and drawbacks discussed in the essay.
- Mention your viewpoint (if asked in the question)
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.
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How to Plan Your Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay?
The planning for writing any essay type in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires around 5 minutes.
The process covers essential aspects such as analysis of the question, organization of the points to be included, identifying relevant vocabulary, and understanding the marking criteria to obtain a good band score.
The following points will provide a concise guide on how to plan your answer for the advantages and disadvantages of essays in IELTS academic writing task 2 and save some time to revise your response.
- To answer the advantages disadvantages essay questions in IELTS Writing Task 2, first you have to identify the keywords and instructions in the question to discuss the positives and negatives of the statement.
- Plan your structure, including your main arguments, advantages, and disadvantages, to present your answer in a well-structured manner.
- Take at least 10 minutes to analyze and understand the given statement and evaluate its pros and cons.
- Organize your thoughts and provide a clear and concise response.
- Using appropriate writing task 2 vocabulary and phrases (lexical resource) is important. But avoid stuffing too many words into irrelevant places.
- Ensure that your response remains relevant to the given topic.
- Understand the IELTS writing band descriptors like Task Response, Coherence and cohesion, Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy to obtain a high band score.
How to Write an Advantages Disadvantages Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2?
Once you have planned your advantage and disadvantage essay for Writing Task 2, it is time to write down your answer.
Writing The Essay Introduction
The first thing that you have to do is to write an introduction for an advantages disadvantages essay.
- Your introduction should paraphrase the topic of the essay and try to use different vocabulary/synonyms for the words in the topic, wherever possible.
- Then, give a brief idea about what could be expected in the essay, i.e. the advantages and the disadvantages of the concerned topic.
- Finally, state which side you think weighs the most (when asked for an opinion.)
Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages Essay IELTS
Although there is no strict rule about the number of paragraphs forIELTS essays, it is better to limit the number to two. It will not only help you to follow the word count but also keep your essay concise.
Body Paragraph 1
- It should state the advantage/s of the topic.
- This should be backed by practical points, and the examples would be even better.
- Day-to-day incidents and instances can be brought to notice.
Body Paragraph 2
- It should state the disadvantage/s of the topic.
- This as well should be supported by valid points, and the daily incidents and examples can be highlighted to back your points.
How To Write An Essay Conclusion?
You should conclude the topic by providing a summary of the points put forth in the entire essay and how the advantages or disadvantages of the topic outweigh the other (if applicable).
- Make sure to end the essay with a well rounded conclusion.
- Link your ideas discussed in the essay to ensure cohesion and coherence.
- The question/s along with the essay statement should be answered.
To help you to understand this type of essay better, given below are some essential essay vocabulary you must know as well as a sample essay with a detailed outline. We’ve provided you with ample IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay topics to help you hone your essay writing skills.
IELTS Essay Vocabulary
A strong command of vocabulary is crucial for writing an effective advantages disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Your proficiency in English language vocabulary will be evident in how expertly you can select the most suitable expressions to convey precise meanings. Diversifying your vocabulary will enable you to incorporate a greater variety of words in your essays. However, it is important to note that overusing uncommon words and phrases can reduce the relevance of your answer.
Wondering the Trick to Score a Band 8 in Writing Task 2? Know the Secret!
Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
Writing an essay on IELTS advantage disadvantage essay topics needs careful preparation and planning. Here are some tips that you can use to write a high quality essay:
- Understand the Question: Make sure you understand the question and what is expected of you before you begin writing. Decide which advantages and disadvantages you need to talk about and if you need to share your opinion.
- Generate Ideas: Spend a few minutes identifying the benefits and drawbacks of the selected subject. List the main ideas and instances you’ll utilize to support your claims.
- Structure Your Essay: Write your essay with a logical and obvious structure. Begin with an introduction that briefly summarizes your key points and states the subject. After that, give each benefit and drawback a paragraph of its own, and then wrap up by summarizing your points in the conclusion.
- Use Linking Words: To connect your thoughts and create a smooth writing flow, use a range of linking words and phrases, like “furthermore,” “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in conclusion.”
- Support Your Points: Give particular instances, figures, or anecdotes to back up each benefit and drawback you discuss. This will improve the persuasiveness of your arguments and raise your score.
- Plan your Time Effectively: During the exam, manage your time well. Plan your essay for a few minutes, then concentrate on creating paragraphs that are precise and to the point. At the conclusion, give yourself some time to review and make any required changes.
- Practice is the Key to Success: It is the ultimate truth. The more you practice, the more you will become efficient in planning, organizing and structuring your advantages disadvantages essay for IELTS Writing Task 2. So, take up more writing practice tests and make the best use of them.
Ensure you’re using the right structure for IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays!
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
Sample Answer
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+.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an advantage/disadvantage essay? How do you identify that the essay falls under this category?
Is it mandatory to put advantages and disadvantages separately in two paragraphs or can I club them?
In case of questions where advantages outweigh disadvantages, I might have to write disadvantages first. Will it affect my score?
Do I have to write more than one point for advantages and disadvantages essays for IELTS Writing?
When can I note down the voc
What will happen if I write the exact question statement of the advantages disadvantages essay topic?
What is the importance of the topic sentence of an advantages disadvantages essay?
Is it mandatory to follow the word limit given with the IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay?
What can I do if my IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay is less than 250 words?
Is there any upper limit for word count for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay?
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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.
Reply
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.
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teja
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.
Reply
Chathurika
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?
Reply
dd
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.
Reply
kasturika
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.
Reply
Hp
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.
Hp
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.
Janice Thompson
Posted on Oct 25, 2021
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.