• English ESL Powerpoints

advantages disadvantages essay

rafikotti

SlidePlayer

  • My presentations

Auth with social network:

Download presentation

We think you have liked this presentation. If you wish to download it, please recommend it to your friends in any social system. Share buttons are a little bit lower. Thank you!

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Published by Emory Jackson Modified over 5 years ago

Similar presentations

About project

© 2024 SlidePlayer.com Inc. All rights reserved.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

111 ELI female team

Understanding the Task�

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?

Will this have more positive or negative impacts?

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

Structure for Essay

  • Introduction
  • Sentence 1- Paraphrase question
  • Sentence 2- Thesis statement (state which one outweighs the other)
  • Sentence 3- Outline sentence
  • Main Body Paragraph 1 (Stronger Side)
  • Sentence 4- Topic Sentence
  • Sentence 5- Explain why it is strong
  • Sentence 6- Example
  • Sentence 7- Topic Sentence
  • Sentence 8- Explain why it is strong
  • Sentence 9- Example
  • Main Body Paragraph 2 (Weaker Side)
  • Sentence 10- Topic Sentence
  • Sentence 11- Explain why it is not strong
  • Sentence 12- Example
  • Sentence 13- Summary of main points and restate position.

'Outweigh‘� To be greater than s.th or s.one in weight, value or importance

  • 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 and two with the advantages.
  • 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.
  • So if you have said there are more benefits, then you would have two benefits and one drawback.

Model Advantage Disadvantage Essay�Type 1 �

  • 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.
  • 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.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Note: If the instructions say" what are the advantages and disadvantages”, you don’t give your opinion at all. simply asks us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages. It does not ask for our opinion or say which side is better or worse, so we should not include this information in our answer. This requires a simple structure in which the student will look at the advantages in one paragraph and the disadvantages in the other.

  • Sentence 2- Outline sentence
  • Supporting Paragraph 1 (Advantages)
  • Sentence 3- Topic sentence (Advantage 1)
  • Sentence 4- Explain how this is an advantage
  • Sentence 5- Example
  • Supporting Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)
  • Sentence 6- Topic sentence (Disadvantage 1)
  • Sentence 7- Explain how this is an disadvantage
  • Sentence 8- Example
  • Sentence 9- Summary of main points

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. � Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to do this. �

Before embarking on college many young people are advised that a year working or travelling may be a good option. This essay will suggest that saving money is the biggest advantage of this and a reduced motivation to study is the primary disadvantage.

Third level education is very expensive and lots of students decide to work for 12 months and save up money before they begin their studies. This allows them to pay for their living costs, tuition fees and accommodation and focus on their studies, rather than struggle financially or have to get a part time job on top of their academic work. The Times recently reported that the average student at a UK university requires over $12,000 per annum just to survive and many drop out because they cannot afford to stay.

Despite these advantages, many students often get used to working or travelling and don’t want to return to a life of study after a year off. This short term view can cause some to bypass university altogether and go straight into a job that is beneath their capabilities or may not offer the same prospects their future career might have done. For instance, a recent survey by the British Government found that 26% of students who take a gap-year never enter tertiary education.

In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows people to gather up savings, however, they should also be careful that it does not lead to disillusionment with education altogether.

  • (252 words)

Computers are becoming an essential part of school lessons.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

This is different again because it is more like an opinion essay and a discussion essay at the same time. Your structure will reflect this by having a paragraph for advantages and disadvantages, but also having a clear position on the statement.

  • Sentence 2- Thesis statement (your opinion)
  • Main Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages)
  • Sentence 5- Explain
  • Main Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)
  • Sentence 8- Explain
  • Main Body Paragraph 3 (Opinion)
  • Sentence 10- Explain opinion
  • Sentence 11- Explain or give example
  • Sentence 12 – Summary of main points

Computers are becoming an essential part of education. � Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion. �

Information technology is becoming a ubiquitous part of learning. This essay will show that this is a welcome development and can enhance educational practice. It will first suggest that the instant availability of huge amounts of information is the primary advantage, followed by a discussion of how it can sometimes lead to plagiarism.

The main benefit computers bring to learners is easy access to vast amounts resources. Learners were once limited to the books they had and the knowledge of their teacher, now they can learn about anything they choose at the touch of a button. Google is a prime example, because it allows people to easily search for whatever they are looking for quickly and accurately.

One possible drawback is that using the internet to complete academic work can sometimes lead to pupils copying articles from the internet. As a result, students do not have to think about their tasks and learn very little. The Sunday Times recently reported that 72% of college graduates in the UK admitted to copying and pasting Wikipedia articles at least once.

Overall, it is a very positive development because most students will take advantage of the power of the information superhighway to enhance their studies, rather than using it to cheat. For example, in 2005 Cambridge University found that students who regularly used a computer were 26% more likely to get a first-class degree than those who did not.

In conclusion, the web has provided a gateway to knowledge unlike anything seen before and although it can sometimes lead to a few taking the easy route and plagiarizing, it is a very positive step in the evolution of education.

(278 words)

  • 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  – one discussing the positive points, the next discussing 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), you will see that this could reduce your band to a 5 for this criteria (it would not necessarily affect the other three criteria).
  • More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and universities in foreign countries.
  • Do the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?
  • TOEFL Writing Correction Topics
  • OET Mock Tests
  • Writing Correction
  • Speaking Mock Test
  • Reading Course
  • Listening Practice Tests
  • FREE Practice Tests
  • IELTS Writing Correction
  • IELTS Speaking Practice
  • OET Writing Correction
  • OET Reading Course
  • OET Speaking Mock Test
  • TOEFL Writing Correction
  • PTE Writing Correction
  • OET Listening Practice Tests
  • OET (Occupational English Test)
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English)
  • Essay Task 2

Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type

  • Essay Types
  • Double Question
  • Advantage Disadvantage
  • Problem Solution
  • Essay Length

ielts essay advantage disadvantage type

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

Table of Contents

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

  • 3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

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

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

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

  • Advantage/disadvantage
  • Double question
  • Problem/solution

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

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

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

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

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

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of…?

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

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

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

  • Do the advantages of … outweigh the disadvantages

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

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

  • The IELTS statement
  • The question

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

You are not being asked to give your opinion

Here are some example advantage/disadvantage essay questions:

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

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this practice?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

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

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

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

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

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

IELTS Writing

Ielts writing correction & grading.

edubenchmark

Improve Your IELTS Score

  • 24-Hour Turnaround
  • Open 365 Days
  • 1 Year Validity
  • Handwritten Essays Accepted

banner

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

IELTS Speaking

Ielts speaking practice.

edubenchmark

  • One-on-one Zoom Session
  • Instant Feedback & Band Score
  • Includes Part 1, Cue-card, Part 3
  • Exam-based Speaking Topics

banner

4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

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

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

Take a look at our example:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IELTS writing correction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • From my perspective,…
  • In my view,…

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

Here are some example sentences to do this effectively:

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

5. Example Advantage/Disadvantage Essay and Exercise

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

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

Select the correct missing words and complete the model answer.

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

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

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

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

/ 21

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

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

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

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

One thought on “Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type”

This was very useful to improve my writing skill

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

OET Writing Correction

  • ielts writing
  • ielts listening
  • ielts speaking
  • ielts reading
  • IELTS Sample Reports
  • IELTS Sample Essays
  • IELTS Vocabulary
  • IELTS Grammar

IELTS Speaking

Exam Updates & Tips!

Signup for preparation and special offers!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

E2Language Blog

  • PTE Study Plan & Strategy
  • PTE Describe Image Task
  • Mastering the PTE Write Essay Task
  • Re-order Paragraphs and Reading Strategies
  • PTE Listening – Tips and Practice for Success
  • OET Study Plan & Strategy
  • OET Writing Overview & Tips
  • Tips and Practice for Success
  • OET Listening Preparation & Practice Tips
  • OET Reading
  • Academic Writing Sample for Task 1
  • Tips & Topics for IELTS Speaking
  • TOEFL test changes 2023
  • Time to Prepare for TOEFL
  • Take a Free TOEFL Mock Test
  • TOEFL Reading Time Management
  • How to Succeed at TOEFL Reading
  • TOEFL Listening
  • TOEFL Speaking
  • TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion
  • TOEFL Integrated Writing
  • Top 10 English Essay Writing Tips
  • Synonyms and Other Writing Techniques
  • START FREE TRIAL

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages with Sample Answer

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

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

Take the official IELTS Online, Anywhere

Sit the test from your home. IELTS Online test is available in selected countries.

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

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

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

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

Introduction

  • Paragraph 1 (Advantages)
  • Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

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

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

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

In the introduction, you should:

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

Sample introduction

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

To write your main body paragraphs, you should:

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

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

Sample topic sentences

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

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

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

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

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

Sample linking ideas

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

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

Sample clause of contrast

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

Remember the grammar needed with these structures:

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

You should also conclude your paragraphs with a final statement .

Sample final statements

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

In the conclusion, you should:

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

Sample conclusion

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

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

Sample Answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You also need to restate your position in the conclusion.

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

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

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

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

advantages and disadvantages essay ppt

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

ielts-mock-exam-practice-test-cover-image

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

ielts-material

IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays - Topics, Structure, Tips & Samples

Kasturika Samanta

12 min read

Updated On Sep 13, 2024

arrow

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

The article discusses the structure and strategies for writing on IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages topics, including planning, vocabulary use, and provides advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay sample answers to improve scores.

 IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

Table of Contents

Understanding the question and 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, tips for mastering advantages and disadvantages essay, advantages and disadvantages ielts essay questions and sample answers, practice advantages disadvantages essays ielts with ieltsmaterial, more related ielts writing task 2 advantages and disadvantages topics.

ielts logo

Try AI Essay Checker for Instant Band Score

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, IELTS writing task 2 advantages and disadvantages topics, and go over a few advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay samples.

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 IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages disadvantages questions, 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 Types of IELTS Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

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 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays 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!

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 IELTS Writing Task 2 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, save some time to revise your response and achieve a good IELTS band score .

  • 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.

Once you have planned your advantage and disadvantage essay for Writing Task 2, it is time to write down your answer. For this of kind of practice, use authentic and updated IELTS Writing practice tests .

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 for IELTS 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. So, create an advanced vocabulary word list for IELTS to avoid loss of word during the actual exam and utilize time in organizing your thoughts.

Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Writing an essay on IELTS advantage disadvantage essay topics needs careful preparation and planning. Here are some b est IELTS Writing Task 2 tips for achieving Band 9 with 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 IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages sample answer. 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!

Get Evaluated for Free!

Given below are some advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay samples 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.

There is no doubt that you are preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2. So, we would recommend you to take up IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages 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 advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay 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+.

  • Advantages and disadvantages of online shopping essay
  • Globalization advantages and disadvantages essay
  • Advantages and disadvantages of online education essay
  • Advertisement advantages and disadvantages ielts essay
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test & Band 8.0 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Travel
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test In 2016 & Band 8.0 Sample Advantage/Disadvantage Essays
  • IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Of Band 8.5 – Topic: Traffic & Accommodation
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test & Band 9.0 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Gap Year
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test In April 2016 – Band 8.5 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic & Band 8.5 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Of Band 8.0– Topic: Youth & Community
  • Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Students
  • Increase your Speaking & Writing Score with Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Useful Structures to Help You Get Band 7.5+ in IELTS Writing
  • IELTS Band 9 Essay Samples: Writing Task 2 Insights for IELTS Learners
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Topic: Differences between countries become less evident each year
  • Children Are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Government Providing Free Healthcare – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • People now have the Freedom to Work and live Anywhere in the World- IELTS Writing Task 2

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?

Explore IELTS Writing

ielts img

Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!

Kasturika Samanta

Kasturika Samanta

Kasturika is a professional Content Writer with over three years of experience as an English language teacher. Her understanding of English language requirements, as set by foreign universities, is enriched by her interactions with students and educators. Her work is a fusion of extensive knowledge of SEO practices and up-to-date guidelines. This enables her to produce content that not only informs but also engages IELTS aspirants. Her passion for exploring new horizons has driven her to achieve new heights in her learning journey.

Explore other Advantage Disadvantage Essays

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad- IELTS Writing Task 2

Janice Thompson

In Some Countries People Prefer to Rent a House than Buy One – IELTS Writing Task 2

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

View All

Post your Comments

10 comments, recent articles.

50+ Recent IELTS Writing Topics with Answers: Essays & Letters

Whitney Houston

Ad

IELTSMaterial Master Program

1:1 Live Training with Band 9 Teachers

4.9 ( 3452 Reviews )

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Email test -->

Please enter Email ID

Mobile Band 9 trainer -->

Please enter phone number

Application

Please select any one

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!

EnglishVista | Free IELTS Test Prep | Learn English

Writing Task 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

General information.

  • Write a formal essay .
  • Write at least 250 words.
  • The task is the same for both the General and the Academic Path. However, the topic of the essay question in the General Path is sometimes more straightforward than in the Academic Path.
  • Depending on the question, you will need to either provide and justify your opinion, discuss a topic, outline problems and provide possible solutions, or summarise key details.
  • The ideas you provide should be supported with clear reasons and examples based on your knowledge and experience.
  • Spend 40 minutes on this task.

Scoring of Writing Task 2

This writing task is worth two-thirds of the total marks for the writing test . There are four areas that you will be marked on in writing task 2, and each area is worth 25% of the overall mark for this task.

  • Task Response: This gives marks for your ideas, how well you address the topic, and the extent to which you develop ideas and form a conclusion.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: This gives marks for the effective use of paragraphs, linking paragraphs and ideas, and referencing.
  • Lexical Resource: This gives marks for the range of vocabulary used, the inclusion of collocations, and accurate spelling.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: This gives marks for the use of varied sentence structures, accurate tense, and accurate punctuation.

Structure of the Essay

The essay for task 2 must be 4-5 paragraphs long to show enough skill and evidence to score well for coherence and cohesion. The structure we suggest includes:

  • Introduction
  • Body 3 (optional)

Linking Words for Coherence and Cohesion

A quarter of your overall score depends on your ability to show cohesion across the essay. Linking words will help you to do this. The words in the table below provide a range of linking words with different functions for you to use in the task 2 essay.

To Order To Show Contrast To Provide Examples To Show A Result To Add More
Firstly, However, For example, As a result, In addition,
Lastly, Alternatively, For instance, Consequently, Additionally,
Finally, Nevertheless, such as Hence, Furthermore,
Although, in particular Thus, Moreover,
In contrast, specifically Therefore, Also,
On the other hand, especially so As well as,
In comparison, obviously For this reason, and
but clearly
despite namely
To Show Your Opinion To conclude
In my opinion, In conclusion,
I think that To summarise,
I believe that Overall,
I admit that
In my view,
I agree that
I disagree that
because
owing to
due to
since
as

If you use the first 5 minutes for planning, you will have 35 minutes to complete the writing task. I recommend using approximately 30 minutes of this time to write your essay and the remaining 5 minutes to check your work.

During this time, look specifically for spelling mistakes, misused words, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes.

Top Tips for Writing an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

  • You must explore both sides of the issue – the advantages (the positives) and the disadvantages (the drawbacks).
  • Separate your arguments; one main body paragraph should focus on the advantages, and a separate main body paragraph should focus on the negatives.
  • Be sure to give clear points to support your arguments

Planning for the Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

You must take the time to plan for writing task 2. You will already have completed two full tests and writing task 1. Your brain is likely to be fatigued at this point, so you need to take a few minutes to ensure you respond correctly to the task, generate some ideas, and sequence the essay logically.

The plan does not need to be complicated. I recommend spending up to 5 minutes on this. You can use space on the question paper to write the plan.

The plan used for an advantages and disadvantages essay requires four paragraphs only; the introduction, main body paragraph (advantages), main body paragraph (disadvantages), and conclusion. We suggest the following format:

State the issue of focus in the essay

Introduce that there are both advantages and disadvantages of this

Point: Introduce an advantage

Example/Elaboration: Provide an example/elaborate on its impact

Point: Introduce another advantage

Example/Elaboration: Provide an example/elaborate on its impact

Point: Introduce a disadvantage

Example/Elaboration: Provide an example/elaborate on its impact

Point: Introduce a disadvantage

Example/Elaboration: Provide an example/elaborate on its impact

State whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa

Sample Question: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

As China grows in size and economic stature, many people think that Mandarin will one day take over as the only language spoken in the world.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having one world language?

Model Plan: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Mandarin could become the sole world language

Would help people communicate better across countries but also some drawbacks

Point: Every person in the world can communicate

Example/Elaboration: Open doors for people to travel more confidently globally

Point: Improved communication could help discussions between countries in conflict

Example/Elaboration: By discussing issues face to face, could see more resolutions

Point: Countries will lose part of their unique culture

Example/Elaboration: Language is an integral part of the culture – losing it could take away the individuality of countries

Point: Losing part of our history

Example/Elaboration: Many languages have existed for millions of years

The disadvantages outweigh the advantages – allow countries to have their own identity

Model Answer: Solutions Essay

Many people think that as China becomes an increasingly powerful nation, and Mandarin becomes the predominant language for business activities in the world, other world languages may, one day, cease to exist. Having just one language spoken globally would certainly simplify communication across the globe, but there are some definite disadvantages of this happening.

On the one hand, a world with a single language would certainly simplify communication between people of different nations. It is evident that this would increase global connections and open doors for people to travel more confidently and comfortably globally. In addition, the ability of countries to communicate directly with one another would also be advantageous. Many conflicts exist between countries, and can often be caused by misunderstandings or poor relationships. With all countries speaking the same language, issues can be discussed and resolved face-to-face by world leaders.

On the other hand, there are some clear disadvantages to the use of just one global language. Firstly, there is the risk of countries losing their unique culture and identity. Language is a key component of cultural identity and, by taking it away, countries could lose their individuality. In this case, if all countries became too similar, there would be less desire for people to travel and the tourism industry could collapse. Furthermore, the range of languages spoken across the world has developed over hundreds of thousands of years. Specifying that just one language should be spoken globally eliminates an essential part of world history – the development of language in cultures around the world.

Overall, it is clear that, while there are substantial advantages to having a single world language, the risk of losing cultural identity outweighs this. Ensuring the continued individuality of nations is paramount to maintaining a rich world heritage for years to come.

Key Words and Phrases for the Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

  • Many people think that
  • Some people say that
  • there are clear advantages/disadvantages
  • On the one hand…
  • It is evident that…
  • In addition, …
  • On the other hand…
  • there is the risk of
  • Furthermore, …
  • it is clear that

Practice Test: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Many people are becoming vegans and are eating fewer or no animal products.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Practice Test: Model Plan

Veganism is becoming increasingly popular as people better understand its health benefits

Are benefits and drawbacks

Point: Eating a plant-based diet is proven to be good for human health

Example/Elaboration: Doctors talk of its benefit and many stories of cancer patients overcoming disease

Point: Eating less meat also helps the environment

Example/Elaboration: Eating plant-based products means eating more local produce – fewer air miles

Point: Difficult to get enough protein into the diet – animal products high in this

Example/Elaboration: Important to get enough protein for weight management and building muscle

Point: Less demand for meat = difficult for farmers

Example/Elaboration: Could put many farmers out of work

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages – farmers could focus on growing plant-based products to increase revenue

  Practice Test: Model Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

As plant-based diets become increasingly popular, people are consuming fewer animal products than ever before. While this has been proven to have numerous health benefits, there are also some clear disadvantages to this.

On the one hand, plant-based diets are scientifically proven to be beneficial to human health. Many scientists and doctors talk of its positive impact on the wellbeing of the human body, and there are stories of patients with life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, overcoming these through eliminating animal products from their diet. In addition, consuming less meat also helps the environment. Meat from countries such as the UK, Australia and the USA has often flown thousands of miles around the globe to reach consumers. However, plant-based products can be more locally sourced, reducing the carbon footprint of the food we consume.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to the elimination of meat and other animal products from our diet. Firstly, it is challenging to obtain high levels of protein with little or no meat consumption. The human body requires a higher intake of protein for weight management and to build muscle and meat is naturally very high in protein, while vegetable products are low. Furthermore, a reduction in the demand for meat products will put a significant strain on farmers whose livelihoods rely on the purchase of such products. A continued decline in this demand could put many farmers out of work.

Overall, it is clear that, while there are disadvantages to less consumption of animal products, the advantages outweigh these. The benefits to the health of humans and the environment are key factors for moving towards a vegan diet. Rather than being forced out of work, farmers should focus on the growth and harvesting of the plant-based products that are becoming increasingly high in demand.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

IMAGES

  1. advantages disadvantages essay: English ESL powerpoints

    advantages and disadvantages essay ppt

  2. Advantages and Disadvantages PowerPoint Templates

    advantages and disadvantages essay ppt

  3. Advantages and Disadvantages PowerPoint Templates

    advantages and disadvantages essay ppt

  4. advantages disadvantages essay: English ESL powerpoints

    advantages and disadvantages essay ppt

  5. Free Advantages and Disadvantages PowerPoint and Google Slides Template

    advantages and disadvantages essay ppt

  6. Advantages Disadvantages

    advantages and disadvantages essay ppt

VIDEO

  1. MiddyTutorials. IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay

  2. English Essay on T.V

  3. Magistratura sınaq izahı. Advantages/Disadvantages essay nümunəsi izahı

  4. IELTS

  5. IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay (Expository Version)

  6. Advantages & Disadvantages Essay on of Online Payments|Advantages & Disadvantages of Online Payments

COMMENTS

  1. advantages disadvantages essay: English ESL powerpoints

    This is a PowerPoint presentation about how to write an advantages disadvantages essay. It can be used for intermediate and also advanced levels.

  2. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay - ppt download - SlidePlayer

    Presentation on theme: "Advantages and Disadvantages Essay"— Presentation transcript: 1 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay 2 Description In this type of essay a topic is considered from opposing points of view and its advantages and disadvantages are outlined.

  3. How to write and advantages and disadvantages essay | PPT

    This document provides instructions for writing an essay, stating to begin with an introduction stating the topic without opinion using only facts, then write two or three advantages in the first paragraph using expressions like "one advantage is" or "another benefit is", followed by two or three disadvantages in the second paragraph, and ...

  4. Engl 111 advantages and disadvantages.pptx - Google Slides

    In this example we will have to decide which side (advantages or disadvantages) is stronger and this will affect our structure. If you choose advantages then you will have to say why these...

  5. Advantages and disadvantages essays.pptx - SlideShare

    Advantages and disadvantages essays.pptx. The document provides guidance on writing an IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay, including how to plan the essay, analyze the question, write an introduction, structure body paragraphs, and write a conclusion.

  6. IELTS Essay Structure - Advantages & Disadvantages Type with ...

    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!

  7. IELTS Task 2 Writing – Advantages Disadvantages Essay with ...

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

  8. IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays - IELTSMaterial.com

    Learn details about the structure, question types, tips along with how to plan your IELTS advantages disadvantages essay topics to achieve a top IELTS band score.

  9. Writing Task 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay - EnglishVista

    General Information. Write a formal essay. Write at least 250 words. The task is the same for both the General and the Academic Path. However, the topic of the essay question in the General Path is sometimes more straightforward than in the Academic Path.

  10. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay | PDF | International ...

    1) The document provides guidance on how to structure an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a topic. 2) It recommends including an introduction outlining the key advantages and disadvantages, followed by paragraphs discussing individual advantages and disadvantages in detail.