Welcome Guest!

  • IELTS Listening
  • IELTS Reading
  • IELTS Writing
  • IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Speaking
  • IELTS Speaking Part 1
  • IELTS Speaking Part 2
  • IELTS Speaking Part 3
  • IELTS Practice Tests
  • IELTS Listening Practice Tests
  • IELTS Reading Practice Tests
  • IELTS Writing Practice Tests
  • IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
  • All Courses
  • IELTS Online Classes
  • OET Online Classes
  • PTE Online Classes
  • CELPIP Online Classes
  • Free Live Classes
  • Australia PR
  • Germany Job Seeker Visa
  • Austria Job Seeker Visa
  • Sweden Job Seeker Visa
  • Study Abroad
  • Student Testimonials
  • Our Trainers
  • IELTS Webinar
  • Immigration Webinar

ielts-material

Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

Kasturika Samanta

11 min read

Updated On Apr 12, 2024

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

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

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

Understanding the Question and Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay 

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

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

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

Discussing the Question of Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS

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

Question of Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS

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

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

Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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

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

How to Plan Your Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing The Essay Introduction

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

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

Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages Essay IELTS

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

Body Paragraph 1 

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

Body Paragraph 2 

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

How To Write An Essay Conclusion?

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

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

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

IELTS Essay Vocabulary

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

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

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

Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay for IELTS

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!

Get Evaluated for Free!

Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Questions and Sample Answers

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

Sample Question 1

Sample answer.

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Question 2

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

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

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

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

Practice Advantages Disadvantages Essays IELTS with IELTSMaterial

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

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

More Related IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Topics:

  • 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?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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

Some People Prefer to Eat at Restaurants While Others Prefer to Prepare and Eat at Home – IELTS Writing Task 2

Raajdeep Saha

Children Are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough – IELTS Writing

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

A Company Has Announced that it Wishes to Build a Large Factory Near Your Locality – IELTS Writing Task 2

Janice Thompson

View All

Post your Comments

10 comments.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Ashlin Devi

Posted on Oct 5, 2023

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

ria mahajan

ria mahajan

Posted on Oct 6, 2023

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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?

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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.

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.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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.

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

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.

Recent Articles

In the Future More People Will Go On Holiday in Their Own Country – IELTS Writing Task 2

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

Get free eBook to excel in test

Please enter Email ID

Get support from an Band 9 trainer

Please enter phone number

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!

  • Ebooks & Courses
  • Practice Tests

How to Plan & Write IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what the lesson covers:

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

Want  to watch and listen? Click on this video.

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

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

The Question

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

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

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

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

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

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Essay Structures

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

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

One Advantage and Disadvantage or Two?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Plan IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

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

  • Analyse the question
  • Generate ideas
  • Identify vocabulary

# 1  Analyse the question

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

  • Topic words
  • Other keywords
  • Instruction words

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

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

So, this question is about ‘ tourism’ .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, we are required to write about:

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

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

# 2  Generate ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are my ideas using the friends technique:

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

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

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

Here are my ideas using the examples technique:

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

# 3  Vocabulary

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

Writing an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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

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

We’ll now start work on the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

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

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

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

1)  Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question statement.

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

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

Paraphrased question:  

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

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

2)  Outline statement

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

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

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

Outline statement:  

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

3)  Opinion statement

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

Opinion statement:  

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

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

     Introduction

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

This introduction achieves three important functions:

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

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

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

Main body paragraph 2  – Displacement of local people

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

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

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

Main Body Paragraph 1

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

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

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

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

Topic sentence:  

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

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

Explanation sentence: 

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

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

Consequence:

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

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea –  Displacement of local people

Example – Venice

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

Topic sentence:

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

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

Explanation sentence:

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

Finally, a specific example to explain the consequence .

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

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

How To Write a Conclusion

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

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

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

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

A good conclusion will:

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

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

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

  • In conclusion

        or

  • To conclude

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

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

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

Introduction:

Here's the same information formed into a conclusion:

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

Finished IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay for Structure 1

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Ideas generation - Friends technique

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

Advantages of tourism – source of income:

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

Disadvantages of tourism – the problems:

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

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  • Click on the HTML link code below.
  • Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Like this page?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

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

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

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

  • IELTS Writing
  • Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
  • Back To Top

 * New * Grammar For IELTS Ebooks

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

$9.99 each       Full Set   Just   $ 23.97

Find Out More >>

IELTS Courses

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Full details...

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

IELTS Writing Ebook

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Discount Offer

$7 each       Full Set Just   $ 21

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Find out more >>

Testimonials

“I am very excited to have found such fabulous and detailed content. I commend your good work.”  Jose M.

“Thanks for the amazing videos. These are ‘to the point’, short videos, beautifully explained with practical examples."  Adari J.

"Hi Jacky, I bought a listening book from you this morning. You know what? I’m 100% satisfied. It’s super helpful. If I’d had the chance to read this book 7 years ago, my job would be very different now."  Loi H.

"Hi Jacky, I recently got my IELTS results and I was pleased to discover that I got an 8.5 score. I'm firmly convinced your website and your videos played a strategic role in my preparation. I was able to improve my writing skills thanks to the effective method you provide. I also only relied on your tips regarding the reading section and I was able to get a 9! Thank you very much." Giano

“After listening to your videos, I knew I had to ditch every other IELTS tutor I'd been listening to. Your explanations are clear and easy to understand. Anyways, I took the test a few weeks ago and my result came back: Speaking 7, listening 9, Reading 8.5 and Writing 7 with an average band score of 8. Thanks, IELTS Jacky." Laide Z.

      Contact

      About Me

      Site Map

      Privacy Policy

      Disclaimer

IELTS changes lives.

Let's work together so it changes yours too.

Copyright  © 2024     IELT Jacky     

All Right Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

Free IELTS lessons signup

home

  • Academic practice
  • General practice
  • Task 1 Academic
  • Task 1 General
  • Task 2 (essay)

IELTS Writing: advantages & disadvantages essay

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

In this lesson you will:

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

for advantages and disadvantages essay in IELTS.

IELTS advantages & disadvantages question sample

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

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

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

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

Producing ideas for your answer

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

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

Advantages of tourism :

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

Disadvantages of tourism :

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

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

Band 9 answer structure for causes & solutions essay

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

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraph 1 – advantages
  • Body paragraph 2 – disadvantages

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

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

Introduction Write the introduction in 2 sentences:

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

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

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

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

Body paragraph 1 - advantages

  • Sentence 1 - state 2 main advantages:

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

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

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

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

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

  • Sentence 1 - state 2 main disadvantages:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Sentences 1-2 - briefly restate the advantages and disadvantages

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

  • Sentence 2 - give your final opinion

I believe that these benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks.

Band 9 answer sample

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

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

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

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

(299 words)

  • TOEFL Writing Correction Topics
  • OET Course & Mock Test
  • Writing Correction
  • Speaking Mock Test
  • Reading Course
  • Listening Practice Tests
  • FREE Practice Tests
  • 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 correction

2. Essay Structures for Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

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

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

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

Thesis-led approach

Evidence-led approach

3. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

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

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Culture shock
  • Language barrier
  • Broaden one’s horizons

4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

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

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

Take a look at our example:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some example sentences to do this effectively:

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

5. Example Advantage/Disadvantage Essay and Exercise

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

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

Select the correct missing words and complete the model answer.

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

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

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

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

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 practice test
  • IELTS Sample Reports
  • IELTS Sample Essays
  • IELTS Sample Letters
  • IELTS Vocabulary

Exam Updates & Tips!

Signup for preparation and special offers!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

The Magoosh logo is the word Magoosh spelled with each letter o replaced with a check mark in a circle.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Sample Essay

Thumbs pointing up and down to show advantages disadvantages essay

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

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

IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay

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

IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay Question

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

Get a higher IELTS score? Start your online IELTS prep today with Magoosh.

Write at least 250 words.

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

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

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

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

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

Word count: 294

Scoring Rationale

This IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages sample essay is held to the same standards as any other Writing Task 2 essay. These standards are listed in the official rubric for IELTS Writing Task 2 . If you read the level 9 description carefully and compare it to this essay, you should see the reasons it has a top score. But I’ve also included scorer commentary immediately below.

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

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

Overall Band Score: 9

What was done well in the essay:

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

More IELTS Writing Task 2 Example Responses

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

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

David Recine

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

View all posts

More from Magoosh

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

Paromita Kundu Avatar

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

Magoosh Expert

Hi Paromita,

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

Hope that helps! 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

TED IELTS

  • A Beginner’s Guide to IELTS
  • Common Grammar Mistakes [for IELTS Writing Candidates]

Writing Correction Service

  • Free IELTS Resources
  • Practice Speaking Test

Select Page

Advantages and Disadvantages [IELTS Writing]

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

Advantages and Disadvantages [IELTS Writing]

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

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

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

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

An Overview of Advantage/Disadvantage Questions

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

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

You can generally break these question types into five categories:

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

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

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

Sample Questions

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

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

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

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

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

How to Structure an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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

Example Structure #1

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

Example Structure #2

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

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

Advantage and Disadvantage Model Essay

ielts question advantages and disadvantages

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

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

Features of the Sample Essay

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

More questions

Finally, I want to show you a few more sample questions for this question type. These are simply intended to give you something to practice with. You can also find a big list of IELTS writing questions here (for both academic and general tests) and if you need help with your answers, you can check out my writing correction service .

There seems to an increasing trend towards assessing students through exams rather than continuous assessment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exams as a form of assessment?
An increasing number of schools provide tablets and laptop computers for students to use in schools, replacing books and other printed materials like exams and assignments. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and enrolling in a university. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Young adults are now choosing to wait until later in life, often until they are in their 30s, to settle down and get married. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Notice that in these questions, there are various topics that have been covered, but the format and idea are the same: You are given a statement and asked what the advantages and disadvantages are.

A Slight Variation

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

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

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

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

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills

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

Related Posts

Describe an App [IELTS Speaking]

Describe an App [IELTS Speaking]

November 2, 2020

Words and Phrases that IELTS Candidates Need to STOP Saying Right Now

Words and Phrases that IELTS Candidates Need to STOP Saying Right Now

October 20, 2020

Describe a Book You Have Read Recently

Describe a Book You Have Read Recently

January 6, 2018

How to Describe a Bar Chart [IELTS Writing Task 1]

How to Describe a Bar Chart [IELTS Writing Task 1]

April 13, 2020

Leave a reply Cancel reply

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

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

Download my IELTS Books

books about ielts writing

Recent Posts

  • How to Improve your IELTS Writing Score
  • Past Simple vs Past Perfect
  • Complex Sentences
  • How to Score Band 9 [Video Lesson]
  • Taxing Fast Food: Model IELTS Essay

ielts writing correction service

Recent Comments

  • David S. Wills on How to Describe Tables for IELTS Writing Task 1
  • anonymous on How to Describe Tables for IELTS Writing Task 1
  • David S. Wills on Writing Correction Service
  • James Oluwasegun on Writing Correction Service
  • Daisey Lachut on IELTS Discussion Essays [Discuss Both Views/Sides]
  • Lesson Plans
  • Model Essays
  • TED Video Lessons
  • Weekly Roundup

IELTS Charlie

Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

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

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

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

What Is Your Task?

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

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

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

Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages? 

Cambridge IELTS 15 General Training Test 4

How To Plan An IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

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

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

4 Step Planning Process

Step 1: Understand The Task

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

Think about these three questions:

What is the topic about?

What is the topic NOT about?

How should you respond to the topic?

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

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

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

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

Step 2: Decide Your Position

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

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

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

Step 3: Extend Your Ideas

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

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

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

The two best ways of developing your ideas is by:

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

Together, these add more detail to your answer.

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

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

Step 4: Structure Your Essay

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

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

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

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

ielts-advantages-disadvantages-essay

How To Write Your IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

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

How To Write The Introduction To an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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

Introduce The Topic

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

How To Paraphrase

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

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

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

Here is one way of paraphrasing this:

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

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

How NOT To Paraphrase

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

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

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

Give Your Opinion

If you are asked questions like:

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

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

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

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

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

Just start writing the body.

How To Write The Body Paragraphs

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

Write the advantages and disadvantages in separate paragraphs.

Each main body paragraph should contain:

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

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

You can read more about  developing your ideas here .

How To Write The Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Common Mistakes in an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

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

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

Sample IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay Questions

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

(Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Test 4)

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

( Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Test 4 )

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

(Cambridge IELTS 12 General Training Test 5)

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

(Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Test 6)

Model IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

Share this:.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Related Posts

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

About the author

Charlie is a former IELTS Examiner with 25 years' teaching experience all over the world. His courses, for both English language learners and teachers, have been taken by over 100,000 students in over 160 countries around the world.

IELTS® is a registered trademark of Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. By using this website, you agree that you fully understand that ieltscharlie.com is not affiliated, approved or endorsed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Unit 22489, PO Box 6945, London, W1A 6US, United Kingdom

© IELTSCharlie

Privacy Overview

Discover the 7 STEPS to BAND 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Emma

This essay provides a plan and model response for an advantages and disadvantages essay in your writing paper.

Essay question:

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation.

Why might this be the case?

What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

My initial ideas:

Advantages-

  • You can create your own schedule
  • You can dictate your own pay
  • You can travel with work
  • You can experience a wider variety of work
  • You’re in control
  • You can expand and personalise your skill set and knowledge base

Disadvantages-

  • It may not be consistently financially successful
  • There may be periods of unemployment
  • You are responsible for your income
  • You are competing with many others
  • It may feel lonely

Essay structure

Introduction

Paraphrase the question

Outline main ideas

State opinion (if required)

Main body paragraph 1- Advantage

Topic sentence- example

Explanation- explain the benefits/advantages

Consequence- state the result

Main body paragraph 2- Disadvantage

Explanation- explain the problems/disadvantages

Summarise key points

Loop back to beginning

Many people nowadays are opting to work for themselves, rather than for a company. There is a more palpable shift towards self-employment and a greater detachment from more traditional working structures. This essay will demonstrate how self-employment can lead to financial freedom and more flexibility of one’s output, but it will also show how financial freedom can be risky and the idea of creative flexibility can be illusionary. Whilst acknowledging the drawbacks, this essay will argue how the advantages of self-employment outweigh the disadvantages.

One clear benefit of working for one’s self, is the possibility of financial freedom and creative autonomy. By being self-employed, one has the room to create your own salary. Rather than being hemmed in by a fixed monthly amount, a person working for themselves can exceed this and create a salary that is reflective of their work and one that does not impede them by wider company policy. Although some people can see pay rises, this is seldom seen in many industries and despite the extra hours people work, their pay quickly hits a ceiling. Whereas, self-employment means you are not determined by someone else’s view of what you should be paid. As well as this, someone who is self-employed has more creative control. This is highly important as being passionate about what you do should be a key characteristic with any job. By having more creative control, we can determine what we produce and the effect we want it to have. Therefore, we are in control and can enjoy the work we ultimately decide to produce.

On the other hand, there are obvious disadvantages to being self-employed. Firstly, it can involve some financial risk where each month does not necessarily look financially the same. There may be dips and troughs where the individual is learning less than the previous month. This could seep into other aspects of their life and make certain things difficult, such as paying bills. Secondly, having to be constantly creative can be more difficult than perceived and its reality not as utopian as it may seem. For example, if someone is starting their own business or creating a course, the sole creative output rests on their shoulders and this can be difficult to routinely produce, rather than having a brief to fill which is passed down from a senior or fellow colleague.

In conclusion, whilst there are disadvantages to being self-employed, I believe the potential possibilities and benefits of being self-employed outweigh working for a company. Whilst working for a company is preferred by some, the working world is shifting to a model that is more innovative, creative and less reliant on the traditional ways of work.

word count- 446

Sign up for more like this.

  • IELTS Scores
  • Life Skills Test
  • Find a Test Centre
  • Alternatives to IELTS
  • General Training
  • Academic Word List
  • Topic Vocabulary
  • Collocation
  • Phrasal Verbs
  • Writing eBooks
  • Reading eBook
  • All eBooks & Courses
  • IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Advantage Disadvantage Essay

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Lesson

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

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

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

People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Understanding the Task

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

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

You could do this in  two body paragraphs:

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

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

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

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

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

Take a look at these examples:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

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

However, this one does:

Will this have more positive or negative impacts?

What does 'Outweigh' mean?

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

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

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

I believe that this has more benefits than drawbacks.

This will avoid any mistakes. 

Writing your Thesis

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

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

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

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

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

Model Advantage Disadvantage Essay 

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

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

Write at least 250 words.

Advantage Disadvantage Essay Model Answer

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

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

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

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

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

( 283 Words )

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

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

Other Ways to Answer the Question

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now you can have a practice.

Try to answer this advantage disadvantage essay question:

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

Do the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

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

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

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

The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

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

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

Learn how to identify the task in an IELTS task 2 essay question. This is one of the most important steps in responding to an essay question.

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

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

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

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

How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps

Learn key steps on how to write an IELTS Essay. This guides you on how to write a great essay plus other lessons to improve your writing skills.

Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?

Learn how to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS correctly. Can you use "I", "we" and "you"?

Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

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

Transitional Phrases for Essays

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

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

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

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

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

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

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

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

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

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

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

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

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

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

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

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

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

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

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

Any comments or questions about this page or about IELTS? Post them here. Your email will not be published or shared.

Before you go...

Check out the ielts buddy band 7+ ebooks & courses.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  • Click on the HTML link code below.
  • Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

ielts buddy ebooks

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

  • All Lessons
  • Band Score Calculator
  • Writing Feedback
  • Speaking Feedback
  • Teacher Resources
  • Free Downloads
  • Recent Essay Exam Questions
  • Books for IELTS Prep
  • Useful Links

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Recent Articles

RSS

Decreasing House Sizes Essay

Apr 06, 24 10:22 AM

Decreasing House Sizes

Latest IELTS Writing Topics - Recent Exam Questions

Apr 04, 24 02:36 AM

Latest IELTS Writing Topics

IELTS Essay: English as a Global Language

Apr 03, 24 03:49 PM

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

How To Write An Advantages Or Disadvantages Essay

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay ( 250 words minimum ). You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion, and discuss a problem or issue. You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In this post, we will be focusing on how to  write a advantages/disadvantages essay .

One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria  to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes. 

You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.

Do you want to learn how to write an advantage/disadvantage essay faster and score a higher band score? Download our 24 page PDF resource that is designed to help you prepare systematically for a 7+ band Score.

WRITING TASK 2 Advantages/Disadvantages STRUCTURE

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score of 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score. 

TIP >>  Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can organise the information clearly. You must decide what the main advantages and disadvantages are. Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas, opinions and examples. 

TIP >>  It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas. 

TIP >>  Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic essay, therefore your writing should be formal. 

This is one possible way to structure your essay;

4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE >>

Paragraph 1 – The Introduction

This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question. 

Do you understand what I mean, when I say ‘paraphrase’ the question?

This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can’t just copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. When practising your essay writing, use an online thesaurus  to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.

Then your next sentence should introduce the essay, this will tell   the examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. For example, Firstly this essay will discuss……… Secondly, this essay will discuss…….

There are two sentences you need in the introduction >>

Paraphrase the question

Introduce the specific advantages/disadvantages that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Paragraph 2 – Main Body Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, you should describe the main advantage.

Start the paragraph by introducing the main advantage. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the advantage.

The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study. 

This is how the paragraph should look >>

  • Introduce the advantage (topic sentence)
  • Explain/give detail

Paragraph 3 –  Main Body Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, you should write about the main disadvantage.

Start the paragraph by introducing the disadvantage. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example.

The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study. 

This is how the paragraph should look >>

  • Introduce the disadvantage (topic sentence)

Paragraph 4 – The Conclusion

In the fourth paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points  and say what you think were the most important pros and cons. You should not enter any new information or ideas in this paragraph. 

You can end your conclusion with a balancing statement that tells the reader why one side is better than the other. For example, using words like outweigh, balance out, compensate for, exceed and make up for. 

  • Summary of the main points
  • What you think were the most important pros and cons?

Another possible way to structure your advantage/disadvantage essay is this;

You may want to add paragraphs to explain further advantages or disadvantages, but there should be only one main idea in each main body paragraph. Don’t list all of your advantages/disadvantages in one paragraph.

  • Introduction
  • Paragraph 1 – Describe an advantage
  • Paragraph 2 – Describe an advantage
  • Paragraph 3 – Describe a disadvantage

TIP >> If the question asks you if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of something then your essay structure will change slightly. You should make sure you write about how one side is better than the other. You will also have to include this in your introduction. The side that you think outweighs the other should be written about first in main body paragraph 1. Followed by main body paragraph 2 – the more fragile argument. 

TIP >> If the question asks you to write about advantages/disadvantages and give your opinion, then y

You need to add an extra paragraph that clearly states your opinion. You would also need to write about your opinion in the introduction.

SAMPLE Advantages/Disadvantages ESSAY >>

**All questions have been reported by students who have taken the IELTS exam.**

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

There is an ongoing debate on the merits of having a rigid discipline system in place for all crimes committed. This essay will firstly discuss, how having fixed punishments could lead to a more competent judiciary system as the biggest advantage. Secondly, this essay will discuss how this may lead to people being punished in the same way for both minor and major crimes as the primary disadvantage.

On the one hand, the main advantage of having a standardised punishment system could lead to a downward trend in crime, as the system would serve as a deterrent. This would allow the courts to easily hand out justice to all criminals, in order to make the judiciary system more powerful. For example, in some states in the USA, there are tough sanctions in place for criminals, including death by lethal injection. In 2014, the New York Times reported that up to 65% of criminals who were incarcerated for high-level crimes (murder, manslaughter) received the lethal injection.

On the other hand, the primary disadvantage of having fixed punishments is that people who have committed low-level crimes may also be given harsh sentences, in the same way as those who have been sentenced for high-level crimes. This may make the system unjust, as the punishment should befit the crime. For instance, a person who may have acted in self defence, should have their case heard in full, before being given a punishment befitting of someone who has been part of a violent act.

In conclusion, fixed punishment offers an interesting choice for effective crime deterrence and a faster judicial process.  However, its inherent flaw in generalising all crime without carefully considering mitigating circumstances would compromise the very essence of justice and should warrant a closer study before fully implementing it to any modern judicial system.

(Word Count = 302 / Band Score 9)

Feedback

  • Task Achievement  – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by stating an advantage and a disadvantage. Both the advantages/disadvantages are fully supported in the main body paragraphs in the essay, with fully extended and well-supported ideas. the style of the writing is appropriate for an academic essay.
  • Coherence and Cohesion  – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs and between most sentences. Examples are highlighted with discourse markers like –  for example,  and for instance . 
  • Lexical Resource  – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy  – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures. 

TIP >>  Remember to give both an advantage and a disadvantage. Use each of the main body paragraphs to support your ideas, giving examples that are relevant. In the conclusion, this is where you summarise your main points.

WRITING TASK 2 BAND SCORE 9 CRITERIA >>

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

If you would like to view more high band score advantages or disadvantage   essay examples please click here .

Advantage Disadvantage Essay Sample

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

We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test . If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.

The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook , then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest . If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.

Related Posts

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Process

IELTS Writing Task 1 – Process Example Essay 3

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic process essay example that is a band score 8. The question…

A few problems have emerged in your apartment: Semi-Formal Letter [IELTS General Writing Task 1 ]

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have been living in an apartment for…

1 thought on “How To Write An Advantages Or Disadvantages Essay”

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

To be honest your article is informative. I saw your site and I read it. I got some new information from here. It is beneficial for many more like me. Thank you so very much for such informative and useful content.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

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

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Preparation for the IELTS Exam

IELTS advantage disadvantage essay

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

Updated:  February 2024

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

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

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

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

IELTS advantage disadvantage essay structure

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

Model answer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

You will notice in the thesis statement that I state:

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

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

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

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

ielts writing correction service

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

' src=

  • Test Information FAQ
  • Band Scores
  • IELTS Candidate Success Tips
  • Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
  • How to Prepare
  • Useful Links & Resources
  • Recommended Books
  • Writing Task 1
  • Writing Task 2
  • Speaking Part 1 Topics
  • Speaking Part 2 Topics
  • Speaking Part 3 Topics
  • 100 Essay Questions
  • On The Day Tips
  • Top Results
  • Advanced IELTS

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Sample Essay Questions

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

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips

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

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Questions

It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Some people think that it would be better for large companies and industry to move to regional areas outside large urban centers. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
With the rise of e-books comes the decline in paper books. Some people see this as a good step forward while others do not. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
The rise of convenience foods has helped people keep up with the speed of the modern life style. What are the advantages of this trend? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
There seems to be an increasing trend towards assessing students through exams rather than continual assessment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of exams as a form of assessment?
Space exploration costs tax payers an exorbitant amount of money each year. What are the advantages and disadvantage of spending money on space exploration?
Many elderly people are no long looked after by their families but are put in care homes or nursing homes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
It is often considered that change is more beneficial to people than trying to avoid it and have everything remain the same. Do you think the advantages of change outweigh the disadvantages?

Other IELTS Essay Questions

  • Opinion Essay Questions
  • Solution Essay Questions
  • Discussion Essay Questions
  • Direct Question Essay Titles
  • All Essay Questions by Topic

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Recent Lessons

Ielts speaking part 2 topic water sports: vocab & model answer, ielts liz personal update 2024, ielts model essay -two questions essay type, ielts bar chart of age groups 2024, ielts topic: urban planning, ielts listening transcripts: when and how to use them.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Click Below to Learn:

  • IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

  • Click here:  Privacy Policy 
  • Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Writing Samples Band 9

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

  • Unlimited Task 1 checks Get all the feedback you need to keep improving your charts and letters.
  • Unlimited Task 2 checks Practice and perfect your skills with essays.
  • Personalized suggestions Know how to boost your score.
  • Detailed mistakes analysis Get instant feedback. Spot every mistake.
  • Topic ideas generator Get topic-specific ideas to enhance your writing.
  • Vocabulary helper Get the right words for any topic.
  • Progress tracking Track your writing improvements.
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

IELTS Advantage

IELTS Advantage

IELTS Preparation Courses

Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay:

  • Plan your answer.
  • State what your essay will discuss in your introduction.
  • List the advantages and disadvantages in the next two paragraphs.
  • Briefly mention both in your conclusion.
  • Do not offer an opinion – you are not asked to do so.
  • Read this sample essay for an example.

Multinational companies are becoming increasingly common in developing countries.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

More and more transnational corporations are setting up branches and factories in less developed nations. This essay will first suggest that reduced labour costs is the primary benefit for these companies, while bad publicity because of Human Rights abuses is the main drawback.

The main reason multinationals set up shop in poorer countries is because it is much cheaper for them to get their goods manufactured there, due to comparatively lower salaries. In an ever more competitive marketplace, it is simply unsustainable for most companies to pay Western wages when they can pay someone a fraction of the cost to do the same job. For example, the only reason an iPad or iPhone can be sold for less than $499 is that a worker in China can assemble the unit for approximately one-tenth what an American would expect to be paid.

Despite this economic benefit, Apple has recently come under scrutiny because of appalling conditions in many of its Asian factories. Workers in their Foxconn plant in China had to work under such grim circumstances, including 15-hour shifts, pressure to meet unrealistic quotas and low wages, that several of them committed suicide by leaping off the factory roof. The New York Times reported that this resulted in a 12% drop in the sale of Apple products, especially after it was reported that Apple had installed nets to stop any employees killing themselves in the future.

In conclusion, huge global companies may reap the rewards of low operating costs in developing countries, but they should also keep in mind that they have a responsibility towards their workers and any infringements of their rights could negatively affect their image and stock price.

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

' src=

About Christopher Pell

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

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

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

ieltsxpress logo

Template for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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

Practice with Expert IELTS Tutors Online

Apply Code "IELTSXPRESS20" To Get 20% off on IELTS Mock Test

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

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

Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Template

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

Plan / Structure:

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

ieltsxpress preply IELS tutors starting from usd 5 per hour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Model Essay Advantages and Disadvantages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also Check:  Gap Year Advantages Disadvantages IELTS Essay

Oh hi there! It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive awesome content in your inbox, every week.

We promise not to spam you or share your Data. 🙂

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Template for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Oh Hi there! It’s nice to meet you.

We promise not to Spam or Share your Data. 🙂

Related Posts

Leveraging Paraphrase Tools for Teacher Support

From Grading to Guidance: Leveraging Paraphrase Tools for Teacher Support

some countries spend a lot of money to make bicycle usage easier

Some Countries Spend a lot of Money to Make Bicycle Usage Easier

Mastering IELTS Academic Task 1

Mastering IELTS Academic Task 1: Proven Tips to Boost Your Score

Leave a comment cancel reply.

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

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

Start typing and press enter to search

Search form

A for and against essay.

Look at the essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then do the other exercises.

Preparation

An essay

Check your understanding: multiple selection

Check your writing: reordering - essay structure, check your writing: typing - linking words, worksheets and downloads.

What are your views on reality TV? Are these types of shows popular in your country?

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Sign up to our newsletter for LearnEnglish Teens

We will process your data to send you our newsletter and updates based on your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of every email. Read our privacy policy for more information.

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay on Society (Without Opinion) Sample Answer

This article has a sample essay of IELTS Writing Task 2 Advanatge and Disadvanatge Essay. This one is an essay without the writers' opinion.

Share this article:

About the article

Advantages and disadvanatges essay (without opinion).

More and more people today are moving away from where their friends and family live. Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of this trend.

With the increased globalisation, moving to new neighbourhoods, cities or even countries for education or promising work opportunities has become a popular trend. This may require people to separate from their own families and friends, however, it also bolsters independence and responsibility. 

On the one hand, it is undeniable that living away from our already established social network can weaken social bonds. Relocating to new sites is often stressful for individuals as the time spent apart can lead to strenuous emotional connections and inter-personal challenges. In addition to that, stepping into an unfamiliar territory may sometimes cause forced interactions as the person is struggling to build relationships. For instance, a student who moves abroad for higher education will likely step out of his way to make new friends, and may lose connections with his former mates. Over time, they may also feel lonely due to the absence of their familiar loved ones to share special moments with them.

On the other hand, moving out of one’s comfort zone has copious advantages as well. Not only does it foster independence and responsibility, but it also makes individuals self-aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, encountering uncomfortable situations or people help in the overall holistic development of an individual, which would not have been possible otherwise. For instance, a person who is well-exposed to people from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds allows them to develop distinct, critical thinking styles. Such exposure is essential to evolve adaptability and foster creative problem-solving abilities, which could then be utilised to solve numerous issues in their native hometowns or countries. 

Moving away to a new place, far from one’s hometown is a rising trend across the world. Although there are a few drawbacks such as weakened familial bonds and emotional challenges, it also has numerous advantages since it is a step that requires courage to challenge oneself and also facilitates maturity in the right direction.

Total-IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2 

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Sample Answer

Watch the video lesson on... Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Requirements

The task requires you to give your opinion (level of agreement) about a statement.

The key word here is “outweigh” . This means you are expected to take a position (give your opinion). There are 2 advisable positions to take which you should state clearly in your introduction and expand in your body paragraphs.

A. The advantages (disadvantages) totally outweigh disadvantages (advantages). In other words, you chose 100% for one or the other.

B. The advantages and disadvantages are equally important. In other words, you chose both are equally valid. 50 - 50.

If you take the position of “partly” or “mostly” outweigh, it becomes more difficult to write since you will need to give more reasons for one side than the other and your answer will be unbalanced.

It's advisable to choose position A or B

IELTS Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages Structure

Sample Answer

IELTS Writing advantages outweigh disadvantages essay

In contemporary society youngsters spend a sizeable amount of their leisure time watching television.  This essay will detail the reasons why the benefits and drawbacks are of equal importance. 

For children, there are several advantages to watching television. To begin with, the educational content of certain programs can broaden their knowledge. TV channels such as National Geographic provide a variety of educationally rich content that enables youngsters to learn about other cultures and the natural world.  Moreover, from the perspective of entertainment, television can help children relax, especially during periods of pressure at school such as the exam season. These relaxation periods are essential for pupils to reinvigorate themselves which, in turn, can energize them to approach their schoolwork with renewed motivation.

On the other hand, the downsides of excessive TV watching cannot be ignored. For instance, watching TV is a passive activity that can lead to a sedentary lifestyle that can have a negative impact on children’s physical health. It has been proved that one of the factors contributing to the increasing number of obese children is a lack of physical exercise. Additionally, some TV shows may contain content that is inappropriate for minors, such as excessive violence or certain vices. Therefore, parental guidance through the monitoring of what children watch is important.  In conclusion, there are several positives such as the educational value and the relaxation time that watching TV can provide. However, the negatives should not be forgotten and include unsuitable programs for youngsters and an inactive lifestyle. 

Sample: Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages. PDF

256 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics [2024 Update]

Is globalization a beneficial process? What are the pros and cons of a religious upbringing? Do the drawbacks of immigration outweigh the benefits? These questions can become a foundation for your advantages and disadvantages essay. And we have even more ideas to offer!

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

The picture shows the definition of an advantages and disadvantages essay.

There is nothing complicated about writing this kind of essay. Arguably the hardest part is choosing a topic. This article by our custom-writing team will help you with that. Here, you will find:

  • great pros and cons essay topics for high school, middle school, and college;
  • essay prompts and writing tips.
  • 🔝 Top 10 Advantages & Disadvantages Topics
  • 👍 Other Advantages & Disadvantages Topics
  • ⭐ Top 10 Pros & Cons Topics
  • 🆚 Other Pros & Cons Topics
  • 💡 Essay Prompts
  • ✍️ Writing Tips & Outline

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 advantages and disadvantages topics.

  • Benefits of vaccination. 
  • Is living abroad worth it? 
  • Plastic surgery: for and against. 
  • Vegetarianism: benefits and pitfalls. 
  • Pros and cons of extreme sports. 
  • Disadvantages of having tattoos. 
  • Is a Master’s degree a good investment? 
  • Negative and positive aspects of animal testing. 
  • Are motorcycles convenient or dangerous? 
  • Learning a foreign language: pros and cons. 

👍 List of Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics

Here’s a list of topics that touch on subjects such as education, work, traveling, living conditions, family, politics, technology, and more.

  • Advantages and disadvantages of computers . You can probably think of many positive aspects of using computers. They make communication easier, they can be helpful for your studies, and you get access to a wealth of information. Yet, if you think about it, you will find plenty of disadvantages. For example, computers can break down, or they may be hacked or infected.
  • Write about the advantages and disadvantages of the New Year’s Day celebration. New Year’s Day is primarily associated with family gatherings and new beginnings. However, preparation for the party often requires too much effort. Moreover, celebrating all night can have problematic consequences for one’s health.
  • Write all arguments for and against Christmas celebrations. During the Christmas holidays, we celebrate family traditions and hold fun meetings. All this is accompanied by delicious food and gift sharing. But sometimes, these events bring no joy. The expenses are too high, and dinner preparation is energy-consuming.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of couch surfing. Staying for free at places registered online is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. New friends and authentic communication are additional benefits of couch surfing. However, they don’t guarantee safety and comfort.
  • What are the pleasant and unpleasant aspects of gift exchange? Gifts are a crucial part of celebrations such as birthdays or wedding anniversaries. Most people enjoy receiving presents, but not everyone enjoys looking for them. The difficulties of choosing a gift can spoil the holiday mood.
  • Pros and cons of buying an artificial Christmas tree. A beautiful Christmas tree decorated with lights instantly creates the holiday atmosphere. If you have an artificial tree, you don’t need to get a new one each year. However, a real Christmas tree is unique and has a pleasant odor.
  • What are the pros and cons of school uniforms ? Standard uniforms can save students time while dressing up in the morning. Moreover, it prevents clothes-related bullying and contributes to the discipline necessary for studying. However, such standards impose certain restrictions on children’s individuality.
  • Is an official dress code at work a benefit or an obstacle? Almost every company and organization has its requirements for the employees’ appearance. On the one hand, a dress code disciplines workers and demonstrates the company’s seriousness. On the other hand, employees can resist suppressing their self-expression.
  • Keeping an online blog : for and against. The Internet provides people with colossal opportunities for finding new hobbies and occupations. For example, everyone can become a blogger: all you need to do is choose a topic and a platform. However, unflattering comments, lack of interest, or extreme popularity can become a serious problem for a blogger.
  • A hitchhiking journey: an enjoyable adventure or a dangerous undertaking? Hitchhiking can be a budget option for travelers. This way, people can learn more about the place they’re traveling to and make friends. However, some drivers can turn out to be dangerous.
  • What are the strengths and shortcomings of intellectual property rights ? Valuable and original ideas are essential to the success of a person or a company. Intellectual property rights protect data from being stolen by competitors. Opponents of such measures believe that nobody should own ideas and that the information sphere is too vulnerable to manipulations.
  • Describe the pros and cons of learning a language with a native speaker. Modern technologies make it possible to communicate with people from all around the world. This ability provides additional opportunities to learn a foreign language with native speakers. A potential downside is the difficulty of finding good teachers or understanding their accents.
  • Talk about the benefits and disadvantages of alternative voting methods. Voting by mail or online is convenient for those who find it challenging to come to polling stations. Moreover, this way, people can save time. Nevertheless, the reliability of such methods is still in question.
  • Being successful: what are the benefits and pitfalls? Achieving success is the goal of millions of people. It is usually associated with wealth and happiness, but there is also the other side. Successful people often feel more pressure and responsibility and make sacrifices.
  • For and against family businesses . Perfect mutual understanding is what people typically expect from a family business. However, this description is more of an idea rather than a reality.
  • Being creative: a gift or a curse? Society admires inspiring and mysterious artists. The creative process seems to be an easy activity, but some artists may disagree with this statement. Creativity crisis, procrastination, and lack of understanding from the public are only a few of the shortcomings they have to face.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of managing your own business. In search of professional freedom, some people start a business. This way, they can have complete control and be their own boss. At the same time, entrepreneurship requires talent and significant effort. Moreover, some businesses may turn out to be unprofitable.
  • What are the possible advantages and drawbacks of being a professional athlete? Sport allows people to discover the hidden capabilities of their bodies. Such activities make them stronger and more disciplined, but doing sports full-time requires many sacrifices. Professional athletes endure significant stress and injuries, so this lifestyle is not for everyone.
  • Is having young parents a benefit or an obstacle?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of being married
  • For and against working part-time after school
  • What are the pros and cons of writing essays?
  • Positive and negative aspects of returning to school as an adult
  • Is it better to be living in a small town or a big city ?
  • The benefits and shortcomings of living in a large country
  • Do the positive aspects of living in the countryside outweigh the negative ones?
  • Is working on a rotational basis beneficial or harmful?
  • Is it better to be working remotely or in an office?
  • Is working with the help of technology beneficial or risky?
  • Advantages and drawbacks of physical labor
  • Working with customers: perks and shortcomings
  • What are the beneficial aspects of working with animals?
  • Pros and cons of working with children
  • Is making your hobby into a job profitable or disadvantageous?
  • What are the pros and cons of changing jobs?
  • Quitting a job or being fired: which option is better?
  • Working in a multilingual setting: benefits and drawbacks
  • Is having a job that requires a lot of traveling exciting or challenging?
  • Choosing to pursue a creative profession: pros and cons
  • Is hiring older or younger employees more beneficial?
  • Privately-owned companies : benefits and pitfalls
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of working for the government?
  • Business competition vs. monopoly
  • What is better: owning a business with other people or partnership business models?
  • Owning a car vs. other modes of transportation
  • What are the benefits and shortcomings of using public transportation ?
  • Is being self-employed better than working for somebody else?
  • Describe the pros and cons of knowing or learning multiple languages
  • Choosing to pursue a technical profession : for and against
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a humanitarian career?
  • Is receiving an education online a waste of time or a good investment?
  • Perks and disadvantages of studying on Saturdays
  • What are the pros and cons of reducing the length of the summer vacation?
  • Completing online courses , classes, or training: arguments for and against
  • Learning foreign languages online vs. in class
  • What is more effective: private tutoring or group learning?
  • Open group discussions during class: for and against
  • Is it more beneficial to work in groups or alone?
  • Describe the strengths and weaknesses of studying with textbooks
  • What are the pros and cons of learning with interactive media?
  • Using traditional vs. new methods of teaching
  • Is taking tests better than answering questions in a free form?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of using exams as a primary source of knowledge assessment
  • Giving students different tasks according to their grades: pros and cons
  • Is separating students according to their behavior and performance efficient or harmful?
  • Strengths and weaknesses of using  multilingual online dictionaries
  • Extracurricular activities: pros and cons
  • Studying and having a part-time job : benefits and obstacles
  • Going to a university in your town vs. moving to another town
  • Is living in a dormitory preferable to living at home while studying in college?
  • Entering a fraternity or a sorority during college years: arguments for and against
  • Living with parents vs. living separately from them
  • Is living alone burdensome or delightful?
  • What are the obstacles and benefits of having a long-distance relationship?
  • Having friends that live abroad or in other cities: advantages and disadvantages
  • Being in a relationship vs. being single
  • Pros and cons of early marriages
  • Visiting the most popular places for tourists: for and against
  • What hardships and benefits come with living in the most visited places in the world?
  • What positive and negative outcomes do countries and cities that encourage tourism face?
  • Pros and cons of visiting unexplored places
  • Is it better to travel on your own or with friends?
  • Having a tour guide vs. traveling without anyone’s help
  • Traveling by car: advantages and disadvantages
  • What is better: hiking alone or with other people?
  • Short vs. long hiking trips
  • Is it better to be tall or short?
  • Being a foreigner in a country where you live: benefits and pitfalls
  • Listening to music at home vs. live
  • Watching movies at home vs. seeing them in theaters
  • Is it better to have children early or later in life?
  • Being the only child: advantages and disadvantages
  • Perks and drawbacks of having siblings
  • Being the oldest vs. the youngest sibling
  • Describe the pros and cons of sharing items with other people
  • Is it better to be living together or apart while being in a relationship ?
  • Living in a small apartment: pros and cons
  • What are the arguments for and against living in a big house?
  • Renting or purchasing a house vs. an apartment
  • What are the pros and cons of having a small pet?
  • Living in the city center vs. the suburbs
  • What benefits and pitfalls come with having a diverse cultural background ?
  • Is being a famous actor or musician a positive or negative experience?
  • Being a leader or taking up a position of leadership : positive and negative sides
  • Going to a private school vs. a public school
  • Is it better to have a big or small family?
  • Having many friends vs. having few friends
  • What is more efficient: being a night owl or an early riser?
  • Is waking up early more burdensome than waking up late?
  • What are the dangers and benefits of dieting ?
  • Does fast food have any advantages?
  • Arguments for and against cooking at home
  • Bringing food to work or school vs. eating at a cafeteria
  • Positive and negative outcomes of regular physical activity
  • Rapid technological progress: arguments for and against
  • Is it preferable to live in a cold or hot climate?
  • Living close to the water (river, lake, sea, or ocean): pros and cons
  • What are the positive and negative aspects of countries that have rainy or windy weather?
  • Is direct democracy more efficient than representative democracy?
  • Pros and cons of various types of government ( democracy , autocracy, monarchy)

The picture shows a quote by W. Clement Stone.

⭐ Top 10 Pros and Cons Essay Topics

  • Advantages of ecotourism
  • Pros and cons of facial fillers
  • Instant foods: good or bad?
  • Is international marriage worth it?
  • Classroom debates: pros and cons
  • Student loans: benefits and pitfalls
  • Working with friends: for and against
  • Drawbacks of having a double major
  • Arguments for and against quitting social media
  • Is working abroad a good or bad experience?

🆚 Pros and Cons Topics for Essays

  • Write about the advantages and disadvantages of the United Nations . The UN is a well-known international organization. Its activities aim to support human rights, establish friendly relations between countries, and promote peace. These goals are admirable, but is the organization effective enough in achieving them?
  • Is consuming sugar beneficial or harmful? Recently, the media started promoting the idea that sugar is the leading cause of many diseases. On the one hand, we are discouraged from consuming it. On the other hand, carbons are necessary for the human body to receive essential microelements, such as glucose.
  • Pros and cons of using Wikipedia . Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia. It’s a popular source of information on countless subjects, from cosmology to literature. It often reveals various aspects of a topic that are interesting to the reader. However, since anyone can edit it, you can never be sure of the information’s accuracy.
  • Benefits and drawbacks of living in a multicultural society. Society is becoming more diverse, and immigration is commonplace. Moreover, freedom of choice allows people to adhere to any traditions that are attractive to them. Such conditions help us develop multifaceted humanity but can potentially lead to conflicts.
  • Write about the pros and cons of urbanization . In cities, the population is continuously growing, while in rural areas, it decreases. In a metropolis, people have a greater choice for their activities, and their social circle is wider. However, urbanization leads to overpopulation and an increase in stress levels.
  • What are the pros and cons of online therapy? Therapy can be a powerful source of motivation and emotional balance. Some people may find it challenging to visit mental health specialists, which makes online consultations a practical option. However, insufficient understanding of facial expressions or faulty Internet connection are some of the obstacles to using this format.
  • Describe the strengths and weaknesses of business investments . Investing is a popular way to receive additional passive income. Such activities don’t require too much effort and can be very promising. However, they also have disadvantages, including high risks and the need to have significant starting capital.
  • Arguments for and against watching TV shows. Watching TV shows is a trendy pastime. A good plot and interesting characters can be great entertainment. However, some TV shows take too much time to watch, and some plot twists can be disappointing.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of freelanc ing. The advantages include an opportunity to decide where and when to work and choose the tasks. At the same time, a freelancer needs to communicate more with customers, and the income can be uneven.
  • The ubiquitous use of surveillance cameras: guaranteed security or loss of privacy? We can see security cameras everywhere, including stores, banks, and houses. They are designed to contribute to our security. However, many believe that in this way, people are losing privacy. Moreover, surveillance technology is quite expensive, and its effectiveness is doubtful.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of an authoritarian teaching style . Representatives of the teaching profession often choose a specific model of behavior. For example, an authoritarian teacher is good at motivating and disciplining students. At the same time, this behavioral model can discourage children and cause resistance.
  • What are the pros and cons of clinical trials? Clinical trials are created to prove the effectiveness of a specific cure. Patients can get unique medical treatment, which may help other patients in the future. Trials are also associated with risks since unexpected side effects are possible.
  • Kindergartens : beneficial social interaction or stress for a child? Preschool is the first step in education for children. In kindergartens, kids form social skills and acquire basic knowledge. Nevertheless, some parents doubt whether it is worth it.
  • Write about the advantages and disadvantages of referendums. Referendums can be used to solve political problems. They help governments understand the public’s attitude towards possible changes. However, the conduct of a referendum can be subject to manipulation.
  • For and against women’s military service . Gender equality is becoming a part of various spheres of activity. However, in some fields, transformations are occurring slower. Women have already demonstrated their ability to be soldiers and continue to do so. Nevertheless, some army units still question their effectiveness.
  • Gun ownership : advantages and disadvantages. The issue of weapons ownership causes serious disputes between politicians. Those who advocate for this idea are sure that people need protection. The opponents of gun ownership believe that gun-related accidents need to be prevented.
  • Pros and cons of being optimistic . People who are positive worry less and achieve their goals easily. But optimism can also be an obstacle. For instance, an optimist can underestimate a threat and fail to take cautionary measures.
  • What are the pros and cons of being selfish? Selfishness is often perceived negatively in society. Individuals who are showing this quality risk becoming outcasts. However, people may misunderstand selfishness because it sometimes manifests as self-care.
  • Benefits of different societal classes
  • Market economy vs. free market
  • Outline the advantages and disadvantages of a planned economy
  • Pros and cons of party systems : one, two, or multiple parties?
  • Different  voting systems  (choice voting, Electoral College): which one is more efficient?
  • Different economic systems (capitalism, socialism, and mixed economy)
  • Is having a  parliament a benefit or an obstacle?
  • Pros and cons of advertising  and its  different mediums
  • Having a laptop vs. having a desktop computer
  • Is the development of artificial intelligence (AI) beneficial or harmful?
  • Cloning  and genetic modifications: dangers and advantages
  • What are the pros and cons of using old research for new studies?
  • Is scientific advancement in medicine beneficial or dangerous?
  • The growing use of the  Internet of Things  (IoT) in people’s daily lives: pros and cons
  • Storing files in the cloud vs. on physical storage devices
  • Is having one full-time job more efficient than multiple part-time jobs?
  • Networking to build more connections: pros and cons
  • Advantages and disadvantages of volunteering
  • Having a fixed vs. a flexible schedule
  • Being a vegetarian  or  vegan  vs. eating everything
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of having multiple jobs?
  • Are hot or cold climates more beneficial for farmers?
  • Choosing to pursue a rare profession: benefits and pitfalls
  • What are the possible benefits and obstacles of pursuing a trendy job?
  • Technical advancement in society: a threat or a welcome change?
  • Arguments for and against pursuing extreme sports as a hobby
  • Going to a music festival: an unforgettable experience or a nightmare?
  • Pros and cons of having access to the Internet
  • Are Internet regulations a safety measure or an infringement of rights?
  • The positive and negative  effects of globalization
  • What are the advantages and downsides of popular culture ?
  • Are stereotypes productive in any way?
  • Positive and negative outcomes of the rising population on the planet
  • The increasing lifespan of people: pros and cons
  • The ability to obtain a driver’s license at sixteen vs. eighteen years old
  • The right to work without parents’ permission at sixteen years old: pros and cons
  • Dangers and possible advantages of global warming  
  • Space travel and exploration: a good idea or waste of money?
  • Arguments for and against television
  • Is open access to books and movies beneficial or damaging?
  • Is oral communication better than written communication?
  • Nonverbal communication : positive and negative sides
  • What are the positive and negative aspects of Facebook  (and other social platforms)?
  • Is online dating dangerous or advantageous?
  • Having a pen pal: advantages and disadvantages
  • What is more efficient: using digital or film cameras?
  • Arguments for and against using email as the primary source of conversation
  • Is calling better than  texting ?
  • Describe the pros and cons of online communication
  • Is being open and active on social media dangerous or profitable?
  • Pros and cons of different sources of power (gas, oil, wind, solar, nuclear, and others)
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy
  • Recycling  and upcycling: benefits and pitfalls
  • Pros and cons of organic materials and products
  • Plastic and other synthetic materials : life saver or toxic waste?
  • Possible benefits and obstacles of using  credit cards
  • Arguments for and against different types of  financial aid
  • What are the advantages and downsides of having  health insurance ?
  • Life insurance : advantages and disadvantages
  • Free health care: a longer life expectancy or more logistical challenges?
  • Would a free introductory course in higher education improve academic performance or worsen it?
  • Describe the pros and cons of taxes
  • Is demonetization a success or failure?
  • Arguments for and against vaccines
  • Are plastic surgeries ethical or not?
  • Shopping online vs. in brick-and-mortar stores
  • What is more convenient: reading paper books or electronic books?
  • Using DVDs vs. streaming platforms for watching movies
  • What are the benefits and obstacles of buying music online?
  • Storing medical records and other important information online: pros and cons
  • Is online banking safe or not?
  • Possible risks and benefits of making investments
  • Video games  and online games: good pastime or waste of time?
  • Making movies based on source materials in other media: pros and cons
  • Getting news from online sources vs. reading  print media
  • Hourly wages and salaries: what is more beneficial?
  • Can having a competitive working environment improve or decrease productivity?
  • Arguments for and against irregular working shifts : working at night, on weekends, or on holidays
  • Pros and cons of services with paid memberships and subscriptions
  • Sales, special offers, and coupons: a marketing tool or a real opportunity to save money?
  • Positive and negative effects of businesses outsourcing to different countries
  • Arguments for and against moving businesses from the city center to the outskirts
  • Recruiting one’s employees for new positions vs. hiring new people
  • Finding work through connections and relatives: benefits and downsides
  • Pros and cons of seeking a job online
  • Care facilities  and nursing homes for elderly: advantages and disadvantages
  • What are the possible beneficial and harmful effects of having a routine?
  • Small business or a big organization: which one has more benefits?
  • Buying locally manufactured and grown products vs. buying imported goods
  • What are the possible pros and cons of spending more time with teachers than with parents?
  • Arguments for and against process automation
  • Are robots that replace humans at work dangerous or effective?
  • Is reducing the working week beneficial or harmful?
  • What are the major benefits and drawbacks of having many national holidays?
  • College: to go or not to go?
  • Working after high school: advantages and disadvantages
  • Taking a gap year before continuing education: is it worth it?
  • What benefits and obstacles come with continuing your education ( master’s and Ph.D. degrees)?

Need more essay ideas? Feel free to use our topic generator !

The picture shows the fact that advantages and disadvantages essays are commonly used in IELTS.

💡 Pros and Cons Essay Prompts

Pros and cons of living in a big city essay.

For your essay, you can consider the following benefits of living in a big city:

  • There are many employment opportunities. Since big cities are places with many companies of different industries, it might be easier to find a job.
  • Big cities have better infrastructure. It includes international airports, various dining options, and other opportunities.

The main downsides of living in a big city include the following:

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

  • Higher living costs. Although you can find a job that suits you, living in a big city requires more money.
  • High crime rates. The statistics say that big cities usually have higher crime rates than smaller ones.

Pros and Cons of Abortion Essay

Here are some examples of the procedure’s benefits:

  • Abortions give women control over their bodies. The choice of whether or not to have children is a right of every woman.
  • Every child should be a wanted child. Having children is an enormous responsibility that requires time, money, and energy. Unwanted pregnancies might result in child abuse and maternal depression and have other negative consequences.

You can also write about the following disadvantages of abortions:

  • Abortion may lead to future medical problems for the mother. Negative consequences for a woman may include health complications such as infection or heavy bleeding.
  • Abortion might result in psychological trauma. Women who undergo an abortion have a high chance of having depression.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Essay

Consider these arguments in favor of social media for your essay:

  • Social media is an excellent place for online marketing. Nowadays, every big and small company promotes its services online.
  • Information spreads online instantly. Thanks to social media, we can immediately receive and share all the urgent news.

And these are the cons you might want to write about:

  • Lack of privacy. Location and personal information can be easily shared online and used against you.
  • Lack of intimacy. Whether it is a family or friends’ reunion, everyone tends to be less engaged in conversations, instead preferring to scroll on the phone.

Federalism Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Here are some advantages of federalism for you to write about:

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

  • Federalism supports political participation and policy innovation. Thanks to federalism, we have benefits such as child labor laws and women’s right to vote.
  • Federalism encourages groups, individuals, and social movements to help shape public policy and participate in it. It is possible because of the two levels of government that federalism creates.

Now, have a look at the cons of federalism:

  • Federalism creates economic disparities across states. It leads to competition between states to attract businesses by lowering regulations and taxes.
  • Federalism cuts off federal efforts to address national problems. For example, health care insurance could not be made more accessible to Americans due to legal challenges.

Pros and Cons of Immigration Essay

Immigration has benefits as well as pitfalls. Take a look at the positive aspects first:

  • Immigration stimulates economic growth. Immigrants contribute to the labor force, which results in economic development.
  • Immigration builds a multicultural society. Because of the immigrants, one country can be more diverse.

And here are the cons that you may consider writing about:

  • Immigration might result in a higher unemployment rate. Since immigrants are often willing to work for a lower wage, native-born workers might be displaced.
  • Immigration might lead to higher housing costs. Immigrants in limited housing stock areas might contribute to reducing living standards and increasing housing prices.

Pros and Cons of Working in a School Cafeteria Essay

Here are some of the arguments in favor of working in a cafeteria:

  • Free lunches for workers. Working with the food, you get to have lunches at your workplace for free.
  • Flexible shifts. You can work short hours to keep up with your studies.

However, there are also plenty of downsides, including the following:

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

  • Low wages. The school cafeteria pays minimum wage, which is often not enough.
  • Reduced working hours. In a cafeteria, there’s no opportunity to work and earn more.

Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet

The Internet has plenty of advantages you can cover, including the following:

  • You can learn about virtually anything you want online. There are countless resources on the Internet, and it’s possible to access them from any part of the world.
  • Unlimited communication. You can reach out to anyone from any part of the globe.

It also has many drawbacks, such as:

  • There is a lot of spam on the Internet. We receive advertisements and other unimportant information through emails. Besides, there are many unconfirmed facts online.
  • Leaking of personal information. We regularly upload a lot of personal information online. Unfortunately, it might be easily leaked or stolen.

✍️ How to Write a Pros and Cons Essay

Even if you do not have the necessary writing experience, your chances of getting an A+ for this task are relatively high. All you need to do is:

  • Think of a good pros and cons topic. Keep reading to find the best topic for your paper.
  • Make a list of all advantages and disadvantages and give details about each item. It can help you make a template for your future essay. Make sure to have enough points to cover.
  • Draw conclusions on whether something is overall good or bad. Show the results of your research and answer the question your essay asks.
  • Check out our article on essay writing to learn how to complete your assignment successfully.

Pros and Cons Essay Outline

The advantages and disadvantages essay should have the following structure:

  • Introduction. Briefly introduce your topic, give some background information, and write your thesis statement that covers both sides of the issue.

Studying abroad might be a great experience filled with unforgettable memories, but it also has some financial and psychological pitfalls.

  • Main Body. This part introduces both sides of the argument, starting with the positive aspects.
  • Pros: introduce the advantages.

Being an international student, you get to meet people from all over the world and experience a new culture first-hand.

  • Cons: introduce the disadvantages.

However, you might feel homesick and experience culture shock while studying in another country.

  • Conclusion. Summarize your essay by restating your thesis and illustrating your most important arguments for and against the thing in question. If necessary, state whether the pros outweigh the cons. Finish your paper with a strong statement connecting all of your ideas.

Although being an international student has both positive and negative sides, it can bring you many unforgettable memories.

We hope you found the best topic for your pros and cons essay. Let us know what topic you’ve chosen, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

Further reading:

  • 255 Unique Essay Topics for College Students [2024 Update]  
  • 267 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide [2024 Update] 
  • 256 Satirical Essay Topics & Satire Essay Examples [2024]
  • 205 Essay Topics for Grade 8, 9, 10, 12 + Writing Tips [2024]
  • 220 Best Science and Technology Essay Topics to Write About 
  • Pro/Con Essay: Brigham Young University
  • Abortion: World Health Organization
  • Key Facts on Abortion: Amnesty International
  • 7 Financial Pros and Cons of Living in a Big City: Debt.com
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Living: haart
  • Should Abortion Be Legal?: ProCon.org
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media: Medium
  • The Pros and Cons of Social Networking: Lifewire
  • Pro and Con: Social Media: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism: Lumen Learning
  • Federalism: Cornell University
  • Federalism: Stanford University
  • Pros and Cons of Immigration: Economics Help
  • The Pros & Cons of Immigration Reform: Investopedia
  • School Cafeteria Pay & Benefits Reviews: Indeed
  • Being a School Cafeteria Worker: The Balance Careers
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet: Edraw Software
  • Outlining: Harvard University
  • Outlining Strategies: Walden University
  • Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose: San José State University
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

World War 2 Essay: Outline + 100 WW2 Research Topics

This time you have to write a World War II essay, paper, or thesis. It means that you have a perfect chance to refresh those memories about the war that some of us might forget. So many words can be said about the war in that it seems you will...

549 Excellent Globalization Topics for Writing & Presentations

Not everyone knows it, but globalization is not a brand-new process that started with the advent of the Internet. In fact, it’s been around throughout all of human history. This makes the choice of topics related to globalization practically endless.  If you need help choosing a writing idea, this Custom-Writing.org...

267 Hottest Fashion Topics to Write About in 2024

In today’s world, fashion has become one of the most significant aspects of our lives. It influences everything from clothing and furniture to language and etiquette. It propels the economy, shapes people’s personal tastes, defines individuals and communities, and satisfies all possible desires and needs. In this article, Custom-Writing.org experts...

112 Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics + Examples

Early motherhood is a very complicated social problem. Even though the number of teenage mothers globally has decreased since 1991, about 12 million teen girls in developing countries give birth every year. If you need to write a paper on the issue of adolescent pregnancy and can’t find a good...

309 Human Rights Research Topics & Essay Ideas

Human rights are moral norms and behavior standards towards all people that are protected by national and international law. They represent fundamental principles on which our society is founded. Human rights are a crucial safeguard for every person in the world. That’s why teachers often assign students to research and...

233 Hottest Global Warming Essay Topics & Research Ideas 

Global warming has been a major issue for almost half a century. Today, it remains a topical problem on which the future of humanity depends. Despite a halt between 1998 and 2013, world temperatures continue to rise, and the situation is expected to get worse in the future. When it...

165 Bullying Research Topics: Qualitative & Quantitative

Have you ever witnessed someone face unwanted aggressive behavior from classmates? According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 1 in 5 students says they have experienced bullying at least once in their lifetime. These shocking statistics prove that bullying is a burning topic that deserves detailed research. In this...

120 Recycling Research Topics, Questions, & Essay Ideas 

Recycling involves collecting, processing, and reusing materials to manufacture new products. With its help, we can preserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save energy. And did you know that recycling also creates jobs and supports the economy? If you want to delve into this exciting topic in your...

260 Expository Essay Topics for School & College

Expository writing, as the name suggests, involves presenting factual information. It aims to educate readers rather than entertain or persuade them. Examples of expository writing include scholarly articles, textbook pages, news reports, and instructional guides. Therefore, it may seem challenging to students who are used to writing persuasive and argumentative...

444 Informative Essay Topics for College & School

Expository or informative essays are academic papers presenting objective explanations of a specific subject with facts and evidence. These essays prioritize balanced views over personal opinions, aiming to inform readers without imposing the writer’s perspective. Informative essays are widely assigned to students across various academic levels and can cover various...

A List of 181 Hot Cyber Security Topics for Research [2024]

Your computer stores your memories, contacts, and study-related materials. It’s probably one of your most valuable items. But how often do you think about its safety? Cyber security is something that can help you with this. Simply put, it prevents digital attacks so that no one can access your data....

A List of 339 Problem Solution Essay Topics & Questions

A problem solution essay is a type of persuasive essay. It’s a piece of writing that presents a particular problem and provides different options for solving it. It is commonly used for subject exams or IELTS writing tasks. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to write this...

Usually,this type of essay made me to feel uncomfortable but samples helped me to realize my mistakes

I had a hard time writing my advantages and disadvantages essay. Thanks to your article on advantages and disadvantages essay writing, I have a clue on how to finish it.

Interesting topics for essays on advantages and disadvantages! Timely help for the students searching for ideas for advantages and disadvantages essay. Thanks!

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Leverage Edu

  • Study Abroad Test Prep /

IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of preserving historic buildings.

' src=

  • Updated on  
  • Apr 24, 2024

IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of preserving historic buildings.

Brainstorming Ideas

Advantages of preserving historic buildings:

  • Representative of history as they are linked to our past.
  • Boasts unique architectural styles that are rarely found in today’s times.
  • Boosts the local economy.

Disadvantages of preserving historic buildings:

  • Requires a huge amount of maintenance cost.
  • They do not have modern safety standards.
  • In populated cities, their preservation means limiting space for new developments.

Ans . Preservation of historic buildings is a topic of heated debate. This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.

On the positive side, the preservation of historic buildings has many benefits. Firstly, these buildings are representative of history as they serve as a tangible link to the past, helping us understand the heritage and learn from it. For example, the Colosseum in Rome offers insights into the Roman Empire’s gladiatorial matches.  Secondly, historical buildings often boast unique architectural styles that are seldom seen in modern construction. The intricate designs of landmarks like the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China are prime examples of this architectural heritage. Lastly, these buildings can boost the local economy by attracting tourists from all over the world. Cities like Paris and Rome generate significant amounts of revenue from tourists who are intrigued and visit their historical sites.

However, there are also disadvantages to preserving historical buildings. One of the major concerns is the maintenance cost that the government has to spend on them. These buildings often require specialized materials and skills to upkeep, which is very expensive. For example, the maintenance of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy requires constant monitoring and intervention to prevent more tilting. Another issue with these buildings is that they may not have modern safety standards. In seismic zones, these structures may not be earthquake-resistant, posing significant risks. Lastly, in densely populated cities, preserving these buildings means limiting the space that is available for new development, hindering urban growth.

To conclude, while preserving historic buildings has various advantages such as preserving history, showcasing unique architecture, and boosting tourism, it also presents challenges including high maintenance costs, safety concerns, and limitations on urban development. Therefore, a balanced approach involving careful planning and investment in preservation efforts is essential to ensure the continued cultural and economic value of these landmarks for future generations.

Paraphrased Statement: Preservation of historic buildings is a topic of heated debate. 

Thesis Statement: This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.

Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: On the positive side, the preservation of historic buildings has many benefits. Firstly, these buildings are representative of history as they serve as a tangible link to the past, helping us understand the heritage and learn from it.

Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations:   For example, the Colosseum in Rome offers insights into the Roman Empire’s gladiatorial matches.  Secondly, historical buildings often boast unique architectural styles that are seldom seen in modern construction. The intricate designs of landmarks like the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China are prime examples of this architectural heritage. Lastly, these buildings can boost the local economy by attracting tourists from all over the world. Cities like Paris and Rome generate significant amounts of revenue from tourists who are intrigued and visit their historical sites.

Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentence: However, there are also disadvantages to preserving historical buildings. One of the major concerns is the maintenance cost that the government has to spend on them. 

Body Paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: These buildings often require specialized materials and skills to upkeep, which is very expensive. For example, the maintenance of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy requires constant monitoring and intervention to prevent more tilting. Another issue with these buildings is that they may not have modern safety standards. In seismic zones, these structures may not be earthquake-resistant, posing significant risks. Lastly, in densely populated cities, preserving these buildings means limiting the space that is available for new development, hindering urban growth.

Conclusion: To conclude, while preserving historic buildings has various advantages such as preserving history, showcasing unique architecture, and boosting tourism, it also presents challenges including high maintenance costs, safety concerns, and limitations on urban development. Therefore, a balanced approach involving careful planning and investment in preservation efforts is essential to ensure the continued cultural and economic value of these landmarks for future generations.

Vocabulary in Use

Linkers and connectors used.

Following are the linkers and connectors used:

  • On the positive side
  • For example
  • For instance
  • Another issue
  • To conclude

Are you preparing for IELTS? Check out this video to improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam given below👇.

Download the Leverage IELTS App today.

Need help preparing for IELTS? Check out the best  IELTS preparation courses  in the market offered in a live training environment by trusted educators. If you want to help  studying abroad , call 1800572130 .

' src=

Purti Chawla

Purti is a CELTA, British Council, and IDP-certified language trainer. Having worked as a Study Abroad Test Prep Expert for the past 7 years, she has guided thousands of students towards their desirable scores in IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and other language proficiency tests to study abroad. She is adept in molding learning strategies according to the needs of the learners and has built multiple courses at Leverage IELTS with result-oriented strategies. Proficient in test prep courses such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo, she loves to explore different classroom teaching methods, keeps continuously improving her own skills, and stays abreast with the latest teaching methodologies. She is a master trainer at Leverage Edu and aims to help thousands more through her expertise.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Resend OTP in

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

advantages and disadvantages essay examples

Don't Miss Out

Advantages and disadvantages of two typical forms of leadership:   Authoritarian leader. Participative leader

Q: When expatriates evaluate HCNs, cultural difference may create problems. In what type of countries…

A: The question is asking about the potential cultural issues that could arise when performance…

Q: Ten samples of 15 parts each were taken from an ongoing process to establish a p-chart for control.…

A: 1. Calculating pˉ​ (Average fraction defective):The average fraction defective, denoted as pˉ​,…

Q: Calculate the reactive power, in VAR, dissipated by Z2. = VA(t) 10cos(100лt) V Z₁ = 8-4.8jQ 1 Z2 =…

Q: The first step in performing projected financial analysis is to • prepare the projected balance…

A: Step 1: Forecast Sales Forecasting sales accurately is critical as it directly impacts all other…

Q: Corporate social responsibility is a form of management that considers ethical issues in all aspects…

A: Approach to solving the question: Detailed explanation:Four critical approaches that businesses can…

Q: Draw the stress relaxation curves of the following models: b. c. a. σ b www d. www b www b

A: I understand you sent an image containing the question, but as per my policy, I can't directly…

Q: Performance Appraisal includes:- Question 19Answer a. Top down assessments b. Annual Appraisal…

A: The question is asking to identify the components that are included in a performance appraisal…

Q: Scientific Management Theory arose partly due to the need to increase productivity. Describe the…

A: Frederick Taylor.Frederick Taylor is widely recognized as the founder of the Scientific Management…

Q: As a project lead for Project Hoop2, you have been given the task of generating a project reserve.…

A: In light of the information that has been presented, it would seem that there is a possibility of…

Q: A company achieves sustainable competitive advantage when:  Answer        D)    its strategy…

A: The objective of the question is to identify the conditions under which a company achieves a…

Q: Marketing was born because selling wasn't enough” is now available. Do you agree with the analysis…

A: References:Rust, R. T. (2020). The future of marketing. International Journal of Research in…

Q: Find the discharge coefficient, threshold heat flux, combustion efficiency and emissivity factor for…

A: Step 1: To find the discharge coefficient, threshold heat flux, combustion efficiency, and…

Q: I need help answering the following  questions about Aisin Corporation  What is a Provide a brief…

A: Explanation Approach to solving the question:Brief History: Summarize Aisin Corporation's founding…

Q: Explain to the Toyota human resource manager the recruitment process they must follow to recruit a…

A: A clear recruitment procedure is necessary to identify the best applicant for a warehouse supervisor…

Q: Commercial insurance policies issued with a deposit or provisional premium would be subject to: a…

A: Commercial insurance policies issued with a deposit or provisional premium are typically subject to…

Q: Is there any relationship between the culture of a given country and the extent to which it will…

A: The question is asking about the potential relationship between a country's culture and its economic…

Q: is this statement true or false? Dennis determines that a new blinking slinky toy will cost his firm…

A: The objective of the question is to determine whether the given scenario is an example of cost-plus…

Q: Exterior Store Design comprises a selection of the storefront configuration, exterior signage,…

A: Storefront Configuration:Sleek and Modern Design: The design must be indicative of COCA-Cola as a…

Q: Rare Agri-Products Ltd. is considering a new project with a projectedlife of seven (7) years. The…

A: Financial Analysis of Rare Agri-Products Ltd.'s ProjectTerminal Cash Flow (TCF):Year 7 Salvage…

Q: Analyze in a short paragraph what are the UN SDG's , then analyze how the impact of the…

A: In conclusion, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive…

Q: How can ones values shape the vision of volunteering at a food bank?   Ethically discuss the…

A: Volunteering at a food bank is not merely an act of charity but a complex interplay of personal…

Q: Find a 3 x 3 stochastic matrix A that has exactly one initial state vector that will generate a…

A: Step 1: To find a 3x3 stochastic matrix  A  that has exactly one initial state vector  x0 that will…

Q: tion Determine the unknown displacements using finite element method only given that k = 2000 N/m, u…

A: 1. Power and Speed:Power (P): The text mentions 5.0 hp. You'll need to convert this to watts (W) for…

Q: Does not come to work under the influence of habit forming substances examples in performance…

A: Title: Addressing Substance Abuse in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Approach within Performance…

Q: Draw a breakdown structure for a product launch in the basis of following steps. 01.Market Research…

A: Let's say we want to launch a software application product, This product will go through multiple…

Q: Project # SR 55H has finished 13 months of a 24 month planned schedule.  You are given the metrics…

A: Let's analyse the metrics that have been provided by applying Earned Value Management (EVM)…

Q: 9. Use the formula (imA)+ = ker(AT) to prove the equation rank(A) = rank(AT).

A: We started by utilizing the formula (imA)⊥ = ker(AT), which relates the image and kernel of a matrix…

Q: 300ft^3/s of air at 50 F and 30% relative humidity is heated to 75 F dry bulb and 65 F wet bulb.…

A: Analyzing Air Conditioning ProcessWe can solve this problem using psychrometrics, which deals with…

Q: Your company is getting ready to conduct a complete overhaul of the performance management and…

A: Human resource management plays an important role in an organization. There are several employees in…

Q: Referring to the comparison of the Pearson and Spearman correlations on both correlation size and…

A: for any queries message me     happy learning

Q: If an economy can produce a maximum of 10 units of good X and the opportunity cost of 1X is always…

A: In economics, the concept of opportunity cost refers to the value of the next best alternative that…

Q: Questions to answer from case study in pics: Explain how Braintrust can link their compensation and…

A: When a company wants to focus more on innovation—like coming up with new toys or improving existing…

Q: how does tesla use modular design in its product development ?

A: Tesla employs modular design principles extensively throughout its product development process,…

Q: Describe the four c's Consistency, Coherence, Clarity, and Conclusion. Explain why they are…

A: Approach to solving the question: Hello, student. To effectively answer the prompt, begin by…

Q: Participant Demographics The study included 42 parents of students between grades 4 to 6 and 8…

A: Based on provided data

Q: what ambidexterity appraoch ( Structural, Temporal, and Contextual Ambidexterity) does tesla use or…

A: Tesla operates in a highly inventive and dynamic business where success depends on both exploitation…

Q: Supplier industry has lower bargaining power if it is concentrated or if it is dominated by a few…

A: The question is asking whether the bargaining power of a supplier industry is lower if the industry…

Q: An unidentified chemical agent has caused the death of three persons found pale and choking as they…

A: Three individuals died due to exposure to an unknown chemical agent in an elevator of a 50-story…

Q: Read on or more of these article(s), taking careful notes. Respond in your own words (no direct…

A: The objective of the question is to understand the cognitive effects of poverty, common money…

Q: Based on the articles on the following links"Griffin, K (2023) The Tupperware party is over.…

A: In conclusion, a variety of issues confronting the venerable company Tupperware in 2023 could…

Q: Would you rather do business in a country that uses civil law or common law? Why?

A: The preference between doing business in a country that uses civil law or common law largely depends…

Q: Which of the following is NOT true about the EV truck completion between GM and Ford?…

A: The objective of the question is to identify the incorrect statement about the competition between…

Q: Problem 11-4 (Algo) The local supermarket buys lettuce each day to ensure really fresh produce. Each…

A: Step 1:First calculated the profit and loss per unit .Under age cost or profit per sold unit = 12 -6…

Q: Provide an example of how you could apply the 3-Step Approach to solve an ethical problem you are…

A: BackgroundEthical issues in the workplace occur when a situation arises that requires those involved…

Q: BC Food Products Company was founded decades ago. The Company manufactures and packages grocery,…

A: Organizational culture is the norms, values, or common thoughts the employees of the organization…

Q: Many locations require that renters be paid interest on their security deposits. If you have a…

A: The objective of the question is to calculate the interest earned on a security deposit of $2000 at…

Q: A vision is aspirational, stating what the firm wants to be.  True / False

A: The question is asking whether a vision statement is aspirational and if it states what a firm wants…

Q: ___________________ typically bring together firms from different, often unrelated industries to…

A: Option (C) correct -Precompetitive alliance  Precompetitive alliances are strategic partnerships…

Q: Given the chart below for month 20 of a 25 month project: a. Analyze the project.  Include in your…

A: The graph analysis provides a detailed overview of the project's performance based on the Earned…

Q: Is there an item in the budget for taking corrective measures against this impact?

A: Defining a budget:A budget is a financial plan that outlines an organization's anticipated income…

Advantages and disadvantages of two typical forms of leadership:

  • Authoritarian leader.
  • Participative leader 

Unlock instant AI solutions

Tap the button to generate a solution

Click the button to generate a solution

  • Discuss the different forms of power available to leaders and the effects associated with each. What are the defining characteristics of transformational and charismatic leaders? It has been observed that effective leaders have the right stuff. What traits are commonly associated with leader emergence and effective leaders?
  • Both the Ohio State University and University of Michigan leadership studies identified central leader behaviors. What are these behaviors, and how are they different from one another? What are the four leadership behaviors in the path-goal theory of leadership? Leadership theories encompass various models and frameworks that seek to understand and explain the dynamics of leadership, including the qualities, behaviors, and situational factors that contribute to effective leadership. These theories have evolved over time, reflecting changing perspectives on the nature of leadership and the role of leaders in organizations and society. Some of the most prominent leadership theories include:   1. Trait Theory: This early approach to leadership suggests that certain innate qualities or traits, such as intelligence, charisma, and decisiveness, distinguish effective leaders from followers. Trait theory focuses on identifying the personal characteristics that predispose individuals to leadership roles.   2. Behavioral Theory: Contrary to trait theory, behavioral theory emphasizes the behaviors and actions of leaders rather than their innate traits. It categorizes leadership styles into two main dimensions: task-oriented behaviors (focused on…

IMAGES

  1. How To Write An Advantages Or Disadvantages Essay

    advantages and disadvantages essay examples

  2. IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

    advantages and disadvantages essay examples

  3. How To Write An Advantages Or Disadvantages Essay

    advantages and disadvantages essay examples

  4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

    advantages and disadvantages essay examples

  5. IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

    advantages and disadvantages essay examples

  6. IELTS Essay Writing : Advantage / Disadvantage by RupIELTS Institute

    advantages and disadvantages essay examples

VIDEO

  1. English Essay on T.V

  2. What to write in the INTRODUCTION in a PROS & CONS essay #eoi

  3. IELTS Writing Task 2 || Exploring Advantages & Disadvantages Essay || Rao Kashif Jalil

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

  5. Video 2: Type 1

  6. advantages and disadvantages of social media essay 🌟 #shorts #essaywriting #essayonsocialmedia

COMMENTS

  1. Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

    Understanding the Question and Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay The IELTS advantages disadvantages essay is a question type you will come across in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will be asked to write about the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. It can be worded in different ways. Let's see some examples.

  2. IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

    Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essayfor Structure 1. Now, here's a model answer for essay structure 1. First, a reminder of the structure and the ideas I generated using the friends technique. Ideas generation - Friends technique. I've underline the ideas I've chosen to write about in this second essay:

  3. Advantages & disadvantages essay in IELTS writing

    IELTS advantages & disadvantages question sample. For example, you can get this question for IELTS writing task 2: A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world.

  4. IELTS Essay Structure

    4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay 4.1 Introduction. Your introduction should be the shortest paragraph in your essay (about 40-60 words is perfect). You need to rephrase the IELTS statement in your own words. This is known as paraphrasing (a key skill to develop for the IELTS exam). Take a look at our example:

  5. Advantages / Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

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

  6. IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Model Essay

    Below is an IELTS advantage / disadvantage model essay about having one language in the world. The essay is estimated at band score 9. The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally.

  7. IELTS Task 2 Writing

    Sample topic sentences. (paragraph 1) There are numerous advantages to internet-based learning. (paragraph 2) Readily available knowledge is not without its disadvantages, however. Tip: It is a good idea to memorise some topic sentences such as these, as you can apply them to most advantage/disadvantage essays. e.g.

  8. IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Sample Essay

    IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay Question. With modern transportation, workers and students are increasingly mobile, and have more and more opportunities to study and work abroad. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your ...

  9. Advantages and Disadvantages [IELTS Writing]

    A Sample Question for Advantages and Disadvantages ; Two Possible Essay Structures; A Model Essay; An Overview of Advantage/Disadvantage Questions. First of all, let's look at the basics. Some of you may never have done IELTS before or may be relatively new to it. If you are an experienced candidate or teacher, you may want to skip this section.

  10. IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay: tips, mistakes, questions

    In an IELTS Advantages Disadvantages essay, you need to present the advantages and disadvantages in the body paragraphs. Write the advantages and disadvantages in separate paragraphs. Each main body paragraph should contain: An advantage (or disadvantage) - your main idea. A more detailed explanation of this. An example which illustrates this.

  11. IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

    Advantages-. You can create your own schedule. You can dictate your own pay. You can travel with work. You can experience a wider variety of work. You're in control. You can expand and personalise your skill set and knowledge base. Disadvantages-. It may not be consistently financially successful.

  12. IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Lesson

    For example, there are many advantages to travelling by private jet, but there is one huge disadvantage (the cost) that stops most people from flying that way, and therefore the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. In this example, we will have to decide which side (advantages or disadvantages) is stronger, affecting our structure.

  13. IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies

    Advantage Disadvantage Essay Model Answer. These days many people choose to live or work in other countries, which has been made possible because of the convenience of air travel and modern communications. I believe that this has more benefits than drawbacks. The disadvantage of this development is the distance that is put between family members.

  14. How To Write An Advantages Or Disadvantages Essay

    Another possible way to structure your advantage/disadvantage essay is this; You may want to add paragraphs to explain further advantages or disadvantages, but there should be only one main idea in each main body paragraph. Don't list all of your advantages/disadvantages in one paragraph. Introduction. Paragraph 1 - Describe an advantage.

  15. IELTS advantage disadvantage (outweigh) essay model answer

    The keyword in the task is 'outweigh'. So you must cover the advantage and the disadvantage in this essay and clearly state your opinion. Do not only write about the advantages. you will need to cover both sides for a higher score in task response. If you believe the advantage is stronger you must give your opinion on that in the thesis ...

  16. IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Sample Essay Questions

    Below is a list of IELTS sample essay questions for advantage / disadvantage essays in writing task 2. These essay types are often taught together with discussion essays but I think it is worth studying them separately to be better prepared. Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Tips. spend time planning the benefits and drawbacks of the statement given.

  17. IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Writing Samples Band 9

    The adolescent phase is the transition phase from a child to a young adult.In some parts of the world,teenagers are given permission to do part-time employment ,whereas some countries do not motivate them.This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages including why I believe that young adults should have a head start from the adolescent phase,using examples from recent studies to ...

  18. Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay

    IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages essay: Plan your answer. State what your essay will discuss in your introduction. List the advantages and disadvantages in the next two paragraphs. Briefly mention both in your conclusion. Do not offer an opinion - you are not asked to do so. Read this sample essay for an example. […]

  19. Template for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

    Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Template. Formula: 1. Write an introduction to the topic 2. Think of two advantages to the situation and provide clear examples 3. Think of two disadvantages and write about these with good support 4. Write a short conclusion giving your overall opinion. Plan / Structure: 1. Paragraph 1: Introduction 2.

  20. A for and against essay

    Look at the essay and do the exercises to improve ... reality TV is a way for the competitors to being famous. For example, if you are a singer, you sing in front of a lots of people. ... some of them is dangerous, you may hurt yourself.On the other hand, performer can win prize.One of advantages of Reality shows is a viewer will be interested ...

  21. IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay on Society (Without Opinion) Sample

    Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of this trend. Answer. With the increased globalisation, moving to new neighbourhoods, cities or even countries for education or promising work opportunities has become a popular trend. This may require people to separate from their own families and friends, however, it also bolsters independence and ...

  22. Total-IELTS: Advantages outweigh Disadvantages sample essay

    A. The advantages (disadvantages) totally outweigh disadvantages (advantages). In other words, you chose 100% for one or the other. B. The advantages and disadvantages are equally important. In other words, you chose both are equally valid. 50 - 50. If you take the position of "partly" or "mostly" outweigh, it becomes more difficult to ...

  23. 256 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics [2024 Update]

    Positive and negative outcomes of the rising population on the planet. The increasing lifespan of people: pros and cons. The ability to obtain a driver's license at sixteen vs. eighteen years old. The right to work without parents' permission at sixteen years old: pros and cons.

  24. IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of

    Thesis Statement: This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this practice. Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: On the positive side, the preservation of historic buildings has many benefits. Firstly, these buildings are representative of history as they serve as a tangible link to the past, helping us understand the ...

  25. Answered: Advantages and disadvantages of two…

    Q: Provide an example of how you could apply the 3-Step Approach to solve an ethical problem you are… A: BackgroundEthical issues in the workplace occur when a situation arises that requires those involved…