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IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

This type comes in two forms that look almost identical and are marked very differently. One asks you to lay out both sides. The other asks you to reach a verdict. Answering the second as though it were the first is the single most expensive mistake on this question.

How to recognise it

Identifying the type before you plan is what decides your structure. Look for wording like this:

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages?
  • Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Discuss the benefits and drawbacks.

'Outweigh' is a question, and it needs an answer

If the prompt asks whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, a balanced essay that never says which is greater has not answered it. State your verdict in the introduction, then let the weighting of your paragraphs support it. If the prompt simply says 'discuss', no verdict is required.

How to structure the answer

  1. 1

    Introduction

    Paraphrase the topic. If the question asks about outweighing, give your verdict here.

  2. 2

    Body 1 — advantages

    One or two benefits, each explained and exemplified rather than merely named.

  3. 3

    Body 2 — disadvantages

    The same for the drawbacks. If you argued the benefits are greater, this paragraph can be slightly shorter — but it must still be developed.

  4. 4

    Conclusion

    Summarise both sides, and restate the verdict if the question asked for one.

Language for advantages and disadvantages essays

Phrases that do the specific work this question type needs.

Introducing benefits
The principal benefit isOne clear advantage of this isA further merit is that
Introducing drawbacks
The main drawback isA significant disadvantage isThis does, however, carry a cost
Weighing them
On balance, the benefits outweighThese advantages are, in my view, more significant thanThe drawbacks are real but comparatively minor
Adding detail
MoreoverIn addition to thisA further consequence is that

Mistakes that cost marks

Writing a balanced essay when the question asked which side outweighs.
Read the instruction twice. 'Outweigh' requires a verdict; 'discuss' does not.
Listing four advantages with no explanation.
Two developed points score better than a list. Explain the mechanism, then give an example.
Giving a verdict in the conclusion that the paragraphs do not support.
If you argue benefits are greater, the benefits paragraph should carry more weight.
Confusing advantages with reasons.
An advantage is a benefit that results. A reason explains why something happens. They are different questions.
Repeating the same point in different words on both sides.
Check your two paragraphs make genuinely different claims.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essays: practice questions

6 questions of this type from our bank. Give yourself 40 minutes and at least 250 words for each.

  1. 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.

    What are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language in the world?

  2. As technology develops, more and more jobs can be done by machines rather than humans.

    Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

  3. In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books.

    Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

  4. Some cities have vehicle free days where private cars, trucks and motorcycles are banned in city centres. Only bus, bicycles and taxis are permitted in the city centre.

    Do you think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages?

  5. Some schools are very strict about their school uniforms and the appearance of their pupils, while other schools have a very relaxed dress code.

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of children of having a school uniform?

  6. It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as the South Pole.

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

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

Every Task 2 question carries the same instruction: Write about the following topic. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Find out what your essay would score

Task Response is where this question type is won or lost, and it is the hardest criterion to judge in your own writing. Paste an answer in and get a band for all four, with the corrections that would raise it.