IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

These questions ask you to weigh the benefits of a trend against its drawbacks. Read the task carefully: if it asks whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you must give a clear verdict, not just list both sides.

How to structure it

  1. Introduction

    Paraphrase the trend, then, if the question asks you to judge, state whether the advantages or disadvantages are greater.

  2. Body 1

    Explain the main advantage, develop it, and support it with an example.

  3. Body 2

    Explain the main disadvantage in the same way.

  4. Conclusion

    Restate your verdict on which side outweighs the other.

Common mistakes that cost marks

  • Listing many advantages and disadvantages with no development. Pick one or two of each and explain them fully.
  • Ignoring the "outweigh" instruction and forgetting to give a verdict.
  • Giving a verdict in the conclusion that contradicts your body paragraphs.
  • Confusing the advantages of the topic with your personal opinion about it.

Advantages and disadvantages practice prompts (5)

  • work and careers More and more people are choosing to work from home rather than in a traditional office. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  • culture and travel Many people now choose to live and work in a country other than the one they were born in. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • culture and travel Tourism is growing rapidly in remote and previously hard to reach places around the world. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  • technology An increasing number of students are studying courses entirely online rather than attending a physical institution. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
  • government and money Some countries are moving towards becoming cashless societies, where almost all payments are made electronically. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

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Common questions

What is the difference between "advantages and disadvantages" and "outweigh"?

A plain advantages and disadvantages question asks you to explain both sides. An "outweigh" question also asks you to decide which side is stronger and commit to that verdict throughout.

Do I need an equal number of advantages and disadvantages?

Cover both sides, but if the question asks which outweighs the other, you can give slightly more weight to the side you argue for.