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IELTS / Guides / Writing · Task 2: advantages & disadvantages
IELTS Writing · Guide

IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: how to answer

In this essay you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a development or trend. Some versions also ask whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, which requires a judgement. It tests whether you answer the specific question and develop each point instead of listing them.

About Writing practice

Format

  • Task 2 of Writing: about 40 minutes, a minimum of 250 words, and worth twice as much as Task 1.
  • Common prompts: 'What are the advantages and disadvantages?' and 'Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?'. The first needs both sides; the second also needs a judgement.
  • Four equally weighted criteria, with Task Response measuring whether you answered the exact question.
  • Typed on computer with a live word count. Fewer than 250 words is penalised; aim for about 260 to 300.
  • A standard structure is an introduction, a paragraph on advantages, a paragraph on disadvantages and a conclusion.

Strategy

  1. Read the question and find the exact form. 'What are the advantages and disadvantages?' asks for both; 'outweigh' asks for a decision.
  2. Brainstorm two advantages and two disadvantages, and choose the strongest in each group. It is better to develop two points well than to list four.
  3. If the question says 'outweigh', decide your answer now, because it shapes the thesis. 'I believe the drawbacks outweigh the benefits' needs the stronger argument at the end.
  4. Write an introduction paraphrasing the topic and previewing the answer: 'Although working from home offers flexibility, it also carries risks, and I believe the benefits are greater.'
  5. Write a paragraph for the advantages with a topic sentence, explanation and example for each. Do the same for the disadvantages. Keep them separate, with no cross-over of ideas.
  6. If a judgement is required, put it in the thesis and the conclusion, and give the paragraph that supports it the most weight.
  7. Write a conclusion that summarises both sides and, if asked, repeats your judgement in different words.
  8. Check that each point has an explanation and an example, not only a label such as 'it saves time'.

Common traps

  • Listing points without development. 'It is cheap. It is fast. It is easy.' gives the examiner nothing to assess.
  • Failing to give a judgement when the question asks whether the advantages 'outweigh' the disadvantages.
  • Writing only about advantages or only about disadvantages.
  • Mixing the two sides in one paragraph, which makes the structure unclear.
  • Giving an opinion about whether the trend is good in general, when the question asks about its advantages and disadvantages.

Practise it inside a real Writing section

Practice on PrepFreely is always a complete section, so you meet this question type in the same place and proportion as on test day. Random sections never repeat until you've done them all. Every answer is explained.

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FAQ

Do I need to give my opinion?

If the question says 'outweigh' or 'do you think...', yes. If it only asks for the advantages and disadvantages, an opinion is not required, but a clear final comment is allowed.

How many points should I include?

Two or three for each side is typical. Two developed points are better than four undeveloped.

Should the paragraphs be equal in length?

Not necessarily. If you argue that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you can give more space to the advantages.

Can I put the disadvantages first?

Yes. Many candidates put the side they favour second, so that the stronger point comes at the end.

What if I can only think of one disadvantage?

Develop it fully with a reason and an example, and add a smaller second point. A well-developed point is worth more than a list.

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