Write your own answer first40 minutes and at least 250 words, like the real test. Use the editor below, then compare with the Band 8 model essay.
This essay type comes in two versions, and they need slightly different answers. “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages” asks you to describe both sides. “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” also asks you to weigh them up and give a clear judgement. Read the question carefully: missing the judgement in the second version is a common reason for a lower Task Response score.
How to recognise a advantages and disadvantages essay#
The question usually ends with wording like this:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of…?
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
- Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
- Is this a positive or negative trend? (weigh up, then decide)
The structure#
| Paragraph | What to write | Example language |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase the trend. For “outweigh” questions, give your judgement. | …and I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. |
| 2. Body 1 | The advantages (2 main points, explained with examples). | One major benefit is… |
| 3. Body 2 | The disadvantages (2 main points). For “outweigh”, explain why they matter less (or more). | The main drawback is… However… |
| 4. Conclusion | Summarise and repeat your judgement. | Overall, the advantages clearly outweigh… |
Aim for 260–300 words: an introduction and conclusion of 2–3 sentences each, and two body paragraphs of 5–7 sentences.
How to plan it in 5 minutes#
- Check which version you have. “Outweigh” or “positive or negative” means you must decide which side is stronger.
- List two advantages and two disadvantages and pick the strongest of each, with an example you can develop.
- Put the side you think is weaker first, so your second body paragraph leads naturally into your judgement.
Practice question#
In many countries, an increasing number of people are choosing to live alone. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Essay practice editor
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 284 words.
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Over the past few decades, the number of single-person households has grown considerably in many parts of the world, particularly in large cities. Although living alone can lead to loneliness, I believe that, for most people, the benefits of this trend outweigh its drawbacks.
There are some clear disadvantages to living alone. The most serious is the risk of social isolation, especially for elderly people, who may go for days without speaking to anyone and who have nobody nearby if they fall ill. Living alone is also expensive: one person must pay the full cost of rent and bills, which is a growing problem in cities where housing prices are already high. On a wider scale, more single-person homes mean that more housing is needed, putting pressure on land and resources.
However, these drawbacks are outweighed by the advantages for individuals. Firstly, living alone offers a level of independence and privacy that many people value highly. They can organise their time and their home exactly as they wish, which can reduce stress and help them focus on their careers or studies. Secondly, it often reflects positive social changes. In the past, many people, particularly women, stayed in unhappy relationships or remained in their parents’ homes because they could not afford to live independently. Today, rising incomes and changing attitudes mean that people have a real choice. Finally, the problem of isolation can be reduced through technology and community activities, which make it easier than ever to stay connected.
In conclusion, while living alone can be costly and isolating for some, I believe that the independence and freedom it offers make it a largely positive development, provided that vulnerable people receive enough support.
Judgement in the introduction and conclusion
“The benefits of this trend outweigh its drawbacks”: the question is answered directly.
Weaker side first
Disadvantages come first, so body 2 builds to the writer’s judgement (*However, these drawbacks are outweighed by…*).
Clear organisation
*The most serious… also… On a wider scale…* and *Firstly… Secondly… Finally…*
Nuance
The writer acknowledges real problems and adds a condition at the end (*provided that…*).
Want your own writing scored? With Worddemy Pro, paste it into the app and get a band score with feedback on all four criteria.
Useful language#
| Purpose | Words and phrases |
|---|---|
| Advantages | One major benefit is… · A key advantage of… is… · …has a positive effect on… |
| Disadvantages | The main drawback is… · A serious disadvantage is… · …can lead to… |
| Weigh up | These drawbacks are outweighed by… · On balance · The benefits far exceed the risks |
| Judgement | I believe the advantages clearly outweigh… · Overall, this is a largely positive development |
| Condition | provided that · as long as · on condition that |
Common mistakes#
- Not giving a judgement in “outweigh” questions: you must say which side is stronger.
- Listing many advantages in one sentence each. Two well-developed points are better than five lists.
- Writing a disadvantages paragraph that is far shorter than the advantages paragraph (or vice versa) without explaining why.
- Using advantage and benefit repeatedly. Vary with merit, upside, drawback, downside, risk.
More practice questions of this type#
Find more questions by topic in our Writing Task 2 topics list.
Other Task 2 essay types#
New to Task 2? Start with the complete IELTS Writing Task 2 guide.