• IELTS

Advantages & Disadvantages Essay in IELTS

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  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Jul 08,2024 03:47 PM IST

  • This blog will introduce you to the perfect structure of Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Questions for the IELTS exam.
  • It provides insights on tackling Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Questions by presenting a sample question and a suggested answer.
  • The blog concludes with practical tips for mastering Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Questions in the IELTS exam.

Advantages & Disadvantages Essay in IELTS.webp

The IELTS exam writing module consists of two separate tasks depending on whether it is the Academic or the General Training Version of the exam. The Academic version comprises writing two tasks: Task 1 is a Report and Task 2 is an Essay. Under Writing Task 2 there are Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Questions. 

Further, in this article, we will discuss how to tackle the Advantages and Disadvantages Essay and its Questions in the IELTS exam. 

IELTS Exam Format

Firstly, let’s have a quick look at the IELTS exam format and the time limit you will get to complete each section.

PaperNo. of QuestionsTime Duration
Listening40 QuestionsApprox. 30 minutes
Reading40 Questions60 minutes
Writing2 Tasks60 minutes
Speaking3 Parts11-14 minutes


Advantages and Disadvantages Essay is a part of the writing section of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. In this type of essay, candidates discuss both aspects of the given topic, that is the positive aspect and the negative aspect. Additionally, candidates need to follow a particular format while answering advantage and disadvantage essay questions.

This section clarifies the structure that can be used to write advantages and disadvantages essays in IELTS. You may follow the following paragraph structure for this type of essay.

Introduction

  • While writing an introduction, start by introducing the essay topic and also provide some background information related to the given topic.
  • Secondly, clearly mention the topic and further elaborate that you will be discussing both the advantages and disadvantages.
  • In the last line of your introduction paragraph, mention the thesis statement. Your thesis should clarify your main perspective or argument on the given topic.

Paragraph A

  • You should start paragraph A by mentioning positive aspects of the given topic.
  • Secondly, make sure to write each advantage in pointers for clarity and organization.
  • Try to bring relevant examples, or personal experiences on the table that can back up each advantage that you’ve mentioned.
  • Create connectivity between the sentences by using transition words or phrases.

Paragraph B

  • Paragraph B should be about the disadvantages of the given topic.
  • Just like you have written advantages, similarly dedicate separate pointers to discuss each advantage.
  • Support your points with relevant examples and experiences.
  • Make sure to maintain a proper balance between the opposite perspective and your argument.

Conclusion

  • The last paragraph should be your concluding point. In this, summarize the main points discussed in the essay.
  • Further, present your final suggestions or thoughts.
  • Make sure not to add new information in the conclusion.

How to Attempt Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Questions in IELTS?

Now that you are aware of the structure of Advantages and Disadvantages Essays in the IELTS exam, let’s take a sample question and see how to approach this type of question.

Sample Question: There are a lot of places in the world where tourism is the main source of income. Unfortunately, if it is not managed carefully it can cause many issues.

Suggested Answer: There are a lot of countries in the world where tourism is the main source of revenue. Some claim that if it is poorly organized, it has numerous negative repercussions. The two points of view will be discussed in this essay, and in my opinion, there are more benefits to travel than drawbacks.

The success of many economies around the world depends on travel. Tourism increases economic revenue, generates tens of thousands of jobs, and improves a nation's infrastructure. For instance, the Government of The Tourism Authority of Thailand invests much in the nation's infrastructure and depends heavily on tourism for its earnings. They need safe and cutting-edge amenities because they want more and more tourists to come to their country. This results in the development of new roadways, parks, and better public places. Furthermore, there is a chance for economic development for the local population.

On the other hand, some visitors face issues due to the current scenario of tourism business and how it is running. The main factor which should be considered is environmental harm. For instance, if we talk about Tokyo, the capital of Japan, it is the prime tourist destination and the population is also very high. As a result, an increase in carbon monoxide negatively impacts the environment of the nation. Tourism industry should promote their business along with spreading awareness about environmental harm.

In conclusion, I believe that the benefits of tourism outweigh the drawbacks. While traveling can result in some issues, solving them is not difficult.

Advantage and Disadvantage Sample Essay Questions for IELTS

Below are the sample questions that students can prepare to attempt advantage and disadvantage essays in IELTS exam.

  • Small businesses are vanishing and are being replaced by big multinational companies. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
  • There are so many countries where plastic containers have become common and many food and drink companies are using them. Discuss its negative and positive impact.
  • It is essential for everyone to take risks whether it's in personal life or professional life. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking risks.
  • Earlier, knowledge was limited to books but now you can access it through the internet without limitations. Discuss the positive and negative impact of the same.
  • Due to the increase in the establishment of supermarkets, the number of small shops is decreasing. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
  • Machines are replacing humans and taking over the jobs. Discuss the negative and positive impacts of the same.
  • There are many workplaces that prefer online communication rather than in-person meetings. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
  • According to some people, patriotism causes issues, but others feel that it is beneficial for society. Analyze the negative and positive points for the same.
  • Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of remote work culture for employees and employers.
  • Discuss the positive and negative impact of technology on education.

Tips to Master Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Questions in IELTS

Want to master IELTS writing task 2 - Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Questions? You need strategic and effective writing tips. Let’s have a close look at some techniques for mastering these Advantage and Disadvantage of Essay Questions in IELTS.

Analyze the QuestionBefore answering, read and understand the question carefully. Identify the positive and negative aspects that you will be mentioning in your essay. In case any specific instruction is given, read it carefully.
Brainstorm IdeasTake a few minutes to think about the ideas for both the advantages and disadvantages of the given topic.
Organize Your ThoughtsAfter understanding, create a structure of your essay in your mind such as topic, advantages, and disadvantages, followed by a conclusion.
Use Linking WordsUse transition words or phrases such as - on the other hand, however, further, etc. to create a seamless transition between sentences.
Provide ExamplesSupport your argument with relevant examples and experiences.
Balance Your Argument Maintain balance in your essay by mentioning advantages and disadvantages without showing bias towards one side.
Craft Coherent ParagraphsEach paragraph should focus on one main idea and contain supporting details. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point.
Use Formal Language While writing an Advantage and Disadvantage Essay, make sure to maintain a formal throughout your essay.
Proofread Your WorkFinally, after completing your essay make sure to proofread it and correct any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.


Conclusion


Now you are very well aware of the Advantage and Disadvantage essay question types in the IELTS exam, we would recommend you to take up these questions regularly. As you are preparing for IELTS, have a look at our guide to the IELTS exam. If you are looking for someone who can help you master IELTS, Canamprep - The best IELTS institute in India is the best place for you.

FAQ

Comparing merits and demerits is good, but it could be better if it is written differently by using accurate transition words and linkers.
Yes, it is allowed to write but make sure your ideas or words are not repeated; otherwise, it could not be counted in the word limit.

Making 2 paragraphs is the way to explain both merits and demerits, nevertheless, more than one paragraph can be on merits as well.
Considering the weightage of both you need to mention that merits overlap overpower the demerits.
You need to give right suggestion in conclusion. like as although it has brought several perks ,but its darkside could not be compromised, so it should be used prudently. before using it excessively.

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