IELTS 2022 Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Topics, Model Answers

International English Language Testing System is a widely popular English proficiency test, and over 11,000 organizations worldwide recognize this. This test assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate in English effectively and is based on four parameters: reading, writing, listening and speaking. In the blog, we discuss IELTS Task 2 Advantages And Disadvantages Essay.

Out of the four, the writing section appears to be challenging for many. The writing section consists of two tasks and demands that the candidate finish them within 60 minutes. Task 1: the candidate must describe a graph, table or diagram, within 150 words. The time allotted is 20 minutes. Task 2: the candidate must present their point of view in 250 words and in 40 minutes. This task is overwhelming for many due to the time constraint. However, candidates must note that the writing section differs from the General Module. That is why we have compiled a comprehensive guide for IELTS task 2 and mainly focused on the advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay. Writing task 2 is the most difficult out of the two and demands that the candidate possess a wide range of vocabulary. 

Task 2: Advantages & Disadvantages Essay 

In the advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay, candidates are required to provide the benefits and drawbacks of the topic outlined. They are marked on the following: 

• Task response – The candidate is marked on the response they provide for the essay. 
• Coherence & cohesion- Here, the candidate’s ability to paraphrase, use of linking words, and the number of paragraphs written are considered. 
• Lexical resource- Here, the application of collocations, idioms, and sentence construction are taken into account. One must avoid the usage of informal language and the wrong usage of words. 
• Grammatical range and accuracy- The candidate must use proper tenses, punctuations, simple and complicated language to meet the criterion. 

The candidate is required to describe the positive and negative points and, lastly, provide their perspective. For example, suppose the topic is, “Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world“. In that case, the candidate must begin by introducing tourism and its significance in the modern world. Then, they can underline its advantages in one paragraph and highlight points such as: 

• How it boosts the country’s economy due to the spending 
• Employment for the local people 
• Discovering new places 

In another paragraph, they must talk about the disadvantages and state: 

• Damage brought to heritage properties and monuments 
• Expensive items might be stolen 
• National resources may be exploited 
• Environmental impact 

However, it is always good to substantiate these facts with example as it can better put a point of view. They can provide the example of the Great Barrier Reef and how it has been destroyed due to tourism. This only enhances the chance of attaining a good score. Lastly, the student should conclude the topic and end the advantage disadvantage IELTS essay in this way. “Tourism has potential economic benefits for host countries and can pave the path for the development of a harmonious world and an understanding of other cultures. Hence, tourist destinations should try to provide a positive experience and reduce the detrimental effects”. 

Structure of Disadvantages & Advantages Essay 

To achieve a good score, candidates must follow a certain structure. To help students do so, we have outlined the advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay structure. Students must follow this if they intend to get a band score on the higher side:

Introduction 

• Paraphrasing the question 
• Highlight the main points in a few sentences 

Body – Advantages 

• Explain two to three advantages 
• Elaborate on these three 
• Provide an example 

Body- Disadvantages 

• Two to three disadvantages 
• Elaborate 
• Example 

Conclusion 

• Summarise the point

The Vocabulary of Advantages & Disadvantages Essay 

Usage of the right vocabulary is the stepping stone to success. Whether it is transitional words or phrases, candidates must not overuse them as that can hamper the overall band score.Hence, we have compiled the common vocabulary that students can make use of in the advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay: 

• It appears that 
• The essay will show that 
• The essay will argue 
• To examine this issue, the essay will examine 
• Many people claim that 
• It is often said 
• It is universally accepted 
• Firstly, this essay will explain
• Secondly, this essay will describe 
• First of all 
• Second of all 
• For instance 
• However 
• However, it should not be forgotten that 
• There is ample evidence 
• Numerous studies have consistently found that 
• As such, it can be concluded that 
• To illustrate 
• To paraphrase 
• As a result 
• Consequently
• As an effect 
• The reason why 
• Thereby 
• Hence 
• Thus 
• So
• Must 
• After all 
• Nevertheless 
• Even if 
• As much as 
• Besides 
• Otherwise  
• In addition 
• Finally 
• To summarise 
• In the end 
• Therefore 

Also Read: How to Send IETLS Score to Colleges

Tips for Advantages & Disadvantages of Essay 

Here below are tips given for advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay that candidates must follow to score well in task 2: 

• Before writing, think about ideas 

The candidate must first list down their ideas using keywords to help them organize them faster. The candidate must try to answer the question only after understanding what the question demands. 

• Paraphrase the question 

Next, the candidate must answer the question and express their ideas properly. They can do this by paraphrasing it and answering it in a simpler language. 

• Plan supporting points 

The candidate must try to substantiate their essay with supporting points as much as possible. Hence, it is best to list them down as that can save time. 

• Aim for the recommended word count 

It is always best to aim for 250-290 words. This way, they can develop their ideas and ensure a smooth flow. Writing a long essay will not fetch more marks at the end of the day, but coherency in the essay will. 

• Structure the essay 

Candidates must structure their essay according to the introduction, advantages, disadvantages and conclusion. This is a time-saving procedure and will help the candidate revise. 

• Use vocabulary 

Candidates must try to use transition sentences in the advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay. They can refer to the vocabulary outlined above and describe their ideas with it. 

• Practice till you ace it 

It is always beneficial to practice the common essay topics before the examination. Even if the same themes do not appear, the candidate will know how to approach them. 

• Don’t produce an essay that you memorized. 

It is always best not to memorize essays as that can hamper scoring. If the same topic does not appear, then the candidate would not write on it. 

Common Essay Topics 

Below we have compiled a list of common advantages and disadvantages of IELTS essay topics that can help students practice and achieve a good band score in this section. However, many common topics have a possibility of reappearing. Nevertheless, students must practice before their exams so that they can answer any questions without much difficulty. 

• Art 
• Health 
• Environment 
• Globalisation 
• Technology 
• Business 
• Food & Diet 
• Leisure 
• Media 
• Work 
• Tourism 
• Sports 
• Space Exploration 
• Language 

Advanced essay topics

Task 2 is worth 66% of a candidate’s score. Hence, the candidates must perform well to increase their band’s score. Task 2 contains opinions, advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay, etc. To attain mastery in advantage disadvantage essay IELTS, we have listed down the following advanced essay topics:

• The internet has made knowledge immediately available to people through computers and smartphones around the world. Much of this knowledge is also free. Do the advantages of this type of information outweigh the disadvantages?
• In some countries, it is illegal for companies to reject job applicants for their age. Is this a positive or negative development?
• Countries are becoming more and more similar because people can buy the same products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is positive or negative development?
• An E-mail has had a huge impact on professional and social communication, but this impact has been negative and positive. Do the disadvantages of using e-mail outweigh the advantages?
• Many parents send their children abroad to study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the phenomenon.
• Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment?
• Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the child of having a large number of toys?
• In some parts of the world, it is becoming popular to research the history of one’s own family. Why might people want to do this? Is it a positive or negative development?
• Nowadays, more and more people want to get things done instantly. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
• Some experts believe that children should begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh its disadvantages?

Conclusion

Candidates are required to employ the right vocabulary to make Writing task 2 more appropriate and appealing. This detailed guide on the advantages and disadvantages of an IELTS essay with vocabulary, structure, and tips will help students nail writing tasks with ease. 

Related Articles: 

• IELTS Essay Topic on Education
• Guide on IELTS Opinion Essay 
• How to score 6+ in IELTS Writing test 2