Ex-examiner shares how to score higher on advantage-disadvantage essays

In this tutorial, ex-examiner Robert shares how to score higher on advantage-disadvantage essays in IELTS.

We look at:

6 tips to score high in advantage-disadvantage IELTS essays

Sample advantage-disadvantage IELTS question

A step-by-step guide to answering a sample advantage-disadvantage IELTS question

IELTS task 2 essays come in different forms. There are the “to what extent to do agree?” and “discuss both points of view and give your own opinion” question types.

Today, we are looking at the “advantages versus disadvantages” essay where you are given a statement and then asked to put forward the good and bad points.

This can be worded in two ways. Here’s an example:

Nowadays a lot of offices employ open-space designs instead of separate rooms for workers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

A more common way to present the task is by asking the question like this:

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

How to score high in advantage-disadvantage IELTS essays

Have a clear idea of what you are being asked to do

What are the differences between these two questions?

One asks you to describe, list and describe the pros and cons. The other with “outweigh” is slightly different as it is asking you to make a judgement, and take a position.

Are there more advantages than disadvantages? 

Learn different words  to express advantages and disadvantages

Let’s just say that repeating the words “advantage” and “disadvantage” a few times, even adding some idea of importance ….the main advantage … or order ….a second advantage or another advantage is not good enough.

It’s a start but you need to know and use when appropriate, positive and negative phrases such as:

* Positive: benefits …one benefit     

*  one of the main benefits is    

* one of the main benefits of ……is ….

We could also use the word “positives” in place of “benefits”

* Negative: drawback / drawbacks

* “negatives”

* Upside: on the upside 

* Downside: on the downside

* Pros and cons

Organize your thoughts before you start writing

It is very important that you organise your thoughts before starting writing, Brainstorm your ideas. Make lists of pros and cons.

Then in the planning stage, put them in some significant order, starting with the most important, and then adding other points. 

Remember that a high band score will contain ideas that are fully extended and well supported, in other words, you need to justify and back up your ideas with relevant examples. 

Give examples to support your points

Yes, examples are important. Make sure they are connected logically to your main points. 

Connect your ideas

Use cohesive devices effectively to connect your ideas. You need to use words that express contrast (on the other hand, although, however) and others which link cause and consequence (because, therefore).

Keep to the classic 4 paragraph format

Don’t overcomplicate your answer. Use the classic 4 paragraph structure 

A step-by-step guide to answering advantage-disadvantage IELTS questions

Read the question below:

Nowadays a lot of offices employ open-space designs instead of separate rooms for workers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Brainstorm

So, I looked at the topic question and tried a little brainstorming.

Pros and cons of open plan office space with, at the back of my mind, the same as regards, closed offices to provide some interesting contrast. 

Here’s what I came up with.  I thought it would be interesting to limit myself to around 3 minutes for this,