Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: How to Score Band 7 in IELTS

Reading time: 14 minutes

The advantages/disadvantages essay confuses more students than almost any other IELTS question type. Not because it's inherently difficult, but because there are actually two different types of questions—and answering them incorrectly can cost you a full band score.

This guide will show you exactly how to identify each type, structure your response correctly, and avoid the mistakes that keep students stuck at Band 6.

The Two Types of Advantages/Disadvantages Questions

This distinction is critical. Miss it, and you'll likely score Band 5 for Task Response.

Type 1: "What are the advantages and disadvantages?"

This question asks you to discuss both sides. You may or may not need to give your opinion, depending on whether the question asks for it.

Example: "More and more people are working from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?"

What you must do: Present advantages AND disadvantages with roughly equal depth.

Type 2: "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"

This question asks for your opinion about which side is stronger. You must take a clear position.

Example: "More and more people are working from home. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?"

What you must do: Present both sides BUT clearly argue that one side is more significant.

The word "outweigh" is your signal that you need to give a clear opinion throughout your essay.

Structure for Type 1: Discuss Advantages and Disadvantages

When the question simply asks "what are the advantages and disadvantages" without asking which is more significant:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Paraphrase the statement
• Outline that you will discuss pros and cons

Paragraph 2: Advantages

• Topic sentence introducing advantages
• Advantage 1 + explanation/example
• Advantage 2 + explanation/example (optional)

Paragraph 3: Disadvantages

• Topic sentence introducing disadvantages
• Disadvantage 1 + explanation/example
• Disadvantage 2 + explanation/example (optional)

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Summarise both sides
• Optional: brief personal view if you wish (not required)

Sample Introduction (Type 1)

Question: "Many people now work remotely instead of commuting to an office. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?"

Introduction: "Remote work has become increasingly common in recent years, with many employees now performing their duties from home rather than travelling to a workplace. This essay will examine both the benefits and drawbacks of this trend."

Simple, clear, and tells the examiner exactly what to expect.

Structure for Type 2: Do Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages?

This question type requires a clear opinion. Here's the structure that works:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Paraphrase the statement
• State your opinion clearly (advantages outweigh OR disadvantages outweigh)

Paragraph 2: The Stronger Side (2 points)

• Topic sentence
• First point + explanation
• Second point + explanation

Paragraph 3: The Weaker Side (1 point) + Counter

• Acknowledge the opposing view
• Explain why it's less significant OR how it can be mitigated

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Restate your position
• Summarise main points

Why This Structure Works

The key principle: your essay structure should reflect your opinion.

If you believe advantages outweigh disadvantages:

• Spend more time on advantages (2 developed points)
• Acknowledge disadvantages but show why they're less important (1 point)

This creates logical consistency between your opinion and your evidence—exactly what Band 7+ requires.

Sample Introduction (Type 2)

Question: "People today can work and live anywhere in the world due to improved technology and transport. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?"

Introduction: "Advances in technology and transportation have enabled people to work and reside in virtually any location globally. Although this development has some drawbacks, this essay argues that the advantages are more significant, as it has positively transformed work-life balance and expanded career opportunities."

Notice how the thesis statement:

• Acknowledges the other side ("some drawbacks")
• States a clear position ("advantages are more significant")
• Previews the main arguments ("work-life balance and career opportunities")

Common Mistakes That Cost Marks

Mistake 1: Contradicting Your Thesis

This is shockingly common. Students write "the advantages outweigh the disadvantages" in their introduction, then present more or stronger disadvantages in their essay.

The fix: Plan your essay before writing. Decide your position first, then choose supporting points that match.

Mistake 2: Sitting on the Fence (Type 2 Only)

Some students try to avoid taking a position:

"There are both advantages and disadvantages to this issue. It depends on the individual situation."

This will cap your Task Response at Band 5-6. If the question asks whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, you must choose a side.

Mistake 3: Equal Treatment in "Outweigh" Essays

If you argue that advantages outweigh disadvantages but then give equal attention to both sides, your essay lacks logical consistency.

The fix: Give 60-70% of your body paragraphs to your chosen side, and 30-40% to the weaker side.

Mistake 4: Listing Without Developing

"The advantages of remote work include flexibility, no commuting, and better work-life balance. The disadvantages are isolation, distractions, and lack of career progression."

This is a list, not an essay. Each point needs explanation and often an example.

Developed version: "One significant advantage of remote work is the elimination of daily commuting. Employees who previously spent two hours travelling to and from the office can now use this time for personal activities or additional work. This not only reduces stress but also contributes to better mental health and job satisfaction."

Mistake 5: Using "Outweigh" Incorrectly

Many students get confused and write the opposite of what they mean.

Correct usage:

• "The advantages outweigh the disadvantages" = advantages are MORE significant
• "The disadvantages outweigh the advantages" = disadvantages are MORE significant

If you're not confident using "outweigh," simply say: "I believe the advantages are more significant than the disadvantages."

Band 7 Sample Essay (Type 2: Outweigh)

Question: "Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?"

Many educators advocate for introducing foreign language instruction in primary schools rather than waiting until secondary education. This essay argues that the benefits of early language learning outweigh the potential drawbacks, primarily because it increases the likelihood of fluency and provides cognitive advantages.

The main argument in favour of teaching languages to young children is that early exposure significantly increases their chances of achieving proficiency. Children who begin learning a second language before puberty typically develop better pronunciation and more intuitive grammar understanding than those who start later. Their brains are more adaptable to new linguistic patterns, making acquisition feel natural rather than forced. Furthermore, research indicates that bilingual children often demonstrate enhanced cognitive abilities, including improved problem-solving skills and greater mental flexibility. These benefits extend beyond language learning itself, potentially boosting academic performance across all subjects.

Admittedly, some concerns exist about early foreign language education. Critics argue that young children may become confused when learning two languages simultaneously, potentially impacting their development in their native tongue. However, this fear is largely unfounded. Studies consistently show that children can successfully acquire multiple languages without detriment to their first language, provided the instruction is age-appropriate and well-designed. The key is implementation quality rather than avoiding early language learning altogether.

In conclusion, introducing foreign languages at primary school level offers substantial benefits in terms of fluency attainment and cognitive development. While some worry about potential confusion, evidence suggests that the advantages clearly outweigh this minor concern when programs are properly structured.

Word count: 254

Why This Essay Scores Band 7

Task Response:

• Clear position stated in introduction and maintained throughout
• Both advantages AND disadvantages addressed
• Stronger side given more depth (as befits an "outweigh" essay)

Coherence and Cohesion:

• Logical paragraph structure reflecting the argument
• Clear topic sentences
• Ideas flow naturally

Lexical Resource:

• Topic-specific vocabulary (proficiency, cognitive abilities, mental flexibility, acquisition)
• Accurate collocations (enhanced cognitive abilities, impact their development)

Grammatical Range:

• Complex sentences (children who begin learning...)
• Conditional structures
• Passive voice used appropriately

Quick Decision Guide: Which Structure Do I Use?

Practice Exercise

Look at these questions and identify: (A) Does it require an opinion? (B) Which structure should you use?

1. "Many countries now allow citizens to work remotely from any location. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this policy?"

2. "International tourism has brought enormous benefits to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. Do the advantages of international tourism outweigh the disadvantages?"

3. "Some people think that having a set retirement age for all workers is unfair. Others believe it is necessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

Answers:

1. Type 1 - Discuss both sides equally. Opinion optional.
2. Type 2 - Opinion required. Weight toward your chosen side.
3. This is actually a Discussion essay (different type) - requires discussing both views AND giving your opinion.

From Understanding to Mastery

Knowing the structure is essential, but improvement comes from practice with targeted feedback. Most Band 5-6 students have recurring issues they're not aware of—whether that's unclear thesis statements, underdeveloped points, or logical inconsistencies.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identify whether the question asks for your opinion ("outweigh") or just discussion
2. In "outweigh" questions, state your position clearly in the introduction
3. Structure your essay to reflect your opinion—more depth on your chosen side
4. Develop points with explanation and examples, don't just list
5. Be consistent: your thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion should all align

Master this distinction, and you've solved one of the biggest Task 2 challenges.

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