IELTS Writing Task 2 — Advantage-Disadvantage Essay (Structure + Band 8 Sample)
Advantage-disadvantage prompts come in two distinct shapes — and the structure you choose depends entirely on which one you've been given. Get the wrong structure and you cap your score at Band 6 before the first body paragraph.
The Two Prompt Types
Type 1 ("What are the advantages and disadvantages?") asks you to list both — no opinion required, body 1 covers advantages and body 2 covers disadvantages. Type 2 ("Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?") asks you to commit to a position; body 1 develops the side you support more strongly, body 2 covers the other side briefly.
Recommended Structure (Both Types)
Introduction (45–55 words): paraphrase prompt plus, for type 2, signal your position. Body 1 (100–110 words): one side with two well-developed points. Body 2 (100–110 words): the other side with two well-developed points. Conclusion (30–40 words): summary for type 1, restated position for type 2. Total: 270–290 words.
Band 8 Sample on Remote Work
"Remote work, once a niche arrangement, has become a mainstream feature of professional life since the pandemic accelerated its adoption. While critics highlight isolation and weakened collaboration, I would argue that the gains in flexibility and productivity clearly outweigh the drawbacks for most knowledge workers."
Common Pitfalls
Treating type 2 as type 1 — if the prompt says "outweigh" or "positive/negative", you MUST give an opinion. Listing five advantages and five disadvantages — two of each, fully developed, every time. 50/50 development on a type 2 essay — the side you support deserves more development. Confusing it with a discussion essay.
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