Writing Task 2: Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Academic 9990 (IELTS Academic)
Syllabus W.task2 · Strand 3 Writing
- Questions
- 10
- Total marks
- 40
- Tier mix
- 10 Core
0 of 10 questions completed
Syllabus coverage
- W.task2 10 questions completed
This essay type appears in two closely related forms: a neutral “discuss the advantages and disadvantages” prompt, which simply requires balanced coverage of both sides without a personal verdict, and a “do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages” prompt, which requires the candidate to weigh the two sides and state a clear judgement. Misreading which variant is being asked is a common and costly error, since a neutral essay written for the weighing-up prompt will look under-developed on Task Response, and a strongly opinionated essay written for the neutral prompt may look unbalanced.
Whichever variant applies, each advantage and disadvantage should be developed with a brief explanation and example rather than listed as a bare phrase, and the two sides should be organised into clearly separate paragraphs so the essay’s structure signals the balance (or lack of it) being argued. Where a verdict is required, the conclusion should state it explicitly and tie it back to the strongest points made in the body.
Question 1
In many countries, patients can now consult a doctor by video call or telephone instead of visiting a clinic or hospital in person, and some healthcare providers direct minor or follow-up cases to this kind of remote consultation by default.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 2
A growing number of companies are trialling a four-day working week, in which staff work one fewer day but are still paid their full previous salary, on the condition that they maintain the same overall level of output.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 3
An increasing number of working-age adults are choosing to earn their living as freelancers or through short-term gig-economy platforms rather than taking up a permanent position with a single employer.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 4
In several major cities, co-living developments are becoming more common: residents rent a private bedroom within a larger property and share communal spaces such as kitchens, lounges and laundry facilities with other tenants.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 5
Many large supermarkets have replaced a considerable proportion of their staffed tills with self-service checkouts, where customers scan and pay for their own items without the assistance of a cashier.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 6
Many companies are redesigning their workplaces so that most staff work together in one large open-plan area instead of in individual private offices.
Do the advantages of this shift to open-plan offices outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 7
Several governments have set firm deadlines for phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, requiring the country to switch rapidly to electric vehicles instead.
Do the advantages of this rapid switch to electric vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 8
Software, entertainment and even household appliances are increasingly sold through ongoing monthly subscriptions rather than a single upfront payment that grants permanent ownership.
Do the advantages of paying through ongoing subscriptions outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 9
Newspapers and specialist organisations regularly publish league tables that rank universities against one another using measures such as research output, graduate salaries and student satisfaction.
Do the advantages of ranking universities in these published league tables outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 10
An increasing number of young professionals choose to spend the first few years after graduating working in a country other than their own, rather than beginning their career at home.
Do the advantages of spending several years working abroad early in your career outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.