IELTS Writing Task 2Question type
Advantages and disadvantages
Compare benefits and drawbacks with a clear overall judgment.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Studying Abroad
More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and universities in a foreign country. Do the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?
Long Working Hours and Little Leisure Time
Many people work long hours, leaving very little time for leisure activities. Does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Economic Development Versus Loss of Social Values
Most countries want to improve the standard of living through economic development, however, others think the social value is lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the disadvantages?
Telling Children They Can Achieve Anything
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Paying for Goods Using Mobile Phone Apps
In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Living in an Apartment vs University Dormitory
Some people believe that living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory has many advantages while others say that it has many disadvantages. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory. What type of accommodation would you prefer? Why?
Pros and Cons of Mandatory Company Uniforms
Some companies have uniforms for their staff which must be worn at all times. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Ageing Population
In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?
Reducing or Stopping Air Travel for the Environment
Some people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether. Do you think the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses?
Mandatory Study Abroad or Work Placement for Undergraduates
All university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement. Do you think the advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Family Businesses
In many countries, family members work together in their family business. Do you think family businesses have more advantages than disadvantages?
Advantages of Attending School at a Young Age
Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible. What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Modern Tourism
A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do you think that benefits of tourism outweight its drawbacks?
Private Companies Funding Scientific Research
In today’s world, private companies rather than the government pay for and conduct most scientific research. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Driverless Vehicles
In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking Risks in Life
It is important for people to take risks, both in their professional lives and their personal lives. Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages?
Learning a Foreign Language in Primary vs Secondary School
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?
Gap Year Advantages and Disadvantages for Young People
In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.