IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Model Essay

Below is an IELTS advantage / disadvantage model essay about having one language in the world. The essay is estimated at band score 9.

The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally.


IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Model Essay

It is thought by some people that English, which is now the most widely spoken language in the world, may one day predominate over all other languages and result in their eventual disappearance. Having one language would certainly aid understanding and economic growth but there will also be some drawbacks.

One evident benefit to having one global language is that it would enable greater understanding between countries. In other words, if everyone spoke one language, there would be complete understanding between not only countries but all people throughout the world which would promote learning, the flow of information and ideas. Another reason that one language would be advantageous is that it would help economic growth. With all people speaking the same language, there will be less barriers and therefore trade would flourish between countries, resulting in a healthier world economy.

On the other hand, there are obvious disadvantages to having only one global language. Firstly, it would mean that all other languages would eventually disappear and, along with them, their cultures. The diversity of cultures is one of the joys this world has to offer. Each culture is unique with its own way of life and own perspectives of the world which would all be lost if there were only one language.  Secondly, it would result in the collapse of tourism because there would be no reason to travel for pleasure and interest if all countries had the same language and similar cultures. This would devastate many countries economically that rely on tourism as a source of income.

In conclusion, while there are plus points to having one global language, too much would be lost as a result. Maintaining local languages and cultures should be prioritised to ensure a rich world heritage for future generations.

Comments: This sample answer addresses the task fully and provides relevant, well extended ideas. All aspects of cohesion is well managed. Vocabulary is flexible and there is a good range of complex sentence structures.

More IELTS Model Essays

Opinion Essay Model

Discussion Essay Model

Solution Essay Model

Direct Question Essay Model

All Writing Task 2 Models, Tips and Lessons

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  1. Hi Liz,

    If question says, “More advantages or disadvantages?” Does it mean “outweigh essay” which requires to mention both advantages and disadvantages along with my own opinion in Thesis statement (e.g. advantages outweigh disadvantages)?

  2. HI Liz,
    Thanks a lot for the fabulous work you are doing here. Your website has been a great help to me and even though I’ve not gone through other IELTS website, I can confidently say your site is the best out of the lot.
    So, I attempted my first IELTS (General) on March 23,2019 after a one week prep to sit for the exams and that as you would’ve guessed didn’t go too well.
    For my first attempt my results were;
    Listening 8.5
    Reading 5.5
    Writing 6.0
    Speaking 6.5
    Overall Band 6.5
    This was obviously a bad result since I needed atleast a band of 7.0.
    Also, with a masters degree from a country which has English as its International language, I naturally underestimated the IELTS and I only chanced on your site after five days into my one week prep, which then meant I had very little time to get enough guidance from your site.

    So, after that sore experience and having found your site, I decided to sit for the IELTS again but with enough time using solely your site as my study material and some Youtube simulation IELTS speaking videos to prep for my second attempt which was on May 23, 2019.
    Fast forward, I just checked my result and the breakdown is as follows;
    Listening 8.0
    Reading 8.0
    Writing 6.5
    Speaking 7.5
    Overall Band of 7.5

    You can just imagine how excited I am right now, and this is all thanks to you Liz for your patience in replying to these many comments on your lessons and putting together such a well structured lessons on your site.
    This site is one-stop-shop for IELTS preps and I would encourage all those who are yet to sit for the exams to follow the lessons here diligently like I did.

    Thank you again and may God continue to bless you, Liz.

    • Brilliant improvement – I’m really impressed !! Very well done 🙂 It really shows your determination to succeed 🙂 Thanks for recommending my site – I’m glad my lessons were helpful 🙂

    • Well done Seloram
      However, I can’t help but comment that when I read your post I really did feel you ought to have received a better score for your writing since your writing style is quite impressive. Did you contemplate giving a try for remarking?

      • Yes, I did consider requesting for a remark because I had enough time to plan, write and even had 5mins to go over and correct some errors for both writing tasks before the time was up. However, since I had hit my goal of getting an overall band of 7, I quickly disregarded the thought of a remark.

  3. Hi Liz,

    I wanted to buy your new e-book, but turkey is not listed in the paypal system. So how can I get your e-book?

    • Unfortunately, I don’t have other payment options. However, it is possible for you to ask a friend to buy them for you.

  4. Dear Liz,

    I have been referring your website for clearing many IELTS, GT, Task2 related confusions, however, one confusion remains and, it has given me sleepless nights. It is regarding having one idea and developing/extending it or two ideas in one body paragraph.

    I have seen your videos where you suggest to pick one idea, extend and support it to gain higher band. But, in your sample essays, more than often you have use two ideas in one body paragraph. I also referred other websites, which says that two ideas in one body paragraph may affect score in cohesion and coherence.

    Please guide.
    Looking forward to your kind response.
    Thank you

    • You are confusing have one idea and having a central theme to the paragraph. You are being marked on your ability to group information into paragraphs which have a central theme. If you are giving advantages and disadvantages, a central theme would be all advantages in one body paragraph with disadvantages grouped in another. If you are presenting individual reasons for supporting your opinion, you would present each reason (each idea) in a separate body paragraph. So, your choice of structure and your paragraphing is flexible depending on what information you are presenting. This is what you are being marked on in Coherence and Cohesion.

  5. Nimmi Anuththara says

    Hello Liz

    I have been using this website since few months ago & I purchased your advance writing lessons as well. I could really enhance my knowledge through them. You are certainly born for teaching IELTS.:)

    Could you please help me to build the background statement of following essay. “Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with.What are the advantages & disadvantages for the child of having a large number of toys?”

    If I write this way is it correct ?
    “Although an excessive number of toys is thought by some to be useful for children, other people consider that it can be detrimental.”
    I have a little confusion there as question is not focused on negative aspect.

    I’m going to take IELTS at beginning of May & hope you would help me.

    Thank you

    • Don’t change the content of the background. The essay question didn’t say anything about it being detrimental. It only stated a fact, not an opinion. So, you should paraphrase it exactly as it is:
      Some parents are indulgent and spend a lot of money buying toys for their children’s amusement.
      Some parents do not limit the number of toys they buy for their children’s amusement.
      Some children are indulged by their parents who buy them many toys to play with. (this option changes the order of information by starting with children rather than parents – this is a useful technique is paraphrasing is tough).

  6. Hi Liz,

    I took my ielts exam today. Everything went well, but I think I have messed up with essay task 2.

    The question was:
    Companies are selling their products globally these days.
    Does this trend has more advantages or disadvantages.
    Support your answer with reasons and examples.

    Unfortunately, i got confused that the question prompt is asking me to opt one side and write about it-because it said ‘or’ and not ‘and’

    Was it incorrect to write only about the benefits and not disadvantages? How much would it impact my score?

    • It would affect your score for Task Response which is 25% of your marks for task 2. Your score cannot be predicted. Your task was to choose adv more and disadv less OR adv less and disadv more. This was an “outweigh” essay.

  7. Hi,
    Mam, can you please post video lectures for cause solution and Direct Questions Essays. I need help with those. I ay.
    already purchased all your video lectures.

    Waiting for your Kind Reply.
    My Ielts will be on 27 April.

  8. Thanks for giving us gerund to make a complex sentence. I used it. but I have some mistakes while making a complex aim is it necessary to make every sentence in complex form for me

  9. Hi Liz,

    Your website is wonderful. Please what does a note form look like? I’m going through road to ielts writing and I came across a part that said note form and bullet points are not allowed.

    • We write notes when we are short for time in a meeting, for example. They are not fully formed sentences – just notes. You should avoid writing like this and write with fully formed sentences which adhere to English grammar rules.

  10. Shailesh Johar says

    Hi Liz,

    In the Adv./ Disadv. Essay with whether the Advantages outweighs disadvantages, considering an opinion where the advantages indeed outweighs the disadvantages, will it be alright if I discuss the disadvantages first and then advantages.
    (I feel more comfortable in placing the heavier argument in the second paragraph. )

    Thanks 🙂

    • Whatever order you choose, make sure it is logical. This means that the order in the introduction follows the order of the body paragraphs. Organisation is marked on logic.

      • Shailesh Johar says

        Good point to remember.
        Right after this comment, I saw the way to attempt such essays in your Advance Writing video, and I think that would be more appropriate than reversing the order.

        Thank you Liz. You are great!!

        • Great. Glad you got the Advanced Lessons. Whenever you are in doubt in IELTS always aim for logic and clarity 🙂

  11. Juan Ossa says

    Hi Liz, thanks a lot for posting this answer, however, i have a doubt. The question does not require you to provide your opinion (it only asks to mention what are the advantages and disadvantages), which i think means that you have to provide a neutral answer of both advantages and disadvantages. However, in the second sentence of your conclusion, do not you think that you are leaning towards one of the sides? Would not this contradict the requirement of the question to be relatively neutral? Am particularly concerned with the “should be prioritised”. What are your thoughts on this?

    • This is called a final comment – it is not a new point. It is possible that an opinion is a final comment as long as it is a neutral essay. A final comment is not actually necessary – it is optional.

  12. Hi Liz,

    Could you please rate the below essay and provide feedback.

    The topic is as follows:

    Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken legally.
    What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning one language in the world?

    My essay is as follows:

    Thanks to the development of tourism, English has become the most prominent language across the globe.
    This creates a standard where English becomes the main language for communication across countries.
    However, the downside to this is that many people would neglect their own native language, which would result in that language being lost as the generations go by.

    The benefits of having a universal language is that it allows knowledge, communication and innovations to be shared across countries. For instance, in the past, many people would work as translators because each country would publish their discoveries in their native language. This process has been rendered obsolete thanks to the invention of a universal language. Having one language in the world, saves a lot of time as you don’t have to translate it from one language to another. It also allows for information to be shared much more efficiently.

    In earlier generations, schools would teach their students the native language and offer foreign languages as an option. Consequently, schools now teach English and offer the native language as an option. As a result, many languages are being forgotten and lost. When Languages are lost, ancient cultures and stories written in that language are also lost.

    In conclusion, one major advantage of learning one language in the world is that it saves a lot of time as you don’t have to translate from one language ti another. However, the disadvantage of learning one language in the world is that many languages and ancient cultures are forgotten and lost.

  13. Noha Basiouny says

    Hi Liz,

    Thank you so much for the example. It’s pretty well-organized and everything flows logically and I am quite able to extract a structure for the advantage/disadvantage essay out of it.

    As I am currently studying this kind of essay, I came across this prompt from Cambridge IELTS 7. It says:


    I am quite confused since I feel there are way more issues to address here. Here’s what I understood:

    Issue 1: Living in an apartment: advantages and disadvantages
    Issue 2: Living in a house: advantages and disadvantages
    Issue 3: My answer to that question: are the advantages of living in an apartment more than the advantages of living in a house?

    So if my position is: I think that living in an apartment has far fewer advantages than living in a house, how would I structure my body section? Should I talk about the disadvantages of living in an apartment in one paragraph then the advantages of living of in a house in another paragraph?

    Please help!
    Thank you.

    • Your structure is too complicated. You seem to think your opinion is separate from the advantages and disadvantages. It is not. Your whole essay is your opinion. This means you have only BP1 and BP2 as described above but written as your opinion. Always keep structure simple.

  14. Rahimjon Mo'ydinov says

    Good Day, Liz.
    I am confused with advantage \ disadvantage type 1 and type 2 essays. Any easy solution?

  15. Hey Liz !!
    I am learning a lot from your videos.I wanted to ask you what can be the background statement for the topic

    advantages and disadantage ?

  16. Based on the written essay, could you please provide an analysis report showing which sentences or essay points have potentially taken into account to enable this essay to be scored band 9 based on score criterian?

    An example would be as follow :

    Task achievement score is band 9 because of following points :

    Lexical item band 9 because ;..

    I believe a blog post based on this structure could have better enhance ones understanding in the effort at attaining band 9 for ielts writing for task 1 and task 2.

    I have been working on ielts writing for GT to get at least band 8. I’ve took the exam twice and received same band score which is band 6 for writing with comment below:

    A) my conclusion is not clear
    B) paragraph at not aligned in logical order
    C ) some of the grammar mistakes

    If you could show this weakness to be solve, it would be much appreciated.

    I also would like to understand better on the test criteria of “use of range of grammar structure”. Would it possible to demonstrate this based on a written essay? How to enhance this section to gain band 9?

    Thank you ,

  17. Teacher,
    You wrot in the first paragraph ” To haveING ” . Sorry, but is it correct grammar ? as I know TO shoul be followed by first tense of verb. I know that is not a mistake but what are the conditions where we use it ?

    • “I look forward to hearing from you” – it is 100% fine to do this “to + verbing”. The “to” is a preposition!!!! It is advanced grammar, don’t use it if you haven’t learned it.

  18. Hi Liz,
    Can we use the word ‘Statistics’ for giving example in IELTS General essay. I read somewhere, that Statistics must not be used as we are not giving a report but our thought/opinion, though i believe ‘Statistics’ is a better word.
    Also, please confirm if we can give false example to prove our point.
    For example, Statistics shows that 75% of women in London are working
    For example, Most women in London are working.

    • “statistics show that 75% …” is a learned phrase. This means it doesn’t help your score. The examiner doesn’t care what the percentages are. You don’t get a higher score because you have percentages. If your wrote “the overwhelming majority of women ..” that shows better language skills. Task 2 is an essay based on language, not a report.

  19. Hello Liz,
    Please advise, if we should use comma before and or not.(Should we use Oxford Comma)

    For example, which of below statements is correct or both are fine.

    1: I have visited Spain, Italy, France, and UK.
    2: I have visited Spain, Italy, France and UK.

  20. Hi Liz,

    Please advise if we should always write ‘outline statement’ in Introduction paragraph and can follow below structure. In few cases, this may not be possible. Please explain. Thanks.

    1: Paraphrase Question
    2: Thesis statement
    3: Outline statement

  21. Hello Liz,

    Thank you for this content. It is very useful.

    Could you please guide further on the test criterion ‘Grammar Range and Accuracy’.
    What does it exactly mean to use range of sentence structures and tenses?

    • Yes, that is exactly right. You are being tested on your range of sentence structures and tenses. You don’t need to use all tenses, of course – that’s impossible. But you should use a range. But particularly, you should focus on a range of sentences structures. I’m currently writing an e-book for grammar range for writing task 2 – is that something you think would be popular?

  22. Hi Liz, Can you please advise, where you gave examples in above mentioned Body Paragraphs, as i somehow could not find them.

    I closely observes your posts and your reply for this would really help me. Thanks in advance.

    • There are many ways to illustrate and explain an idea. Examples are just one way and are not actually a requirement.

  23. Oside Ifeanyi says

    Hi Liz, this is what I came up with as paraphrase for the topic

    English is becoming the most spoken language globally as a result of improvement in tourism, some argue that the outcome will be that English will become the only spoken language spoken around the world

  24. the most widely spoken language in the world is Chinese 😉

    • No its not, English is, and there is no such language as Chinese, its called Mandarin!

      • Mandarin might be most native spoken language in the world (in population numbers of Chinese), but English is the most widely spoken language in the world, for example, Chinese, Spanish, Hindi, Arabic which falls into the top 5 most native speaking languages, some of them might take up or speak English as their second language, which in result makes English the most wide spoken and understood language in the world ! Hope this answers your question…but you are quite right, Mandarin/Chinese is the most spoken native language in the world ! This question in the Essay is very tricky as it it describes English as the most prominent language in the world, whether we agree or disagree, we need to stay on topic and just pretend we agree that English is the most widely spoken language in the world. This is why its very important to focus 3-4 mins on the question before responding as per Liz says.

  25. Science has verious activities which is good for health,others are bad.
    Despite knowing,millions of people are having unhealty life.
    What do you think and is there other method to solve this.

    This was the question asked in today’s ielts writing.
    Can any body reply these with a ansews
    I am doubt.

    • The problem is that the full essay question has not been written correctly. It contains a lot of mistakes and it makes it difficult to read. Try thinking more carefully and checking your grammar. I can’t offer tips unless I see an accurate question.

  26. Good day, Ms. Liz!
    I am just confused. I want to ask about the tense you used on your second body paragraph before the second argument, it says “if there were only one language”. I am not good in grammar so I want to know why you used “were” if you are only referring to “one language” and why is it on past tense since it is has not happened yet?
    Thank you.

  27. I didnt see any examples on this it possible to score 7+ without giving examples ?

  28. Hii lizz
    Is it opinion essay ‘do advantages outweigh the disadvantages?’
    I’m little bit confused

  29. Hi Liz,

    I studied your advanced writing course: advantage and disadvantage essay and practiced writing. I have a question: can I write one advantage and one disadvantage only? The question is asking advantages and disadvantages. Thank you!

  30. Hello Liz,
    I am taking my academic IELTS this weekend and I have been learning the tips and skills from your videos.Thank you so much for your help. But I have got a question regarding the writing tasks (especially task 2) : will I earn a higher score by writing complex sentences as many as possible by the use different clauses and conjunctions? Thank you.

    • Grammar counts for 25% of your marks and this includes range of tenses, range of sentence structures, punctuation and number of errors. A complex sentence in IELTS is considered a sentence that is not simple. So, for example, a sentence which contains one clause is considered a complex structure by an examiner. The biggest mistake students make is creating sentences that are too long and contain more and more clauses – one in enough and length should be controlled. Conjunctions, such as linking words, relate to the marking criteria of Coherence and Cohesion, which is 25% and also includes organisation of information and paragraphs as well as a good range of linking words. See this page: and this page for my advanced writing task 2 lessons :

  31. Hi madam
    Could you please help me to understand what type of writing task 2 question is given below .
    We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers .They are used in business ,hospitals ,crime detection and even to fly planes .In which more field will they be used in future? Is this dependence on computers salutary or should we be more cautious about their benefits ?
    Is this a advantage and disadvantage question ?
    If it is . I guess they have also asked a opinion ( in which field they will be used in future ? )
    I am confused . Their is a dilemma to understand such question . Could you please help me . I would really appreciate it .
    Thank you so much

    • Dim Micheal says

      This is how I answered your topic.
      The world is relying more on computers, and computers have found use in various spheres of life including healthcare, forensic investigations, and even the auto pilot located on aircrafts. In my opinion, computers still have many other unexplored uses and I also believe that dependence on computers have more positive eventualities than negatives. It is worthwhile to approach the exploration of the positive attributes with caution.
      To begin with, in our everyday lives, computers will likely play more important roles as scientists discover more ways to apply its versatile nature. I foresee computers being used in environmental studies, for instance, measuring the amount of smog or soot in the atmosphere. Also, computers could likely replace guide dogs that walk people with visual impairment. Computers might be deployed to monitor ocean floor activities as part of an early warning system against earthquakes. The possibilities on the use of this versatile creation- the computer is truly endless.
      I believe that dependence on computers will have more positive eventualities than negatives. While it is argued that the dependence on computers and the increase in computer’s knowledge dubbed ‘Artificial Intelligence’ could threaten the human workforce, I am of the opinion that it will vastly increase productivity. Furthermore, computers should take over jobs which humans cannot do due to our nature.
      Finally, the call for caution in harnessing the positive attributes of the computer is being made in good-faith. Science fiction movies have demonstrated that computers could eventually take over the world, in collusion with some humans. It is not an idea that seems remotely impossible, since every uman process is gradually being linked to the computer. The possibility is indeed very scary.
      In conclusion, It is very important to be cautious as we automate and computerize our everyday activities; this is to ensure that we do not become over reliant on the computer and lose out in the end.

      I’m sure it is not up to scratch, but the questions are multiple and not the usual agree/disagree type. It is more of discussion type essay.

  32. Hi Liz,
    First of all thank you for your website, it has been really helpful for my IELTS study and practice.
    I have a question though, will they consider correct if I spell a word using the american English? Example the word “prioritize” which in UK would be “prioritise”.
    Thank you,

  33. You told in of your videos that you should not use “There is/are”. however, you have used it in your essay more than once?

  34. Hello liz mam,
    I’d purchased your ielts essay lessons, but I’m still confused –

    -Is this positive or negative development ? ( what structure I’ve to follow in this type of question ?) Body para 1 – negative side
    Body para 2 – posivite side
    It is same as advantage and disadvantage essay or some thing else ?
    Hoping for your reply soon as my exam is on 25 Nobember

  35. Another advantage will be that we don’t have to take IELTS exam

  36. Hello mam,
    Is it correct format If i write the balanced conclusion (means there are merits and demerit) in advantage and disadvange type essay????

  37. Dear Liz,

    I have some concern with one advantage and disadvantage essay question, which state “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and give your opinion”. Should I follow the same structure of ” Do the advantanges outweigh the disadvantages”, in which the key is the thesis statement. Therefore, my essay will have two body paragraph which explain the advantages and disadvantages, then I explain my opinion with the side I agree with. Or can I have three body paragraph – one advantages, one disadvantages, and another disadvantages (or advantages) which clearly support my opinion. Or do I have to tackle with this question type as “Discuss both view and give your opinion”? Maybe be for some questions, it is possible to do this, for instance (discuss the advantages of both methods and give your opinion, in which my opinion can be more specific) but in this case – discuss the advantages and disadvantages, and give your opinion – my opinion can not be other than whether advantage or disadvantage. I hope my question makes sense. Please give me a feedback for this concern teacher Liz.

    Thank you so much for your response, your time and for this amazing blog.
    All the best.

    • You would tackle it as “Discuss both sides and give your opinion”. However, adv & disadv essays usually say “What are the advs and disadvs?” – they don’t ask for an opinion as well. So, make sure you read the instructions very carefully.

  38. Nasib Al Habib says

    How important it is to have only one topic sentence each paragraph for a high band score? In this essay each body paragraph has more than one key points(adv or disadv).

    • A topic sentence (the first line) defines the content of the paragraph – that is what you need for each body paragraph.

      • Hi mam liz..its my first time to paraphrase a questions for task 2 in writing and the question is ” some people think that it would be better for large companies and industry to move to regional areas outside large urban centers. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

        And this is my answer..
        Almost all of the people think that its better to transfer all big companies and industry to a place which is away from big cities.

        Place correct my sample answer to this question..i am not confident with my grammar and vocabularies please help me to expand my ideas in creating essays…thank you so much in advance

  39. can we express our opinion in conclusion part in this kind of essay which requires a discussion on advantages and disadvantages?

    • It is possible to do it as a final comment. A final comment is the second sentence in the conclusion after you summarise the main points in your essay. It is not actually necessary to have a final comment. Having just one sentence which only summarises your ideas is fine.

  40. Hello Ma’am
    Is it increase my band in writing task 2 if I write idioms or proverbs?

  41. Hi Liz, I really find your lessons extremely helpful.
    I want to ask do I need a title for my essay? Will it affect my band score if I had/ didn’t have one?

  42. Hey Liz I have a query regarding advantage disadvantage essay, do we have to give our opinion in conclusion as I feel u have given ur opinion in conclusion in this model answer , I thought we only have to give our opinion if the question asks do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages but not for simple advantage/disadvantage essay .Kindly help in this regard
    Thanks in advance

  43. Hi
    Well i wish 2 know that in witing task 2 are no of ideas considered for marking? Nd moreover if i write few ideas or simple ideas but in an effective way how much grade shud i expect?
    And should i emphasize on writing gud ideas in my answer or i just hav to b concerned about my writing?

  44. Dear Liz,

    I have a question about an “Advantage Disadvantage essay”. When I see question like this: “Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the disadvantages?” – may I state my opinion in the thesis statement? Or should I leave it impersonal?

    • It is asking directly what you think. Therefore, you must answer it directly. Do you think the advs outweigh the disadvs – state what you think.

  45. Noura Ghanem says

    Dear Liz,
    I received my results and I got 7.5, I wouldn’t get that without your tips and notes. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the help provided. You are an angel.
    Best Regards,
    Noura Ghanem

    • Well done, Noura!! Band 7.5 overall is a great score 🙂 I’m so pleased my lessons were helpful 🙂

  46. Hello teacher!
    Can i write a couple of advantages in one paragraph ?
    In advantages and disadvantages question.

    • Yes, of course. As long as your body paragraph has a central theme (for example, one body paragraph with all advs), it’s fine.

      • Hi teacher, I would like to ask about when to use past tense in writing task 2? I thought in academic writing should only have present tense, but I saw you use past tense in example section..? Hopefully you can reply my message. Thank you~

        • Of course you must use a range of tenses in writing task 2. This is language test and they are testing your range and accuracy.

  47. Thanks so much Liz. My exam is this week and your lessons have been of immense help. I am however confused about something . In this advantage-disadvantage essay, I noticed an opinion was given at the conclusion. I thought opinions are only allowed in opinion essays. Thanks once again as I await your response.

    • It is possible to add an opinion as a final comment to a conclusion. However, I often prefer to use predictions instead. In fact, it is possible to skip the final comment and just have one line summarising the main points instead as a conclusion.

  48. Hello Liz, in your advantage and disadvantage model essay, you gave two examples for each section. My question is that if I give only one example for advantage and two examples for disadvantage, does it lower my score ?

    • You can choose how many examples to give. There are no rules about this. It is your choice how you support your main point.

  49. Preeti Sood says

    Hi Liz

    Hope you are doing well. Kindly help me with a confusion.

    When we are asked if advantages outweigh disadvantages, do we discuss both advantages and disadvantages in BP1 and BP2 respectively or just give our opinion in introduction and discuss the one which we choose. For example if we say advantages outweigh disadvantages then we just discuss advantages in the body paras or still discuss both.

    I will really appreciate your guidance. Many thanks.

    Warm Regards,

    • You must explain why one is more important than the other. So, in expressing your opinion you will refer to both sides.

  50. Hello Liz,
    Can I use “one common language” or “one international language” as a synonym of “one global language”?

  51. szantamano says

    Hi Liz,
    Is it okay for coherence to put two unrelated points in the same paragraph if both are advantages for example?

    • See my model essay above – it shows you how I put two advantages in one paragraph. The central theme of the paragraph is “advantages” – this is what IELTS are looking for – central themes.

      • szantamano says

        Thank you! That’s what I did, but my teacher said that made it incoherent, so I thought I misunderstood the method in the model essay.

        • I think people get confused about having only one idea in a paragraph and having a central theme to the paragraph. For cause and solution essays, it’s the same. One paragraph for causes and one paragraph for solutions. The examiner is actually looking for logically organised ideas and it definitely logical to organise it in that way. Good luck with your results 🙂

  52. Hello, Liz! First of all, thanks a lot for your really useful materials and video lessons! I have passed my exam this Friday and Saturday. Now I am waiting for my results. I would like to ask you about writing 2 essay type which I was given. “Do advantages outweigh its disadvantages” is it same with “What advantages and disadvantages does it have”? My topic was “most government develop its economy to improve living standard but ts leads to the loss of social values”

  53. Hello,

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge to us.

    I’m wondering for advantage and disadvantages essay.
    Could I put any conclusion sentence in last paragraph. Or I don’t have to write any conclusion for this type of essay.


    • ALL essays for task 2 MUST have a conclusion. Failure to write a conclusion for task 2 will result in band 5 for Task Response which is 25% of your task 2 marks.

  54. Hi Liz,
    Thank you for this wonderful site and your tips. Could you please clear me how to approach this kind of essay. for example, “Many people starts travelling to other city. is it a positive or negative trend”. i am very confused how to approach this kind of essays, are they same like advantages and disadvantages type?
    looking forward to hear from you soon.

  55. Hi Liz, is it grammatically correct if I write ‘the benefit OF having one …’ instead of ‘TO having’? Thanks

  56. Hi Liz,
    Can u please clarify me:
    In advantages overweigh disadvantage., Do I need to mention advantages and disadvantages and then conclude?

  57. Hi Liz,

    Firstly, *cough, cough*, I would like to thank you kindly for such an extensive effort into providing such detailed and straightforward information. Your lessons and tips are clear and concise, and really useful.
    After having lived the first 14 years of my life in an english speaking country, when asked to take the IELTS for immigration purposes, I focused on the test style, namely listening and reading, having given little thought to the writing aspect of the test, thinking it would be unnecessary. My overall band score was 8.5, however, the writing score was 6.5, and the department of immigration looks only at the lowest of all band scores. Unfortunately that score is insufficient, so this time, I am making sure I do not make the same mistake.

    To conclude, *ahem*, I studied solely based on the rich and vast quantity of information contained in your site and by following your instructional videos. This time, I am sure I will obtain the desired band minimum.

    Thanks again for the great work, and keep well.

    • Even a native speaker needs to prepare for the writing test. It is skills based as well as language based. This is the reason why having excellent English is not enough. When is your next test?

  58. This essay is very balanced but there are repetition with “would”. why ?

  59. In advantages and disadvantages essays, can we write one for each and explain and give example? Or should we write at least 2?

  60. Hi Liz,

    Thank you for your time and knowledge sharing.
    I would like to know, if for the above model essay if they ask for give your opinion what should should be modified in order to reuse the above essay.

  61. Tisha Shrestha says

    Hi Liz,
    Can you provide a sample for introduction of advantages outweighing disadvantages essay model?

  62. Tisha Shrestha says

    Hi Liz,
    Can you provide a sample of an introduction for advantages outweighing disadvantages essay model?

    • Question: Many students take a year off between finishing high score and going to university. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
      Into: Having a gap year before starting tertiary education is becoming increasing popular. I believe that although there may be problems with this, in the long run it is more beneficial and helps students developing into more rounded characters.

  63. Hi liz,
    in this kind of question is it okay if i state first the disadvantages then advantages afterwards? will it affect my TR? thank you

    • It will affect your score for Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks and includes the logical order of information and ideas. It is not logical to change the order.

  64. sherif mahmoud says

    Hi Liz , in this topic , you did not include any examples .is this ok ?
    i am sorry but i try to understand and define a certain forum to follow .

    • You don’t need to give examples. There are many ways you can choose to illustrate your ideas. It doesn’t affect your score.

      • Hello Liz,

        I thought giving examples is mandatory to support our ideas.Is it not required to give examples?
        If no,What are the other ways to illustrate our ideas?


        • You give examples when relevant. You don’t need to illustrate ideas, you need to develop them – explain them – give details.

  65. Hi Liz
    In an advantage/ disadvantage essay, should I always say which is best in my conclusion?

    • No. If the instructions say “what are the advantages and disadvantages”, you don’t give your opinion at all.

      • Hello Liz!
        But you did state your opinion in your conclusion when you said that “Maintaining languages and cultures should be prioritised…”. And now you are saying that you shouldn’t give your opinion. Can you clarify this contradiction please.

    • If everyone spoke? is that past indefinite?I think its wrong.

  66. Hi Liz!
    I hope you will be fine. I wanna ask, we should use connectors like firstly, secondly, on the other hand etc. in start of the paragraph or use between the paragraphs in an essay.
    And we should make four or five paragraphs while writing an essay.

    • You use sequencers and linking words where necessary depending on your ideas and the content of the next paragraph. There is no fixed rule.

  67. Hello there Liz, I think this is a discussion essay so my question is, can I freely give my opinion on what side I am for as a conclusion even though it wasn’t asked? Thank you. =)

  68. Narendra Kumar says

    Dear Liz,
    One writing task which misleads always is – 2 opinions discussion and your opinion. Kindly help with this. Following are the 2 examples of that
    2. 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?

    My question is the following
    1. Do I need to write advantages & disadvantages of living in house- 1 paragraph, advantages & disadvantages of living in apartment- 2 paragraph and my opinion- 3 paragraph?
    2. Do I need to write advantages & disadvantages of learning foreign language in primary school- 1 paragraph, advantages & disadvantages of learning foreign language in secondary school- 2 paragraph and my opinion- 3 paragraph.

    Both these examples have 2 opinions instead of 1, and each opinion has advantage and disadvantage and finally writers opinion. This is going to be a long essay, kindly advise on this.
    Does any of your advanced essay videos address this, I want to buy them.

  69. Dear Ms Liz,
    Thanks a lot for your lessons. my English has improved so much since i’ve got your page. However, i missed one of your essay, that is What are the advantages for a company of having uniform that you uploaded. Would you pls help me find this. Big thanks to you

  70. Dear Liz,
    I want to ask you about the body paragraph of advantage and disadvantage , agree or disagree .Do they have the same method ?

  71. Hi Liz,

    your page is deeply useful, thanks very much, really, thanks for all,

    i just would to ask why you wrote “In other words, if everyone spoke one language” (at the beginning of the second paragraph instead “In other words, if everyone speak one language”. As I said, thank you very much for all,


  72. Hello madam,
    I really thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for making this site . It is very useful for my as I plan to take islets next month on February 19th and it is my first time hoping to get the score band I want .

    Actually I want ask if we can use in the phrase ( in a matter of fact ) in the begging of the introduction like you used ( it is thought by ) or it will not helping in score

    Thanks in advance

  73. sarosh fatima says

    this is very useful website !!!!really

  74. Hi Liz,

    The topic is a discussion essay that does not require our opinion. However, the conclusion seems to be an opinion even though it does not use ‘I’ or ‘we’ – having one language has more disadvantages and that languages and culture should be protected.

    Is this acceptable or should the conclusion be more neutral?

  75. Good article. I am facing some of these issues as well..

  76. Dear Liz,

    I find your explanation very helpful, straight on point and easy to understand. I am very happy I came across your website. I have learned so much from the content you’ve posted here. I hope you keep up doing such great work continuously.

    Warm regards,


  77. Dr. Syed Iqtidar Ali Raza says

    Dear Liz
    Just wanted to know if there is a ques in writing task 2
    How the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?
    Do we need to write both disadvantages and advantages at the same time and then writing in favour of disadvantages in the end or we just need to discuss the disadvantages?????
    Moreover, if you are slightly under words in task 2 like if you only write around 237/238 words, is that a problem?
    Kindly reply

  78. Varun Vikram says

    Hi Mam i am Varun From India. Is it good to take stance in the introduction paragraph in both types of essays as you have done ( Arguement as well as Discussion essays )?
    What do you think would it be better to take stance in introduction paragraph in case of Arguement Essay and in conclusion paragraph in Discussion Essay?
    Please if possible then post some more model answers

  79. Hi Liz,
    So in this type of question (adv vs. dsadv), there should be no thesis statement but still with a conclusion at the end?

  80. Dear Liz,
    I’m so thankful that I bumped to your very-useful blog.
    It’s nice to have an online tutor who is totally friendly and helpful.
    I would say that I want to share this blog to all of my friends in Indonesia who are struggling for IELTS as I am.

    I have an alternative for the introduction above,
    if you don’t mind, you can correct it for me..
    “Some people believe that because of the tourism grew up widely which influenced the usage of English to become the most spoken language, it will soon make it as the choice of language to be spoken internationally. Owing to this prediction, there would be some advantages in increasing mutual understanding and economic growth among nations. Otherwise, there also would be some disadvantages related to cultures.”

    64 words, i know this is too many 🙁
    Thank you so much for your response and consideration.

    Grace, Indonesia

  81. Hi Liz, I am still very confused with how to structure my essay if the question is outweighing advantages and disadvantages. Can you please enlighten me on this? Thank you Liz.

  82. Greetings from Minnesota! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check
    out your website on my iphone during lunch
    Anyhow, very good blog!

  83. Hi Liz
    Shouldn’t you have used “had” instead of “have” in the sentence in the third paragraph?

    “Secondly, it would result in he collapse of … if all countries “have” the same language…”

    Isn’t this supposed to be an unreal or imaginary condition?

  84. Hello Mam,

    I just came to see one Discussion essay “Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion” . Can we follow the same structure of ” Discuss both views and give your own opinion ” in this case.

    • Yes, you would need to have one BP for the advantages of one method and then another body paragraph for the advantages of the other method. Your opinion would either be explained in a separate body paragraph if you agree with neither side or you can explain your opinion in the BP with the side you agree with.
      All the best

  85. I have one doubt
    The development of tourism contributed to english… This is the first line in topic, But i am not able to understand where you have paraphrased this line in introduction ? You have only mention tourism section in last line of 3 paragraph .

    please explain because i think it is important to describe that section.

    Thank you

    • Because it is an extra piece of information that IELTS have added which is irrelevant to the topic. While native speakers are able to distinguish this, foreign language speakers might have a problem. Sorry if it confused you.

      • I am not confused. I thought we have to give some detail regarding tourism contribution in making english a prominant language in world as first line of statement topic is important, But I am agree that it is not relevant to the main topic

        I have one more doubt about model answers given in official book provided by IDP when we book IELTS exam. The format and techniques provided by you and other internet sources are not same with the model answers in that book . Your information regarding ielts exam seem so relevant but model answer in that book cannot be wrong as they are giveb by Organization conducted ielts exam.
        For instance , they have written examples in thier first paragraph.

        ( this is my second attempt. i got 8 – reading , 6.5 – speaking and listening , 5.5 – writing. My exam date is 19 sept and i am still confused.
        please clear this doubt .

        With Regards
        Anish Kashyap

  86. Hi Liz,

    Can I use ‘benefit of having global language’ rather than ‘benefit to having’

    Many Thanks

  87. Hi Liz,

    In the second paragraph, is it okay to say ” there would be complete understanding not only between countries but all people throughout….” instead of “there would be complete understanding between not only countries but all people throughout….”

  88. Hello Liz ,As you mentioned “evident benefit TO havING “…so my question is, as I learned in grammar we do no use any forms with any verb after “to” …i mean no ing,no s or es,no second forms of verb…will you please elaborate ?if i write to have will it be wrong? Thank you:)

    • In this sentence, “to” is a preposition not part of the noun. Please google “advantages to having” and you will see more information about it.
      All the best

  89. Can i say that the conclusion is paraphrasing to the introduction?

  90. Dear Liz,
    Thanks a lot for your invaluable tutoring. I learned so much from your video lessons and rich website.
    I wanted to ask a little question for clarification – if we are asked about the advantages and disadvantages (of English as a global language), why is the writer’s opinion expressed in the conclusion? (that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages)
    Many thanks in advance,

  91. Hi Liz,
    Could you kindly read my following essay and give your feedback.If you could roughly give a band score i would be so greatful to u.
    Q.Some believe that watching tv is a waste of time.Others think that tv is a boon for all.State your view wirh examples.

    Some people think that spending time on watching tv is spoiling the quality of time.While opponents argue that television is a bliss for eveyone.However,in this essay i am going to explain my view on this topic with relevant examples.

    To begin with,watching tv for a long time is waste of time.It can create lots of health problems as well as mental issues.For instance,some people tend to watch tv while they eat food.Apparently they do not understand how much do they consume.Consequently they will end up with obesity.Some viewer’s give much preference for unimporant tv programmes such series and reality shows.Eventually they will isolate themselves and some psychological ilness develops among them .For example depression and stress.Furthermore,children who watch tv for a long time will be like clone.Some kids tend to behave ,act and talk like their super heroes.

    Television is a popular form of entertainment.It provides diffent kind of programmes such as,information,entertainment,education and more.Any age group can find their interested programme on tv.The news gives an uptodate kwoldege around the globe.Whereas tv shows ,music programmes and all help us to relax and reduce tension.Some educational programmes broaden the horizon of peoples knowledge.

    To put it in a nut shell,waching tv ease international tension and equip people with information and knowledge.In my point of view watching tv’s advantages outweigh its disadvantage.

  92. i want all essay of writing yask 2 … where i can find it ? give me the website .

  93. I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.


  94. Dear Liz,
    I have confusions regarding “Advantages/Disadvantages” type of question.
    Like – do you think this trend has more advantages or disadvantages?
    Do the drawbacks outweigh the benefits?
    In these type of questions do we need to write both advantages and disadvantages even we agree on one side?

    • The question asks you if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages so you need to give your answer and show that the advantages are more important than the disadvantages – that means you need to give details of both sides in order to support your answer.
      All the best

  95. iWasowsky says

    Hi, Liz!
    I want to thank you for an excellent video course about opinion essey writing. I have never seen such a clear explanation. So my question is when should we expect for your new amazing video on advantages&disadvantages essey type?

  96. Hi Liz,

    I read about you comment about not writing “this essay will look at/discuss” but I don’t know how to remove it when writing an advantage and disadvantage and problem solution essay.

    I have examples below and I really appreciate if you could help me. Thanks!


    What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?


    What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?


    What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?


    What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?


    As more online courses are being offered to adults, different aspects of this learning medium have become apparent. Online courses offer students some advantages over studying in a classroom, however there are some definite drawbacks. This essay will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of online courses.

    example 2: Cars have become a convenient and economical form of transport and as a result, the use of cars has increased dramatically during the last century.

    Discuss the problems this increase has created, and offer some practical solutions.

    Most people now use cars as their main form of transport. An increase in this trend during the last centry has contributed to major traffic congestion in cities, and to a decline in the quality of our environment. This essay will look at how this is occuring and what can be done to address this problem.

  97. Hi Liz. Please take a look at my work and feel free to criticize.. Thank you for your help.

    Majority of countries nowadays use English as part of their languages as a result of the development in tourism. With English language dominating globally, some people have come to think that, eventually, it will be the only language used in this world. Though, it will bring advantages in communication as a whole, the national identity of a country is also threatened as a consequence.

  98. Hi Liz,

    I dont know how to deal with the following weird advantage and disadvantage type essay. Please help me how and from where to start i mean how to deal with the background and thesis statements.

    Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as media for communicating information. State which you consider to be the most effective.


    • You need to choose three (for example books, TV and radio). Then you put the advantages of each in one body paragraph and the disadvantages of each in the second body paragraph. Plan your advantages and disadvantages of each, choose the best ones to use (you might not be able to use all of them in the time limit provided) and write your body paragraphs carefully.

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