IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Samples: 5 Band 9 Model Answers with Analysis

Introduction

Advantage/Disadvantage Essays represent one of the most common question types in IELTS Writing Task 2, testing your ability to analyze both positive and negative aspects of a development, trend, or situation. This essay type requires you to demonstrate balanced critical thinking while evaluating the overall impact of the topic under discussion.

A crucial distinction exists between two variants of this essay type, and recognizing which you're facing is essential for scoring well:

Variant 1: "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages." This version asks you to present both sides objectively without necessarily taking a position on which is more significant. Your task is to explore both dimensions comprehensively.

Variant 2: "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" This version requires you to make a judgment. You must not only discuss both sides but also explicitly state which side you believe is stronger and explain why. Failing to provide this evaluation will result in an incomplete Task Response.

Many candidates lose marks by treating these variants identically. Understanding which approach the question demands is your first step toward a high band score.

Typical Question Wording

Advantage/Disadvantage essays can be identified by these characteristic phrasings:

Open Discussion Format (No Judgment Required)

·        "What are the advantages and disadvantages of [topic]?"

·        "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of [development]."

Evaluation Format (Judgment Required)

·        "Do the advantages of [topic] outweigh the disadvantages?"

·        "Do you think the benefits of [development] outweigh the drawbacks?"

·        "Is this a positive or negative development?"

Key Recognition Tip

If you see "outweigh," "benefits exceed," or "positive/negative development," you must take a clear stance. If these phrases are absent, objective discussion without judgment is acceptable (though adding your evaluation can strengthen the essay).

Strategy for Success

1. Present Both Sides Clearly and Equally

Regardless of which variant you encounter, both advantages and disadvantages must be explored thoroughly. Structure your essay with dedicated paragraphs:

Recommended Structure:

·        Introduction: Paraphrase the question and state your position (if required)

·        Body Paragraph 1: Discuss 2-3 advantages with explanations and examples

·        Body Paragraph 2: Discuss 2-3 disadvantages with explanations and examples

·        Conclusion: Summarize and restate your judgment (if required)

Alternative Structure (for evaluation format):

·        Body Paragraph 1: Advantages

·        Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages

·        Body Paragraph 3: Your evaluation explaining which outweighs

2. If Asked to Weigh, Take a Clear Stance

When the question asks whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, you must provide an explicit answer. Acceptable positions include:

·        Advantages outweigh disadvantages (with justification)

·        Disadvantages outweigh advantages (with justification)

·        Equal balance (though this is harder to argue convincingly)

Your stance should appear in both the introduction and conclusion, and ideally be supported with reasoning.

Strong Position Statement: "While remote work presents certain challenges related to isolation and communication, I believe the advantages—particularly flexibility and reduced commuting time—substantially outweigh these drawbacks for most workers."

3. Use Specific, Balanced Examples

Avoid vague generalizations. Each advantage and disadvantage should be:

·        Specific: Clearly defined rather than broadly stated

·        Explained: Show why it matters, not just what it is

·        Supported: Include relevant examples or evidence

Weak Example: "Social media has advantages like connecting people and disadvantages like wasting time."

Strong Example: "Social media enables individuals to maintain meaningful relationships across vast distances; for instance, families separated by international migration can share daily updates and video calls that were impossible a generation ago. However, this connectivity comes at the cost of reduced face-to-face interaction quality, as many users report feeling less engaged during in-person conversations due to smartphone distractions."

5 Band 9 Sample Essays

Sample 1: Remote Work

Question: More and more companies are allowing employees to work from home. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Band 9 Model Answer:

The widespread adoption of remote work arrangements represents one of the most significant workplace transformations in recent decades. While this shift introduces certain complications, I firmly believe that the advantages—particularly enhanced work-life integration and substantial cost savings—considerably outweigh the disadvantages.

The primary benefit of working from home is the dramatic improvement in work-life balance it facilitates. Eliminating daily commutes saves employees an average of 2-3 hours daily, time that can be redirected toward family, health, or personal development. Parents can attend school events or handle emergencies without requesting leave, while others can incorporate exercise or meal preparation into their day. This flexibility particularly benefits caregivers and individuals with chronic health conditions who struggle with rigid office schedules. Additionally, remote work enables geographic independence, allowing people to live in affordable areas or remain near family support networks rather than relocating to expensive urban centers for employment.

Furthermore, remote arrangements deliver significant financial advantages for both employers and employees. Companies can substantially reduce overhead expenses related to office space, utilities, and workplace amenities—savings that can be redirected toward employee development, competitive salaries, or business growth. Simultaneously, workers save thousands annually on commuting costs, professional wardrobes, and purchased meals. A London-based professional who eliminates a £200 monthly travel pass and reduces lunch expenditures by £150 monthly saves over £4,000 annually—a meaningful increase in disposable income.

However, remote work does present legitimate challenges, primarily regarding collaboration and social connection. Spontaneous interactions that spark creativity in physical offices occur less naturally in virtual environments, potentially hindering innovation. Some employees also experience isolation and difficulty separating work from personal life when both occur in the same physical space. These concerns are genuine and can negatively impact mental health and team cohesion.

Nevertheless, I maintain that these disadvantages, while significant, do not outweigh the substantial benefits. The challenges of remote work can be actively mitigated through intentional communication strategies, regular video meetings, and occasional in-person gatherings, whereas the time and financial savings represent concrete, quantifiable improvements to quality of life that benefit the vast majority of workers.

(Word count: 342) 

Analysis:

Task Response (Band 9): Clearly addresses whether advantages outweigh disadvantages. Takes an explicit stance and maintains it throughout. Both sides discussed thoroughly, with the evaluation clearly explained.

Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9): Excellent organization with each paragraph focused on one dimension. Smooth transitions ("Furthermore," "However," "Nevertheless"). Logical progression leading to a well-supported conclusion.

Lexical Resource (Band 9): Sophisticated vocabulary ("widespread adoption," "work-life integration," "geographic independence," "quantifiable improvements"). Natural collocations and precise word choices.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9): Complex sentence structures with perfect accuracy. Variety including relative clauses, participle phrases, and conditional forms.

Sample 2: Studying Abroad

Question: Many students choose to study at universities in foreign countries. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?

Band 9 Model Answer:

International education has become increasingly accessible, with hundreds of thousands of students annually pursuing degrees in foreign countries. This trend offers both significant opportunities and notable challenges that merit careful consideration.

The most compelling advantage of studying abroad is the profound personal development it catalyzes through cultural immersion and independence. Students living in foreign countries must navigate unfamiliar systems, communicate across language barriers, and adapt to different social norms—experiences that build resilience, cross-cultural competence, and self-reliance. These skills prove invaluable in increasingly globalized workplaces where intercultural communication is essential. Moreover, an international study provides networking opportunities with diverse peers and access to different academic perspectives and methodologies. A student studying engineering in Germany, for example, gains exposure to approaches and technologies that may not be emphasized in their home country's curriculum, broadening their technical knowledge and career prospects.

Additionally, international credentials can enhance employment opportunities significantly. Degrees from prestigious foreign institutions carry substantial weight with employers, particularly in fields like business, technology, and research. Graduates with international experience often command higher starting salaries and advance more rapidly than domestically educated peers, as they demonstrate adaptability, language skills, and global awareness that employers increasingly value.

However, studying abroad presents considerable financial and emotional challenges. International tuition often costs substantially more than domestic education, and living expenses in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia can prove prohibitively expensive. Many students accumulate significant debt that takes decades to repay. Furthermore, the distance from family support systems can intensify stress during difficult periods such as exam seasons or personal crises. Cultural isolation and language barriers sometimes lead to loneliness and academic difficulties, particularly during initial adjustment periods. Some students struggle to integrate socially, remaining within expatriate communities rather than genuinely experiencing the host culture.

In conclusion, while studying abroad offers valuable personal growth and career advantages, it simultaneously imposes financial burdens and emotional challenges that affect students differently based on individual circumstances, resources, and personality traits. Prospective international students should carefully evaluate whether the specific benefits align with their goals and whether they possess the resources and temperament to navigate the inherent difficulties.

(Word count: 353)

Analysis:

Task Response (Band 9): Comprehensively addresses advantages and disadvantages as requested. Since the question doesn't ask which outweighs, the balanced conclusion is appropriate. All aspects thoroughly explored.

Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9): Well-structured with clear paragraphs for advantages and disadvantages. Effective use of linking devices ("Additionally," "However," "Furthermore"). Each paragraph maintains clear focus.

Lexical Resource (Band 9): Wide-ranging vocabulary ("profound personal development," "cultural immersion," "prohibitively expensive," "expatriate communities"). Precise terminology used naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9): Sophisticated grammar with varied structures. Complex sentences with subordination and perfect accuracy throughout.

Sample 3: Social Media Use

Question: Social media platforms have become an integral part of daily life for billions of people. Do the advantages of social media outweigh the disadvantages?

Band 9 Model Answer:

Social media has fundamentally transformed human communication and information sharing over the past two decades, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter now claiming billions of active users. While these platforms offer genuine benefits, I believe their disadvantages—particularly regarding mental health and misinformation—increasingly outweigh their advantages.

Admittedly, social media provides valuable connectivity and information access. Individuals can maintain relationships across vast geographical distances, with families separated by migration able to share daily experiences through photos, videos, and messages that would have been impossible a generation ago. Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn facilitate career opportunities and industry connections that transcend local limitations. Additionally, social media democratizes information distribution, enabling grassroots movements and citizen journalism that can expose injustices and mobilize social change, as demonstrated during events like the Arab Spring and various human rights campaigns.

However, the psychological costs of social media use have become alarmingly apparent through mounting research evidence. Studies consistently link heavy social media engagement with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body image disorders, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The constant exposure to curated highlight reels of others' lives creates unrealistic comparison standards that damage self-esteem. Furthermore, the addictive design of these platforms—engineered to maximize engagement through infinite scrolling and notification triggers—consumes vast amounts of time that could be invested in more fulfilling activities, with the average user spending over two hours daily on social media.

More critically, social media has become the primary vector for misinformation and political polarization in contemporary society. Algorithmic content curation creates echo chambers where users encounter only information confirming existing beliefs, intensifying political divisions and making constructive dialogue increasingly difficult. The rapid spread of false information—from election conspiracy theories to dangerous health misinformation—has tangible real-world consequences, including vaccine hesitancy and political extremism. Unlike the benefits of connectivity, which can be achieved through alternative communication tools, these harms are inherent to social media's business model and scale.

In conclusion, while social media offers genuine advantages in connectivity and information access, I believe these benefits are substantially outweighed by the platform's detrimental effects on mental health, time usage, and societal discourse. The psychological and social costs have become too severe to justify continued uncritical acceptance of these platforms in their current form.

(Word count: 372)

Analysis:

Task Response (Band 9): Explicitly addresses whether advantages outweigh disadvantages with a clear position. Both sides thoroughly discussed with the judgment well-justified through specific reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9): Excellent structure with advantages acknowledged before disadvantages are developed more extensively. Effective transitions ("Admittedly," "However," "More critically"). Logical flow supporting the conclusion.

Lexical Resource (Band 9): Sophisticated vocabulary ("democratizes information distribution," "grassroots movements," "curated highlight reels," "echo chambers," "vector for misinformation"). Natural academic register.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9): Wide variety of complex structures with perfect accuracy. Sophisticated use of relative clauses, participle phrases, and complex noun phrases.

 

Sample 4: Tourism Growth

Question: International tourism has grown dramatically in recent decades. Do the benefits of increased tourism outweigh the drawbacks?

Band 9 Model Answer:

The explosive growth of international tourism, with global tourist arrivals exceeding 1.4 billion annually before the pandemic, represents one of the most significant economic and cultural phenomena of modern times. While this expansion brings notable concerns, I believe the economic and cross-cultural advantages fundamentally outweigh the disadvantages when tourism is managed responsibly.

The primary benefit of tourism growth lies in its substantial economic impact, particularly for developing nations where alternative industries may be limited. Tourism creates employment across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and entertainment, often in regions with few other economic opportunities. Small island nations like the Maldives and Caribbean countries derive up to 60% of GDP from tourism, with these revenues funding healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvements that benefit entire populations. Additionally, tourism incentivizes preservation of natural and cultural heritage, as sites with tourist appeal receive protection and funding they might otherwise lack. Ancient temples in Cambodia and national parks in Costa Rica, for instance, are maintained partly through tourism revenue.

Furthermore, international tourism fosters cross-cultural understanding that can reduce prejudice and promote peace. Direct personal interactions between people from different cultures humanize foreign populations in ways that media representations cannot achieve. Travelers often return with more nuanced perspectives about visited regions, potentially influencing political attitudes and reducing support for xenophobic policies.

However, tourism growth does generate significant environmental and social problems. Popular destinations suffer from overtourism, with cities like Venice and Barcelona experiencing congestion, pollution, and infrastructure strain that diminishes quality of life for residents. Natural sites face degradation from excessive visitor numbers—coral reefs suffer damage from careless snorkelers, and hiking trails erode from overuse. Additionally, tourism can drive housing costs upward as short-term rentals replace permanent residences, displacing local communities. Cultural commodification sometimes occurs when authentic traditions are modified to appeal to tourist preferences, potentially eroding genuine cultural practices.

Nevertheless, these disadvantages stem largely from poorly managed tourism rather than tourism itself. Sustainable tourism practices—including visitor limits, environmental regulations, and community-involved planning—can substantially mitigate negative impacts while preserving economic benefits. Countries like Bhutan and New Zealand demonstrate that thoughtful tourism management can minimize harm while maximizing advantages.

In conclusion, while tourism growth presents legitimate environmental and social challenges, I believe the economic prosperity and cultural exchange it facilitates outweigh these drawbacks when appropriate management frameworks are implemented.

(Word count: 382)

Analysis:

Task Response (Band 9): Clearly addresses whether benefits outweigh drawbacks with an explicit position. Both sides comprehensively discussed with nuanced understanding (acknowledges management matters).

Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9): Well-organized with advantages developed first, then disadvantages, followed by synthesis. Effective discourse markers throughout. Clear paragraph focus.

Lexical Resource (Band 9): Sophisticated vocabulary ("explosive growth," "cross-cultural understanding," "overtourism," "cultural commodification," "sustainable tourism practices"). Precise collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9): Complex sentence structures with perfect grammar. Variety of forms including conditionals, relative clauses, and participial phrases used naturally.

Sample 5: Nuclear Energy

Question: Some countries are investing heavily in nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. Do the advantages of nuclear power outweigh the disadvantages?

Band 9 Model Answer:

As nations grapple with climate change and energy security, nuclear power has emerged as a controversial potential solution. While nuclear energy presents undeniable risks, I believe its advantages—particularly carbon-free electricity generation and energy independence—outweigh the disadvantages given the existential threat posed by climate change.

The most compelling argument for nuclear energy is its capacity to generate massive amounts of carbon-free electricity reliably. Unlike renewable sources such as solar and wind that depend on weather conditions, nuclear plants provide consistent baseload power regardless of environmental factors. A single nuclear facility can power millions of homes while producing virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. France, which derives approximately 70% of electricity from nuclear power, has achieved some of Europe's lowest carbon emissions per capita while maintaining affordable electricity prices. Given that electricity generation represents the largest source of global carbon emissions, nuclear energy's ability to provide clean, reliable power at scale represents a crucial tool for addressing climate change.

Additionally, nuclear power enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Countries without substantial oil or gas reserves can achieve energy independence through nuclear programs, insulating themselves from volatile international energy markets and geopolitical tensions. This independence proves particularly valuable during energy crises, as nations with robust nuclear capacity experience less economic disruption from fossil fuel price fluctuations.

However, nuclear energy carries significant risks that cannot be dismissed. Catastrophic accidents, though rare, can devastate entire regions for generations, as demonstrated by Chernobyl and Fukushima. These disasters contaminated vast territories, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and created long-term health consequences. Furthermore, nuclear waste remains hazardous for thousands of years, and no country has successfully implemented a permanent disposal solution. The costs of decommissioning aging plants and storing radioactive materials represent enormous financial burdens for future generations.

Nevertheless, modern reactor designs incorporate passive safety systems that make catastrophic failures extraordinarily unlikely, and statistical analysis demonstrates that nuclear power causes fewer deaths per unit of energy generated than fossil fuels when accounting for air pollution. The climate crisis presents a certain catastrophe if emissions continue unabated, whereas nuclear risks, while serious, are probabilistic and increasingly manageable through improved technology and regulation.

In conclusion, despite legitimate safety and waste concerns, I believe nuclear energy's advantages in providing carbon-free baseload power outweigh its disadvantages within the context of urgent climate action requirements. The certain disaster of unchecked climate change justifies accepting the manageable risks of carefully regulated nuclear power.

(Word count: 405)

Analysis:

Task Response (Band 9): Explicitly addresses whether advantages outweigh disadvantages with clear reasoning. Both sides thoroughly explored with specific examples. Position defended through comparative analysis (nuclear risks vs. climate crisis).

Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9): Excellent organization with logical progression. Effective use of transitions ("Additionally," "However," "Nevertheless"). Each paragraph maintains clear focus.

Lexical Resource (Band 9): Wide-ranging sophisticated vocabulary ("baseload power," "energy independence," "catastrophic failures," "probabilistic," "unchecked climate change"). Technical terms used appropriately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9): Complex grammatical structures with perfect accuracy. Variety of forms including conditionals, relative clauses, and participial constructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Listing Without Explanation

The Problem: Many candidates simply list advantages and disadvantages without explaining why they matter or how they impact people.

Example of Poor Development: "The advantages of social media are: connecting with friends, sharing photos, finding news, and entertainment. The disadvantages are: addiction, privacy issues, and cyberbullying."

Why It Fails: This bullet-point approach demonstrates no analytical thinking and provides no depth. Examiners cannot assess your reasoning ability from simple lists.

Solution: Develop each point with explanation and examples:

Strong Development: "Social media enables individuals to maintain meaningful relationships despite geographical separation. For instance, immigrant families can share daily experiences through video calls and photo updates, preserving emotional bonds that would have weakened with only occasional phone calls, as was common before social media existed."

2. Not Answering the "Outweigh" Part

The Problem: When asked "Do advantages outweigh disadvantages?" many candidates discuss both sides thoroughly but never state which they believe is stronger.

Example of Incomplete Response: "In conclusion, remote work has both advantages like flexibility and disadvantages like isolation. Both sides have valid points."

Why It Fails: The question explicitly asks for a judgment. Failing to provide one results in incomplete Task Response, typically capping your score at Band 6.

Solution: Always include an explicit evaluation:

Complete Response: "In conclusion, while remote work does present challenges related to isolation and communication, I believe these disadvantages are substantially outweighed by the flexibility and cost savings it provides, which benefit the majority of workers and can be mitigated through intentional management strategies."

3. Over-Generalization and Absolute Statements

The Problem: Making sweeping claims without qualification or evidence damages your credibility.

Examples of Over-Generalization:

·        "Everyone benefits from studying abroad."

·        "Nuclear energy is completely safe."

·        "Social media destroys all meaningful relationships."

Why It Fails: These absolute statements are easily disproven and suggest limited critical thinking. Real-world issues are nuanced, and Band 9 essays demonstrate understanding of this complexity.

Solution: Use qualifying language and acknowledge exceptions:

Nuanced Statements:

·        "Most students who study abroad develop enhanced cross-cultural competence..."

·        "Modern nuclear reactors incorporate safety features that substantially reduce accident risks..."

·        "Heavy social media use can undermine face-to-face relationship quality for many users..."

4. Ignoring the Specific Context

The Problem: Discussing advantages and disadvantages in abstract terms without connecting them to the specific question context.

Example: Question asks about nuclear energy, but student discusses general "energy" advantages without mentioning nuclear-specific issues like waste disposal or accident risks.

Solution: Ensure every advantage and disadvantage you discuss is specifically relevant to the topic mentioned in the question.

Practice Questions

Test your skills with these advantage/disadvantage essay prompts:

Practice Question 1

More people are choosing to be self-employed rather than work for companies. Do the advantages of being self-employed outweigh the disadvantages?

Practice Question 2

In many countries, traditional food is being replaced by international fast food. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Practice Question 3

An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

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