This type asks you to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a trend or choice, often with a final judgement on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Read the exact wording: 'do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?' needs a verdict, while 'discuss the advantages and disadvantages' may not. The questions below cover both phrasings.
The one rule
If it asks whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, it wants a verdict — not just a list of both.
On test day
It's one of the recognised Task 2 formats, so it's fair game on test day — but you can't reliably predict which one you'll be given. Treat every format as likely and practise across all of them rather than betting on a single type.
Templates
Learn the shape, not a script. A reliable structure for advantages & disadvantages questions saves planning time, but a memorised essay bolted onto the wrong prompt is penalised. Adapt the structure to the exact question in front of you.
Marking
Against the four official IELTS Writing criteria — task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Getting the format right mainly protects your task response score; the other three come down to your language.
Practice volume
Enough to make the format automatic, then stop drilling it in isolation. Once you can structure a advantages & disadvantages response without thinking, your time is better spent on the language criteria that actually move your band.
More Task 2 types
Attempt any advantages & disadvantages question in the exam workspace — 40 minutes on the clock, then a band for all four criteria in about 60 seconds. Starts with a 3-day free trial.
“More people are working from home rather than the office. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
“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?”
“Some companies are exploring drone delivery for online shopping. What are the advantages and disadvantages?”
“Foreign companies investing in developing countries bring jobs but also drive out local businesses. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
“Budget airlines have made travel cheap for millions but also worsen climate change. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
“Video games are now a major part of many young people's lives. What are the advantages and disadvantages?”
“In some cultures, grandparents play a major role in raising their grandchildren. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this arrangement?”
“Some governments want to ban private cars from city centres. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”