IELTS Essay Writing : Advantage / Disadvantage

If the question statement includes, “Give advantages/pros/merits and disadvantages/cons/demerits”, then the essay comes under this category. So, the candidate is expected to write the positive as well as negative points related to the given essay topic.

Ø  It is not correct to write only advantages or only disadvantages. The candidate should write both the positives and negatives.

Example: The use of credit/debit cards has increased many times in the recent years. Some people believe that cash will no longer exist in future. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of using cards over cash?

In an answer to the given question, the candidate can write:

o   Advantages of using credit/debit cards

o   disadvantages of using credit/debit cards

• Besides this, there is another variation of this essay category, where the question includes, “do the advantages overweigh the disadvantages”. The answer to this question should additionally include the comparison between positive and negative points related to the topic, in the conclusion.

Example: These days, in some countries, the population of young adults is more than the older people. Do you think it has more advantages than disadvantages?

In an answer to the given question, the candidate can write:

o   Advantages of having more young adults than older people

o   Disadvantages of having more young adults than older people

o   Are advantages of having more number of young people more than disadvantages?

To answer this type of question properly, follow the following format.

Solved example: