Question bank

IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essays with Model Answers

These questions ask you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a development, sometimes asking whether one outweighs the other.

How to practise

Check whether the question asks if advantages outweigh disadvantages; if so, give a clear verdict.
Write one paragraph on advantages and one on disadvantages, each fully developed.
Choose two strong points per side rather than many weak ones.
Make the conclusion answer the exact question.

All questions (8 questions)

Cambridge IELTS 21 Test 3 Writing Task 2: Degree PlacementsCambridge IELTS 21 · Test 3 · Task 2 · Education · Advantages and disadvantagesThe statement proposes that every university undergraduate course should include a period of studying abroad or doing a work placement. Candidates must decide whether the advantages of this requirement would outweigh the disadvantages and explain why.
Cambridge IELTS 20 Test 3 Writing Task 2: Flying LessCambridge IELTS 20 · Test 3 · Task 2 · Environment · Advantages and disadvantagesThe question describes a trend in which some people are flying less often each year or have given up flying completely. Candidates must decide whether the environmental benefits of this development outweigh its disadvantages for individuals and businesses, giving reasons and examples.
Cambridge IELTS 18 Test 4 Writing Task 2: Ageing PopulationCambridge IELTS 18 · Test 4 · Task 2 · Government & law · Advantages and disadvantagesThe question notes that people in many countries are living longer than ever. Some say an ageing population creates problems for governments, while others see benefits in having more elderly people, and candidates must decide to what extent the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Cambridge IELTS 17 Test 1 Writing Task 2: Taking RisksCambridge IELTS 17 · Test 1 · Task 2 · Society · Advantages and disadvantagesThe question states that it is important for people to take risks in both their professional and personal lives. Candidates must decide whether the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages, and support that judgement with reasons and examples.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 4 Writing Task 2: Driverless VehiclesCambridge IELTS 16 · Test 4 · Task 2 · Technology · Advantages and disadvantagesThe question predicts that in the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless, so the only people inside will be passengers. Candidates must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this and say whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Cambridge IELTS 15 Test 4 Writing Task 2: Achieve AnythingCambridge IELTS 15 · Test 4 · Task 2 · Culture & lifestyle · Advantages and disadvantagesThe question says that in some cultures children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. Candidates must discuss the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message.
Cambridge IELTS 12 Test 2 Writing Task 2: Young PopulationCambridge IELTS 12 · Test 2 · Task 2 · Society · Advantages and disadvantagesThe question describes countries whose populations contain a relatively large number of young adults compared with older people. Candidates must decide whether the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages and support their answer with reasons and examples.
Cambridge IELTS 10 Test 4 Writing Task 2: Museum Admission FeesCambridge IELTS 10 · Test 4 · Task 2 · Culture & lifestyle · Advantages and disadvantagesThe question notes that many museums charge for admission while others are free. Candidates must decide whether the advantages of charging people to enter museums outweigh the disadvantages, and support their answer with reasons and examples.

Task 1 by chart type

IELTS Writing Task 1 Bar Chart Questions with Model Answers (8)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph Questions with Model Answers (7)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart Questions with Model Answers (4)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Table Questions with Model Answers (2)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Multiple Charts Questions with Model Answers (8)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Questions with Model Answers (10)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Diagram Questions with Model Answers (9)

Task 2 by essay type

IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Essays with Model Answers (17)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Discuss Both Views Essays with Model Answers (14)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essays with Model Answers (8)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem and Solution Essays with Model Answers (1)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Two-Part (Direct) Questions with Model Answers (8)

Task 2 by topic

IELTS Writing Task 2 Education Questions with Model Answers (7)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Society Questions with Model Answers (17)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Culture and Lifestyle Questions with Model Answers (11)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Environment Questions with Model Answers (3)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Technology Questions with Model Answers (5)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Government and Law Questions with Model Answers (5)

By Cambridge book

Cambridge IELTS 21
Cambridge IELTS 20
Cambridge IELTS 19
Cambridge IELTS 18
Cambridge IELTS 17
Cambridge IELTS 16
Cambridge IELTS 15
Cambridge IELTS 14
Cambridge IELTS 13
Cambridge IELTS 12
Cambridge IELTS 11
Cambridge IELTS 10

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