Scoring well in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires correctly identifying the type of essay being asked and structuring your response accordingly. There are three types of advantages and disadvantages questions, each requiring a specific approach:

**Essay Type 1:**

Nowadays, with the advancement of technology and transportation facilities, people can work and live anywhere they want.

Discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

– Introduction (Paraphrase the Question)

– Advantages (Explain with examples)

– Disadvantages (Explain with examples)

– Conclusion (Summarize main points)

**Essay Type 2:**

Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, people can work and live anywhere they want.

Do the advantages of this advancement outweigh its disadvantages?

– Introduction (Paraphrase the Question and State Your Opinion)

– Advantages (Explain why it is the stronger side with examples)

– Disadvantages (Explain why it is the weaker side with examples)

– Conclusion (Summarize main points and restate your position)

**Essay Type 3:**

Nowadays, with the advancement of technology and transportation facilities, people can work and live anywhere they want.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Give your own opinion.

– Introduction (Paraphrase the Question and State Your Opinion)

– Advantages (Explain with examples)

– Disadvantages (Explain with examples)

– Your Opinion (Explain or give an example)

– Conclusion (Summarize main points)

Useful Vocabulary:

– Joining supportive ideas: In addition, Moreover, What is more, Furthermore, Besides this

– Joining opposite ideas: However, On the other hand, In contrast, Nevertheless

Sample Answer (Essay Type 3):

Over the past few decades, technological advancements have enabled people to work and live anywhere in the world, thanks to improved transportation options. While this development presents both advantages and disadvantages, I believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

On the positive side, modern transportation has opened up opportunities for people to explore new places and cultures. Traveling from one region to another allows individuals to gain valuable experiences and knowledge about different traditions, languages, and customs. For instance, a person journeying from the East to the West can immerse themselves in diverse cultural landscapes, broadening their horizons.

Moreover, this advancement benefits countries facing skill shortages. Nations can now attract skilled professionals from other regions to fill gaps in their workforce. For example, medical professionals like doctors and nurses often relocate to countries experiencing shortages of healthcare professionals, providing essential services.

On the flip side, the ease of mobility may lead to strained family relationships. When individuals move far from their homes, face-to-face interactions with family members become limited, and communication relies heavily on video calls or phone conversations.

However, despite this disadvantage, the advantages of the technological and transportation advancements are more significant. The benefits extend to both the individuals who relocate and the countries that welcome them.

(287 words)

Exercise:

1. According to some people, it would be better if industries are established in regions outside the urban area. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

2. Elderly people are nowadays being sent to old-aged homes rather than being looked after by family in homes. Do the advantages of old-aged homes outweigh the disadvantages?

3. Some people think that e-books are better to be used for education in order to go paperless. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Give your own opinion.