Writing Task 2 · Advantage, disadvantage and opinion essays · Lesson 11 of 12
Advantages, disadvantages and opinion essays
Discuss both the benefits and the drawbacks, then give a clear opinion on which side is stronger.
In this lesson you will
- recognise an advantages, disadvantages and opinion question
- discuss benefits and drawbacks in separate paragraphs
- state which side you think is stronger in the introduction and conclusion
- understand how this type differs from outweigh and standard two-question essays
Step 1
Recognise the question type
The question asks you to Discuss the advantages and disadvantages… and give your own opinion. It is like the standard two-question essay, but you must also give your view.
Due to advances in technology, working from home has become more popular.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home and give your own opinion about it.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
| You must… | You must not… |
|---|---|
|
|
Check your understanding
- How is this different from the standard two-question essay in Lesson 7?
- Where does the model answer explain its opinion most fully?
Step 2
Plan the essay
Follow the four planning steps from Lesson 1.
- Paraphraseworking from home → home-based work · more popular → more common · advantages and disadvantages → merits and drawbacks · give your own opinion → outlines my belief
- Identify the typeAdvantages + disadvantages + your opinion.
- Brainstorm+ higher productivity · + saves time · − harder to stay motivated · − communication. Opinion: the advantages are greater.
- StructureIntroduction (with opinion) → Body 1: advantages → Body 2: disadvantages → Conclusion (opinion + why)
Paraphrase: match the words
How did the model answer paraphrase the words from the question?
- working from home
- more popular
- advances in technology
- advantages and disadvantages
- give your own opinion
Put the paragraphs in order
Use the arrows to put the paragraph plan in the correct order.
- Body 2: two disadvantages
- Conclusion: there are merits and drawbacks, but overall the advantages are greater, because…
- Introduction: paraphrase + outline + my opinion
- Body 1: two advantages
Step 3
Model answer
Read the model answer. The colours show what each sentence does.
IntroductionHome-based work has become more common as a result of developments in technology. This essay discusses the merits and drawbacks of this trend and outlines my belief that the advantages are greater.
Body paragraph 1There are two main benefits of home-based work. First, it leads to higher productivity, because it removes the distractions of an office environment. For instance, when working from home, I am not interrupted by co-workers stopping by my desk to ask unnecessary questions. Second, it saves time, as employees no longer need to travel to and from an office.
Body paragraph 2However, there are also drawbacks. The most significant is that it can be difficult to stay motivated. This is because there is no manager present to monitor employees. For example, when working from home, I sometimes waste time browsing the Internet because my manager cannot see me. Another limitation is that communication between colleagues is more challenging. Because colleagues do not meet face to face and must communicate online, communication can be less effective and misunderstandings are more likely.
ConclusionIn conclusion, home-based work has both merits and drawbacks. However, overall, I believe that the advantages of greater productivity and no daily commute outweigh the disadvantages of an occasional lack of motivation and fewer opportunities to meet colleagues in person. Furthermore, motivation can be improved through careful scheduling and goal setting.
- position
- topic sentence
- explanation
- example
- Band 8 extra (optional)
Band 8 tip: the last sentence (purple) suggests how to reduce a disadvantage. It is optional, for students aiming at Band 8.
| Type | Opinion needed? | Typical structure |
|---|---|---|
| Outweigh (Lesson 6) | Yes: which side is greater | More paragraphs on the stronger side |
| Two-question, standard (Lesson 7) | No | Advantages / disadvantages, conclusion summarises |
| Advantages, disadvantages + opinion | Yes: your view | Advantages / disadvantages, conclusion gives and explains your view |
What does each sentence do?
Choose the function of each sentence from the model answer.
- “This essay discusses the merits and drawbacks of this trend and outlines my belief that the advantages are greater.”
- “There are two main benefits of home-based work.”
- “This is because there is no manager present to monitor employees.”
- “For example, when working from home, I sometimes waste time browsing the Internet…”
- “Furthermore, motivation can be improved through careful scheduling and goal setting.”
Step 4
Useful language
Introduce both sides, then give a balanced but clear judgement.
| Purpose | Language |
|---|---|
| Opinion in the introduction | …and outlines my belief that the advantages are greater · …and explains why I firmly believe that… |
| Balanced conclusion | I believe there are merits and drawbacks of… However, overall, I think that… |
| Judgement | the advantages of… outweigh the disadvantages of… · the benefits are far greater |
| Signal the drawbacks | However, there are also drawbacks to this. · The most significant is that… · Another limitation is that… |
Complete the sentences from the model
Type the missing word or phrase. Then check against the model answer.
- …and my belief that the advantages are greater.
- There are two main of home-based work.
- The most is that it can be difficult to stay motivated.
- However, , I believe that the advantages… outweigh the disadvantages…
Which type is it?
- “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping.”
- “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping and give your opinion.”
- “Do the advantages of online shopping outweigh the disadvantages?”
Step 5
Your turn: practice task
Use the same four steps to plan and write your own essay. Save your work and send it to your tutor for feedback.
In some countries, some school leavers choose to work or travel for a year between finishing secondary school and attending university.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and then give your opinion.
Plan and write
- 1. Paraphrase the first sentence of the question:
- 2. Identify the type. What must your essay do?
- 3. Brainstorm (+ / −) and choose your two best ideas:
- 4. Structure. What will each paragraph say?
- Write your essay (at least 250 words, about 40 minutes):
- Does your introduction state your opinion?
- Body 1 = advantages, Body 2 = disadvantages?
- Does your conclusion say which side is stronger and why?
- Is your opinion consistent throughout?
- At least 250 words?
Model answers and lesson materials by Tips4IELTS.