13 Advantages–Disadvantages Task 2 questions
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? — If the question says “outweigh,” you must deliver a verdict. The trap: listing both and never deciding.
Pick one and write it·Marked against all four criteria·Your first essay is free
Advantages–Disadvantages
Every advantages–disadvantages question in the bank
1
These days, many people buy most of their clothes, food and household goods online rather than in local shops. Do the advantages of this change outweigh the disadvantages?
Technology
Write this one →
2
Thanks to fast home internet, many employees now work from home for part or all of the working week. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this change?
Work & careers
Write this one →
3
Every year, large numbers of young people leave their home country to take a university degree abroad. Do the advantages of studying in another country outweigh the disadvantages?
Education
Write this one →
4
In many schools, children now do much of their classroom work on tablets and laptops rather than with paper, pens and printed textbooks. Do the advantages of this change outweigh the disadvantages?
Education
Write this one →
5
Many young people take a year off between finishing school and starting university, often to work or travel. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
Culture & travel
Write this one →
6
In many countries, more people than ever before are choosing to live alone rather than with family or housemates. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Society
Write this one →
7
In some countries, cash is disappearing: people pay for almost everything with cards or phones, and some shops no longer accept coins and notes at all. Do the advantages of this change outweigh the disadvantages?
Money & spending
Write this one →
8
Thanks to global trade, supermarkets now sell fruit and vegetables from all over the world at every time of year. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
Environment
Write this one →
9
Cities and countries compete to host major international sporting events, which cost enormous sums to stage. Do the advantages of hosting such events outweigh the disadvantages for the host country?
Sport
Write this one →
10
A growing number of people now work for themselves, finding customers directly instead of being employed by a company. Do the advantages of being self-employed outweigh the disadvantages?
Work & careers
Write this one →
11
In many families today, both parents work full-time and young children spend most weekdays at nurseries or with childminders. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this arrangement?
Family
Write this one →
12
In many cities, people can now hire electric scooters and bicycles from the street for short journeys, using an app to pay by the minute. Do the advantages of these schemes outweigh the disadvantages?
Transport
Write this one →
13
Most new films can now be watched at home through streaming services soon after release, and fewer people go to the cinema. Do the advantages of this change outweigh the disadvantages?
Media
Write this one →
Write one and see all four criterion scores
Your first essay is marked free, no card required.
All questions on this page are original, written in the style of IELTS Task 2 prompts. IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP IELTS Australia and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. PrepForIELTS is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the owners of the IELTS trademark.