AVTC7_Writing Task 2_Advantages/ Disadvantages
Advantages-Disadvantages Essay (Type 2) I. PRE-WRITING
1. What is an Advantages-Disadvantages Essay?
Advantages and disadvantages essays are among the most popular essay types in the IELTS
exam. When encountering this essay type, you have to write about the positive and negative
points of a common situation or topic.
There are two different types of advantages and disadvantages essays requiring different
approaches. Here are the examples: a. Type 1:
The advent of the Internet has made it possible for people to work from home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this professional arrangement? b. Type 2:
In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to
reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.
Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?
=> Type 1 has been introduced in level 4, so this unit will focus on Type 2.
* Type 2 is different because we have to say if the advantages are stronger than the
disadvantages. (outweigh (verb, T): tend to be more important than something else)
2. Patterns of Organizations Type 2
Introduction: (Paragraph 1)
 Topic: Paraphrase the question
 Thesis statement (state which one outweighs the other) Body:
Paragraph 2: Weaker side  Topic sentence
 1 - 2 main points (advantages or disadvantages)
 Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details
Paragraph 3: Stronger side  Topic sentence
[FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 1
AVTC7_Writing Task 2_Advantages/ Disadvantages
 1 - 2 main points (disadvantages or advantages)
 Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details
Conclusion: (Paragraph 4)
 Summarize the main points/ Restate thesis statement
 Closing sentence (e.g., warning, prediction, course of action, …) - optional 3. Sample Essay
In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to
reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.
Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge.
Write at least 250 words. It is true that
has become popular in many cities in recent years. Although
some drawbacks can be seen from this, 3
Those who opposed to the use of video cameras in public places say that these cameras would
bring some serious disadvantages. , these cameras , in the sense that
we are constantly being watched by the authorities or by private security firms. Many people find
this intrusive and feel that the recording of their movements is a form of state control that
curtails their individual freedom. against drawback
is that they are being used as . If
this is indeed happening, then it is
that members of the public will feel
the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video cameras to monitor
public areas is a positive measure. The key objective of video surveillance is to
, petty criminals like shoplifters and pickpockets are less likely
to operate in parts of cities where they know that they are being watched. At the same time, when crimes are committed, benefit . ,
offer valuable support to police officers, and
they make cities safer for inhabitants, workers and visitors alike.
In conclusion, it seems to me that 3
regarding its enhanced security. (268 words)
(Source: https://www.ielts-simon.com/)
[FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 2
AVTC7_Writing Task 2_Advantages/ Disadvantages
Task 1: Read the sample essay and answer the following questions.
1. What is the main topic of this essay? the increased security
2. What advantages and disadvantages of using CCTV in public places are mentioned in the sample essay?
3. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? How do you know?
4. List at least 3 transitions in the sample essay.
5. List two phrases with the same meaning as "video cameras".
Task 2: Outlining Practice.
Below is an outline for the sample essay. Some of the information is missing. Reread the essay and complete the outline.
I. Introduction (Paragraph 1)
1. Topic: It is true that video surveillance has become popular in many cities in recent years.
Although some drawbacks can be seen from this, I believe that the benefits are more significant. 2. Thesis statement:
[FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 3
AVTC7_Writing Task 2_Advantages/ Disadvantages II. Body
* Paragraph 2: Weaker side (Disadvantages) 1. Topic sentence:
2. 1st disadvantage: First, these cameras invade our privacy, in the sense that we are
constantly being watched by the authorities or by private security firms.
3. Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details: 4. 2nd disadvantage:
5. Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details:
* Paragraph 3: Stronger side (Advantages)
1. Topic sentence: In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video
cameras to monitor public areas is a positive measure. 2. 1st advantage:
3. Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details: 4. 2nd advantage:
[FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 4
AVTC7_Writing Task 2_Advantages/ Disadvantages
5. Explanations/ examples/ other supporting details: Therefore, in my view, video cameras
offer valuable support to police officers, and they make cities safer for inhabitants, workers and visitors alike.
III. Conclusion (Paragraph 4)
1. Summarize the main points/ Restate thesis statement: In conclusion,
4. Language for Writing: Type 2
(This outline agrees that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.)
I. Introduction (Paragraph 1) 1. Topic:
It is true/ a fact that + [topic] + has become popular + in/ at + [place] in recent years
It is generally believed/ universally acknowledged/ widely accepted that + S + V.
There is a growing concern/ interest revolving around + Noun phrase. 2. Thesis statement:
While there are certain drawbacks of this [trend/ situation…], I believe that the +
[individual, social, cultural, environmental, and economic] + benefits far outweigh these
drawbacks. (choose the type of benefits that you can write about in the essay)
Although some drawbacks can be seen from this [trend/ situation…], I believe that the
benefits are more significant.
Although there are still drawbacks of this [trend/ situation/…], I think its values are more significant. II. Body
* Paragraph 2: Weaker side 1. Topic sentence:
Those opposed to the idea [of + topic (N/ N phrase)] + say that + S + V.
On the one hand, it is clear that + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + would bring some disadvantages.
[FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 5
AVTC7_Writing Task 2_Advantages/ Disadvantages
2. 1st (and 2nd) disadvantage:
The most important disadvantage(s) of + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + is (are) + …
3. Explanations/ Examples/ Other supporting details: Explanations:
- Because/ As/ Since + S + V, S + V.
- Because of/ Due to + Noun/ Noun phrase, S + V. - This is because + S + V.
Examples: For instance/ For example, S + V.
Effects: As a result/ Thus/ Therefore, S + V.
Additional Support or Evidence: Additionally/ In addition/ Besides/ Furthermore/ Moreover, S + V.
* Paragraph 3: Stronger side 1. Topic sentence:
On the other hand, I believe that the advantages of this [trend/ situation/…] are more important.
On the other hand, the benefits of this [trend/ situation/…] are varied and would outweigh the above disadvantage(s).
In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + is a positive trend/ development.
The most important/ most obvious advantage of + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + is + ...
A further/ An additional advantage is + … (Second advantage).
Furthermore/ Moreover/ In addition to this, S + V (Second advantage).
2. Explanations/ Examples/ other supporting details. Explanations:
- Because/ As/ Since + S + V, S + V.
- Because of/ Due to + Noun/ Noun phrase, S + V. - This is because + S + V.
Examples: For instance/ For example, S + V.
Effects: As a result/ Thus/ Therefore, S + V.
Additional Support or Evidence: Additionally/ In addition/ Besides/ Furthermore/ Moreover, S + V.
[FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 6
AVTC7_Writing Task 2_Advantages/ Disadvantages
3. 1st and 2nd advantage:
III. Conclusion (Paragraph 4)
1. Summarize the main points/ Restate thesis statement:
In conclusion, while + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + may have some negative aspects/
disadvantages, I believe they are outweighed by the more significant positive aspects/ advantages.
In conclusion, there is (are) drawback(s) of + [topic (N/ N phrase)]. However, it seems to
me that its advantages would be more important regarding + [advantages 1 & 2 mentioned in the essay].
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that the advantages of + [topic (N/ N phrase)] + are at
the expense of greater drawbacks. (advantage < disadvantage essays only)
✶ Some synonyms of “advantages” and “disadvantages”: Advantages Disadvantages benefit drawback strength weakness good point challenge upside downside positive effect negative effect positive aspect negative aspect 5. Writing topic
International travel is becoming cheaper, and countries are opening their doors to more
and more tourists. Do the advantages of increased tourism outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
(IELTS Recent Actual writing test)
Task 1: Complete the following T-chart to brainstorm idea for the writing topic above. Advantages Disadvantages - boost the economy
=> spend money => revenue (from tourists & - environmental effect
companies working in the tourists industry)
=> Visitors may leave rubbish everywhere
- enhance international relation
destroy natural places (mountains) to build a
=> Learn more about other countries tourist destination - increase crime
cultures and traditions, making friends - create more jobs =>
=> unemployment rates (lower) => higher quality of life
[FOR INTERNAL USE AT VAN LANG UNIVERSITY ONLY] - page 7