Task 2 — Academic Essay
Advantages & Disadvantages
You must explore both the benefits and drawbacks of something. Sometimes you are also asked whether one outweighs the other.
5 vocab categories4 template steps5 model answers7 mistakes to avoid
Question Signal Phrases
›What are the advantages and disadvantages of...?
›Do the advantages of ... outweigh the disadvantages?
›Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of...
›What are the benefits and drawbacks of...?
Introducing Advantages8 phrases
one significant advantage is thata major benefit of this is thata key strength of this approach is thatamong the most important benefits isthe primary advantage is thatthis offers the considerable benefit ofperhaps the greatest advantage is thatone undeniable benefit is
Introducing Disadvantages9 phrases
however, a significant disadvantage is thata major drawback is thatone considerable weakness is thata critical concern is thatthe most serious disadvantage is thatthis also carries the risk ofon the negative side,there is, however, a downside:a notable limitation of this is that
Weighing Up (for 'outweigh' questions)7 phrases
on balance,overall, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages becausewhile the drawbacks are real, the benefits are more significantthe advantages are arguably more substantial than the disadvantagesdespite the disadvantages, the benefits are compelling enough tothe disadvantages are outweighed by the long-term benefits ofultimately, the benefits are more far-reaching than the drawbacks
Contrast Language11 phrases
however,nevertheless,despite this,in spite of this,although,even though,while,whereas,on the one hand ... on the other hand,this benefit is counterbalanced bythis advantage must be weighed against
Expressing the Balance / Verdict9 phrases
when the advantages and disadvantages are weighed against each otherall things considered,on balance,the overall picture is broadly positive/negativethe benefits are more far-reaching than the drawbacksthe drawbacks are not sufficient to negate the advantagesthe advantages are, in my view, more compellingneither clearly outweighs the otherwhether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages depends largely on