Advantages and disadvantages essays
Write balanced advantages and disadvantages essays with clear structure, varied language and an evaluative conclusion.
In this lesson you will
- Structure an advantages/disadvantages essay
- Use varied language for pros and cons
- Give a clear evaluation when asked
Learn
Structure: Introduction → Paragraph on advantages → Paragraph on disadvantages → Conclusion. If the question asks Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?, you must give your judgement.
Advantages language: One major benefit of… is…; A further advantage is…; …has the potential to…; …is advantageous in that…
Disadvantages language: The main drawback of… is…; A significant downside is…; …can have a negative impact on…; Another concern is that…
Evaluation: On balance, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks because…; Overall, the disadvantages are more significant, since…
Examples
- One major benefit of online shopping is convenience.
- The main drawback, however, is the environmental cost of deliveries.
- On balance, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
- Another concern is the loss of jobs in local shops.
Vocabulary
drawback
a disadvantage
downside
a negative aspect
advantageous
giving an advantage
on balance
after considering everything
concern
a worry
Practice
If asked whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, you should…
Speaking
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city for 90 seconds, then give your overall judgement.
Writing
Write an essay (250 words): “More and more people work from home. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?”
- ☐ Introduction with your overall view
- ☐ Advantages paragraph
- ☐ Disadvantages paragraph
- ☐ Clear evaluation in the conclusion
- ☐ Varied pros/cons language
Lesson quiz
“On balance” introduces…
Review
Key points
- Intro → advantages → disadvantages → conclusion.
- Vary pros/cons language.
- Evaluate when the question asks.
- On balance, …
What you learned
- ✓ I can write balanced pros/cons essays.
- ✓ I vary my language.
- ✓ I give clear evaluations.