Advantages and Disadvantages of IELTS Essay

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is the exam for students who wish to study or work in English-speaking (foreign) countries. The IELTS exam is the world's most preferred and crucial English language proficiency test, as approximately 3 million candidates appear yearly. The test scores are acceptable in over 140 countries, and more than 10,000 universities acknowledge IELTS scores for granting admission to interested applicants. Every week, 60,000 candidates appear for the IELTS test to prove their language skills and take a step closer to their dream life: a better career, lifestyle, education, and more. Also, IELTS test scores are accepted by employers, professional associations, and government organizations worldwide. Let’s look deeply at the Writing Section Task 2 advantages and disadvantages of the IELTS essay that students appear for in the process.

Overview of the IELTS Exam Format

The IELTS exam is among non-native English-speaking applicants' most preferred and leading English language assessment tests. The test is used for university admissions, work applications, job opportunities, and migration. Various academic universities and international companies have trusted this language proficiency exam. The exam is also highly recognized for providing an accurate English language proficiency certification.

Each test assesses the applicant’s English-language ability across the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills. Candidates can choose from the 2 types of IELTS exam formats used in different fields, including the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Test. The Academic IELTS test is necessary to enter an overseas university, whereas the General Training IELTS test is designed for employment and immigration objectives.

Introduction of the IELTS Exam

Introduced in 1989, the IELTS exam is an English language proficiency test internationally recognized for examining English language ability in four categories: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This exam is trusted by governments, employers, and thousands of universities worldwide. It is the world's most popular high-stakes English language proficiency exam applicable for foreign study, work, and migration purposes. The exam measures the student’s language proficiency using a band scale of 9 (nine) where 9 is considered the best, and only the experts can gain a band score of 9. The IELTS exam is explicitly created for individuals who are not native speakers and wish to study, work, or move to an English-speaking nation such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

Paragraph A: Discussing the Advantages of IELTS

The IELTS exam is one of the globally recognized exams taken by applicants who wish to score well and get admitted to any foreign English university. The IELTS test has many pros and cons, such as its flexibility, global opportunities, and excellent preparation for admission purposes. This exam helps to mimic real-world conversations, such as interactions with neighbors and colleagues, and better prepare students for life in a foreign country. Let’s look at some of the other advantages of IELTS exam.

• IELTS is widely acknowledged by various countries:

The IELTS exam is globally accepted by over 12,500 organisations, including, Immigration authorities and government departments, Multinational companies and employers, Educational and academic organisations, and Professional associations like hospitals and accounting bodies. The test also offers opportunities in over 140 countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

• IELTS offers students multiple choices:

One of the most crucial benefits of IELTS is that it offers a wide range of choices to adapt to test takers’ choices. Students can take the IELTS Academic exam online in many locations. The exam can be taken online or offline, whichever mode they prefer. The IELTS Online exam format offers candidates the advantage of completing the test from the convenience of their homes or personal areas, enhancing convenience.

• IELTS allows One Skill Retake:

IELTS now permits applicants who appear for the test through a computer to retake only one section of the test (if needed). Students needing better results choose this option rather than repeating the whole test. This cost-effective and time-saving method helps applicants improve their IELTS test scores and offers them a second chance to prove their level in one section of the exam without concerning their initial marks in the other sections of the test.

• IELTS equips students for residing in an English-speaking overseas nation:

The IELTS examination assesses the student’s capability to communicate successfully in both academic and daily settings, and with a very practical approach, it evaluates them against the stringent global benchmarks. Upon taking the exam and achieving high scores, students can express themselves in written and spoken English regardless of location. IELTS measures students' language abilities and provides them the resources to enhance, adjust, and thrive in their new surroundings.

• The IELTS Exam is a Dependable Indicator of English Proficiency:

The IELTS Test is globally recognized by high-ranked universities, including the UK, Australia, and over 3,400 universities in the USA. The morality of the exam is transparent as it offers a standardized grading system, timed requirements, biometric verification, and numerous other security measures.

Paragraph B: Examining the Drawbacks of IELTS

While the IELTS exam is often regarded as the top English language proficiency assessment standard, it also has several flaws. Problems such as expense, restricted exam dates, lengthy preparation, stressful circumstances, and more are among the influential unfavorable aspects that candidates must note when preparing for the IELTS exam. Below are some disadvantages that candidates must recognize.

• Cost of the exam

The cost of the IELTS examination is among the most considerable drawbacks since the fee may differ based on the nation where students sit for the test, yet it can be pretty costly. Furthermore, if students are required to repeat the exam, they must pay the examination fee once more. This can become a financial strain for certain candidates who cannot retake the exam.

• Time-consuming

The other drawback of the IELTS exam is that it necessitates a time investment for exam preparation. The IELTS exam comprises four segments, specifically the listening, reading, writing, and speaking segments - and each segment demands that students possess a distinct group of skills. Candidates must dedicate significant time to practicing each segment to succeed on the exam.

• Limited Timeframe

Once the candidates appear for the IELTS exam the test scores are only valid for the next two years. If they do not use their IELTS score within the given timeframe, it will lose its value, and they will have to reappear for the exam. This can be frustrating for candidates who have already invested time and money in preparing for the exam.

• Time-Consuming

The IELTS is a globally recognized exam that requires a lot of time-consuming preparation time, with the entire test process taking around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Interested applicants have other prior commitments like work or school and do not have enough time to prepare, which might take many months or years.

• Limited Test Dates

Students appearing for the IELTS test must wait until the next exam date as it is not offered as frequently as other language proficiency tests. This means the students have to wait several weeks or even months before they can take the test, which can be frustrating if they are in a hurry.

• Stressful Experience

Students deciding to appear for the language proficiency test can be a stressful experience, and IELTS is no exception. Students can have the pressure to perform well and the unfamiliar test environment can cause anxiety to some applicants, which can affect their performance enormously.

Conclusion of the IELTS Essay

The essay for IELTS exam must have a conclusion which is the easiest paragraph to write as students have just to use the ideas they’ve already mentioned in the introduction paragraph and main body paragraphs. However, this is the last thing the examiner will read, and it is, therefore, necessary that students finish it strongly. Applicants appearing for the IELTS exam will probably not have much time to write their conclusions, so they must practice and learn how to write them quickly. A good conclusion is not just a summary of information presented in the essay but also helps emphasize the importance of the main points or individual thoughts and provides the reader with closure.

Ways to Write the IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Questions

The IELTS exam Writing section is divided into two tasks, depending on whether the exam is for Academic or General Training. The two writing tasks are assigned in the academic version as Task 1 is about report writing, and Task 2 is the essay writing. There are many advantages and disadvantages essay questions in the IELTS Writing Task 2. The section is typically about the advantages and disadvantages essay IELTS exam offers which has to be mainly about the pros and cons of any particular given topic. The advantages disadvantages essay IELTS questions in Writing Task 2 usually begin with a statement. Let’s look at how to attempt the advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay topics exam.

1. Firstly, students need to understand the questions given in the exam.

2. Students can then plan how to write their IELTS advantages disadvantages essay.

3. Students can now start to gather ideas on the topic given to them.

4. Start with the Introduction paragraph relating to the topic.

5. Next, write the Body paragraphs which will be the start of IELTS writing task 2 advantages and disadvantages.

6. Being by, writing the advantages and disadvantages sections separately and remember to keep a balanced approach.

7. To be clearer and more specific in their approach, students can also use some specific examples.

8. Students have to check their vocabulary and grammar in their essay questions IELTS exam.

9. Don’t forget to write the essay's conclusion and sum it up interestingly.

10. To write a better IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay, students must practice as much as possible.

Sample Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Questions for IELTS

The IELTS exam task 2 section offers the students many questions about essays' advantages and disadvantages. Many sample questions related to this topic can be found online, and students can practice as many questions as possible. Let’s have a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay sample questions.

• Big, international corporations are replacing small, local enterprises that are disappearing. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
• Individuals should be prepared to take risks, whether personally or professionally. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking risks.
• Previously, knowledge was only obtainable through books, but today it is readily accessible online. Talk about the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
• Plastic containers are now widely used in many countries by food and beverage organizations. Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of it.
• The growth of supermarket establishments is causing a decline in the number of small shops. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
• Some argue that patriotism is detrimental, while others view it as beneficial to society. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
• Humans are being replaced by machines in jobs. Talk about the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
• Many places of business favor Internet contact over live gatherings. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of the same.
• Examine the benefits and drawbacks of a remote working environment for companies and employees.
• Discuss the positive and negative effects of technology in the classroom.

Tips for Mastering Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Questions in IELTS

It is a known fact that IELTS is a competitive exam that requires students to practice and prepare for the test effortlessly. To master the IELTS writing task 2 advantages and disadvantages essay questions, students can follow the “POWER” tip and answer the question. Here is the step-by-step process to be followed by applicants.

• P - Planning: Analyze the task and brainstorm ideas given in the question paper.
• O - Organising: Jot down all the required key points for each body and paragraph of the essay and formulate an outline structure.
• W - Writing: Write down the introduction paragraph with the thesis statement, and focus on writing clear and concise sentences, elaborating on the key points with supporting arguments and examples.
• E - Editing: After writing the essay, read it thoroughly and identify if any spelling errors, capitalization, order of words, punctuation, or grammatical errors are present or require improvement, clarity, or flow.
• R - Revising: Correct all the errors, rephrase sentences (if any), and ensure that the essay flows smoothly. Students must revise their essays one last time before submitting them.

Conclusion

The IELTS writing section task 2 is the essay writing section, and students can write about any given advantages and disadvantages IELTS essay template. The concluding paragraph is also important as it holds brief information about the topic presented in the exam and a short opinion about the same. The concluding statement of the IELTS writing task 2 Internet advantages and disadvantages should have all the crucial points covered with supporting examples related to the same.