Phương pháp viết Advantage and Disadvantage trong IELTS Writing Task 2

Tổng quan về dạng Advantages and Disadvantages

1. Thế nào là đề Writing dạng Advantage and Disadvantage

Dạng bài Advantages & Disadvantages yêu cầu viết nhận xét về mặt tích cực (advantages) và tiêu cực (disadvantages) của ý kiến/ tình huống/ vấn đề được đưa ra.

2. Cách phân loại đề Writing dạng Advantage and Disadvantage

Với dạng bài Advantages – Disadvantages, đề bài thường đưa ra một vấn đề hoặc ý kiến và yêu cầu bạn chỉ ra các điểm mạnh yếu của nó.

Thông thường dạng bài Advantages – Disadvantages được phân chia thành 3 loại khác nhau:

Loại 1: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

E.g.: The internet has made knowledge immediately available to people through computers and smartphones all around the world. Much of this knowledge is also free. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

Trong dạng đề này, người viết chỉ cần phân tích các ưu điểm và nhược điểm của một xu hướng/ý kiến/vấn đề mà không cần phải đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân. Cấu trúc bài viết cho loại đề này đơn giản: mở bài – ưu điểm/nhược điểm – nhược điểm/ưu điểm – kết bài.

Loại 2: Do the advantages/ disadvantages outweigh the disadvantages/ advantages?

E.g.: Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Với loại đề này, ngoài việc phân tích các ưu điểm và nhược điểm, người viết cần phải xác định xem mặt nào có ảnh hưởng lớn hơn. Việc lựa chọn mặt “lấn át” sẽ quyết định cấu trúc bài viết, ví dụ nếu lựa chọn advantages outweigh thì cần phải lý giải tại sao và xác nhận điều này trong câu chủ đề.

Loại 3: Describe the advantages and disadvantages. Give your own opinion.

E.g.: A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Give your own opinion.

Ở dạng đề thứ ba, ngoài việc chỉ ra các ưu điểm và nhược điểm, người viết còn phải dựa trên đó để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân. Thân bài của bài viết sẽ bao gồm các đoạn văn nêu lên mặt tích cực, tiêu cực và đoạn thể hiện quan điểm của bạn.

2. Cấu trúc dạng Advantages and Disadvantages (Structure)

Giống như các dạng bài khác trong phần Writing task 2, cấu trúc của một bài viết dạng Advantages – Disadvantages gồm 3 phần chính.

Loại 1: Không có Outweigh

Loại 2: Có Outweigh

Loại 3: Nêu quan điểm/ ý kiến

3. Phương pháp viết Advantage and Disadvantage trong IELTS Writing Task 2

Không có Outweigh

1. Giới thiệu

2. Thân bài #1

3. Thân bài #2

4. Kết luận

Có Outweigh

1. Giới thiệu

2. Thân bài

Ưu điểm > Nhược điểm

Ưu điểm < Nhược điểm

3. Tổng kết

Nêu quan điểm/ ý kiến

1. Giới thiệu

2. Thân bài #1 và Thân bài #2

3. Body #3

4. Kết luận

Mẫu bài dạng Ưu điểm & Nhược điểm

Example 1

In the past, most individuals were employed by small enterprises, whereas nowadays, more people work for large corporations. What are the pros and cons of working for large businesses?

Due to advancements in technology and changes in the job market, many individuals who previously worked in small businesses now find employment in large corporations. Certainly, there are advantages and disadvantages to both scenarios. This essay will examine the benefits and drawbacks of working for a large corporation.

On the positive side, working for a large corporation can provide valuable experiences with more opportunities and better job conditions, leading to satisfactory salaries. These benefits can motivate individuals to choose such environments over smaller companies. For example, working for a well-established corporation in a major city allows employees the flexibility to choose their preferred city of residence, enhancing their exposure to different cities and cultures and expanding their professional network. 

However, on the flip side, working in a large company can foster unhealthy competition among employees striving for promotions, resulting in a relentless pursuit of career advancement and a lack of work-life balance due to excessive workloads. For instance, employees may constantly seek ways to distinguish themselves from their peers, creating a competitive environment that can adversely affect their mental well-being. The focus solely on work, money, and advancement can lead to various mental and physical health issues, making the pursuit of career growth detrimental to overall well-being. 

Ultimately, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to working for large corporations. Individuals must carefully weigh both sides when making decisions. This essay discussed the positives and negatives of this type of employment.

Example 2

A significant amount of food is transported over long distances. Some individuals believe that consuming local produce is more environmentally and economically beneficial. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The transportation of various foods from distant locations can negatively impact locally produced food in today's highly competitive global market. However, in my opinion, the latter clearly offers more advantages than disadvantages.

On the surface, consuming local foods may appear to have certain drawbacks, such as limited variety and exotic flavors. Without access to exotic foods from distant places, individuals in Vietnam, for example, might find themselves limited in their culinary choices or miss out on the opportunity to experience and appreciate imported delicacies like Kobe beef from Japan.

However, when compared to imported food, consuming locally produced food brings significantly greater economic, environmental, and educational benefits. Economically, local food reduces costs associated with long-distance transportation, especially considering rising fuel prices.

This also minimizes environmental impact linked to air transportation of food products from abroad. Educationally, consuming local food fosters patriotism among younger generations, encouraging them to value and promote the use of local products.

In today's globalized world, the movement towards consuming local food plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of each locality.

In summary, the benefits of eating locally produced food far outweigh the drawbacks, especially when considering economic, environmental, and educational perspectives.

Example 3

Computers have become an integral part of educational lessons. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and provide your opinion.

In today's educational landscape, computers play a crucial role in lessons, offering vast information resources while also fostering student interest. However, excessive reliance on them can pose challenges. This essay explores the benefits and drawbacks of these technological advancements and presents a personal viewpoint.

One significant advantage of integrating computers into education is their function as a virtual library. For example, students can easily access detailed information on subjects like science and history with a simple click. Therefore, computers serve as valuable tools that enhance students' learning experiences.

Moreover, incorporating automation into lessons increases student engagement. Interactive smart boards, virtual field trips, and online resources enhance learning experiences and encourage active participation. This is a significant improvement over traditional teaching methods.

On the flip side, a notable disadvantage is the risk of dependency. When students rely heavily on computers and technological aids, they may lose the ability to perform tasks manually, such as solving math problems without a calculator. This dependency can hinder their critical thinking skills and overall cognitive development. Therefore, it is crucial for students to regularly practice basic skills independently to maintain their proficiency.

In summary, I believe that integrating computers into children's education can be highly beneficial, but it should be monitored closely. In my view, limiting computer use to specific periods rather than allowing it throughout the day would promote maximum productivity and reduce the risk of addiction.