IELTS Writing Task 2: “Studying Abroad” Advantage & Disadvantage Essay (Band 8+ Sample)
The Essay Topic: Education / Studying Abroad
IELTS Essay Category: Advantage & Disadvantage (With Opinion)
The Difficulty Level: Medium
Is the topic of “Education” appearing in your practice tests? It should be. Questions about studying abroad are among the most common prompts in both IELTS Academic and General Training Writing Task 2.
To score a Band 7 or higher, you need more than just ideas; you need structure, vocabulary, and balanced argumentation.
Below is a complete breakdown of a high-scoring answer, including the question, a model essay, and a detailed examiner analysis.
The Question
The Essay Question Statement:
Some people believe that studying abroad brings more advantages than studying at home. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad and give your own opinion.
Model Answer
Read the sample below. Pay attention to the bolded words because these are high-level vocabulary choices and linking phrases that boost the score.
Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular among students, and many people believe that it offers numerous advantages over studying at home. In this essay, I will discuss the pros and cons of overseas education and give my own opinion.
On the one hand, studying abroad has many benefits. First and foremost, it offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture and learn a new language. This can be a valuable experience for personal growth and can help develop skills in communication and adaptability. Additionally, studying abroad often provides access to top-notch academic programs and research facilities, which can help students gain a competitive edge in their field. Finally, international experience can enhance job prospects after graduation by demonstrating an ability to work in a multicultural environment.
On the other hand, studying abroad also has its drawbacks. One of the most significant disadvantages is the cost. Studying abroad can be prohibitively expensive, especially when factoring in travel, housing, and tuition costs. Additionally, living in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if one is not fluent in the local language or familiar with the customs and culture. This can lead to feelings of isolation and homesickness, which can negatively affect academic performance.
In my opinion, the advantages of studying abroad outweigh the disadvantages. While it is true that the cost can be high, the benefits of experiencing a new culture, gaining academic skills, and enhancing job prospects make it worth the investment. Furthermore, the challenges of living in a foreign country can help develop important life skills such as independence and resilience.
In conclusion, studying abroad has both advantages and disadvantages, but I believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The experience of immersing oneself in a new culture and gaining valuable academic and life skills make it a worthwhile investment.
Examiner’s Analysis: Why This Essay Scores High
This essay is a strong candidate for a Band 8.0. Below is a breakdown based on the four IELTS assessment criteria:
1. Task Response (25%)
The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the question.
- Discussion: Both the advantages (culture, academic quality, career) and disadvantages (cost, isolation) are discussed in detail.
- Opinion: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated in the introduction, reinforced in the third paragraph, and summarized in the conclusion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
The essay flows logically. The reader never gets lost.
- Signposting: The writer uses clear linking phrases like “On the one hand,” “First and foremost,” “Additionally,” and “In conclusion.”
- Paragraphing: There is a clear separation of topics. Paragraph 2 focuses strictly on positives, while Paragraph 3 focuses strictly on negatives.
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary) (25%)
The candidate uses precise, high-level vocabulary rather than repeating basic words.
- Key examples: “Immerse oneself,” “Top-notch,” “Competitive edge,” “Prohibitively expensive,” and “Resilience.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
The grammar is accurate and varied.
- The essay uses a mix of complex sentences.
- Example: “While it is true that the cost can be high, the benefits… make it worth the investment.” (This shows mastery of contrast structures).
Vocabulary Spotlight
Want to use these words in your own essay? Below are the definitions:
- Immerse oneself: To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest (like a new culture).
- Top-notch: Excellent; of the highest quality.
- Competitive edge: An advantage that makes you better than other candidates/competitors.
- Prohibitively expensive: So expensive that it prevents people from buying/doing it.
- Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Pro Tip for This Question Type
When the question asks you to “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages AND give your own opinion,” do not wait until the conclusion to give your opinion.
- State your opinion briefly in the introduction.
- Dedicate a paragraph to the side you disagree with.
- Dedicate a paragraph to the side you agree with (and explain why it is stronger).
- Restate your opinion in the conclusion.