How to Write the “Positive or Negative Development” Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the question type “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” or “Is this a positive or negative development?” often confuses candidates. This essay demands:

• A clear opinion

• Logical and cohesive argumentation

• Academic-style language

If you're unsure which stance to take, this guide will help you handle the Positive or Negative essay effectively for your upcoming IELTS test.

This essay type asks you to express a clear personal viewpoint on a trend or phenomenon, assessing whether it has mainly positive or negative consequences. You are expected to analyze and persuade—not stay neutral.

Common prompts include:

• "More people get news online than via TV or newspapers. Is this positive or negative?"

• "Is cosmetic surgery a positive or negative development?"

• "Countries are investing in elite sports facilities, but few for mass public use. Is this positive or negative?"

Look for key phrases in the prompt. Typical formats include:

• “Is this a positive or negative development?”

• “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”

Unlike a “Discuss both views” or “Agree/disagree” essay, here you must take a clear side—highlighting either the positive or negative aspects more strongly.

A strong essay usually follows this format:

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic

• State your position: (a) entirely positive, (b) entirely negative, or (c) both but leaning toward one

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence introducing a key advantage (or disadvantage)

• Explanation and development

• Supporting example or evidence

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence introducing the opposing side (weaker if your stance is one-sided)

• Explanation with example

Conclusion

• Summarize main points

• Reinforce your overall argument

• (Optional) Suggest improvements or implications

This aligns with expert advice recommending clear, focused paragraphs

a. Analyze the prompt

Identify whether you need to evaluate pros vs cons, decide which outweighs, or determine if something is positive or negative. Underline keywords like “advantages,” “disadvantages,” “positive,” “negative,” “outweigh.”

b. Plan before writing

Use a brief outline. Assign one main point per body paragraph and gather clear examples. This ensures cohesion and clarity.

c. Develop ideas

Go beyond listing points—explain effects, support with examples, and maintain your stance throughout. A balanced view, leaning toward one side, often works best

d. Proofread carefully

Grammar or vocabulary errors can reduce your score. Always leave time to check.

Prompt: More people work from home instead of commuting to an office. Is this a positive or negative development?

Introduction

• Background: rise in remote working

• Thesis: This is a positive development due to its flexibility and societal benefits

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence: Saves time and improves work-life balance

• Explain benefits of saving commute time

• Example: An employee might reclaim two hours per day for exercise, rest, or learning

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence: Environmental benefits from reduced commuting

• Discuss reduced traffic, emissions, and congestion

• Example: Cities saw lower pollution during pandemic lockdowns

Conclusion

• Restate benefits: improved flexibility, wellbeing, and environmental impact

• Final stance: A positive trend that should continue

This structure mirrors high-scoring models

• Avoid absolute or emotional language—keep tone analytical

• Stay objective: use neutral yet persuasive phrases like “One key benefit is…,” “One potential drawback is…”

• Use cohesive devices properly (therefore, however, moreover, etc.) for smooth transitions

• Manage time: allot ~40 minutes for Task 2, budgeting for planning, drafting, and checking

Prompt: The growth in higher education. Positive or negative development?

Sample Outline (balanced approach leaning positive):

• Introduction: Trend of more people pursuing degrees

• Body Paragraph 1: Advanced skills, economic opportunities, innovation

• Body Paragraph 2: Rising costs, graduate underemployment

• Conclusion: While challenges exist, overall positive—need to improve affordability and vocational options

Final Thoughts

The Positive or Negative Development essay type is a meaningful challenge in IELTS Writing Task 2. Master the structure, stay clear in your viewpoint, and practice your argument techniques to boost your score.

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