By English Test Coach · Updated
General Task 2 · Advantages / disadvantages
Community tool libraries
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: foundation, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Some communities provide libraries where residents can borrow tools and household equipment instead of buying their own. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
How to approach this question
Develop both benefits and drawbacks. If asked whether one outweighs the other, compare their importance and decide.
Advantages and disadvantages: learn how to weigh the two sides →
Worked example: Review precise terms and purposeful repetition across the tool-library essay →
Community essays: compare service purpose, shared access and effects on residents →
Advantage: residents avoid buying occasional-use items, while one durable drill or ladder can serve many households. Explain how this can reduce both expense and storage needs.
Disadvantage: popular equipment may be unavailable or returned damaged. Weigh that inconvenience against the benefits and consider whether deposits, safety checks and a clear booking system can control it.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify the development and state whether its advantages outweigh its disadvantages if asked.
- Body 1: develop the strongest advantages with examples.
- Body 2: examine the disadvantages and compare their importance with the benefits.
- Conclusion: give an explicit overall judgement, not just a list of both sides.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- shared resource
- An item or service used by several members of a group.
A well-managed drill can become a shared resource for the whole neighbourhood.
- booking system
- A method for reserving an item or service for a particular time.
A simple booking system can reduce disputes about popular equipment.
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