IELTS lesson · Writing

IELTS Writing Task 2 Pros and Cons Essay notesPros and cons essays: give a verdict

When the question says outweigh, pick a winner and prove it. When it doesn't, develop both sides. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: decide, say it, build both and prove it. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSWriting · Task 2 · Pros and cons essay

    'Outweigh' needs a winner

    the essay that lists both sides and stops

    'Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?' asks which side is heavier. Listing both and stopping never says.

    Home rentals give visitors cheap rooms and owners income. They also raise rents. There are good and bad points, so it depends.no verdict

    Both sides listed. Nobody won.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. IELTSWriting · Task 2 · Pros and cons essay

    Which question is it?

    read the wording before you plan

    Two wordings, two jobs
    Question saysYour job
    '…outweigh…?'Pick a winner, then prove it
    'Advantages and disadvantages?'Develop both sides fully

    BandLadder's reading of the wording. The public descriptors want a clear position that answers the question asked.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10
  3. Card 3 of 10 onwards

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10 cards

Contents

  1. 1'Outweigh' needs a winnerthe essay that lists both sides and stopsIn the preview
  2. 2Which question is it?read the wording before you planIn the preview
  3. 3Decide, say, build, proveBandLadder's method, not an exam ruleFree account
  4. 4Moves 1-2: decide, then say itfind the winner, then name it earlyWith a plan
  5. 5Move 3: build both sidesthe lighter side first, fairlyWith a plan
  6. 6Move 4: prove the weighthow much, how many, how longWith a plan
  7. 7Two ways to miss the pointno winner, or one side too thinWith a plan
  8. 8The heavier side, weighedbody paragraph 2, markedWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnthree quick checksWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe pros-and-cons checklistWith a plan

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FAQ

Is the Pros and cons essays: give a verdict lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Pros and cons essays: give a verdict PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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