This document provides instruction for an IELTS writing task that asks students to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using communication technology in an international business setting. It gives tips on how to structure a response, including introducing the topic in the first paragraph, discussing advantages in one paragraph and disadvantages in another, and concluding by stating whether advantages or disadvantages outweigh the other. The document also provides vocabulary examples for discussing benefits, challenges, and weighing different positions. Students are asked to submit a 250-300 word answer to their teacher before the lesson.

1. © 2016 SkimaTalk, Inc.
SkimaTalk Official Course
IELTS Academic Writing
Lesson 8 : Task 2 – Advantages and Disadvantages

2. 2
Important!
• Write down your answer to the question on the next page and
send it to your teacher BEFORE the lesson.
• You should send the answer to your teacher using the
SkimaTalk Message feature (250-300 words).
Homework

3. 3
Exercise 1: Task 2 – Advantages and Disadvantages
• Advances in technology mean that communication between businesses can take place
on an international scale.
• Are the advantages of using communication technology greater than the disadvantages
in this setting?
REMEMBER:
Plan your answer before you start so that you can keep track of your logic.
Write at least 250 words.

4. 4
Tips to Answer: Structure
Paragraph 1:
Start by introducing the topic – paraphrase the question and elaborate on
it’s meaning.
Paragraph 2:
Write one paragraph for disadvantages or advantages.
Paragraph 3:
Then, write a paragraph that offers the opposite position to Paragraph 2.
Paragraph 4:
Summarise and give your answer to the question – to what extent do the
advantages/disadvantages outweigh the opposite position?

5. 5
Tips to Answer: Vocabulary
REMEMBER:
You should choose a side in your conclusion and justify it. The examiner would like
you to be decisive.
Useful Phrases Example
To offer benefits Telecommunication offers several benefits to
companies that conduct their business overseas.
The greatest
(dis)advantage is that…
The greatest disadvantage is that the technology is not
always easy to use.
To outweigh The advantages outweigh the disadvantages to a large
extent.
To present a challenge The differences in time zones can present a significant
challenge to overseas communication.

6. 6
End of Lesson
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