35. IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Outweigh Essay — Guide & Samples

Example Box — Decoding the Prompt (Plant-based diets — Outweigh)

Prompt: “More people are choosing plant-based diets. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
Focus: Present key advantages and disadvantages, then state clearly which side is stronger overall.
Typical angles: Pros → health markers (when planned), environment, ethics; Cons → nutrients (B12/iron/omega-3), accessibility, learning curve.
Pitfall: Listing many ideas with no depth. Prefer 2–3 points developed via reason → mechanism → micro-example.

Example Box — Skeleton Plan (Outweigh)

Intro: Paraphrase + verdict (“Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks”).
Body 1 (Stronger side): Advantage A → mechanism → micro-example; Advantage B → mechanism → micro-example; mini-link to verdict.
Body 2 (Weaker side): Disadvantage A/B → mechanism → micro-example; evaluation line to limit scope.
Conclusion: Re-state verdict + brief synthesis (why the winning side matters more in practice).

Example Box — High-impact Sentences (Plant-based diets)

Thesis (clear verdict): “Although plant-based eating requires basic planning, its health and environmental benefits decisively outweigh the drawbacks.”
Advantage topic: “First, a varied plant diet improves fibre intake and reduces saturated fat, which supports long-term heart health.”
Mechanism: “Higher fibre promotes fullness and stabilises blood sugar, helping people avoid energy slumps.”
Micro-example: “For instance, swapping processed meat sandwiches for lentil bowls often leads to steadier afternoon focus.”
Disadvantage topic: “Admittedly, without guidance some people risk low B12 or iron.”
Evaluation line: “Yet these risks are manageable through fortified foods or simple supplements, so they rarely outweigh the gains.”
Conclusion line: “On balance, the modest learning curve is a small price for sustained personal and planetary benefits.”

Example Box — Quick Quality Checks (Outweigh)

Task focus: Is there a clear verdict about which side is stronger?
Development: Does each idea follow reason → mechanism → micro-example?
Balance: Are disadvantages presented fairly before being weighed?
Cohesion: Are evaluation linkers used naturally (on balance, consequently, nevertheless)?
Accuracy: Articles/prepositions correct? Over-generalisation avoided?
Length: ~280–310 words with fully developed points?

Sentence-by-Sentence Scaffold (Outweigh)

Intro S1 (Paraphrase): More people are adopting plant-based diets, and there is debate about their overall impact.

Intro S2 (Thesis/Verdict): While such diets have some drawbacks, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because […].

Body 1 S3 (Advantage topic): A key advantage is […].

Body 1 S4 (Mechanism): This is because [… mechanism …], which leads to [… outcome …].

Body 1 S5 (Micro-example): For example, [… short, plausible illustration …].

Body 1 S6 (Second advantage): In addition, [… second advantage …] contributes to […].

Body 1 S7 (Mechanism + link-back): As [… mechanism …], the benefits outweigh concerns for people who prioritise […].

Body 2 S8 (Disadvantage topic): Nevertheless, there are disadvantages, notably […].

Body 2 S9 (Mechanism): Without […], individuals may [… risk/outcome …].

Body 2 S10 (Micro-example): For instance, [… compact illustration …].

Body 2 S11 (Evaluation line): Even so, these issues are manageable through […], so their impact is limited compared with the gains above.

Conclusion S12 (Restate verdict): On balance, the advantages of plant-based eating significantly outweigh the disadvantages.

Conclusion S13 (Synthesis): Because [… main reason(s) …], the drawbacks are minor in most everyday contexts.

Paraphrase Options

P1: An increasing number of people are turning to plant-based eating, prompting debate about its overall effects.
P2: As plant-focused diets become more common, opinions differ on whether their benefits exceed their drawbacks.

Thesis/Opinion Options

Advantages outweigh: Although a plant-based diet requires basic planning, its health and environmental gains largely outweigh the inconveniences.
Disadvantages outweigh (alternative): While plant-based eating offers clear benefits, the risks and practical barriers outweigh them for many people without reliable guidance.

Instructions

Write at least 250 words. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present both advantages and disadvantages and give a clear verdict on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

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More people are choosing plant-based diets. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

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In many countries, plant-based diets are becoming more common. Some people claim these diets bring many benefits, while others point out practical problems. This essay argues that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, although a basic level of planning is needed to avoid mistakes.

The first advantage is related to personal health. When people replace processed meat and high-fat dairy with whole grains, fruit, vegetables and legumes, they usually eat more fibre and less saturated fat. As a result, they often feel fuller for longer and keep a healthier weight. For example, office workers who switch their usual sandwiches for bean bowls or lentil soups report steadier energy in the afternoon. A second advantage concerns the environment. Producing plants typically uses fewer resources and creates fewer emissions than producing meat, so a gradual shift can lower an individual’s carbon footprint in everyday life.

On the other hand, there are disadvantages that should not be ignored. If a person does not learn the basics, they might lack certain nutrients such as vitamin B12 or iron. In addition, eating out can be less convenient in some places, because restaurants may offer limited plant-based choices. However, these drawbacks are manageable in practice. Fortified foods and simple supplements can cover B12, and pairing plant iron with vitamin-C-rich foods helps absorption. Moreover, supermarkets now sell more plant-based products, which makes home cooking easier.

In conclusion, although plant-based eating can be inconvenient at first and requires some knowledge, its health and environmental benefits are more important for most people. With a bit of guidance and planning, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

Step-by-Step Reasoning — Why this answer works (Band 6)

1. The introduction paraphrases the question and gives a clear verdict (“advantages outweigh”), directly addressing the task.
2. The thesis signals a balanced but firm position, which is required in an “outweigh” prompt.
3. Body paragraph 1 begins with a topic sentence that labels the stronger side (advantages).
4. Health benefits are explained through a simple mechanism (more fibre/less saturated fat → satiety/weight control).
5. A short, realistic example (office workers and afternoon energy) illustrates the mechanism without relying on statistics.
6. The second advantage (environment) is relevant and logically separated from health to keep ideas distinct.
7. Body paragraph 2 presents disadvantages fairly (nutrient gaps; convenience when dining out).
8. Each drawback includes enough detail to be plausible while staying concise.
9. An evaluation line limits the impact of drawbacks by offering practical solutions (fortified foods, pairing iron with vitamin C).
10. Linking is clear and not overused; transitions such as “On the other hand” and “However” are accurate.
11. Lexis is mostly appropriate for the topic (fibre, saturated fat, fortified), supporting task relevance.
12. Grammar and punctuation are generally accurate with a mix of simple and some complex sentences.
13. Paragraphing follows a logical four-part structure: intro, advantages, disadvantages, conclusion.
14. The conclusion restates the verdict and synthesises reasons rather than adding new ideas.
15. Claims are cautious (“often,” “typically”), which avoids over-generalisation.
16. Word count comfortably exceeds 260 words, supporting sufficient development.
17. The tone is formal and academic, suitable for IELTS Task 2.
18. Overall, coverage of both sides plus a consistent verdict aligns with Band-6 characteristics of clear position and adequate development.

As plant-centred eating moves into the mainstream, debate has intensified over its real-world impact. While reasonable concerns exist, I contend that the benefits substantially outweigh the drawbacks, provided individuals learn a few straightforward principles.

The primary advantage is improved diet quality. Diverse plant foods are rich in fibre, polyphenols and micronutrients and naturally displace highly processed items. This combination supports metabolic health by moderating blood sugar and enhancing satiety. A typical example is the lunch swap: replacing processed-meat sandwiches with a grain-and-legume bowl (e.g., barley, chickpeas and vegetables) often results in steadier afternoon concentration and fewer snack cravings. A further advantage extends beyond the individual to the environment. Because plant production generally uses less land and water and emits fewer greenhouse gases, a population-level shift, even a modest one, can reduce pressure on ecosystems.

Admittedly, plant-based diets can pose challenges if they are poorly planned. Without attention to vitamin B12, iron or omega-3 sources, some people may experience fatigue or simply lose confidence. Social convenience can also be an issue where menus are limited. Nevertheless, these risks are largely controllable: fortified foods and simple supplementation cover B12, iron absorption improves when paired with vitamin-C-rich produce, and widely available products (tofu, legumes, whole grains, seeds) make home cooking practical and affordable. In short, the barriers are practical rather than fundamental.

In conclusion, when basic guidance is followed, plant-based eating delivers meaningful health gains and a smaller environmental footprint, whereas the disadvantages are specific and manageable. On balance, the advantages clearly prevail.

Step-by-Step Reasoning — Why this answer works (Band 7)

1. The stance is explicit and sustained from introduction to conclusion (“benefits substantially outweigh drawbacks”).
2. Ideas are extended and supported with clear mechanisms (fibre/polyphenols → blood sugar moderation → satiety).
3. Examples are specific but concise (barley–chickpea bowl), improving clarity without relying on unverifiable data.
4. Topic sentences guide the reader and signpost the evaluation focus (advantages first, then drawbacks).
5. Cohesive devices are varied and natural (“While…,” “A further advantage…,” “Admittedly…,” “Nevertheless…”).
6. Counter-arguments are presented fairly, which strengthens the eventual weighing.
7. Evaluation lines limit the scope of disadvantages by showing realistic, low-effort solutions.
8. Lexical range includes topic-specific items (polyphenols, greenhouse gases, fortified), supporting precision.
9. Nominal and finite clause variety raises grammatical range while maintaining accuracy.
10. Parallel structure in the advantages paragraph improves coherence (health → mechanism → example; environment → mechanism → implication).
11. Register remains appropriately academic and impartial; hedging avoids over-claiming (“generally,” “largely”).
12. Paragraphing is logical and balanced; each paragraph has a controlling idea and link-back to the verdict.
13. The conclusion synthesises rather than repeats, reaffirming the verdict in fresh wording.
14. Word count exceeds 260 words with sufficient elaboration for Band-7 development.
15. Errors, if any, are minor and do not reduce clarity; punctuation supports meaning.
16. Overall, the script meets Band-7 traits: clear position, well-developed ideas, good cohesion, and a wide range of accurate lexis and grammar.

The surge in plant-based eating has prompted a broader question: when everyday diets pivot towards plants, are the gains merely fashionable or genuinely transformative? To a large extent, the advantages eclipse the disadvantages, not because plant foods are flawless, but because their risks are predictable and easily mitigated, whereas their benefits scale at both personal and societal levels.

From an individual perspective, a diversified plant pattern raises fibre intake and micronutrient density while reducing saturated fat and ultra-processed additives. Mechanistically, higher fibre improves satiety and glycaemic stability, which sustains concentration and moderates caloric intake without strict rules. Consider the ordinary lunch: a base of whole grains with legumes and colourful vegetables delivers steady energy that displaces mid-afternoon snacking, a practical effect many learners observe after a few weeks. Beyond physiology, there is an ethical dimension: fewer animal products can align with concerns about animal welfare, which some people value in daily choices.

Critics rightly note that poorly designed plant-based diets may lack vitamin B12, iron or long-chain omega-3s, and that social settings can be awkward where menus are narrow. Yet these are contingent drawbacks. B12 is routinely covered by fortified foods or low-cost supplements; iron absorption rises when meals include vitamin-C-rich fruit or vegetables; and algae-based omega-3s are widely available. As for convenience, the rapid expansion of plant-forward options in supermarkets and canteens reduces friction year by year. In short, the obstacles are logistical, whereas the benefits are structural.

On balance, once minimal guidance is in place, plant-based diets deliver durable health advantages and a smaller environmental footprint while respecting many people’s ethical preferences. Because the costs are limited and controllable, the benefits decisively outweigh the disadvantages.

Step-by-Step Reasoning — Why this answer works (Band 8+)

1. The opening frames a nuanced question and gives an evaluative thesis with precise stance (“advantages eclipse the disadvantages”).
2. Argumentation is controlled: benefits are structural and scalable; drawbacks are contingent and mitigable.
3. Mechanisms are explicitly explained (fibre → satiety/glycaemic stability → sustained concentration → moderated intake).
4. Examples are realistic, concise and generalisable (ordinary lunch pattern) rather than anecdotal storytelling.
5. Ethical considerations are included without dominating, widening the evaluative lens.
6. Counter-arguments are acknowledged early and specified (B12, iron, omega-3, social convenience), showing balance.
7. Each drawback is directly paired with a practical remedy (fortified foods, vitamin-C pairing, algae-based omega-3), evidencing evaluation.
8. High-level cohesion is achieved through purposeful paragraphing and evaluative link-backs (“In short…”, “On balance…”).
9. Lexical resource is wide and precise (glycaemic stability, contingent, logistical, structural, scalable, plant-forward).
10. Grammar shows flexibility: non-finite clauses, apposition, and controlled complex sentences with accurate punctuation.
11. Claims are carefully hedged where appropriate (“to a large extent”, “routinely”), avoiding absolute over-reach.
12. The conclusion synthesises reasons and restates the verdict with fresh wording rather than repetition.
13. Coherence is enhanced by parallel development of sides and consistent weighing language (eclipse, outweigh, on balance).
14. Register is consistently academic and appropriately objective.
15. Word count is comfortably above 260 with dense but readable development.
16. The response aligns with Band-8+ features: fully developed ideas, precise lexis, sophisticated cohesion, and high grammatical accuracy.

plant-based — BrE /ˈplɑːnt beɪst/ · AmE /ˈplænt beɪst/ — adjective

Patterns: plant-based + noun (plant-based diet/meals); be + plant-based.

Definition: Made mainly or entirely from plants (e.g., vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes), with little or no animal products.

Example: “A plant-based lunch can keep you full without heavy fats.” — Gloss: Meals from plants satisfy hunger healthily.

Synonyms: plant-forward (near-synonym), vegetarian/vegan (context-dependent).

Common mistakes: ❌ “plants-based” → ✅ “plant-based”; avoid using it as a noun (“I eat plant-baseds”) — use “a plant-based diet.”

nutrient-dense — BrE /ˌnjuːtriənt ˈdens/ · AmE /ˌnuːtriənt ˈdens/ — adjective

Patterns: nutrient-dense + food(s); high/greater nutrient density; the nutrient density of X.

Definition: Containing many vitamins, minerals and beneficial compounds relative to calories.

Example: “Legumes are nutrient-dense, offering protein, fibre and minerals.” — Gloss: They pack many useful nutrients per serving.

Synonyms: wholesome, nourishing (contextual).

Common mistakes: Don’t confuse with “calorie-dense” (high calories, not necessarily healthy).

satiety — BrE /səˈtaɪ.ə.ti/ · AmE /səˈtaɪ.ə.ti/ — noun (U)

Patterns: increase/promote satiety; lead to greater satiety.

Definition: The feeling of being full and satisfied after eating.

Example: “High-fibre meals improve satiety and reduce snacking.” — Gloss: You stay full and eat less between meals.

Synonyms: fullness, satisfaction (after eating).

Common mistakes: Countability: don’t say “a satiety”; use it as uncountable (“increase satiety”).

fortified — BrE /ˈfɔːtɪfaɪd/ · AmE /ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪd/ — adjective

Patterns: fortified with + nutrient (fortified with B12/iron); fortified foods.

Definition: (Of foods) having extra vitamins or minerals added to improve nutrition.

Example: “Choose fortified plant milks to cover vitamin B12 needs.” — Gloss: Added nutrients prevent deficiencies.

Synonyms: enriched (near-synonym).

Common mistakes: Don’t write “fortificated”; the correct adjective is “fortified.”

deficiency — BrE /dɪˈfɪʃənsi/ · AmE /dɪˈfɪʃənsi/ — noun (C/U)

Patterns: a deficiency in/of + nutrient; vitamin B12/iron deficiency.

Definition: Not having enough of an essential substance in the body.

Example: “Without planning, people may develop an iron deficiency.” — Gloss: They might not get enough iron.

Synonyms: lack, shortage (context-dependent).

Common mistakes: Use the article correctly: “a deficiency in iron,” not “in lack of iron.”

emissions — BrE /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ · AmE /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ — noun (plural)

Patterns: reduce/cut emissions; emissions from + source (farms, transport).

Definition: Substances released into the air, especially gases that contribute to climate change.

Example: “Shifting diets can help lower food-related emissions.” — Gloss: It reduces climate-warming gases from food systems.

Synonyms: discharges, outputs (technical contexts).

Common mistakes: Remember it is usually plural in this context (“emissions are rising”).

carbon footprint — BrE /ˌkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ · AmE /ˌkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ — noun (C)

Patterns: reduce/lower one’s carbon footprint; the carbon footprint of + product/activity.

Definition: The total amount of greenhouse gases caused by a person, product or activity.

Example: “Eating more beans can shrink your carbon footprint.” — Gloss: Your diet causes fewer emissions.

Synonyms: environmental impact (broad), GHG footprint (technical).

Common mistakes: Don’t pluralise incorrectly when speaking generally; say “your carbon footprint,” not “your carbon footprints.”

legumes — BrE /ˈlɛɡjuːmz/ · AmE /ˈlɛɡjuːmz/ — noun (plural)

Patterns: include/eat legumes; legume-based meals (beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas).

Definition: A group of plants whose seeds grow in pods; key sources of plant protein and fibre.

Example: “Adding legumes to lunch increases fibre and protein.” — Gloss: Beans and lentils help you feel full.

Synonyms: pulses (BrE, technical/food context).

Common mistakes: Pronunciation: stress the first syllable /ˈlɛɡjuːmz/; the singular is “legume.”

supplementation — BrE /ˌsʌplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ · AmE /ˌsʌpləmenˈteɪʃən/ — noun (U)

Patterns: supplementation with + nutrient; B12/iron supplementation.

Definition: The practice of adding extra nutrients to the diet (often by pills or fortified foods).

Example: “Simple B12 supplementation prevents deficiency on vegan diets.” — Gloss: Taking B12 avoids health problems.

Synonyms: adding supplements, top-up (informal).

Common mistakes: Don’t confuse the verb “supplement” with the noun “supplementation.”

whole grains — BrE /həʊl ɡreɪnz/ · AmE /hoʊl ɡreɪnz/ — noun (plural)

Patterns: switch to whole grains; a diet rich in whole grains.

Definition: Grains that include all parts of the seed (bran, germ, endosperm), providing more fibre and nutrients.

Example: “Choosing whole grains over refined bread improves satiety.” — Gloss: You feel full longer with whole-grain foods.

Synonyms: unrefined grains, whole-meal (BrE, for flour/bread).

Common mistakes: Don’t say “full grains”; the correct term is “whole grains.”

on balance — BrE /ɒn ˈbæləns/ · AmE /ɑn ˈbæl.əns/ — adverbial phrase

Patterns: On balance, + clause; … is, on balance, + adj.

Definition: Used to give a final judgement after considering advantages and disadvantages.

Example: “On balance, the benefits of plant-based eating outweigh the drawbacks.” — Gloss: After weighing both sides, benefits are stronger.

Synonyms: overall, all things considered.

Common mistakes: Avoid “in balance” for this meaning; use “on balance.”

to a large extent — BrE /tə ə lɑːdʒ ɪkˈstent/ · AmE /tu ə lɑrdʒ ɪkˈstɛnt/ — adverbial phrase

Patterns: to a large extent, + clause; X is, to a large extent, + noun/adj.

Definition: Shows that something is true in many cases or to a great degree.

Example: “The risks are, to a large extent, controllable with basic guidance.” — Gloss: Mostly, the risks can be managed.

Synonyms: largely, in great measure.

Common mistakes: Don’t write “in a large extent”; the fixed form is “to a large extent.”

outweigh — BrE /ˌaʊtˈweɪ/ · AmE /ˌaʊtˈweɪ/ — verb

Patterns: outweigh + object (benefits outweigh costs/drawbacks).

Definition: To be more important or have a greater effect than something else.

Example: “For most people, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.” — Gloss: Benefits are stronger than drawbacks.

Synonyms: eclipse, surpass (contextual).

Common mistakes: Don’t use a preposition after it (❌ “outweigh than”); take a direct object.

pose challenges — BrE /pəʊz ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ · AmE /poʊz ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ — verb phrase

Patterns: pose challenges to/for + noun; pose a challenge.

Definition: To create difficulties or problems.

Example: “Eating out may pose challenges where menus are limited.” — Gloss: It can be difficult to find options.

Synonyms: create obstacles, present difficulties.

Common mistakes: Use “pose,” not “propose,” in this meaning.

a learning curve — BrE /ə ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/ · AmE /ə ˈlɝːnɪŋ kɝːv/ — noun phrase (C)

Patterns: a steep/gentle learning curve; there is a learning curve to/with + -ing.

Definition: The time and effort needed to learn a new skill or habit.

Example: “There is a learning curve to planning balanced plant-based meals.” — Gloss: It takes time to learn how to do it well.

Synonyms: adjustment period, initial difficulty.

Common mistakes: Don’t pluralise when speaking generally; say “there is a learning curve,” not “there are learning curves” (unless specific).

in practical terms — BrE /ɪn ˈpræktɪkəl tɜːmz/ · AmE /ɪn ˈpræktɪkəl tɝːmz/ — adverbial phrase

Patterns: In practical terms, + clause.

Definition: Considering the real-world situation rather than theory.

Example: “In practical terms, fortified foods solve B12 concerns.” — Gloss: In real life, this is an easy solution.

Synonyms: in reality, in practice.

Common mistakes: Avoid “in practice terms”; the standard phrase is “in practical terms.”

a population-level shift — BrE /ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃn ˌlevl ʃɪft/ · AmE /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən ˌlevəl ʃɪft/ — noun phrase (C)

Patterns: a population-level shift in + area; drive/lead to a population-level shift.

Definition: A change that affects many people across society.

Example: “Even a small dietary change can support a population-level shift in emissions.” — Gloss: Many people changing a little can matter.

Synonyms: societal change, broad transition.

Common mistakes: Keep the hyphen in compound adjective “population-level.”

align with — BrE /əˈlaɪn wɪð/ · AmE /əˈlaɪn wɪθ/ — phrasal/verb phrase

Patterns: align with + values/goals/policies.

Definition: To be consistent or in agreement with something.

Example: “Reducing meat may align with some people’s ethical views.” — Gloss: It matches their moral preferences.

Synonyms: match, be consistent with.

Common mistakes: Don’t use an object without the preposition (❌ “align their views”); use “align with their views.”

reduce pressure on — BrE /rɪˈdjuːs ˈpreʃə ɒn/ · AmE /rɪˈduːs ˈprɛʃər ɑn/ — verb phrase

Patterns: reduce pressure on + system/resource.

Definition: To lessen the demand or strain placed on something.

Example: “Plant-forward choices can reduce pressure on land and water use.” — Gloss: They demand fewer resources.

Synonyms: ease the burden on, relieve strain on.

Common mistakes: Don’t mix prepositions (❌ “reduce pressure to” a system); use “on.”

trade-offs — BrE /ˈtreɪd ɒfs/ · AmE /ˈtreɪd ɔːfs/ — noun (plural)

Patterns: make/accept trade-offs; trade-offs between A and B.

Definition: Situations where you gain something but must give up something else.

Example: “There are trade-offs between convenience and nutrition.” — Gloss: More of one often means less of the other.

Synonyms: compromises, balances.

Common mistakes: Keep the hyphen: “trade-offs,” not “tradeoffs” in formal writing (check house style).