Ielts writing Task 2: ways to prepare

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Here are some ideas:

1. 
   Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the statement, then give a clear opinion about whether there are more advantages or disadvantages.
   
2. 
   Advantages - e.g. costs are lower in regional areas; there is more space; provide jobs to boost deprived areas; avoid further overcrowding in cities.
   
3. 
   Disadvantages - e.g. greater availability of skilled workers in big cities; better transport and infrastructure; companies based in regional areas are further from their clients, providers and other contacts.
   
4. 
   Conclude by summarising your opinion in a different way.
   

IELTS Writing Task 2: balanced opinion

Last week I said that it's often easier to have a strong opinion and only support one side of the argument. Today I'm going to contradict myself! Let's look at a 'balanced opinion' essay.

In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was "a giant leap for mankind”. However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives.