When it comes to IELTS argumentative essays, a very commonly asked question is “If they ask whether something is positive or negative, should I just pick one side? Is it okay to discuss both?” The answer is IT DEPENDS. It depends on 2 things: what the question actually is and what you can do better (not what you really think, yeah, not necessarily that).

To make it clearer, let’s look at the most typical questions one by one.

Question 1: Does this development have more positive or negative effects?

• The word MORE already implies that there are both positive and negative effects. Logically, we can only make comparison when there are at least two entities. Therefore, it is most reasonable to discuss both sides and make it clear with outweigh the other.

Question 2: Is it a positive or negative development?

• Imagine a real-life conversation. If your friend asks whether you think something is good or bad, what choices do you have? You can say it is terrible – you can’t stand it all; you can say it is awesome – you absolutely love it, OR you can say it is just so so – you enjoy part of it but at the same time find something unpleasant. There is nothing illogical or inappropriate about this. The same applies to IELTS essays. It is totally fine to either pick a side or discuss both, as long as you do not forget to point out which dominates.

And as always, choose what makes it easier for you to write. The examiner cares more about your writing skills than what you truly believe in, remember that!

Among the 4 marking criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2, surprisingly, Task Response is where candidates are most likely to lose marks without being aware of it. The reason is they often focus on producing high quality language but in the end fail to FULLY ADDRESS the topic question.

Let’s look at some examples of rather “tricky” topic questions where candidates would easily fall into this Task Response trap.

Topic question 1:

Anybody can use a mobile phone to answer work and personal calls at any time for 7 days a week. Does this development have more positive or negative effects on both individual and society?

• For this topic, candidates who simply discuss the effects of “having a mobile phone” in general without limiting their discussion to its calling unction would be penalized. Mentioning details like “playing games” or “checking emails” would be considered off-topic and result in a lower score.

Topic question 2:

In today’s world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value our artists such as musicians, painters, and writers. What can art tells us about life that science and technology cannot?

• If candidates only praise art but do not compare it with science and technology, they have not successfully covered all parts of the topic questions and of course would not receive good marks fort this criterion.

So, always read the topic question extremely carefully and make sure you understand what you are required to do!