The distinction between “the” for “the only/ aforementioned/ greatest advantage” and “a” for “one of the…” is also often a difficulty for students, and a useful grammar point that is well worth bringing up as part of a lesson on advantages and disadvantages. What other words and expressions mean “advantage (s)”? What other words and expressions mean “disadvantage (s)”?

Understanding the Context

Match the words and expressions below with those two meanings Argument against Argument for Argument in support Bad consequence Bad point Benefit Cons Drawback Good effect Good point Minus Negative aspect Plus Positive aspect ... X NOT And there is one more advantage. X NOT But there are also problems with this policy. X) Ending IELTS Writing Task Two essays phrases Summarising (when you have already given your opinion in the introduction) Although there are also arguments for/ against (such as...), as I said in the introduction, I am convinced that...

Key Insights