IELTS Positive Negative Development Essay: How to Evaluate

Quick Answer: An IELTS Positive Negative Development essay asks you to evaluate whether a trend, change, or development has more positive or negative effects. You must present a balanced discussion of both sides, then give your own opinion and conclusion. The key is to use clear examples, strong topic sentences, and a logical structure to show the examiner you can evaluate a complex issue.

Table of Contents

What Is a Positive Negative Development Essay?

The Correct Structure and Format

How to Brainstorm and Plan

Band Score Comparison Table

What Is a Positive Negative Development Essay?

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the Positive Negative Development essay type (sometimes called "advantages and disadvantages" or "discuss both views") asks you to:

Describe a recent trend, change, or development

Evaluate its positive and negative aspects

Give your overall judgment on whether it is more positive or negative

Typical question wording:

“In many countries, people are living longer. Is this a positive or negative development?”

“The use of social media is increasing rapidly. Is this a positive or negative development?”

Note: This is different from an “Advantages and Disadvantages” essay, where you simply list pros and cons without a final judgment. In Positive Negative Development, you must give a clear verdict.

The Correct Structure and Format

A band 7+ essay follows the classic 4-paragraph structure:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Hook (general statement about the trend)

Paraphrase the question

Thesis statement (your overall opinion: more positive or negative)

Outline sentence (what you will discuss: positive first, then negative, or vice versa)

Example intro:

“In recent decades, life expectancy has risen dramatically across the globe. While this trend has brought undeniable benefits, it has also created significant challenges. In my view, although the negative consequences, such as pressure on healthcare systems, are serious, the positive impact on individuals and society outweighs them. This essay will first discuss the positive aspects of longevity, followed by the negative challenges, before concluding.”

Paragraph 2: Positive Aspects (1 body paragraph)

Topic sentence: “The primary benefit of [development] is …”

1-2 specific examples

Explanation of why it is positive

Link back to your thesis

Paragraph 3: Negative Aspects (1 body paragraph)

Topic sentence: “However, [development] also presents several drawbacks.”

1-2 specific examples

Explanation of why it is negative

You can also compare/rebut here: “Nevertheless, these problems can be mitigated by …”

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Summarize main points

Restate your opinion (more positive or negative)

Do NOT introduce new ideas

How to Brainstorm and Plan

Spend 5-7 minutes planning before writing. Use a simple T-chart:

Positive	Negative
✅ Longer, healthier lives	❌ Pressure on pensions
✅ More family time	❌ Increased demand for elderly care
✅ Transfer of knowledge	❌ Strain on healthcare resources

Tip: Choose 2 strong points per side. Don’t try to list everything.

Then, decide your verdict. For example, you might say: “Despite the serious drawbacks, the positives are greater because …” or “While there are benefits, the negatives are more severe.”

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Basic structure, some relevant ideas, but limited development. Errors in grammar/cohesion. Opinion unclear.
7	Clear structure, balanced discussion, specific examples. Good range of vocabulary and grammar. Opinion is stated clearly.
8	Fully developed arguments, nuanced evaluation, sophisticated language. Cohesive devices used naturally. Opinion convincingly argued.
9	Flawless structure, insightful analysis, original examples. Complex sentences with no errors. Opinion is compelling and fully justified.

Sample Answers

Band 7: (Social media development)

“The rise of social media is a significant development. On the positive side, it allows people to connect globally and share information instantly. For example, families separated by distance can communicate daily. However, negative effects exist. Many users become addicted and waste time. Also, fake news spreads easily. In conclusion, although social media has benefits, I believe its negative impact on mental health and society is greater. Therefore, it is a negative development.”

Why Band 7? Clear structure, some examples, but language is simple and ideas are not fully developed. Band 8: (Longer life expectancy)

“The increase in life expectancy is a complex trend with both positive and negative implications. One major advantage is that individuals can enjoy more years with their loved ones and contribute to society longer. For instance, older workers bring invaluable experience to the workplace. Conversely, this development places immense strain on public resources. Healthcare systems must cope with aging populations, leading to higher taxes and longer waiting times. However, these challenges can be addressed through innovation and policy reform. Overall, while the negatives are significant, I believe the benefits of longer, more fulfilling lives outweigh the drawbacks, making this a largely positive development.”

Why Band 8? Clear opinion, balanced, specific examples, good vocabulary, and a rebuttal. Band 9: (Urbanization)

“The accelerating trend of urbanization, where populations migrate to cities, is a multifaceted development that demands careful evaluation. On one hand, urbanization acts as a powerful engine for economic growth, concentrating talent and resources to drive innovation. Cities like Singapore and Tokyo are testaments to how density can foster efficiency, cultural exchange, and higher living standards. On the other hand, this concentration often exacerbates inequality, environmental degradation, and social isolation. The carbon footprint of cities is disproportionately high, and the cost of living can outstrip incomes. Nevertheless, these negative consequences are not inherent to urbanization itself but to poor planning. With smart policies, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive governance, the positives can be maximized. In my assessment, urbanization is overwhelmingly a positive development, provided that societies manage its challenges proactively.”

Why Band 9? Flawless structure, sophisticated vocabulary, nuanced argument, original examples, and a conditional final judgment.

Common Mistakes

❌Not giving a clear verdict. Many students simply list pros and cons without a final opinion. The examiner wants to see you evaluate, not just describe.

❌Writing a one-sided essay. If you only discuss positives, you fail the task. You must cover both sides, even if you favor one.

❌Using too many general statements without examples. “It is good for society” is weak. Add a real or hypothetical example: “For example, in Japan, longer lifespans have led to innovative elderly care robots.”

Top Tips

Tip 1: In your conclusion, explicitly state “positive” or “negative” – don’t be vague. Use phrases like: “On balance, I believe this is a positive development because …”

Tip 2: Use a “rebuttal” in your second body paragraph. Acknowledge the other side but explain why your side is stronger. Example: “Although it has drawbacks, these can be solved.”

Tip 3: Stay objective. Avoid emotional language like “disastrous” or “amazing.” Instead, use measured words: “detrimental,” “beneficial,” “significant.”

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to discuss both sides equally? A: Yes, broadly. You can spend more time on the side you agree with, but you must cover both. Q: Can I say it is 50/50 and not choose? A: No. The question asks “Is this a positive or negative development?” You must give a judgment. You can say “more positive than negative” or vice versa. Q: How many examples should I use? A: At least two strong examples in total (one per body paragraph). Quality over quantity. Q: What if I don’t know specific facts? A: Use general, plausible examples. “For instance, in many developed countries, …” is fine. You are not being tested on real-world accuracy.

Key Takeaways

✅You must give a clear positive/negative verdict.

✅Structure: Intro, Positive paragraph, Negative paragraph, Conclusion.

✅Use specific examples and a rebuttal for a band 8+.

✅Avoid being one-sided or vague.

✅Plan your verdict and two points per side before writing.

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