A mixed essay in the context of IELTS Writing Task 2 typically involves addressing multiple aspects of a given topic within a single essay. This format requires candidates to discuss various elements, such as causes, advantages and disadvantages, or solutions to a problem, within the same essay. For example, a mixed essay prompt might ask candidates to discuss both the causes of a particular issue and the advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions.

Model question: Asked in 16/03/2024

In some countries today, many people decide to have their first child when they are older. What are the reasons? Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

1. Mixed Causes and Effects / Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages:
– What are the factors contributing to the rise in popularity of online learning platforms, and do the benefits of online education outweigh the drawbacks?

2. Mixed Problem-Solution / Discussion:
– Discuss the challenges faced by cities in managing waste disposal and propose solutions to promote recycling and reduce landfill usage.

3. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
– Analyse the benefits and drawbacks of remote work arrangements, and suggest measures to address issues such as isolation and work-life balance.

4. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
– Some people believe that the increasing use of technology in classrooms enhances learning outcomes, while others argue it hinders students’ social skills. What measures can schools take to strike a balance between technology integration and interpersonal development?

5. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
– What are the reasons behind the decline in traditional farming practices, and how can governments support small-scale farmers to maintain agricultural diversity and sustainability?

6. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
– To what extent do the benefits of tourism to a country’s economy outweigh the negative impacts on the environment and local culture? Share your opinion and provide examples to support your view.

7. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
– Discuss the challenges associated with the growing aging population in many countries, and propose strategies to ensure adequate healthcare and social support for elderly citizens.

8. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
– Analyse the factors contributing to the rise in childhood obesity rates, and discuss the role of parents, schools, and governments in addressing this public health issue.

9. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
– Consider the advantages and disadvantages of globalisation on developing economies. Additionally, propose strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of globalisation on local industries and communities.

10. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
– Some argue that strict gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence, while others believe in the right to bear arms. What measures can governments take to balance public safety concerns with individual freedoms regarding gun ownership?

11. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
– Examine the reasons behind the increase in urbanization and its effects on rural communities. Discuss how governments can support rural development while managing urban growth sustainably.

12. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
– To what extent do the benefits of social media outweigh the negative effects on mental health and social interactions? Share your opinion and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

13. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
– Discuss the challenges posed by climate change on agriculture and food security, and propose strategies to promote sustainable farming practices and ensure food sovereignty.

14. Mixed Causes and Effects / Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages:
– Analyze the reasons for the decline in traditional media outlets such as newspapers and television, and assess the benefits and drawbacks of digital media consumption.

15. Mixed Opinion / Discussion:
– Some argue that renewable energy sources are the key to combating climate change, while others advocate for nuclear power. Discuss the merits and drawbacks of both approaches to meeting energy needs in the future.

16. Mixed Causes and Effects / Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages:
– What are the factors contributing to the rise in freelance work, and do the benefits of freelancing outweigh the drawbacks?

17. Mixed Problem-Solution / Discussion:
– Discuss the challenges faced by developing countries in providing access to clean drinking water and propose solutions to ensure universal access to safe water sources.

18. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
– Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of the gig economy, and suggest measures to address issues such as job insecurity and lack of employment benefits.

19. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
– Some argue that stricter penalties for littering are necessary to reduce environmental pollution, while others advocate for increased public awareness campaigns. What measures can governments take to effectively tackle littering?

20. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
– Examine the reasons behind the decline in traditional manufacturing industries in developed countries and discuss the impact on local economies and job markets.

21. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
– To what extent do the benefits of immigration to a country’s economy outweigh the negative impacts on social cohesion and cultural identity? Share your opinion and provide examples to support your view.

22. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
– Discuss the challenges associated with rising healthcare costs and propose strategies to improve access to affordable healthcare for all citizens.

23. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
– Analyse the factors contributing to the decline in public transportation ridership and discuss the implications for traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas.

24. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
– Consider the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting for both employers and employees, and propose measures to address common challenges such as communication barriers and social isolation.

25. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
– Some argue that stricter regulations on fast food advertising are necessary to combat rising obesity rates, while others believe in personal responsibility. What measures can governments take to promote healthier eating habits among citizens?

26. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
– Examine the reasons behind the increase in urban sprawl and its effects on land use and natural habitats. Discuss strategies for sustainable urban planning and development.

27. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
– To what extent do the benefits of cultural exchange programs outweigh the risks of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation? Share your opinion and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

28. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
– Discuss the challenges associated with rising income inequality and propose strategies to promote economic growth that benefits all segments of society.

29. Mixed Causes and Effects / Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages:
– Analyse the reasons for the decline in traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores and assess the benefits and drawbacks of e-commerce and online shopping.

30. Mixed Opinion / Discussion:
– Some argue that stricter immigration policies are necessary to protect domestic job markets, while others believe in the economic benefits of immigration. Discuss the social and economic implications of different approaches to immigration.

31. Mixed Causes and Effects / Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages:
• What are the factors contributing to the rise in popularity of remote work, and do the benefits of telecommuting outweigh the drawbacks?

32. Mixed Problem-Solution / Discussion:
• Discuss the challenges faced by coastal communities due to rising sea levels and propose solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal areas.

33. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
• Analyse the benefits and drawbacks of self-driving cars, and suggest measures to address concerns such as safety and job displacement in the transportation sector.

34. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
• Some argue that stricter regulations on social media platforms are necessary to combat online harassment and misinformation, while others advocate for freedom of speech. What measures can be implemented to balance these concerns?

35. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
• Examine the reasons behind the decline in traditional family-owned businesses and discuss the impact on local economies and community cohesion.

36. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
• To what extent do the benefits of renewable energy sources outweigh the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels? Share your opinion and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

37. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
• Discuss the challenges associated with inadequate access to healthcare in rural areas and propose strategies to improve medical services and facilities in underserved communities.

38. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
• Analyse the factors contributing to the rise in mental health issues among young adults and discuss the role of social media and societal pressures in exacerbating these problems.

39. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
• Consider the benefits and drawbacks of flexible work schedules, and propose measures to ensure productivity and work-life balance in a remote work environment.

40. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
• Some argue that stricter regulations on the food industry are necessary to combat rising obesity rates, while others believe in promoting healthy eating habits through education and awareness campaigns. What measures can governments take to address this public health issue?

41. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
• Examine the reasons behind the decline in traditional manufacturing jobs in developed countries and discuss the impact on workers and local economies.

42. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
• To what extent do the benefits of AI-driven automation outweigh the risks of job displacement and economic inequality? Share your opinion and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

43. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
• Discuss the challenges associated with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation in developing countries and propose strategies to improve water infrastructure and hygiene practices.

44. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
• Analyse the factors contributing to the decline in biodiversity and ecosystem loss, and discuss the implications for global ecosystems and human well-being.

45. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
• Consider the benefits and drawbacks of remote learning for students, and propose measures to address issues such as digital divide and academic engagement in virtual classrooms.

46. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
• Some argue that stricter regulations on air pollution are necessary to combat climate change and protect public health, while others advocate for economic growth and job creation. What measures can governments take to balance environmental concerns with economic development?

47. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
• Examine the reasons behind the rise in income inequality and wealth concentration, and discuss the social and economic consequences for society.

48. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
• To what extent do the benefits of globalization outweigh the challenges of economic inequality and cultural homogenisation? Share your opinion and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

49. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
• Discuss the challenges associated with food insecurity and malnutrition in developing countries and propose strategies to improve agricultural productivity and access to nutritious food.

50. Mixed Causes and Effects / Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages:
• Analyse the reasons for the decline in traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores and assess the benefits and drawbacks of e-commerce and online shopping.

51. Mixed Opinion / Discussion:
• Some argue that stricter immigration policies are necessary to protect domestic job markets, while others believe in the economic benefits of immigration. Discuss the social and economic implications of different approaches to immigration.

52. Mixed Causes and Effects / Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages:
• What are the factors contributing to the rise in popularity of ride-sharing services, and do the benefits of these services outweigh the drawbacks?

53. Mixed Problem-Solution / Discussion:
• Discuss the challenges faced by developing countries in providing access to quality education for all children, and propose solutions to ensure equitable access to schooling.

54. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
• Analyse the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping, and suggest measures to address issues such as data privacy and consumer protection in e-commerce.

55. Mixed Opinion / Problem-Solution:
• Some argue that stricter regulations on plastic usage are necessary to reduce environmental pollution, while others believe in consumer education and voluntary initiatives. What measures can governments take to effectively reduce plastic waste?

56. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
• Examine the reasons behind the decline in traditional music sales and discuss the impact of digital streaming platforms on the music industry.

57. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Opinion:
• To what extent do the benefits of space exploration outweigh the costs? Share your opinion and provide examples to support your view.

58. Mixed Problem-Solution / Reasons and Solutions:
• Discuss the challenges associated with aging infrastructure in urban areas and propose strategies for modernising and maintaining critical infrastructure systems.

59. Mixed Causes and Effects / Discussion:
• Analyse the factors contributing to the rise in mental health issues among adolescents and discuss the role of schools and communities in promoting mental well-being.

60. Mixed Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages / Reasons and Solutions:
• Consider the benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and propose measures to address concerns such as data security and ethical implications.