justIELTS

Write better, score higher.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory has advantages and disadvantages. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory and defend your preference. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory has advantages and disadvantages.

Living in an apartment can offer several advantages over living in a university dormitory. One advantage is the increased privacy that comes with living in an apartment. In a dormitory, students often have to share a room with one or more roommates, which can make it difficult to have personal space. Additionally, apartments usually have separate bedrooms, allowing for more privacy and independence. Another advantage of living in an apartment is the opportunity to learn important life skills, such as cooking and budgeting. In a dormitory, meals are often provided, but in an apartment, students have the chance to prepare their own meals and manage their expenses, which are valuable skills for the future.

However, living in an apartment also has its disadvantages. One major drawback is the cost. Apartments are typically more expensive than university dormitories, as they often require the payment of rent, utilities, and other expenses. This can be a burden for students who are on a tight budget. Another disadvantage is the potential for social isolation. In a dormitory, students are surrounded by their peers, making it easier to form friendships and find support. In contrast, living in an apartment may lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation if the student does not actively seek out social opportunities.

In my opinion, the advantages of living in an apartment outweigh the disadvantages. I believe that the increased privacy and opportunity to learn important life skills make living in an apartment a more attractive option. Personally, I have experienced the benefits of living in an apartment during my university years. I enjoyed having my own space and the chance to develop practical skills that have proved invaluable in my adult life. Therefore, I would choose to live in an apartment over a university dormitory.

In conclusion, while living in an apartment may come with higher costs and the potential for social isolation, the advantages of increased privacy and the opportunity to learn important life skills make it a preferable option for many students. Ultimately, the choice between living in an apartment and a university dormitory depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

Model Essay #2:

Living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory has advantages and disadvantages.

While living in an apartment has its advantages, there are also distinct benefits to living in a university dormitory. One advantage of living in a dormitory is the convenience. Dormitories are usually located on or near the university campus, making it easy for students to access classes, libraries, and other campus facilities. This can save time and money on transportation. Additionally, living in a dormitory provides a built-in support system, as students are surrounded by their peers and have access to resources such as resident advisors and academic support services.

On the other hand, living in an apartment can offer more independence and freedom. In an apartment, students have the ability to set their own schedules, make their own meals, and live according to their own preferences. This level of independence can be empowering and can help students develop important life skills. Additionally, apartments often offer more space and amenities, such as kitchen facilities and living areas, which can contribute to a more comfortable living environment.

Despite the advantages of living in an apartment, there are also disadvantages to consider. One drawback is the potential for increased financial burden. Rent, utilities, and other expenses associated with apartment living can add up, creating financial stress for students who may already be facing tuition and other academic costs. Another disadvantage is the lack of built-in support and community. In a dormitory, students have the opportunity to form close bonds with their peers and access immediate support, which may be lacking in an apartment setting.

In my view, the advantages of living in a university dormitory make it a better option for students. The convenience, built-in support system, and sense of community outweigh the benefits of independence and freedom that come with living in an apartment. Personally, I have found that living in a dormitory during my university years allowed me to form lasting friendships and easily access campus resources, which greatly enhanced my overall experience.

In conclusion, while living in an apartment may offer independence and freedom, the convenience and built-in support system of living in a university dormitory make it a preferable option for many students. Ultimately, the choice between living in an apartment and a university dormitory depends on individual preferences and priorities.

✍️ Evaluate your essay for free

You can submit your essay for free evaluation. We will provide you with your score and give you feedback on how to improve your essay.

Sign in or register to submit your essay.

🤓 More IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Get a random essay topic or choose from topics below:

Or view the list of all tasks.