So how should we structure an IELTS Positive or Negative Development Essay?

First Paragraph = Introduction

1. Paraphrase the background statement (perhaps giving a reason for this development)
2. Say whether you think this is a positive or negative development (or both)

In these modern times, more and more people are living on their own, either through choice or because they are too busy at work for any kind of family life. In my opinion, this is a negative trend.

So you see, in my first sentence, I paraphrased the statement and I gave a reason why I think this might be happening. I then gave my opinion. In a positive or negative development essay, giving your opinion in the introduction is essential, because it shows the examiner what your position is. And it helps her to follow your arguments through the whole essay. And guess what? It helps YOU to get higher marks.

Second Paragraph = Reason 1

1. Topic sentence outlining your first reason
2. Supporting ideas and examples for this

First of all, the costs involved in living alone can be much higher than if one lives with family or friends. Buying or renting a house, for example, is much more affordable if the cost is shared with a husband, wife or partner. A one-bedroom house in the UK is only about twenty per cent cheaper than one that has two bedrooms, so the single occupant is left with much higher expenses. Utility bills are also cheaper when divided by two.

As you can see, my first sentence tells the reader what the paragraph will be about: in this case, the costs of living alone. This is my first reason for thinking that this is a negative development. I then explain this further by providing examples (the costs of buying and renting in the UK), and the effect (the single occupant pays more).

Third Paragraph = Reason 2

1. Topic sentence outlining your second reason
2. Supporting ideas and examples for this

Another potential issue with living alone is loneliness. Although some people choose to live on their own, many are forced to do so, often because they are too busy earning a living to find a partner and build a family. For such people, loneliness can lead to feelings of isolation from the community, and in many cases to depression or anxiety. This, in turn can lead to increased pressure on the health care system as more and more people seek medical help for their mental issues. Repercussions can also be physical, since statistics reveal that people who live on their own have a shorter life expectancy than those who do not.

In my topic sentence I have stated the second reason why I think living alone is a negative development (because it causes loneliness). I have then supported this with examples (it can lead to isolation and depression) and effects (the increased pressure on the health care system and a potentially shorter lifespan).

Fourth Paragraph = Conclusion

1. Re-state the issue and your opinion
2. Suggest some sort of general solution or reason to act

All in all, I think that the phenomenon of living on one’s own is a negative one, both for the individual as well as the society in which they live. I believe it’s imperative that governments try to come up with solutions to try to solve these problems.

What if I have a balanced view?

Of course, you may think there are both negatives and positives related to the question. And this is perfectly acceptable. In this case you could use one paragraph for negative aspects, and one for positive aspects.

However, in your conclusion, you would need to say whether overall you think it’s a positive or a negative development.

In conclusion…

I hope that this article has helped you to understand how to write and structure an IELTS Positive or Negative Development essay.