Five main types of IELTS Writing Task 2 essays are as follows:
1) Opinion Essays
2) Problem Solution Essays
3) Discussion Essays
4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
5) Double Question Essays
Most questions fit one of these five categories and they can be written in various ways, which can confuse IELTS test-takers about which type they are.
1) Opinion Essays
These are sometimes called ‘argumentative’ or ‘agree or disagree’ essays and are the most common types of IELTS Task 2 question. The first sentence is normally a statement, then you will be asked to give your own opinion about it. Here is some typical questions that might be used:
What is your opinion?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Do you agree or disagree?
Key tips to answer IELTS Task 2 “opinion” questions:
- Decide you agree or disagree with the statement to support this view in the essay.
- Express your opinion clearly in the introduction.
- Keep the same point of view throughout the essay.
- Explain reasons why you hold this point of view.
- You don’t really need to choose the side of the argument you agree with it. Choose the side to develop the best argument for.
- Don’t change your opinion throughout the essay and don’t give reasons for the opposing idea.
Essay Structure for Argumentative Essays
| Introduction Paraphrase the question (use synonyms to replace the words in the question) Give a thesis statement (clearly state your opinion (agree/disagree?) (Optional: you can also state two supporting reasons in the introduction) |
| Body paragraph 1 Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this point of view Supporting point (Explanation – explain this idea) Example – give an example |
| Body paragraph 2 Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this viewpoint Supporting point (Explanation – explain this idea) Example – give an example |
| Body Paragraph 3 (optional) You have to show that you are aware of the other side of the argument. Yet you believe that your side is logical or right. |
| Conclusion Summarise your opinion and key reasons |
2) Problem Solution Essays
These are sometimes called ‘problems and solutions’ or ‘causes and solutions’ essays. This type of essays usually starts with a statement, then asks you to discuss the problems/ causes and the solutions.
Key tips & advice to write IELTS Task 2 Problem Essays
Choose just one or two causes/problems and solutions and develop them fully.
Don’t list too many causes / solutions and fail to link them together or explain them in detail and include examples.
Essay Structure
| Introduction Paraphrase the question State 1 key problem/cause and related solution |
| Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause Topic sentence – state the problem or cause Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause Example – give an example |
| Main body paragraph 2 – Solution Topic sentence – state the solution Explanation – give detail explaining the solution Example – give an example |
| Conclusion Summarise the key points and state your opinion |
3) Discussion Essays
You will discuss both sides of an argument in discussion essays. Sometimes, you will be asked for your own opinion as well. Here is two typical questions that might be used:
Discuss both view and give your opinion.
Discuss both sides.
Key tips & advice to answer IELTS Task 2 Discursive Questions
- Develop both sides of the argument.
- Don’t develop only one point of view. This will lead to a low score for task achievement.
- It is easier to begin by discussing the negative viewpoint first and then present the reasons for your opposing view.
Essay Structure for Discussion Essays
| Introduction Paraphrase the question Give your opinion State two supporting reasons |
| Main body paragraph 1: Negative Viewpoint Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree with Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people Example – give an example |
| Main body paragraph 2: Positive Viewpoint Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people Example – give an example |
| Conclusion Summarise the key points and state your opinion |
4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
For this type of essay, you will write about the pros and cons of the idea stated in the question. Here are some examples of advantage and disadvantage questions in IELTS Writing Task 2:
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
Essay Structure for Advantages and Disadvantages Essays:
| Introduction Paraphrase the question Outline the view or views stated the statement |
| Body paragraph 1 – Advantage Topic sentence – state the advantage Explanation – give detail about the advantage Example – give an example Result – show the result |
| Body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage Topic sentence – state the disadvantage Explanation – give detail about the disadvantage Example – give an example Result – state the result |
| Conclusion Summarise the key points State your opinion if required |
5) Double Question Essays
It is sometimes called a ‘two questions’ or direct question’ essay. It usually starts with a statement followed by two different questions. The questions may or may not be linked.
Key Tips for Double Question Essays
Answer both questions fully.
Outline both answers for these 2 questions in the introduction.
Essay Structure for Double Question Essays
| Introduction Paraphrase the question Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions |
| Body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1 Topic sentence – state your answer Explanation – explain your answer Example – give an example |
| Body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2 Topic sentence – state your answer Explanation – explain your answer Example – give an example |
| Conclusion Summarise both questions and answers |
