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The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires students to write one of the main Types of IELTS Essays, Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, Advantage/Disadvantage, or Double-Question essays. Test takers are given approximately 40 minutes to plan, write, and review their essay. A clear understanding of each essay type helps students organise ideas effectively, present arguments logically, and improve their overall score in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
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Different Types of Essays in IELTS General Writing Task 2
The IELTS Writing section is divided into two tasks, Task 1 and Task 2, each designed to assess specific writing skills.
IELTS Writing Task 1 focuses on presenting data and visual information. In the Academic test, candidates are required to summarise graphs, charts, or diagrams in at least 150 words, highlighting key trends and comparisons. In the General Training test, Task 1 involves writing a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter based on a given scenario. This task evaluates clarity, tone, and the ability to convey information accurately.
IELTS Writing Task 2 is the essay-writing component, where candidates must write a response of at least 250 words addressing an argument, opinion, or problem. It assesses critical thinking, coherence, grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to organise ideas logically.
During Task 2, candidates encounter five main types of IELTS essays, each testing different writing skills and approaches. Understanding these types helps students structure their essays effectively, present arguments clearly, and support their ideas with relevant examples. The primary types of IELTS essays include:
1. Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)
2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion)
3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
4. Problem and Solution Essay
5. Double Question Essay (Direct Question Essay)
1. Opinion Essays
Opinion essays, also called agree/disagree or argumentative essays, are a common task in IELTS Writing Task 2. These essays require candidates to present a clear viewpoint on a given topic and support it with logical reasoning, evidence, or examples. Scoring well in opinion essays depends on demonstrating coherence, strong argumentation, and the ability to stay focused on a single perspective.
Common Question Phrases:
When writing an opinion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2, questions are typically framed to elicit your viewpoint. Common phrases include:
- What is your opinion?
Ask you to clearly state your personal viewpoint on the topic. - Do you agree or disagree?
Requires you to take a stance and support it with reasons and examples. - To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Asks you to indicate whether you completely agree, partially agree, or disagree, and justify your position with clear arguments.
Opinion Essay Question Sample:
Below are examples of common Opinion Essay prompts you may encounter in IELTS Writing Task 2:
- Students should be allowed to use their mobile devices during their classes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The question asks you to clearly state your viewpoint on whether mobile devices should be permitted in the classroom and provide logical reasons and examples to support your opinion. - Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Candidates are expected to evaluate the advantages and implications of government spending priorities and present a well-supported opinion.
Tips to Remember:
Writing a strong opinion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires more than just stating your viewpoint. Students need to present a clear argument, support it with examples, and provide logical reasoning throughout the essay. Careful planning and consistent structure help ensure coherence and improve overall scores.
To write an effective opinion essay, focus on the following key points: why you hold this view, providing logical reasons.
- Decide which side of the argument you will support and remain consistent throughout the essay.
- Highlight your viewpoint in the introduction so the reader immediately understands your stance.
- Use relevant examples, facts, or statements to strengthen your arguments and make them more convincing.
- Explain why you hold this opinion, ensuring each reason is clearly connected to your main argument.
Opinion Essay Structure
Writing a well-structured opinion essay is important for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2. A clear structure helps present your arguments logically, supports your opinion with examples, and ensures the essay flows smoothly from introduction to conclusion.
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question to show understanding.
- Clearly state your opinion.
- Mention two reasons that will be discussed in the essay.
Main Body Paragraph 1
- Present the first reason supporting your opinion.
- Explain the idea in detail.
- Provide an example or evidence to strengthen the argument.
Main Body Paragraph 2
- Present the second reason supporting your opinion.
- Elaborate on the idea logically.
- Include an example to reinforce your point.
Conclusion
- Summarise the key points discussed in the essay.
- Restate your opinion confidently to give a strong closing statement.
2. Discussion Essays
Discussion essays, also known as discuss both views essays, are a common task in IELTS Writing Task 2. These essays require candidates to present two opposing viewpoints on a topic and provide a balanced discussion before giving their own opinion. Scoring well in discussion essays depends on demonstrating the ability to evaluate both sides fairly, use clear reasoning, and support arguments with examples.
Discussion Essay Phrases
In IELTS Writing Task 2, discussion essays require students to evaluate contrasting viewpoints and provide a well-reasoned opinion. The following key phrases are commonly used to guide students on how to present opposing perspectives and clearly express their own stance:
- Present two opposing perspectives and clearly state your own stance, supported with logical reasoning and relevant examples.
- Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each viewpoint before sharing a reasoned conclusion.
- Highlight differences between opinions and justify your personal opinion with supporting examples and evidence.
Discussion Essay Sample Questions:
Below are examples of common Discussion Essay prompts you may encounter in IELTS Writing Task 2:
- Some people think that sports should be a mandatory part of the academic curriculum across schools at the primary level. However, some believe that sports should not be included as a part of the curriculum. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The question asks you to present both perspectives on including sports in the school curriculum and then clearly state your own opinion, supporting it with logical reasons and relevant examples. - Some people believe that AI should be implemented in creative work. However, some believe that one should refrain from using AI in creative works. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The question requires candidates to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using AI in creative work and then present a reasoned opinion supported by examples and logical arguments.
Tips to Remember:
Writing a strong discussion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires more than just presenting both viewpoints. Students need to analyse contrasting arguments, provide a balanced discussion, and clearly express their own opinion with logical reasoning and examples. Careful planning and consistent structure help ensure coherence and improve overall scores.
To write an effective discussion essay, focus on the following key points:
- Inculcate the ability to perceive arguments from multiple angles. Understanding the reasoning behind differing perspectives fosters informed opinion-forming and facilitates productive arguments.
- Discuss both sides: the one you agree with and the one you don’t.
- Many test takers make the common mistake of crafting their discussion essays weighing on only one side of the argument. This one-dimensional approach fails to demonstrate critical thinking and neglects the nuance inherent in most complex issues.
Essay Structure of Discussion Essay
Writing a well-structured discussion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 is essential for demonstrating critical thinking, balanced reasoning, and clarity of expression. A clear structure helps present both viewpoints effectively while allowing you to highlight your own opinion.
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question to show understanding.
- State your own opinion clearly.
- Provide two reasons supporting your viewpoint.
Main Body Paragraph 1
- Present the viewpoint you do not agree with.
- Explain the idea logically.
- Support it with relevant examples or evidence.
Main Body Paragraph 2
- Present the viewpoint you agree with.
- Elaborate on the idea with reasoning.
- Provide examples or evidence to strengthen your argument.
Conclusion
- Summarise the discussion of both viewpoints.
- Restate your opinion confidently and clearly.
Problem Essays
Problem essays, also referred to as ‘causes and solutions’ or ‘problems and solutions’ essays, require candidates to focus on the specific problems and solutions mentioned in the question. Students must identify the most significant issues rather than listing multiple problems superficially. The solutions should be logically connected to the problems, forming a cohesive narrative that fully addresses the topic
Common Question Phrases:
In problem essays, you are asked to analyse the causes of a problem and propose solutions. The question may ask:
- What are the main causes of this problem, and how can it be solved?
- Identify the key issues and suggest possible solutions.
- Discuss the reasons for this issue and propose practical solutions.
Problem Essay Question Samples:
- Many cities face traffic congestion due to increasing numbers of vehicles. What are the main causes of this problem, and how can it be solved?
The question asks you to analyse the reasons behind traffic congestion and propose practical solutions that address the issue effectively. - Some students struggle with poor time management, which affects their academic performance. Identify the key issues and suggest possible solutions.
Candidates are expected to examine the main causes of time management problems and provide logical, actionable solutions to help students improve their productivity.
Tips to Remember
Writing a strong problem essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires more than just identifying issues. Students need to analyse the causes of a problem, propose practical solutions, and provide clear reasoning and examples. Careful planning and a structured approach help ensure coherence and improve overall scores.
To write an effective problem essay, focus on the following key points:
- Focus on the issues that have the greatest impact rather than listing minor problems superficially.
- Ensure that solutions are practical and directly linked to the identified problems.
- Use real-life examples, facts, or evidence to strengthen both problems and solutions.
- Present problems and solutions in a logical order, making it easy for the reader to follow your reasoning.
Problem Essay Structure
Writing a well-structured problem essay is essential for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2. A clear structure helps students present problems and solutions logically, support their arguments with examples, and ensure the essay flows smoothly from introduction to conclusion.
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question to show understanding.
- Identify the main problem(s).
- Briefly outline the solutions that will be discussed.
Main Body Paragraph 1
- Present the first significant problem.
- Explain why it is important and provide details.
- Support it with examples, evidence, or data if relevant.
Main Body Paragraph 2
- Present the solution(s) to the problem(s) discussed.
- Explain how the solution addresses the problem effectively.
- Include examples or evidence to support the proposed solution.
Conclusion
- Restate the importance of addressing the issue and reinforce your solutions clearly.
- Summarise the key problems and solutions discussed in the essay.
Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
Advantages & Disadvantages essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 require students to evaluate both the positive and negative aspects of a given topic. These essays test your ability to present balanced reasoning, analyse different perspectives, and provide a clear conclusion. In some questions, you may also be asked to give your opinion on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
- Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.
Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Question
- AI is being implemented in most of the working sectors in the world. What are the major advantages and disadvantages of using AI?
Essay Structure
- Introduction- Paraphrase the question and then provide your opinion.
- Main body paragraph 1 – State the advantage and explain it in your own words along with some examples. Furthermore, state the result.
- Main body paragraph 2 – State the disadvantage and explain along with examples and results.
- Conclusion- Summarise the key points and state your opinion.
Double Question Essays
Such essays are commonly known as direct-question or two-question essays. In these essays, test takers are required to answer two different questions that may or may not be linked.
Tips to Remember
- Test takers must answer both questions.
- Make sure to not confuse double-question essays with discussion or opinion essays.
- Avoid writing about too many ideas.
Double Question Sample Essays
- In academics and jobs, some people work harder than others. Why do some people work harder? Is it always better to work hard?
- Companies use advertisements to make more sales. How can advertising help companies monetarily? Is advertising good or bad for sales?
Essay Structure
- Introduction- Paraphrase the question and outline the sentence.
- Main body paragraph 1 –State your answer and explain your answer with the help of an example.
- Main body paragraph 2 – State your answer and explain with the help of an example.
- Conclusion- Summarise both questions and answers.
Best Vocabulary for IELTS Essays
Mastery of vocabulary is integral to scoring better in IELTS Writing Task 2. A robust vocabulary not only demonstrates fluency in English but also showcases your ability to articulate complex ideas with ease. Furthermore, employing effective linking words and phrases strengthens the coherence and flow of your writing. To assist you in achieving high scores, here are some valuable vocabulary resources for IELTS essays.
| Introductions | Many/some people claim/opine/believe that…There is no denying that…It is often said that…These days…/ Nowadays…/ In this day and age…That…It is universally accepted that… |
| End an Introduction | Let us examine both views before reaching a concrete decision. The following paragraphs discuss whether …… or …… and reach a reasonable conclusion. The following essay takes a look at both sides of the argument. My two cents go for…However, I strongly believe that…I oppose the view and my reasons will be explained in the following paragraphs. I will support this view with arguments in the following paragraphs. I believe that… |
| Opinion | In my opinion…I strongly opine that…I strongly agree with the idea that…I strongly disagree with the given topic…I think…My opinion is that…Personally speaking…In my view… |
| Body Paragraph 2 | It is true that…First…First of all…Firstly…First and foremost…Initially… |
| Body Paragraphs 3,4 and So On | Second(ly)… Third(ly)…Then…Next…After that…And…Again…Also…Besides…Likewise |
| Contrast | On the other hand…On the contrary…However…Nevertheless…/ Nonetheless…But…Nonetheless/ Nevertheless… |
| Show Example | As an example…As an illustration…As an instance…For instance….For example… |
FAQs
Ans. There are five different types of IELTS Essays, namely opinion essays, discussion essays, problem essays, advantage/disadvantage essays and double-question essays.
Ans. The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires students to complete the task within 40 minutes.
Ans. On the other hand, On the contrary, However, Nevertheless, But, and Nonetheless are some of the words that you can use to show contrast in IELTS Essays.
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