Welcome to Ielts Essay Task 2, your ultimate resource for mastering IELTS essay writing. Our mission is to provide you with comprehensive materials and guidance to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
These are sometimes called ‘agree or disagree’ or ‘argumentative’ essays and are one of the most common types of IELTS Task 2 questions. The first part of the question will be a statement. You will then be asked to give your own opinion about the statement.
Typical Wording:
What is your opinion?
Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Key Tips:
Choose one side of the argument.
State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.
Give reasons why you hold this view.
Essay Structure
Introduction: Paraphrase the question, give your opinion, and state two supporting reasons.
Main Body Paragraph 1: Outline the first reason, explain it, and provide an example.
Main Body Paragraph 2: Outline the second reason, explain it, and provide an example.
Conclusion: Summarise your opinion and key reasons.
6. Discussion Essays
In discussion essays, you have to discuss both sides of an argument. Usually, you will be asked for your own opinion as well.
Key Tips:
Develop both sides of the argument.
Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.
Avoid fully developing only one point of view, as this leads to an unbalanced essay.
Essay Structure
Introduction: Paraphrase the question, give your opinion, and state two supporting reasons.
Main Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the negative viewpoint, explain why it is held, and provide an example.
Main Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the positive viewpoint, explain why it is held, and provide an example.
Conclusion: Summarise the key points and state your opinion.
7. Problem Essays
These are sometimes called ‘causes and solutions’ or ‘problems and solutions’ essays. This type of IELTS Task 2 question starts with a statement, then asks you to discuss the problems or causes and the solutions.
Key Tips:
Don’t list lots of causes and solutions. Choose just one or two and develop them fully.
Be sure to link each problem/cause and its solution.
Essay Structure
Introduction: Paraphrase the question and state one key problem/cause and related solution.
Main Body Paragraph 1: State the problem or cause, explain it, and provide an example.
Main Body Paragraph 2: State the solution, explain it, and provide an example.
Conclusion: Summarise the key points and state your opinion.
8. Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
The first part of the question will be a statement. You will be asked to write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the idea stated.
Typical Wording:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of…?
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.
Essay Structure
Introduction: Paraphrase the question and outline the view or views stated in the statement.
Main Body Paragraph 1: State one advantage, explain it, provide an example, and state the result.
Main Body Paragraph 2: State one disadvantage, explain it, provide an example, and state the result.
Conclusion: Summarise the key points and state your opinion if required.
9. Double Question Essays
This type of IELTS Task 2 question is sometimes called a ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essay. It has one statement with two different questions after it. The questions may or may not be linked.
Key Tips:
You must answer both questions fully.
Don’t confuse it with an opinion or a discussion essay.
Be careful that you don’t end up with too many ideas to write about.
Essay Structure
Introduction: Paraphrase the question and outline your answer to both questions.
Main Body Paragraph 1: Answer the first question, explain your reasoning, and provide an example.
Main Body Paragraph 2: Answer the second question, explain your reasoning, and provide an example.
Conclusion: Summarise both questions and answers.
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